The Shih Tzu is one of the more common toy breeds you see many pet owners enjoy having in their lives. This small but lively breed has a long history stemming from being the loyal companion of Chinese royals. Nowadays they spend their time as loving lap dogs and energetic companions for children. Though they may be small, they’re full of personality—and with the right Shih Tzu grooming tips, you can help that personality shine through their appearance. Often knowing that they’re adorable and like to use that charm on their owners.
A Brief History of the Shih Tzu:
The Shih Tzu, meaning “lion dog,” has a fascinating history dating back to ancient China. Chinese breeders developed these regal dogs from Tibetan breeds like the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese to serve as cherished companions for emperors. Imperial breeders carefully developed them for their elegant coats, affectionate temperament, and lapdog nature. For centuries, Shih Tzus were hidden behind palace walls, virtually unknown to the outside world. It wasn’t until the 1930s that they were introduced to Europe and the U.S.. By 1969, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed, cementing its place as one of the most beloved companion dogs worldwide. Want to learn more? Visit the American Kennel Club’s Shih Tzu breed page for an in-depth history.
Common Traits of The Breed:
Weighing between 9 to 16 pounds, Shih Tzus are surprisingly solid for dogs their size. The coat, which comes in many colors, is often seen in show as a long flowing coat with a beautiful top knot. Though most families chose to keep them in a shorter haircut for ease of maintenance. Shih Tzus are often seen as good apartment dogs as they were bred for spending most of their time in their owners lap. They have also been known to be good with children. Their bubbly personalities often create many giggles and a lot of mischief wherever they go.
Caring for a Shih Tzu:
Shih tzu’s are a breed that can be high maintenance. Between training and grooming, If you’re not prepared to take on the responsibilities it can feel like a lot. They can also be prone to some health issues when coming from irresponsible breeders. Most owners
find the process of putting proper amounts of care into their shih tzu tasking, but very rewarding.
Shih Tzu Grooming Tips:
Shih Tzus have a soft silky coat known as a drop coat, and following proper Shih Tzu grooming tips is essential to keep it healthy and mat-free. We use the term because the coat drops and flows when it’s long. At home in between appointments, they should be brushed on a regular basis with a wire slicker brush and a metal comb to check for any tangles. Shih tzu’s coat is best brushed with a technique called line brushing. That is where you start and the lower parts of the dogs and move your way up, separating the hair in layers. One of the most important Shih Tzu grooming tips is to brush daily using this method to prevent painful matting. Using a detangling spray can help keep matts at bay.
Tear stains are very common in Shih Tzus, but with consistent eye care and smart Shih Tzu grooming tips, they can be managed effectively. It is not recommended to use a supplement or additive that is marketed as tear stain prevention as they can cause health issues in your pet. Keeping the hair around your shih tzu’s eyes short can also help prevent the build up and staining. Four Legged Fun Zone has experienced groomers who love to help clients find the haircut they like, while keeping the dogs happy and healthy with regular grooming and maintenance.
How Often Should a Shih Tzu Be Groomed?
- Short-haired styles: Grooming every 6-8 weeks
- Long-haired styles: Grooming every 4-6 weeks
- Brushing at home: Daily to prevent knots and matting
- Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks using a gentle, dog-safe shampoo
- Ear cleaning: Weekly to prevent infections
- Nail trimming: Every 3-4 weeks to avoid overgrowth and discomfort
Following these Shih Tzu grooming tips will help maintain your pup’s coat and prevent common issues between professional appointments.
Common Haircuts:
📌 Tip: Always consult a professional groomer to determine which cut will best suit your Shih Tzu’s coat type and lifestyle.
1. Puppy Cut (Teddy Bear Cut) – Best for Easy Maintenance
The puppy cut is one of the most popular trims for pet Shih Tzus. This style features an even trim all over, creating a fluffy, rounded look. The face is shaped to give a teddy bear appearance, making it a favorite among owners. This cut is low-maintenance, easy to brush, and ideal for active Shih Tzus or those who prefer a simple grooming routine.
📌 Best for: Owners looking for an adorable, easy-care look with minimal brushing required.
2. Lamb or Schnauzer Legs Cut – Stylish & Playful
This style features a shorter body trim with longer, fluffy legs, giving the dog a stylish yet manageable look. The contrast between the shorter body and longer legs creates a sleek yet fluffy appearance. Regular brushing is required to maintain volume and shape, but it is an excellent option for owners who want a fun, playful look.
📌 Best for: Owners who want a unique, stylish cut while keeping grooming needs moderate.
3. The Classic Show Coat & Topknot – Elegant & Traditional
For owners who want to maintain the Shih Tzu’s traditional long coat, the show coat with a topknot is the ultimate glamorous look. This style keeps the coat long and flowing, while the hair on the head is pulled into a topknot secured with a band or bow. While this style is beautiful and elegant, it requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and frequent grooming to keep it clean and healthy.
📌 Best for: Owners who love brushing and styling and are willing to commit to high-maintenance grooming.
4. Short Rounded Ears – A Cute & Youthful Look
Some owners prefer trimming the ears shorter and rounding them, creating a puppy-like look that is adorable and easy to maintain. Shorter ears can also help prevent matting, especially if you want to go longer between grooming appointments. This style can make the dog’s face appear rounder and more youthful. This can be added onto any style of haircut!
📌 Best for: Owners who want an easy-to-maintain ear trim that makes their dog look younger.
5. The Lion Cut – Bold & Unique
Inspired by the breed’s name (“lion dog”), the lion cut features a short body with a long mane left around the head and neck. The tail is often left with a puff of fur at the tip, resembling a lion’s tail. This cut is fun and unique, but it requires frequent brushing to keep the mane from tangling.
📌 Best for: Owners looking for a dramatic, fun, and eye-catching cut.
6. Summer Cut – Best for Warm Weather
Keeps the coat extra short for breathability. Usually shaved with a #5 or #7 blade, or a short clipper comb. Ideal for hot climates or active dogs who overheat easily. Requires minimal brushing, making it a great choice for low-maintenance owners.
📌 Best for: Summer months or Shih Tzus that overheat easily.
One of the lesser-known Shih Tzu grooming tips is to use a detangler spray daily on the mane to avoid painful knots.
7. Asian Fusion Style – A Creative & Modern Look
A unique, modern cut featuring round, exaggerated paws and face styling. Gives a cartoon-like appearance with soft, rounded edges. Requires frequent grooming but offers a fun and artistic style.
📌 Best for: Owners who enjoy styling their dog and want a stand-out look.
Training a Shih Tzu:
Shih Tzus can often be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. Known to naturally be a charmer, they tend to use their cuteness to wrap their owners around their little paws. This can lead to unruly behaviors that may cause problems in the future. Starting as soon as possible with your training is always best.
Training a Shih Tzu can often be a long process in order to get your desired results. They have been known to do well with positive reinforcement training. Be mindful of how many treats you are using during training, as Shih Tzus are one of the toy breeds that often end up being obese and having related health issues.
When working with a puppy, it’s important that your training includes many components, such as obedience, socialization, and grooming. Getting a puppy used to grooming will be just as beneficial in the long run as teaching them basic obedience. Finding a puppy class that covers the basics can be a good resource to have.
Four Legged Fun Zone offers a puppy class that includes puppy basics and even has a segment on taking your puppy to the groomer for the first time. Remember, training takes time, and using your resources to create a foundation will make the rest of your training less stressful.
Health issues in Shih Tzu’s:
Eye problems:
- Dry eye: A common eye condition for Shih Tzus
- Cataracts: a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is responsible for focusing light on the retina
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): a group of inherited eye diseases that affect dogs, leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness
Dental disease and Breathing issues:
- Periodontal disease: An infection around the root of the tooth that can develop from plaque and tartar buildup
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome: A group of respiratory disorders that affect dogs with short, flat faces and pushed-in noses. Structural abnormalities in the airways cause these disorders and lead to breathing difficulties.
- Loud breathing: A symptom that can indicate a breathing issue is present and can often be paired with coughing
Other health issues may include:
- Luxating patella: A common problem for small dogs, including Shih Tzus, that occurs when the kneecap pops out
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly in its socket, leading to arthritis and pain. Though more prevalent in larger breeds, Shih Tzu dogs are not immune. Symptoms include limping, reluctance to exercise, and difficulty in standing up.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a common hormonal issue with the Shih Tzu, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, skin issues, and hair loss. It often affects middle-aged dogs and can be mistaken for normal aging.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVD): Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVD) in Shih Tzus involves disc degeneration in the spine, leading to pain, nerve damage, or paralysis. Symptoms include back pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. It’s more common in middle-aged to older dogs.
- Skin Allergies & Coat Maintenance: Their long coat traps allergens, making them susceptible to itchy skin, rashes, and hot spots. Scheduling regular grooming helps prevent flare-ups. Keeping the coat clean, brushed, and free of mats ensures that allergens don’t build up on the skin. Regular Shih Tzu grooming tips recommend weekly baths with a gentle shampoo to minimize allergic flare-ups.
- Obesity: A serious health problem that can lead to joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease
📌 Regular grooming, exercise, and vet checkups play a key role in preventing many of these health issues.
Conclusion:
With an average life span of 10-16 years owning a shih tzu is a long term investment. When given proper care, training, and grooming; You will find yourself with a loyal companion for many years. This little dog will be happy to come into your life and impact it in big ways, filling it with lots of love, happiness, and every now and then a little bit of mischief. Whether you’re a new or experienced pet parent, using the right Shih Tzu grooming tips ensures your little lion dog stays comfortable and stylish.
Book a Shih Tzu Grooming Appointment Today!
At Four Legged Fun Zone, we specialize in Shih Tzu grooming to keep your pup healthy, happy, and stylish. Our experienced groomers ensure each dog gets personalized care for their coat type and lifestyle.
🐾 Sign up for your first grooming appointment and receive a FREE nail trim!
📅 Book today: https://tailoredpetservices.com/dog-grooming/
📍 Serving pet owners in Everett area
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