Best Collars for Shih Tzus | Fit & Comfort

The best collar for a Shih Tzu is a leather collar or, better yet, a padded harness. These adorable fluffballs have delicate necks and thick coats that make most collars a bad match. If you’re using a collar for walking, you could unknowingly be putting your pup at risk of tracheal injury or causing painful fur matting.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• For daily walks: Use a harness to protect their airway and reduce pulling pressure.
• For identification: Go with a leather collar to prevent coat damage.
• Sizing tip: Most Shih Tzus need a collar that fits 9–13 inches, but always measure their neck for best fit.
• Material matters: Avoid flat, scratchy fabrics that tug on fur. Opt for soft leather, velvet, or waterproof Biothane depending on your pup’s lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll help you find the safest, most comfortable, and most stylish option for your Shih Tzu, one that keeps them strutting safely and looking fabulous.

Should a Shih Tzu Wear a Collar?

Collars vs. Harnesses: What Vets Recommend

Veterinarians consistently recommend harnesses over collars when it comes to walking Shih Tzus. VCA Animal Hospitals states that for dogs at risk of tracheal collapse, like Shih Tzus, a harness is recommended for walking instead of a collar.

Harnesses solve this by distributing force evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing strain and making walks safer and more comfortable.

However, collars still have a place in a Shih Tzu’s wardrobe. A rolled leather collar, for instance, is ideal for carrying identification tags without contributing to coat matting. 

Do Shih Tzus Need to Wear a Collar All the Time?

While it’s vital that your Shih Tzu wears a collar with proper identification, it doesn’t need to stay on 24/7. 

The best practice is to keep the collar on during outings or when your dog is unsupervised but remove it at night or during extended indoor relaxation. For walks and outdoor adventures, pairing a harness with a collar is the smartest option. 

The harness keeps your dog safe and comfortable on a leash, while the collar ensures that ID is always within reach.

What Is the Best Collar for a Shih Tzu?

These pint-sized pups have delicate necks and long, mat-prone hair, which means choosing the right collar material and size is essential.

Why Material Matters

For long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus, friction is the enemy. That’s why lightweight, soft materials, like velvet and cotton, are paw-some picks. Our velvet collars feel luxurious without being heavy, and our cotton ribbon collars are breathable, easy to clean, and gentle on sensitive skin.

We design every collar with quality webbing backing, so even the daintiest options are surprisingly durable. Whether your pup has a thick coat or sensitive skin, soft fabric-based collars help avoid tangles, matting, and irritation.

Sizing Tip: Go Light

Because Shih Tzus are a toy breed, heavy collars can overwhelm their small frames. That’s why we highly recommend starting with a 3/8″ width collar, especially for puppies or especially petite adults. Mimi Green’s Puppy & Small Dog Collar Collection is designed exactly for this purpose—lightweight, stylish, and safe for even the tiniest floofs.

Recommended Collars Based on Lifestyle

Your Shih Tzu’s vibe should totally influence their collar choice:

• 🛋️ Homebody snuggler? Go for soft cotton or velvet. These cozy fabrics are gentle on the skin and ideal for lounging in luxury.
• 🌧️ Mud puddle magnet? Try a waterproof Biothane® collar that stands up to wet weather and messy play.
• 💃 Style icon in training? Mimi Green’s personalized velvet or glitter collars are made to turn heads on every walk.

Each of these options can be personalized with engraved buckles, meaning no jingly tags and no worries about lost ID. Plus, all our collars are handmade to order in the USA, just for your one-of-a-kind pup.

What Size Dog Collar Does a Shih Tzu Need?

A helpful graphic from our dog collar size guide

• Shih tzu collar size guide: Most Shih Tzus wear a small-sized collar, measuring between 9 and 13 inches in neck circumference. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the base of your dog’s neck and add two fingers between the tape and their skin to ensure a comfortable yet secure fit.
• Avoiding common sizing mistakes: Neck size can vary even among dogs of the same weight or breed. Always take a direct measurement to avoid discomfort or accidental escapes.
• Frequent adjustments will be necessary as they grow: Choosing an adjustable collar ensures that you can fine-tune the fit as your pup matures.

What Kind of Collar Do Vets Recommend for Shih Tzus?

The Case for Harnesses

• Vets recommend using harnesses for Shih Tzus due to their sensitive necks and risk of tracheal collapse.
• Harnesses redistribute pressure away from the neck, making walks safer and more comfortable.
• For brachycephalic breeds like the Shih Tzu, a properly fitted harness reduces the risk of breathing issues and long-term health problems.

When a Collar is Still Useful

• A collar remains essential for identification purposes, acting as a safeguard if your dog gets lost.
• Personalized engraved collars are preferable to dangling tags, which can catch on fur or fall off.

How Mimi Green Collars Are Different

Handmade, Custom, and Safe

Every Mimi Green collar is handmade to order in the USA, ensuring a product that is as unique as your pet. We offer a wide range of personalization options, from embroidered names to engraved medical information, allowing your dog’s collar to be both functional and beautiful.

Our material selection includes velvet, leather, waterproof Biothane, and more, each chosen for its quality and durability.

Ethical, Stylish, Functional

At Mimi Green, we’re proud to be a small family business committed to providing living wages and practicing sustainable production. Our collars aren’t just accessories; they’re expressions of love and care for your dog, built to last and made with heart.

Choosing the Best Collar for Your Shih Tzu

Choosing the right collar for your Shih Tzu is about balancing comfort, safety, and style. Follow vet recommendations by using a harness for walks and a collar for identification.

When you’re ready to invest in a paw-some, customized collar, explore Mimi Green’s collection, where quality craftsmanship meets personal style, and every product is made with love.

Ready to find your Shih Tzu’s perfect fit?

Your Shih Tzu deserves a collar that’s as special as they are, one that complements their unique coat, keeps them safe, and feels comfortable all day long.

At Mimi Green, we offer:

• An extensive collection of personalized puppy/small dog collars
• Leather collars to minimize matting and maximize comfort.
• Waterproof Biothane options for active Shih Tzus who love outdoor adventures.
• Personalized engraved buckles that keep your dog’s ID secure and stylish.

Our solutions are perfect for pet parents who value quality, customization, and craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all collar made with generic materials, Mimi Green may not be the right fit for you. But if you’re someone who sees your dog as family and believes they deserve a handcrafted product made with care, then you’re in the right place.

Imagine the peace of mind knowing your Shih Tzu is comfortable, stylish, and secure, every walk, every cuddle, every adventure. 

👉Shop Mimi Green today and make that vision a reality.