Best Collars for Shih Tzus (2026): Plus the Safer Harness for Walks
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Shih Tzu Pedia earns from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca, at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on veterinary guidance and published product details, not on hands-on testing.
How we chose this gear: We used guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals and the American Kennel Club on collars, harnesses, fit, and identification. We then compared current Amazon listings for small sizes, comfort, safety features, ratings, and availability in the United States and Canada. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Every Shih Tzu needs a collar. It holds the ID tag that can bring your dog home if they get lost. But for walks, a collar is not the best choice for this breed.
VCA Animal Hospitals lists the Shih Tzu among the small breeds most often affected by tracheal collapse, a weakening of the windpipe. Pressure from a collar can make it worse. So the smart setup for most Shih Tzus is simple: a light collar for ID, and a harness for the leash.
Quick Picks: Best Collars and Harnesses for Shih Tzus in 2026
| Pick | Best for | Type | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| LupinePet Originals 3/4 inch, 9 to 14 inch | Everyday ID collar | Nylon collar | Amazon.com |
| Joytale Reflective Padded Collar | Comfort and night visibility | Padded nylon collar | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag | Identification | ID tag | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Voyager Step-in Harness | Walks, easy on and off | Step-in harness | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Puppia Soft Harness | Walks, soft padded fit | Over-the-head harness | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
Collar or Harness for a Shih Tzu?
Use both, for different jobs.
- Collar: for ID. The AKC calls a collar and ID tag your first line of defense against losing your dog. A flat buckle collar is convenient and holds a name tag.
- Harness: for walks. VCA advises using a harness rather than a collar for dogs with tracheal collapse. The AKC also notes that a harness can help prevent throat injury in small dogs that pull. A back-clip body harness is a popular choice for small dogs.
Watch for a honking cough. VCA describes the main sign of tracheal collapse as a dry, harsh cough that sounds like a goose honk. It may get worse with excitement, at night, or in hot weather. If your Shih Tzu coughs like this, see your vet, and switch leash walks to a harness right away. Never use a choke chain or prong collar on a Shih Tzu.
How to Fit a Collar on a Shih Tzu
- Measure the neck. Use a soft tape measure around the middle of the neck, under the coat.
- Pick the right size. Choose an adjustable collar whose size range includes your dog’s measurement, with room to adjust as the coat grows.
- Check the fit. The AKC suggests you should be able to slide two fingers under the collar. If you cannot, it is too tight.
- Recheck often. Puppies grow fast, and a thick coat can hide a collar that has become too tight. Check the fit weekly and look for matting or rubbed skin under the collar.
The Best Collars, ID Tags, and Harnesses for Shih Tzus, Reviewed
1. LupinePet Originals 3/4 Inch Collar (9 to 14 Inches)
Best for: A simple, durable everyday ID collar.
- Adjusts from 9 to 14 inches, a small-dog size range
- 3/4-inch width, light enough for a small neck
- Guaranteed even if chewed, according to Lupine
- Built in New Hampshire, per the listing
Why we picked it: It is sized for small dogs, and the chew guarantee means you can replace it if it gets damaged.
Keep in mind: It is a plain collar with no padding. It was not in stock on Amazon.ca when we checked.
2. Joytale Reflective Padded Collar
Best for: Comfort, and walks at dawn or dusk.
- Soft neoprene padding to help prevent chafing, according to the brand
- Reflective threads for visibility at night
- Metal D-ring and quick-release buckle
Why we picked it: The padding helps protect the skin under a long coat, and the reflective stitching adds safety near roads.
Keep in mind: Choose the size by your dog’s neck measurement, not by breed. Clip the leash to a harness for walks.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
3. GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag
Best for: Every Shih Tzu.
- Laser-engraved stainless steel
- Up to 8 lines of custom text, per the listing
Why we picked it: An ID tag is the fastest way for a stranger to reach you if your dog gets lost.
Keep in mind: The AKC suggests including your dog’s name, a phone number with area code, your address, and any medical needs. Tags can fall off, so also microchip your dog and keep the chip registration up to date.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
4. Voyager Step-in Harness
Best for: Easy walks with a dog that dislikes things going over its head.
- Step-in design with an adjustable fit
- Breathable air mesh, according to the listing
- Small size fits a 15 to 18 inch chest, per the listing
Why we picked it: A step-in harness takes pressure off the neck and is quick to put on a wiggly small dog.
Keep in mind: Measure your dog’s chest before choosing a size. Check that you cannot pull the harness forward over the shoulders.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
5. Puppia Soft Harness
Best for: A soft, padded harness for everyday walks.
- Soft, breathable mesh fabric, according to Puppia
- Adjustable chest strap
- Made for small and medium-sized dogs
Why we picked it: It is light and padded, which suits a small dog with a long coat.
Keep in mind: The Amazon.ca listing opens on size Medium. Choose the size that matches your dog’s chest measurement before you buy.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
More Collar Safety Tips
- Keep the collar light. A narrow, light collar is enough for a small dog. Heavy tags and wide collars add weight to a small neck.
- Watch the coat. A long coat can mat under the collar. Brush the neck area often. See our brush guide.
- Update your details. The AKC reminds owners to update microchip registration whenever you move or change phone numbers.
- Train loose-leash walking. A dog that does not pull is safer on any gear. Use small rewards from our treat guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a Shih Tzu wear a collar or a harness?
Both. Use a light collar to hold an ID tag, and clip the leash to a harness for walks. VCA lists Shih Tzus among the breeds most often affected by tracheal collapse and advises using a harness rather than a collar for affected dogs.
What size collar does a Shih Tzu need?
Measure your dog’s neck first, then choose an adjustable collar whose range includes that measurement. The AKC suggests you should be able to slide two fingers under the collar.
Is a martingale collar safe for a Shih Tzu?
A martingale tightens slightly when the dog pulls. For a breed prone to tracheal collapse, a harness is the safer choice for leash walks. Ask your vet if you are unsure.
What should I put on my Shih Tzu’s ID tag?
The AKC suggests your dog’s name, a phone number with area code, your address, and any medical or behavior needs. Microchip your dog as a backup and keep the registration current.
What are the signs of tracheal collapse in a Shih Tzu?
VCA describes a dry, harsh cough that sounds like a goose honk. It may get worse with excitement, at night, or in hot weather. See your vet if you notice it.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Tracheal collapse in dogs
- American Kennel Club: Dog harnesses and dog collars, which is right for your dog?
- American Kennel Club: Finding and choosing the right dog collar
- American Kennel Club: Are ID tags enough?
- Amazon.com and Amazon.ca product listings, checked September 2026
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
