Shih Tzu Information Center
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Shih Tzu Grooming
Shih Tzu Grooming
In order for your Shih Tzu to have a lovely coat,
both genetics and the care you give will come into play. If you your
dog has a quality coat, then with these instructions you can be sure
that your Tzu will look as lovely as possible.
We receive many questions regarding what products work best for grooming a Shih Tzu. The answer is not a simple one. Each dog’s coat and skin will react differently to different canine hair products. Even the mineral content of your water will have an impact on the end result of a bath. Therefore, it really is best to buy small bottles and experiment to see which work best for your particular Tzu.
No matter which dog grooming products you use, the technique will be the same.
We receive many questions regarding what products work best for grooming a Shih Tzu. The answer is not a simple one. Each dog’s coat and skin will react differently to different canine hair products. Even the mineral content of your water will have an impact on the end result of a bath. Therefore, it really is best to buy small bottles and experiment to see which work best for your particular Tzu.
No matter which dog grooming products you use, the technique will be the same.
Brushing
It cannot be overstated how important this element is in regard to Shih Tzu grooming. With the long coat that makes the Shih Tzu so special, grooming your Shih Tzu must include brushings that keep it tangle free. Once a tangle (mat) appears, it can rapidly grow….and when it becomes too large most owners have no choice but to snip it off – a HUGE no-no!
The coat of the Tzu differs from dog to dog. Some are soft, some are thick. Brushing will need to be done according to your Tzu’s coat. This will range from one time per day to once every 3 days.
NEVER dry brush! Always use a mist bottle to lightly spray with a 50/50 solution of water and cream rinse or conditioner.
Be sure to cover all areas of the body. Owners must not take the easy way out and only brush the back and chest. A proper brushing must include the head, face, neck, chest, legs, paws, tail, back and even under the tail…. This area should always brushed so that fecal matter does not stick to the hairs. With this breed, there is no need to clip the hairs short here, as they grow long, they tend to separate around the anus and out of the way of bowel movements. However, any time that you notice any feces stuck to the fur, wash it away with warm soapy water and then blow dry on a low setting.
Many owners find that a wire brush with flexible pins works best. Begin at the paws, working up the legs and ultimately ending with the back.
It works best to brush in layers. Lift top layers up (or pin back) and carefully glide through the bottom layer. Then you can let down some more hairs and brush through those…ultimately ending with all layers being combed through, soft and fluffy with no tangles.
You will want to go gently, however make sure that the brush reaches down to the skin.
For the fact and paws, it is recommended to use a medium toothed comb.
Note: At approximately 10 to 12 months, a Shih Tzu will begin to shed, changing from puppy coat to adult. During this time grooming must be done more often….The shedding hairs can become tangled into the coat and this can cause quite a few mats to develop….and it can happen quickly. Remember that this is a temporary stage. It lasts for about 1 month.
Baths
Just like brushing, baths will be needed according to your Shih Tzu’s coat. One must always brush the coat to make sure that there are ZERO mats before bathing. If the mat becomes wet, it is very hard to untangle.
Baths should be given about every 3 weeks, unless your Shih Tzu becomes very dirty. Too many baths will dry out the skin and the coat.
Tangle Help
It is best to use your fingers if you find one while grooming. Many find that it works best to spray your hands with a canine leave-in conditioner and then gently work at the hairs. Patience is needed….gently pull out a few strands at a time until the mat is gone.
Shih Tzu Grooming That Should be done EACH DAY
There are a few little grooming elements that should be done every day….
One should comb the mustache and the topknot each day with a wide toothed comb.
The inside corners of the eyes should be cleaned each day, using a soft, warm, damp washcloth.
When you are gently cleaning your Shih Tzu’s eyes, take this time to look for any injuries. You will want to keep an eye out for any redness or squinting.
It cannot be overstated how important this element is in regard to Shih Tzu grooming. With the long coat that makes the Shih Tzu so special, grooming your Shih Tzu must include brushings that keep it tangle free. Once a tangle (mat) appears, it can rapidly grow….and when it becomes too large most owners have no choice but to snip it off – a HUGE no-no!
The coat of the Tzu differs from dog to dog. Some are soft, some are thick. Brushing will need to be done according to your Tzu’s coat. This will range from one time per day to once every 3 days.
NEVER dry brush! Always use a mist bottle to lightly spray with a 50/50 solution of water and cream rinse or conditioner.
Be sure to cover all areas of the body. Owners must not take the easy way out and only brush the back and chest. A proper brushing must include the head, face, neck, chest, legs, paws, tail, back and even under the tail…. This area should always brushed so that fecal matter does not stick to the hairs. With this breed, there is no need to clip the hairs short here, as they grow long, they tend to separate around the anus and out of the way of bowel movements. However, any time that you notice any feces stuck to the fur, wash it away with warm soapy water and then blow dry on a low setting.
Many owners find that a wire brush with flexible pins works best. Begin at the paws, working up the legs and ultimately ending with the back.
It works best to brush in layers. Lift top layers up (or pin back) and carefully glide through the bottom layer. Then you can let down some more hairs and brush through those…ultimately ending with all layers being combed through, soft and fluffy with no tangles.
You will want to go gently, however make sure that the brush reaches down to the skin.
For the fact and paws, it is recommended to use a medium toothed comb.
Note: At approximately 10 to 12 months, a Shih Tzu will begin to shed, changing from puppy coat to adult. During this time grooming must be done more often….The shedding hairs can become tangled into the coat and this can cause quite a few mats to develop….and it can happen quickly. Remember that this is a temporary stage. It lasts for about 1 month.
Baths
Just like brushing, baths will be needed according to your Shih Tzu’s coat. One must always brush the coat to make sure that there are ZERO mats before bathing. If the mat becomes wet, it is very hard to untangle.
Baths should be given about every 3 weeks, unless your Shih Tzu becomes very dirty. Too many baths will dry out the skin and the coat.
Tangle Help
It is best to use your fingers if you find one while grooming. Many find that it works best to spray your hands with a canine leave-in conditioner and then gently work at the hairs. Patience is needed….gently pull out a few strands at a time until the mat is gone.
Shih Tzu Grooming That Should be done EACH DAY
There are a few little grooming elements that should be done every day….
One should comb the mustache and the topknot each day with a wide toothed comb.
The inside corners of the eyes should be cleaned each day, using a soft, warm, damp washcloth.
When you are gently cleaning your Shih Tzu’s eyes, take this time to look for any injuries. You will want to keep an eye out for any redness or squinting.
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