Shih Tzu Hoodies: Keep the Hood Clear of the Face and Ears
Pick a dog hoodie for your Shih Tzu based on how it fits the body, and make sure the hood stays clear of the face and ears.
If the hood slides forward or bothers your dog, keep it down or take the hoodie off. The hood is optional. A good fit is not.
A breed label won't tell you the right size. Your dog's measurements, the chart for the exact hoodie you're looking at, and a short supervised try-on will.
Choose the hoodie by fit, then test the hood
To choose the right hoodie for a Shih Tzu, match your dog's exact measurements to the garment's sizing chart first, then check during a calm try-on that the hood rests clear of the eyes and ears.
Measure your dog first. AKC's dog clothing measurements and chart guidance lists back length, chest girth, and neck girth as the main measurements for clothes. It also says sizing differs from one design to the next. AKC recommends that you measure your dog standing naturally for the most accurate numbers. It also says chest girth is often the most important measurement, but don't skip any other dimension the chart asks for.
Use the chart for that exact hoodie. Compare your numbers to that hoodie's chart, not to a "Shih Tzu" size or a weight range. You can check our size guide for general guidance. If you're unsure whether to trust the photos, our piece on size charts vs. model photos explains when each one helps. Once you have your numbers, you can narrow down our dog hoodie options.
Check the body fit while you watch. According to AKC's guidance on dog-clothing fit, clothes that are too tight can restrict movement, and clothes that are too baggy can make a dog trip or get caught. Watch your dog walk, sit, and turn. If the hoodie pulls tight or hangs loose, try another size or style before you think about the hood at all.
Test the hood with it down. Look from the front and the side while your dog looks around and takes a few steps. The hood should stay behind the head, away from the eyes and off the ears.
Decide what to do with the hood. If the hood slides forward, flops onto the face, or your dog keeps pawing or turning toward it, leave it down and unused, or take the hoodie off. Our guide to face-friendly Shih Tzu clothing covers more on keeping fabric away from sensitive eyes.
Watch how your dog reacts to the whole hoodie. A hood problem is different from a dog that dislikes clothing. AKC says that if your dog seems stressed or frustrated by the clothing, take it off right away. Try again later and build comfort in small steps. Our low-stress fit and tolerance trial walks through that slower approach.
Stay with your dog the whole time they wear the hoodie. AKC advises supervising dogs in clothing and not leaving clothes on a dog that is crated or alone, because the clothing could snag or catch.
FAQs
What if I don't have a tape measure?
AKC's measuring advice suggests measuring with string and a ruler if you don't have a tape measure. A ribbon or shoelace works too. Wrap it around the spot you're measuring and mark where the ends overlap. Then lay it flat and measure up to the mark with a ruler.
About the author
Elowen Sage
Lead Pet Wardrobe StylistSmall Breed Lifestyle ExpertCozy Care Advocate
Elowen Sage brings a rare eye for texture and detail to fitwarm. As a Pet Wardrobe Stylist, she looks beyond the mainstream, curating pieces that blend gentle care with quiet luxury for small breeds. Elowen treats every garment as a hug for your pet, ensuring that style never comes at the cost of comfort.
