Before we dive into whether Shih Tzus have hair or fur, it's essential to understand the difference between the two. While both terms refer to the outer covering of mammals, they have distinct characteristics:
Characteristics of Hair
- Hair typically grows longer and is coarser than fur.
- It has a longer growth cycle, meaning it takes longer to shed.
- Hair is often found on humans and some dog breeds, such as Poodles and Bichon Frises.
Characteristics of Fur
- Fur is shorter and denser than hair.
- It has a shorter growth cycle, leading to more frequent shedding.
- Fur is commonly found on breeds like Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies.
Understanding these differences will help clarify the nature of a Shih Tzu's coat.
