Shih Tzu Grooming Guide: Keeping Your Lion Dog Beautiful

The Shih Tzu, meaning “lion dog,” is known for its beautiful, flowing coat. While stunning, this coat requires dedicated grooming to stay healthy and tangle-free.

Understanding the Shih Tzu Coat

Shih Tzus have a double coat that:

• Grows continuously (like human hair)
• Doesn’t shed much but mats easily
• Requires daily attention
• Can be kept long or trimmed short

Daily Care Requirements

Brushing (Essential!)

Shih Tzus need daily brushing to prevent mats:

1. Use a pin brush for the outer coat
2. Follow with a slicker brush for tangles
3. Use a metal comb to check for hidden mats
4. Be gentle around face, ears, and legs

Face Care

• Wipe eyes daily to prevent tear staining
• Clean facial folds
• Keep beard clean after meals
• Check for food debris in mustache

Topknot Maintenance

If keeping hair long:

• Brush topknot daily
• Use soft, gentle bands
• Change position regularly to prevent breakage

Popular Shih Tzu Haircuts

Puppy Cut

• Even length all over (1-2 inches)
• Easy to maintain
• Adorable, youthful look
• Most popular pet cut

Teddy Bear Cut

• Rounded face
• Fluffy body
• Shorter than a show coat
• Cuddly appearance

Show Cut

• Full, flowing coat to the ground
• Requires extensive daily care
• Topknot with bow
• Not practical for most pets

Lion Cut

• Short body with full head and mane
• Fluffy tail tip
• Low maintenance body
• Honors the breed name!

Practical Top Knot

• Shorter body
• Long topknot kept up
• Easier face cleaning
• Good compromise

Professional Grooming Schedule

Shih Tzus need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks:

• Full bath and blow-dry
• Haircut and styling
• Nail trimming
• Ear cleaning
• Sanitary trim
• Anal gland check

Common Grooming Challenges

Matting

• Mats form quickly, especially in armpits, behind ears, and legs
• Brush daily to prevent
• Use detangling spray
• Don’t let mats get to the skin

Tear Staining

• Common in Shih Tzus
• Keep face clean and dry
• Consider tear stain products
• Rule out eye problems with vet

Ear Issues

• Long, floppy ears trap moisture
• Clean weekly
• Remove excess ear hair
• Watch for signs of infection

Dental Problems

• Prone to dental issues
• Brush teeth regularly
• Provide dental chews

Bathing Tips

• Brush completely before bathing
• Use quality shampoo and conditioner
• Rinse thoroughly
• Dry completely (use a dryer on low)
• Never let air dry—this causes matting

Your Shih Tzu deserves to look like royalty! Book a grooming appointment today.