How to Trim a Shih Tzu

When a shih tzu is being prepared for competition the dog should have a full coat that drags on the ground. The last thing you want to do is clip the dog. However when your shih tzu is a house pet, or has been retired from the show arena, clipping its hair helps cut down on the amount of time you have to spend grooming them and also allows your dog to stay more comfortable during the summer months.

Things You'll Need

  • Clippers
  • #4 blade
  • Dog shampoo
  • Slicker brush
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Instructions

  1. Preparing to be Trimmed

    • 1

      Check your clippers and make sure that the blades are sharp.

    • 2

      Bathe your shih tzu. The bath will not only remove any dirt and debris from their coat that would otherwise clog your clippers, but it will also help remove some of the dead hair. Use lukewarm water for the bath. Make sure that you give your dog plenty of time to dry completely after the bath before you start clipping.

    • 3

      Brush your dog's coat before you start to clip it. You want to remove any tangles and mats from the coat.

    • 4

      Let your dog adjust to the clippers buzzing sound before you start clipping its hair. The more relaxed your dog is, the easier it will be to get them clipped.

    The Non-show Trim

    • 5

      Consider removing all of your dog's hair if you're not taking it to a show. The advantage to completely clipping your shih tzu is that they won't have all that long hair that is constantly getting matted and tangled and you won't have to worry about brushing them everyday. The best full body clip for a shih tzu is one called a puppy cut, which means you will need a pair of clippers with a number four blade.

    • 6

      Place your shih tzu on a table, stand, or counter so that they are level with your chest. This will prevent your back from getting sore while you clip. If your dog is fidgety, you will need to have someone hold them still.

    • 7

      Start clipping your shih tzu's face. Be very careful when you are clipping around it's eyes and ears. Talk to your dog and tell it how wonderful it is, the sound of your voice will help keep your dog calm.

    • 8

      Start clipping its body. You want to clip in the direction of the hair growth so you will start at the spine and angle the clippers down along its rib cage and flank.

    • 9

      Clip around and under your shih tzu's tail, still following the direction of the hair. Be very careful that you don't accidentally nick your dog's anus.

    • 10

      Leave the hair on your shih tzu's legs and tail long.