Shih Tzu Grooming Facts

Shih tzus are small dogs with long, flowing coats that require careful maintenance to keep them looking their best. Many people decide to purchase a shih tzu after seeing them in a dog show, not realizing that attaining that level of beauty requires dedication and constant vigilance. Shih tzus require regular grooming, including a daily maintenance combing; doing it at home can save thousands of dollars in grooming costs over the 15-year lifespan of the dog.

  1. Combing

    • Shih tzus must be combed daily to prevent tangles that can lead to matting. Dry combing can cause hair breakage, so always mist the coat with water first. Using a long-toothed comb and working in sections, start combing at the bottom of the hair and work your way toward the skin to avoid compacting tangles. Pay special attention to behind the ears and under the legs, as these places tend to form mats. If you find a mat, try to gently pull it apart with your fingers. If it does not budge, it must be cut out with scissors to avoid further damage to the skin and coat.

    Bathing

    • Most Shih tzus must be bathed weekly, but if your dog spends a lot of time outside or otherwise gets very dirty, baths may need to be more frequent. Use a gentle, tearless shampoo and a good quality conditioner. A cool water rinse at the end of the bath helps close the hair cuticle, resulting in a shinier coat.

    Trimming

    • Every month or so, the shih tzu coat must be trimmed. If the coat is full-length, the only trimming involves the hair under the tail, the inside corners of the eyes, between the pads of the feet and around the penis of males. If the coat is in a short puppy cut, you should also trim the hair on top of the feet, around the face (including the bottoms of the ears) and the tip of the tail. Most trimming should be done with blunt-tipped scissors, but electric clippers with a plastic guard are helpful for an overall body trim. Always cut in the direction of hair growth.

    Hygiene

    • Weekly maintenance includes cleaning ears and eyes, trimming toenails and emptying anal glands. A gentle swipe with a cleaner-soaked cotton ball is enough for the ears and eyes. Use cleaners specifically made for ears and eyes. To trim toenails, use a toenail clipper to cut just below the curve of the nail, avoiding the pink quick. A nail file can eliminate sharp edges and snags. To empty anal glands, soak a gauze pad with witch hazel and place it over the dog's anus. With your thumb and middle finger, gently squeeze either side of the anus until fluid comes out. Many people leave anal gland expression to the vet, since she will do it internally and therefore more thoroughly.

    Show Coat

    • To achieve a show-quality coat, shih tzus undergo pampering and restriction similar to any other beauty queen. They are not allowed on carpets, since the fibers can snag and break hair, and the ends of the coat are kept in foam rollers to reduce split ends and breakage. They are brushed daily with premium-quality natural bristle brushes and endure frequent hot oil and conditioning treatments to maximize shine and movement. Typical pet owners are unwilling or unable to go to these lengths, nor is it necessary for the typical shih tzu.