Best Dog Collar for a Shih Tzu: Size, Fit, and Style Guide
June 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Shih Tzus pair a flat face with a long, flowing coat, and both shape your collar choice. Gentle on the airway and measured to the skin is the recipe. Here is how to size a collar for your Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu collar size at a glance
Sources vary a little here, with one running larger over the coat. The consensus, measured to the skin, is below.
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Neck circumference | 10-14 in (25-36 cm) |
| Typical weight | 11-16 lbs |
| Recommended Dazey size | S; measure to the skin under the coat |
How to measure your Shih Tzu's neck
The number on the size chart only works if you measure first. Wrap a soft tape measure or a piece of string around the base of your Shih Tzu's neck, where the collar naturally sits, then keep it snug but not tight. The gold standard is the two-finger rule: you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and the neck once it is buckled. For the full walkthrough see our dog collar size chart, or let our sizing calculator do the math for you.
- Measure the base of the neck where the collar sits, not up near the head.
- Keep the tape snug, then add room for two fingers.
- Measure to the skin, not over thick fur, so the collar is not secretly too loose.
- If you land between two sizes, size up and use the adjustment range.
Fit notes for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic (flat-faced), so they can be sensitive to pressure on the airway, much like Frenchies and Pugs. Keep the collar at a gentle two-finger fit and avoid hard leash pressure on the neck. Many owners walk a Shih Tzu on a harness and keep the collar for ID.
The long coat also adds apparent bulk, and one size source clearly measured over the fur. Part the coat at the base of the neck and measure to the skin so the collar is not secretly loose.
Choosing a style your Shih Tzu can pull off
A soft, sweet palette suits a Shih Tzu's glamorous coat. A gentle pink like our Bun Run collar looks lovely whether the coat is long or in a puppy cut. Browse the rest of the Dazey collars for more small-dog styles.
Quick fit reminders for Shih Tzus
Gentle on the airway
As a flat-faced breed, keep the collar loose-snug and consider a harness for walks.
Measure to the skin
The long coat hides the real size, so part the fur and measure at the neck.
Mind the coat below the ears
Make sure the collar sits at the base of the neck, not riding up into the ear feathering.
Find the right collar for your Shih Tzu
Keep it gentle, measure to the skin, and pick a look as pretty as that coat. Every Dazey collar is soft, durable, and adjustable. Shop Dazey collars and find the right fit for your Shih Tzu.
Frequently asked questions
What size collar does a Shih Tzu need?
Measured to the skin, most Shih Tzus are about 10 to 14 inches at the neck, which is a small in Dazey sizing. Some charts run larger because they measured over the coat, so trust your own skin-level measurement.
Is a harness better than a collar for a Shih Tzu?
For walks, often yes. Because Shih Tzus are flat-faced and can be sensitive to throat pressure, a soft harness is gentler, while a lightweight collar is ideal for everyday ID.
How tight should a Shih Tzu's collar be?
Use a gentle two-finger fit measured against the skin, not the coat. It should stay on comfortably without pressing on the airway.
Siobhan Hanak
Head of content
Siobhan leads content at Dazey, telling stories and writing guides for dogs and the people who love them.