Living in NYC means making every square inch of your space count—and when that space includes a dog, it better be the right fit. Shih Tzu are a favorite for apartment dwellers in the city. They’re small, loyal, and don’t need to run marathons in Central Park to stay happy.
But there’s one question that always pops up, especially in allergy-prone households: Do these little guys come with a lot of dander?
The short answer? Not as much as other breeds—but they’re not dander-free either. And in a city apartment where airflow isn’t always excellent, that matters.
Let’s clear something up. When people talk about pet allergies, they’re not reacting to fur or hair. It’s the microscopic skin flakes—called dander—that trigger the sneezing, itching, and stuffy noses. Dander floats in the air, clings to your couch, gets caught in the curtains, and rides your clothes like it’s hitching a ride on the subway.
With Shih Tzu, the good news is that they don’t shed excessively. Their hair is more like human hair, and when they’re brushed regularly, they keep a lot of that dander in check. But they still produce it. Every dog does. If you're living in a small space in the city, even a little bit of dander can become a whole thing if you're not handling the air properly.
Yes, we have dander too. Human dander is composed of invisible skin cells that humans shed. These flakes can become airborne, and even though we can’t see them, they can still trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including our Shih Tzu dogs.
Many Shih Tzu dogs suffer from allergies, including food, parasites, pollens, and other environmental irritants such as cleaning and beauty products. If you have a Shih Tzu who has a chronic allergy problems and you have tried everything, you might want to consult your veterinarian.
And that’s where PuroAir comes into play. Look, in an apartment, you’re dealing with a whole mix of stuff in the air—cooking smells, dust from the street, maybe even smoke from the neighbor’s kitchen. Throw in some pet dander and it’s a cocktail your sinuses won’t appreciate. PuroAir was made to tackle this kind of situation.
With its HEPA 14 filter pulling 99.99% of particles out of the air—including pet dander—it’s like giving your lungs a break. This isn’t just about the dog. It’s about not waking up with a scratchy throat or feeling like you live inside a dust cloud.
Ask around the city and you’ll hear the same thing. A lot of pet owners didn’t realize how much their air mattered until they got a purifier.
A friend me she felt like her apartment “just smelled cleaner” after setting up PuroAir. Her Shih Tzu, Max, naps on the bed all day. Before the purifier, she was waking up congested every morning. Now? Nothing.
Another couple with two small dogs (yes, two) swears by it. They said the difference was “instant,” especially when they started running the purifier full-time in their living area. And they’ve got wall-to-wall rugs—so you know the dander was hanging around before.
That’s the kind of difference PuroAir makes in a real New York home. No gimmicks, no gimmicky setup. Just plug it in and breathe.
In a big house with open windows and constant airflow, pet dander can dissipate a bit. But in a city apartment with radiators, window units, and sealed windows for six months a year? It lingers. It builds up. And if you’re living in a walk-up, chances are you’re not throwing open your windows in February just to get some fresh air.
That’s why city folks need to think about their indoor air more than most. And why PuroAir makes so much sense. It doesn’t just filter the air once—it runs constantly, reading the room and adjusting fan speeds based on what’s floating around. Cooking pasta? It’ll kick up. Your dog’s rolling around on the rug? Same deal.
It’s smart enough to work on its own and quiet enough that you forget it’s running. And in a city where noise is the norm, that’s a bonus.
Here’s the honest truth: Shih Tzu don’t have the same dander output as a Golden Retriever. But in a confined space—like a one-bedroom in Brooklyn—it doesn’t take much for allergies to flare up. And even if you’re not technically allergic, breathing stale air loaded with dander, dust, and city grime doesn’t exactly feel refreshing.
Grooming your dog helps. Vacuuming often helps. But those only go so far. You need something working full-time to clean the air in between the cleaning. That’s what PuroAir delivers.
It’s not just about cutting back on sniffles. It’s about improving your space so it feels better. You’ll sleep better, breathe easier, and stop wondering if it’s the dog or the building making you feel off.
Owning a Shih Tzu in the city is pretty close to ideal. But no matter how much you love your pup, dealing with dander in a tight space can be a pain.
That’s why investing in something like PuroAir isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Cleaner air means fewer allergy symptoms, less stress, and a home that feels fresh even when the windows stay shut. Because in a place like New York, where everything moves fast and space is precious, it’s nice to know your air is something you can control.
"Hi, I'm Janice Jones, a former veterinary technician and Shih Tzu expert with over 40 years of experience with the breed. Through Miracle Shih Tzu, I combine my medical background and extensive breed knowledge to provide reliable, practical advice for Shih Tzu owners. My mission is to help you give your Shih Tzu the happiest, healthiest life possible through evidence-based information and real-world solutions. Whether you're new to the breed or a seasoned owner, you'll find trusted guidance here for all aspects of Shih Tzu care.
I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling.