How to Clip a Shitzu

The shih tzu, a small show dog, is characterized by a long, majestic topcoat and undercoat that requires a considerable amount of grooming. If your shih tzu is not a show dog, it is a good idea to clip its coat at home. In addition to saving time on grooming your shih tzu, clipping its coat at home also saves money that would be spent on a professional groomer.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-tooth comb
  • Electric clipper
  • Blunt-edged scissor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sit on the floor and lay your shih tzu on its side, beside you. Use a fine-tooth comb to brush out matted and tangled fur.

    • 2

      Start by clipping the hair at the top end of the body. Use an electric clipper with a number 7 blade to clip the coat over the back, stomach and chest.

    • 3

      With a blunt-edged scissor, cut the top knot, trim the hair on the ears, mustache and cheeks. Cut hair on the legs, around the waist and tail to the length that you prefer. Hold the scissor firmly and cut vertically, to avoid contact with your pet's body and prevent jerky movements.

    • 4

      Use a number 10 blade to clip hair on the cheeks. Start clipping from the corner of the eye down to the base of the ear, the neck and below the eyes.

    • 5

      Clip fur between the pads under the with a number 10 blade. If the fur between the toes is matted, use a scissor to cut it.

    • 6

      Trim away any fur at least a half-inch around the anus with a scissor. This will improve your pet's hygiene by preventing smelly stool particles from clinging to the back-end coat.