Buyer’s Guide for The Best Car Seats for Shih Tzu

Do you have a Shih Tzu with big dreams of cruising the open road? Does your Shih Tzu constantly have a hard time seeing out the window? 

Well, it’s time to get a comfy car seat for your little friend!  Just like us, your fur babies need to be safe and secure in cars. 

Best Car Seats for Shih Tzu: Our Picks

1. K&H PET PRODUCTS Elevated Bucket Booster Pet Seat
2. Stella and Bear Cozy Boost Premium Quality Dog Booster Seat
3. Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs
4. PetSafe Happy Ride Elevated Dog Bed for Cars
5. Devoted Doggy Deluxe Dog Booster Car Seat

If you’re looking for the best Shih Tzu car seats, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you find the best car seat for your Shih Tzu.

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Top 5 Car Seats for Shih Tzu

Picking a doggie car seat can be difficult. You should take the time to choose a car seat that is safe and comfortable for your furry friend.

Have a look at the most highly-rated car seats for your Shih Tzu. They will definitely make your little friend’s car experience much safer, enjoyable, and comfortable.

1. K&H PET PRODUCTS Elevated Bucket Booster Pet Seat

The K&H Booster Bucket car seat provides safety and comfort for your Shih Tzu. This car seat is designed to give your Shih Tzu a safe ride with a view. It elevates your dog and fits either the front or back seat.

It is made from a durable exterior a quilted soft fleece interior and a 3-inch foam cushion for maximum comfort for your dog. It comes with two fully adjustable security leashes to ensure the safety of your Shih Tzu.

The K&H Booster car seat is available in two sizes and color combinations to best accommodate your vehicle’s interior. It is super easy and quick to install and uninstall. 

Key Features

• Brand: K&H
• Comes in 2 sizes
• 3 color options
• Material: polyester 
• Age range: All life stages
• Includes 2 adjustable security leashes
• Fits in the front or back seat
• Removable, washable cover
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Makes car travel fun and easy
• Elevates pets for a better view
• Durable exterior
• Safe and comfortable 
• Easy to install and uninstall
• Ensures distraction-free driving

Cons

• Needs some safety modifications
• Not waterproof

2. Stella and Bear Cozy Boost Premium Quality Dog Booster Seat 

Give a stylish and comfy ride to your Shih Tzu with Cozy Boost Dog Booster Seat. It includes an adjustable safety clip-on leash. 

This car seat comes in a collapsible design for easy storage. You can store it easily underneath a seat if not using it. It is easy to install and comes fully assembled to grab and go!

The bottom of the seat is water-resistant and the liner is machine washable. The removable, machine-washable liner makes cleaning quick and easy.

Key Features

• Brand: Stella and Bear
• Straps for safety
• Removable and machine-washable liner
• Plush thick lining
• Adjustable safety leash
• Water-resistant bottom
• Collapsible design
• Adjustable for a better view
• Metal frame construction 

Pros

• Premium quality
• Quick and easy setup, no assembly required 
• Sturdy and built to last
• Easy to store 
• Decreases driving distractions
• Reduces your dog’s anxiety and motion sickness

Cons

• The sides are too low

3. Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs 

Offer your Shih Tzu a more entertaining ride with the Kurgo Dog Car Seat. It comes with a waterproof exterior and a washable liner.

It’s also collapsible which is great for storage when it’s not being used. There is no assembly required with this seat. It can be easily installed in both the front and back seats. 

It has a comfortable bucket-shaped seat that lets your Shih Tzu feel safe and secure. This car seat gives your dog a window view where he can see out and enjoy the ride. 

It also features metal supports for structural integrity and a tether that can be easily attached to a harness to keep your Shih Tzu secure in the booster. These Kurgo dog car seats allow you to relax knowing your Shih Tzu is safe and comfortable in its own seat.

Key Features

• Brand: Kurgo
• Waterproof material
• Collapsible design
• Easy to install
• Removable liner
• Metal support for extra durability and safety
• Includes an adjustable seat belt 
• Can hold up to 30 lbs.
• Lifetime warranty

Pros

• Gives your dog an elevated window view
• Stylish design
• Made with durable material
• Quick installation; No assembly required
• Reduces distracted driving
• Helps with canine car sickness
• Metal supports for structural integrity

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy dogs

4. PetSafe Happy Ride Elevated Dog Bed for Cars

The PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Booster Seat provides the ultimate ride for your Shih Tzu. The unique design elevates your little friend off the car seat.

The car seat installs securely in one minute and even works in the back seat! It features a padded interior and an internal harness attachment to create a secure ride for your little bundle of joy.

There’s a zippered pocket to store additional pet gear. The durable, stain-resistant shell and removable, machine-washable liner make cleaning quick and easy.

Key Features

• Brand: PetSafe
• 3 color options: brown, navy, tan
• Comes in multiple sizes
• Includes Tether
• Polyester Oxford body with fleece liner
• Includes an internal leash and storage pocket
• Removable, washable liner
• Includes safety loops for attaching to vehicle seat belt

Pros

• Easy to install
• Sturdy
• Excellent security features
• Relieves your dog’s stress
• Affordable
• Gives your dog an extra soft comfy ride 
• Provides an unobstructed view for Shih Tzu
• Folds flat for easy storage 

Cons

• Headrest required

5. Devoted Doggy Deluxe Dog Booster Car Seat

Devoted Doggy Deluxe Booster Seat is designed with small dogs like Shih Tzu in mind. It has plenty of room for your best friend to stand, sit, or lie down in its spacious dimensions.

This car seat gives that unobstructed view your Shih Tzu has been dreaming of. It gives them a better view while driving and enhances their riding experience. This booster seat keeps your little guy safe and secure. 

There is a quick access side zippered pocket for stashing your Shih Tzu’s favorite toy or treat. The car seat is easy to clean. You just pull the liner out for easy washing.

This car seat is perfect for Shih Tzus who enjoys traveling. It ensures car rides remain a fun adventure for all. Your dog will feel calm and comfortable in this car seat. 

Key Features

• Brand: Devoted Doggy
• Color: blue and beige
• Zipper storage pocket
• Collapsible metal frame construction
• Durable straps
• Clip-on safety leash
• Machine washable 

Pros

• Lightweight, strong, and sturdy
• Keeps your car clean
• Ease anxiety
• Reduced sickness
• Ensures your dog’s safety and comfort 
• Your Shih Tzu gets an elevated view out the window
• Easy to clean

Cons

• The car seat is not very durable 

Buying Guide: Car Seats for Shih Tzus

The best car seats are the ones your Shih Tzu will use safely and happily. There are certain features you should be looking for depending on your needs. These include size, safety features, durability, ease of use, price, and material.

Take these factors into consideration when choosing a Shih Tzu car seat.

Safety features

One of the most essential aspects of a dog car seat is safety. You need to see how well the seat will restrain your Shih Tzu when driving. 

You need to check how well the booster seat clips into your seats; both rear and front. A good seat will have adjustable harnesses or leashes with them that safely restrain your dog. 

The car seat should have a solid attachment system to your car. You also need to choose a seat that securely attaches to your existing seat belts or comes with an extra belt. 

Pet Safety Tip: If you want your Shih Tzu to ride in the front seat, you should disengage the passenger airbag. Just like small kids, Shih Tzus can be hurt or killed by an airbag.

Comfort 

An uncomfortable Shih Tzu is going to whine, bark, and generally be a distraction. This is important to consider if you take a lot of long journeys. It’s not fair for your Shih Tzu to be uncomfortable for an extended period of time.

Your Shih Tzu will enjoy the car seat if it is comfortable and calm. It should be comfy and soft enough for your Shih Tzu to sit up or lie down. A comfortable dog is going to be a happy dog.

Size and capacity

The size and capacity of the car seat is also an important consideration. A seat that is too small for your Shih Tzu will simply be uncomfortable for them. They won’t enjoy the car rides very much.

A seat that is too big for your dog is going to make your dog anxious and unsafe. You need to ensure that the car seat can handle your dog’s weight. The car seat should be high enough to let your Shih Tzu look out of the window. 

Ease of use and storage

You need to see how easy it is to set up a Shih Tzu car seat and pack it away. Look for the one that you can easily fold up to put away, and clip in with buckles to make it safe.

Ease of cleaning

Ease of cleaning might become an issue if you have a Shih Tzu that is prone to car sickness or weak bladder control.

A car seat with a removable and machine-washable liner can make life much easier. You won’t need to worry about washing the entire car seat unless your Shih Tzu sheds a lot.

Material 

You should look for a car seat that has plenty of comfortable padding on it. It should offer the space your Shih Tzu needs to spread out a bit. 

The cover of the car seat should also be made of durable materials. The car seat should stand up to a bit of scratching and overall abuse at the paws of your Shih Tzu.

Durable

When selecting a car seat for your Shih Tzu, durability is key. After all, it needs to hold up your little friend during road travels. A poorly constructed car seat could potentially injure your dog.

Price

The best car seat for your Shih Tzu is the one it is most comfortable using. There’s a lot of variety when it comes to Shih Tzu car seats.

This means there’s a lot of price variation. Investing in a good car seat saves you a lot of money and possibly some painful trips to the vet in the long run.

Warranty 

Dog car seats normally come with 6 months to 1-year warranty. This will be really helpful if there is a manufacturing fault or you need a replacement part.

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Final Thoughts

Shouldn’t your Shih Tzu get to go along with you when you travel? Investing in a car seat will keep your Shih Tzu safe, secure, and comfortable. It will also fulfill your desire to keep your car clean of hair.

Give your Shih Tzu more than just a car seat! Make your little buddy feel safer and more comfortable in the car with a quality dog car seat. Use our picks as a guide and get a safe and comfy car seat for your little furry pal.