Shih Tzu bandana size: 15–18 in square

How do I measure a Shih Tzu?

1. Stand the dog square. Use a soft tape where a flat collar sits, on the skin, not over the coat.
2. Snug the tape, then leave room for two fingers. That reading is the neck.
3. Add about 8 inches on the long edge for the knot. Pick the smallest square that covers it.
4. Fold corner to corner. The point rests on the chest, and the knot sits at the side or the back.

What fit notes matter for a Shih Tzu?

Cut a 15 in square to an 18 in square for a typical adult Shih Tzu neck of 10–14 inches where a flat collar sits. The build to expect is a small neck under a topknot and a beard. That interval is a fitting range for adult pets, not a breed-standard measurement and not a reason to skip the tape on the dog in front of you.

A 10 in neck uses the extra small 15 in square (long edge about 21.2 in). A 14 in neck uses the small 18 in square (long edge about 25.5 in). One Shih Tzu does not give you the size of the next.

The miss that shows up on a Shih Tzu is starting the tape up in the topknot instead of under the jaw. The topknot is hair. The neck measurement starts where a flat collar closes. Weight, a photo, or the size printed on another dog's bandana does not give you the long edge.

Fold the square once, corner to corner, and tie the long edge so the point rests on the chest. Two fingers should still slide under the knot. If the point drags or the knot pinches, remeasure and recut instead of pulling the fabric tighter.

Measure where a flat collar sits and leave room for two fingers, as in common dog-apparel measuring guidance from theAmerican Kennel Club. Then use this site'ssquare chartrather than a clothing size label.