Shih Tzu’s are toy-sized affectionate and playful dogs initially bred in China. Though they are often considered lap dogs, they are active and playful. They are known for their long, flowing coats, which can be either straight or curly.
In this review for the best Shih Tzu dog shampoos, we looked at several different products to find the best one for your pet. The takeaway is that today there are so many great pet shampoos for your Shih Tzu to choose from.
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic shampoo for your Shih Tzu furbaby, here’s the takeaway: Just keep in mind that it’s not only the shampoo you choose for your Shih Tzu but also the slicker brush used that allows for optimal skin and coat health.
The We Love Doodles gentle slicker brush for all dog breeds allows for gentle grooming together with one of our top shampoo picks for your Shih Tzu furbaby. Add a high-quality dog food diet and omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help with skin issues in your Shih Tzu. Here’s the takeaway:
How to groom your Shih Tzu?
The American Kennel Club(AKC) explains that the Shih Tzu has a luxurious, double-coated, dense, long, and flowing coat. A slight wave is permissible, and the hair on top of the head is tied up.
The AKC adds, “Feet, bottom of coat, and anus may be done for neatness and to facilitate movement.” They also add that maintaining the Shih Tzu coat may be difficult and that owners should be fans of consistent brushing, bathing, and consistent care.
How to wash your Shih Tzu puppy?
Puppy clips for the Shih Tzu
The “puppy clip” is a good option for the long, silky coat of a Shih Tzu and is a good option for a Shih Tzu of any age. Puppy clips are a good choice if you have a dog whose coat tangles easily or if you’re not into the heavy maintenance required by a Shih Tzu coat. The AKC explains that some Shih Tzu coats are thicker, others softer, and many Shih Tzu coats change when the dog is around ten to twelve months old.
We Love Doodles Slicker Brush for Tangles
The softer coats in the Shih Tzu tend to mat faster and need additional grooming. Pet parents will need to use a high-quality slicker brush like the We Love Doodles slicker brush to remove tangles and dead hair before and after bathing and drying.
The profuse and luxurious coat must be line-dried down to the skin using fluff or a stand dryer. Once your Shih Tzu pup is completely dry, you can check for tangles. The grooming comb should be able to run smoothly down his coat all the way down to his skin. Here’s the takeaway for the best pet shampoo for this affectionate dog breed!
Best Overall
- Pros
- US-made product formulated
- Tested in the best facilities
- Perfect for Shih Tzu skin and coat
- Moisturizes your dog's skin to keep her fur soft and clean
- Lathers nicely
- Easy to rinse off
- Cons
- The scent may be mild for some
We Love Doodles dog shampoo is the best shampoo for Shih Tzu’s. It’s a 4-in-1 formula that cleans, conditions, detangles, and moisturizes your dog’s skin. The best slicker brush to use with this shampoo for your Shih Tzu is the We Love Doodles slicker brush that gently and safely removes tangles and mats. Each pin is bent and angled (at approximately 45 degrees), so it won’t scratch your Shih Tzu’s skin.
This all-natural dog shampoo is crafted with organic ingredients that are safe on your pet’s coat and skin. The environmentally friendly formula will leave your dog clean and smelling great without harmful chemicals or additives. The lavender and chamomile scent will keep your dog’s coat smelling good for longer periods.
This is a safe, non-irritating, natural dog shampoo for Shih Tzu’s. The organic ingredients are gentle yet effective at cleaning and conditioning your dog’s coat. We like this product because there are no parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, alcohol, or synthetic dyes.
Features
- Affordable
- All natural and certified organic
- Cleans, conditions, detangles and moisturizes your Shih Tzu’s skin.
- No parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, alcohol, or synthetic dyes
- Lavender and chamomile scent
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush .
Best for Sensitive, Itchy Skin
- Pros
- Designed for itchy, sensitive skin
- No animal- by-products
- Conditioning and deodorizing properties
- Detangles and moisturizes
- Leaves Shih-Tzu skin and fur soft and shiny
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush
- Cons
- The scent may be mild for some
The 4-in-1 moisturizing, cleansing, soothing and deodorizing dog shampoo is excellent for dry skin. The formula is gentle yet effective, infused with vitamin E, aloe vera gel and essential oils. It provides a thick, creamy lather and cleans without over-drying.
We like this product because it’s all-natural and is crafted with the following healthy and all-natural ingredients: shea butter, orange peel oil, lavender oil, argan oil, vitamin E, organic sunflower seed oil, aloe vera leaf extract, and organic orange essential oil.
The calming lavender vanilla scent will leave your dog’s skin & fur fresh, soft, shiny, and clean. This natural dog conditioner is plant-based and free of any chemicals. This organic and natural dog shampoo is perfect for dry, itchy skin.
The ingredients are all derived from natural sources, and the shampoo is infused with lavender oil, aloe vera leaf extract, and vitamin E to soothe your pet during bath time. It also helps relieve skin issues like hot spots and dry skin. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, so it’s perfect for Shih Tzu’s with sensitive skin.
Features
- Infused with vitamin E, aloe vera gel & essential oils
- Two scent options
- Hypoallergenic
- pH balanced
- Plant-based ingredients
- Two bundle pack options
- Affordable
- Made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates (SLS, SLES, SCS), formaldehyde, dyes, silicones, or synthetic fragrances.
- Made in the US
Best Eco-Friendly
- Pros
- Cleans, deodorizes, and moisturizes\
- Natural and gentle
- Premium dog wash
- Lathers well
- Rinses off easily
- Mild and pleasant scent
- Suitable for sensitive Shih Tzu skin and coat
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush
- Cons
- It may not lather as much as other shampoos
Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a premium dog shampoo that utilizes wholesome ingredients to provide unmatched benefits for every pet. This 5-in-1 dog wash is a one-step, easy-to-use premium dog wash. It is all you need to keep your dog’s fur and skin soft, moisturized, and clean. We like this 5-in-1 dog shampoo for the Shih Tzu because it’s an eco-friendly formula that can be used on pups 12 weeks and up.
Their signature lines are made with 98% natural ingredients, including coconut and palm-derived cleansers that work wonders at cleaning, deodorizing, conditioning, and detangling your pet’s coat while moisturizing their skin. This product has over 3,000 positive reviews and contains no MEA, DEA, sulfates, or parabens.
Features
- Affordable
- 5-in-1 dog wash is a one-step
- Hypoallergenic
- pH balanced
- 98.25% coconut or palm plant-based ingredients
- Two weeks of age
- Eco-friendly
- Over 3,000 positive reviews
Best Value for Money
- Pros
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Soap-free
- Sulfate and paraben free
- Lathers well
- Easy to rinse off
- Allows for optimal coat and skin health
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush
- Invigorating vanilla almond scent
- Cons
- Not manufactured in the US
Martha Stewart Pets Moisturizing Dog Shampoo cleanses and intensely moisturizes your dog’s skin and coat. Made with high-quality ingredients, this formula is pH balanced for dogs and puppies. This is also a vet-recommended pet shampoo.
The gentle shampoo contains vanilla and almond, which make for a safe yet effective formula. Perfect for all breeds of puppies and dogs, this sulfate-free shampoo is excellent for pets with sensitive, dry or itchy skin. This natural grooming product will leave your Shih Tzu smelling fresh while keeping their coat soft to the touch.
Features
- Most affordable
- An extensive line of pet grooming products
- Crafted with natural botanicals
- Biodegradable
- pH balanced for pets
- A Martha Stewart pet grooming product
- Hypoallergenic
- Gentle formula for Shih Tzu’s
Best Cruelty-Free Whitening Shampoo
- Pros
- pH balanced
- Suitable for Shih Tzu’s and all dog breeds
- Spot-safe formula
- Good deodorizer
- Removes dingy stains and dirty odors.
- Gentle
- Revitalizes and adds gloss to coats
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush
- Rich lather that rinses off easily
- Fantastic scent- all products have a terrific scent that's long-lasting
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent
If your Shih Tzu has white fur, a whitening shampoo can help eliminate yellow stains and brighten the coat. Whitening shampoos like the cruelty-free Friday’s Dog Mega Brilliance whitening shampoo revitalizes dirty or discolored fur.
Friday’s Dog Mega Brilliance Brightening Shampoo is a pH-balanced, non-irritating, and tearless shampoo that will leave your Shih Tzu coat clean and shiny. The formula is designed to gently remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin and hair without stripping away natural oils or causing irritation. This product is best used with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush!
Friday’s Dog also features optical brighteners to help restore the natural luster of your dog’s coat. This gentle cleansing formula is free of peroxide, bleach, parabens, phthalates, and harsh chemicals, making it safe for pups and adult Shih Tzu’s.
Features
- Vet recommended
- Includes marshmallow root, camelina oil, moringa oil, and silk proteins
- Whitening Shih Tzu shampoo
- Uses optimal brighteners
- Bleach-free
- Peroxide free
- Cruelty-free
Best for Itchy Skin
- Pros
- Healing, hydrating blend
- No masking dyes.
- No drying alcohols.
- No parabens
- Easy to rinse off
- Nice rich lather with a good scent
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent
Rocco & Roxie’s Soothe Oatmeal Shampoo is the bath time equivalent of a relaxing belly rub. This healing, hydrating blend cleanses irritated skin effectively while restoring your dog’s coat’s natural oils. This product includes no masking dyes, drying alcohols, or parabens. This shampoo can be used on Shih Tzu pups eight weeks and older.
This formula is made with super-calming oat extract combined with olive oil for softness; rich shea butter to provide unparalleled moisture; aloe vera to relieve irritation, and gentle chamomile.
Rocco & Roxie SOOTHE is a soothing, hydrating blend of natural ingredients that’s great for dogs with itchy, flaky skin. With olive oil and oat extract—renowned for its ability to soothe itchy skin—you’ll soothe the hair and infuse hair follicles with moisture.
Shea Butter provides deep-down conditioning, while rosemary extract gently stimulates new growth and restores flaky skin to health. The aloe vera calms down irritation!
Features
- Affordable
- It contains olive oil for skin and coat nourishment
- Crafted with shea butter for deep down conditioning
- Includes rosemary extract to restore flaky skin
- Three formula options: soothe, calm, and shine
- Suitable for puppy or delicate skin
- Made in the US
Best Premium Pet Shampoo
- Pros
- It can be used with topical flea and tick treatments
- Moisturizing shampoo that conditions
- Protect against heat
- Strengthen and moisturize the coat for an unparalleled shine.
- Lathers richly
- Easily rinses off
- Made in the US
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent
BioSilk for Dogs Therapy Detangling Shampoo is a premium shampoo enriched with silk proteins and vitamins that helps to restore moisture to your Shih Tzu’s coat, while coconut oil locks in hydration.
BioSilk has been a staple in the human hair care space with its signature scent since the 1980s and was the first line of hair care products to contain silk. This shampoo works through knots and tangles, making it an excellent choice for detangling matted hair. This dog shampoo works best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush!
We like this product for Shih Tzu’s’ because this is a Biosilk dog grooming product. It’s also 100% safe with no parabens or sulfates and is pH balanced for dogs; this Shih Tzu shampoo is safe for you to use on your dog regularly. This product features over 1,900 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Crafted with silk proteins
- Pleasant coconut scent
- pH balanced for Shih Tzu’s
- Sulfate & paraben free
- A Biosilk pet grooming product
- An extensive array of dog grooming products
- Over 1,900 positive reviews
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush
Best Vet Formulated Tear-Free for Sensitive Skin
- Pros
- Cleans, conditions, soothes, and detangles
- Best for itching, deodorizing, shedding control, allergies, and sensitive skin.
- Gently cleans pet's sensitive skin and coat
- Deodorizes on contact
- Long-lasting scent
- Moisturizes dry skin
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent
Paws & Pals 6-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is the best solution for itchy, dry skin. This vet-formulated and manufactured product uses natural ingredients and extracts to soothe your dog’s skin, reduce shedding, control odor, and moisturize. This pet shampoo for dogs works well without sacrificing vegan and organic principles.
The ingredients include natural oils, vitamins, oatmeal, aloe vera, turmeric, and sweet basil extracts. We like this because it’s a tear-free soapless formula that consists of an oatmeal conditioner that helps moisturize and condition dry and Shih Tzu skin and coat. This Shih Tzu dog shampoo and conditioner is best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush.
This 6-in-1 pet shampoo from Paws & Pals has a higher concentrate of oatmeal extract, so you need to use it less each bath time. It also includes turmeric to calm hot spots. (do not use a slicker brush if your pets have hots spots or skin issues)
The tear-free formula is safe for dogs and cats and comes in a 20oz bottle with a pump dispenser. You only need a small amount of this shampoo to get the job done, making it an excellent value for your money.
This is another of our favorite Shih Tzu shampoos because it’s a 6-in-1, which reduces shedding, is an anti-itch, helps with smelly odor control, is suitable for moisturizing dry skin, and also conditions & detangles. This product has over 6,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Vet formulated
- Crafted with natural oils, vitamins, oatmeal, aloe vera, turmeric & sweet basil extracts
- Over 6,000 positive reviews
- Oatmeal base
- Tear-free formula
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- pH balanced
- Natural medical formula
- Alcohol-free
- paraben- free
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush
Best Smelling Cruelty-Free Deodorizing Shih Tzu Shampoo
- Pros
- Includes vegetable protein extract & hydrolyzed soy protein to help build body and elasticity.
- Free of petroleum derivatives and DEA
- Yummy orange deodorizing shampoo
- Best when used together with the gentle, We Love Doodles slicker brush
- 100% safe to use
- Neutralizes odors on contact
- Long-lasting
- Lathers richly
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent
Pet Head Dog Shampoo is a powerful yet gentle formula that neutralizes odors – it doesn’t just cover them up! Baking soda and ordenone deodorize and freshen the coat, while vegetable protein extract and hydrolyzed soy protein help build body and elasticity. The fresh and unique fragrances ensure your Shih Tzu will smell great, making it one of the key features that differentiate Pet Head from other brands.
This powerful yet gentle formula neutralizes odors – it doesn’t just cover them up! We like this Shih Tzu pet shampoo because it leaves fur looking fuller and luscious. It’s also crafted with recyclable bottles made in eco-friendly facilities. This product has over 6,000 positive reviews and is pH balanced for Shih Tzu’s. There is also an extensive line of pet grooming products to choose from in recyclable bottle.
Features
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
- Great smelling
- An extensive line of great-smelling dog grooming products
- Yummy orange scent
- Recyclable bottles
- Includes baking soda and ordenone deodorize
- pH balanced for Shih Tzu’s
- Over 6,000 positive reviews
Best Leaping Bunny Certified (100% cruelty-free) Pet Shampoo
- Pros
- Adds highlights and body
- Gentle and safe for Shih Tzu’s
- 24: 1 concentrate- use less
- Non-toxic formula
- Suitable for all types of Shih Tzu coats
- pH balanced
- Biodegradable
- Wonderful plum silky scent
- Cons
- Some may not enjoy using a concentrate
24: 1 concentrate (use less)
Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky 2-in-1 Shampoo Conditioner for Dogs Cats is a non-toxic and biodegradable blend in a proprietary mild shampoo base. It contains aloe vera, silk proteins, panthenol, vitamins A, D, and E, essential oils, and a light fragrance. This texturizing shampoo adds highlights and body while leaving a wonderful, lasting fragrance for days.
This is a super easy shampoo conditioner combo to use. All you need to do is apply direct or dilute with warm water as desired. Massage shampoo into the coat from head to tail, rinse thoroughly, and repeat if required. Don’t pre-dilute and use over days, weeks, or months. Only dilute the amount you plan to use the same day.
We like this shampoo conditioner combo for the Shih Tzu because professional groomers use it. It’s also available in multiple sizes, and there’s an extensive line of products to choose from, including a Sun Guard conditioner, a must-have for every Shih Tzu pet parent. This product has over 3,000 positive reviews. It’s also 100% cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified.
Features
- Affordable
- Texturizing shampoo
- Crafted with aloe vera, silk proteins, panthenol, vitamins A, D, and E, essential oils
- 100% cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified
- Concentrated 2-in-1 shampoo conditioner
- Best when used with the We Love Doodles slicker brush for optimal tangle-free coats
- Available in multiple sizes
- Extensive product line
- Over 3,000 positive reviews
FAQ’s
What shampoo should I use on my Shih Tzu?
A Quick Comparison of our favorites:
- Best overall: We Love Doodles 4-in-1 shampoo conditioner detangler and moisturizer
- Best value: Martha Stewart pet shampoo for dogs
- Best Leaping Bunny Certified dog shampoo: Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky 2-in-1 Shampoo Conditioner for dogs 24: 1 Concentrate.
- Best smelling cruelty-free dog shampoo: Pet Head dog shampoo
- Best vet formulated tear-free for sensitive skin: Paws and Pals 6-in 1 dog shampoo
- Best cruelty-free whitening pet shampoo: Friday’s Dog Mega Brilliance for all coats
- Best premium pet shampoo: Biosilk pet shampoo
- Best for itchy skin: Rocco and Roxy Soothe Oatmeal pet shampoo
- Best eco-friendly pet shampoo: Honest Paw 5-in 1 dog shampoo/conditioner
How often should a Shih Tzu be bathed?
The double-coated silky Shih Tzu is more high maintenance than what you’ll find on many other breeds. They require more frequent brushing and bathing than other dogs.
Depending on the individual dog’s coat and activity level, most Shih Tzu’s need to be brushed every day and bathed every one to two weeks.
How do I stop my Shih Tzu from smelling?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR-zmHhijxI
Why does my Shih Tzu always smell?
You may not be bathing your Shih Tzu with the right odor control dog shampoo often enough. The Shih Tzu is a high-maintenance dog breed that needs to be brushed daily with a gentle slicker brush from We Love Doodles ( small size) and bathed every one to two weeks with a high-quality 4-in-1 deodorizing and conditioning dog shampoo like the We Love Doodles dog shampoo, conditioner, and detangler.
This formula also nourishes and moisturizes your Shih Tzu’s skin as well as detangles coat. Remember that teeth need to be brushed daily, ears cleaned, and nails regularly trimmed.
Final Thoughts
With so many great pet shampoos on the market, choosing the right one for your Shih Tzu can be challenging. However, we hope our review has made your decision easier. All the shampoos on our list are safe for dogs with sensitive skin and will leave their coat looking and feeling soft, shiny, and healthy.
This special little breed is high-maintenance regarding grooming because their long-flowing outer coat is also very dense. Because of this, you’ll want to find a dog shampoo that can handle the coat’s density and be gentle enough for your dog’s sensitive skin. And lastly, you’ll also want to ensure the ingredients are all-natural so as not to strip away any natural oils from the coat.
