Pekingese and Shih Tzu clothes: size and winter jumpsuit
In short: the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu are small but solid dogs with a broad chest, short legs and a body longer than they are tall. An adult Pekingese usually weighs 3.5–6.5 kg (7.7–14.3 lb) with a chest girth of roughly 38–48 cm (15–19 in); a Shih Tzu weighs 4.5–8 kg (10–17.6 lb) with a chest of about 40–50 cm (15.7–19.7 in). Most wear Feel with Fill size M, L or XL, but check the back length too: in these breeds it is often shorter than the size chart expects. The dense coat keeps them warm, but the belly and legs are the first to pick up slush, snow and de-icing salt. So what matters most is covering the belly and legs, not maximum insulation — flat-faced dogs overheat easily.
Pekingese and Shih Tzu clothes size
| Dog | Weight | Chest girth | Back length | Feel with Fill size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature Pekingese | up to 3.5 kg / 7.7 lb | 33–38 cm (13–15 in) | 24–28 cm (9.4–11 in) | S–M |
| Pekingese | 3.5–6.5 kg / 7.7–14.3 lb | 38–48 cm (15–19 in) | 26–34 cm (10.2–13.4 in) | M–L, larger dogs XL |
| Shih Tzu | 4.5–8 kg / 10–17.6 lb | 40–50 cm (15.7–19.7 in) | 30–38 cm (11.8–15 in) | L–XL, smaller dogs M |
These figures are approximate: weight just gives you a first guess, and the tape measure has the final say. A “miniature” Pekingese is not a separate variety, just a small dog. For comparison, the Feel with Fill chart gives a back length of 31–35 cm for M, 36–40 cm for L and 41–45 cm for XL. Measure while your dog stands square: chest girth at the broadest point of the ribcage, just behind the front legs; back length from the base of the neck to the root of the tail; neck girth where the collar is worn. Lay the tape on the coat without squashing the undercoat. The full method is in our size guide.
Broad chest, short legs: why a standard size may not fit
A standard size chart assumes the back, chest and neck grow in proportion. Pekingese and Shih Tzus are built differently: a broad, deep chest and a relatively short back on short legs. A piece chosen by chest girth alone can come out too long — it bunches up over the rump, and the jumpsuit legs concertina over the paws. If the chest matches one size and the back a smaller one, choose “Custom size”: the manager will check your measurements, and the piece will be sewn in the brand’s own Kyiv workshop (+15%, 3–6 business days from payment). Mention long trouser legs to the manager too — they will confirm whether the piece can be made for short legs.
Both breeds are prone to intervertebral disc problems, so dress your dog with all four paws on the floor: do not lift it by the front legs or bend its back. Pieces that fasten on top are easiest — the fleece jumpsuit has a zip running along the back.
Low to the ground: a muddy belly and “trousers”
On a Pekingese or Shih Tzu the hair on the belly, legs and “trousers” hangs almost to the ground and is the first to soak up puddles, wet snow, ice balls and de-icing salt, while the dense undercoat is slow to dry after a wash. That is why low, long-coated dogs need clothes that cover the belly and all four legs:
• in rain and slush — the water-repellent membrane jumpsuit “Heaven”;
• in snow and dry frost — a fleece jumpsuit: fleece does not soak through and holds warmth;
• in summer heat outdoors — a 100% linen duster: light and breathable, it does not overheat the dog and keeps dust and dirt out of the coat.
A vest or an anorak protects the back and chest but leaves the belly open — a dry-weather option.
A short nose: how not to overheat your dog
The Pekingese and the Shih Tzu are brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breeds: they find it harder to cool down by panting, so they overheat quickly, and a full double coat is warm on its own. An adult dog in full coat rarely needs insulation above freezing — only protection from wet. Put warm clothes on for outdoors only and take them off at home. If your dog breathes heavily with its mouth open or lags behind on a walk, the outfit is too warm. A collar can press on the throat, and a flat-faced dog already has to work harder to breathe, so a harness is the better choice for walks. The “Heaven” jumpsuits, “Puffy” puffer vests and fleece vests all have a harness opening. Flat-faced dogs’ eyes are poorly protected, so a hood should not slip down and rub them — on “Heaven” it detaches.
A double coat: how to avoid mats
Long guard hair over a dense, soft undercoat tangles fast — most often behind the ears, on the chest, in the armpits and wherever harness straps sit. A few rules so that clothes do not cause mats:
• brush your dog out before dressing it: under fabric, tangled locks only felt together more tightly;
• put clothes on a dry coat only — a damp undercoat felts under fabric;
• look at linings and fastenings: the fleece vest has a natural viscose lining that prevents matting, and binding runs along the anorak zip so hair stays out of the teeth;
• avoid a tight collar on a Pekingese with a full “mane”: the fleece jumpsuit’s neckline can be loosened or tightened with a hidden hook-and-loop strip.
After a puppy cut
Shih Tzus are often kept in a puppy cut to avoid brushing a long coat every day; Pekingese less often. A short coat insulates far less, and the dog can get chilly even in a cool flat. Light layers that help: the soft-knit “Waffle” longsleeve at home and under a vest, a brushed hoodie for cool walks, and “Heaven” over the longsleeve in slush.
Our picks for a Pekingese or Shih Tzu, from slush to summer
Every piece comes in standard sizes XS–XL or can be sewn to your Pekingese or Shih Tzu’s own measurements. Browse more jumpsuits, vests, anoraks and hoodies, or our jumpers and turtlenecks.
What to put on depending on the weather
| Weather | In full coat | After a short cut |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, +5…+12 °C (41–54 °F), dry | usually nothing | a longsleeve, turtleneck or hoodie |
| Rain, slush, wet snow | “Heaven” jumpsuit | “Heaven” with a longsleeve underneath |
| Snow, frost down to −10 °C (14 °F) | a fleece jumpsuit — keeps snow off the belly | fleece jumpsuit |
| Frost below −10 °C (14 °F) or strong wind | fleece jumpsuit | fleece jumpsuit with a turtleneck, or the padded “Gossip-puffer” |
| Heat, dust, tall grass | linen duster | linen duster |
Frequently asked questions
What size clothes does a Pekingese wear?
Most often M (chest 35–41 cm / 13.8–16.1 in) or L (40–46 cm / 15.7–18.1 in); larger Pekingese take XL, miniature ones S. Always compare the back length too: if it falls well short of the chart figure for that size, go for a custom size instead.
What size should I get for a Shih Tzu?
Usually L or XL (chest 40–51 cm / 15.7–20 in); smaller dogs take M. If the chest is over 51 cm (20 in), please check with our manager whether a made-to-measure piece is possible.
Does a Pekingese or Shih Tzu need clothes in winter?
For warmth, an adult dog in full coat does not always need them, but in slush and snow a jumpsuit keeps the belly and legs dry and free of de-icing salt. A warm layer is needed after a short cut, and for puppies and older dogs. What to wear at each temperature is covered in our guide to winter dog clothes.
How long will my order take?
We make each piece in 3–6 business days from payment, and faster if your size is in stock. International shipping is arranged with our manager and usually takes 1–2 weeks. Details are on the shipping and payment page.
Can I exchange an item if the size is wrong?
Yes, within 14 days. The buyer pays the return postage; if the item is faulty or not what you ordered, we cover it. Made-to-measure pieces and non-standard colours cannot be returned. See exchange and returns.
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