Grooming Tips on a Trim for a Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds, according to 2010 statistics from the American Kennel Club, and more popular than Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. The Shih Tzu claims both the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso as forebears. Like those breeds, the Shih Tzu has a silky coat that demands frequent grooming. Many owners prefer to clip their Shih Tzu's coat into a more manageable pet trim rather than maintain a long show coat. Even a shorter pet clip requires regular upkeep.

  1. Brushing

    • A Shih Tzu owner must groom his dog properly to maintain its coat's condition. Even if you take your dog to a groomer regularly, the Shih Tzu's delicate coat mats easily and requires daily maintenance. Some areas to pay close attention to while brushing are underneath the ear flaps, the neck and inside the legs. Attend to these places often to prevent matting.

    Bathing

    • Though you should brush a Shih Tzu at least once every day, it's not good for its skin to bathe it that frequently. Keep an eye on its coat and whether it begins to smell doggy to determine when a Shih Tzu needs a bath. Bathe your dog only when it's dirty, approximately every three weeks. Brush out any mats first and only use shampoos and products formulated for dogs -- never people.

    Other Grooming Needs

    • A Shih Tzu's coat is not the only facet of the dog's grooming needs. Owners must attend regularly to the dog's nails so they don't get too long; excessive nail length causes problems with gait and activity. Keep anal glands clear of fecal material and ask your vet to show you how to tell when it's necessary to express them and what to do. Gently clean any staining near the eye ducts with a damp washcloth and brush a Shih Tzu's teeth regularly to support dental and digestive health.

    Visiting the Groomer

    • It's time to think about trimming a Shih Tzu's coat when it grows too long to be easily maintained. Matting in the coat, even with regular brushing, is a sign that a visit to the groomer is in order. If you need advice on how to take care of a Shih Tzu's coat between visits, an experienced groomer is a helpful resource.