Haircuts for Shih Tzu Dogs

Shih Tzus originated in China and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They became royalty when a couple in the court received a pair during the Tang Dynasty. Since then, they have been a favorite of royals for their playful, yet trustworthy and calm demeanor. They were imported to Europe in the 1930s and were recognized as an official breed in the late 1960s. Today, the shih tzu in show competitions often wears his hair long with a ponytail, but there are several ways a shih tzu can be cut for his own comfort.

  1. Full Coat

    • A shih tzu in show competitions may wear what is referred to as a "full coat." This means his ears and fur will grow out to its natural length, and the hair on top of his head will be put in a rubberband or bow to keep it out of his eyes. Having a dog at show length requires lots of maintenance. Your shih tzu must be brushed several times a day to prevent matting; bathing is recommended a few times per month. This is such a high maintenance cut that most owners prefer to trim their dog down if he's not showing at the moment.

    Teddy Bear Face

    • Shih tzus can indeed resemble teddy bears when they have their hair shaved in this fashion. Shih tzus sporting the "teddy bear face" often are shaved down or have their fur cut fairly short. Their ears are cut and shaved down, but a little round beard is left, giving him an easy to maintain and cute appearance.

    Trimmed Down

    • Many owners choose to trim down their shih tzu completely in the summer months. It is not necessary to do so as shih tzus have natural ventilation, but it may well be the easiest cut to maintain. A shih tzu trimmed down simply has his ears cut shorter and his fur fairly close to the skin. He may have a teddy bear beard or not, but it is usually simpler to go without one if you're looking for a low maintenance 'do. Food can get stuck in the shih tzu beard, making meal times a tug of war. Trimming down your shih tzu makes for an easy cut that only needs to be attended to about once every six weeks, with a bath and a new trim at the groomers.