Shih Tzu Grooming Guide

Shih Tzus are a grooming salon staple — they need professional grooming consistently and their owners tend to be loyal, long-term clients. The breed's luxurious double coat can be styled in anything from a full show coat to a practical puppy cut, giving groomers creative flexibility.

The key to Shih Tzu grooming is understanding that most pet owners want a low-maintenance style, not a show look. The "puppy cut" (even length all over, 1-2 inches) is by far the most popular request. However, even short cuts require proper technique to look polished — a good puppy cut is a rounded, blended look with a clean face, not a choppy buzz.

1. Pre-brush and detangle (15-20 min) Brush the entire coat with a pin brush, followed by a slicker brush for any tangles. Line brush — part the coat and work section by section from skin to tip. Check for mats behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar, and in the groin area. Use detangling spray on mats and work them out with a mat splitter or your fingers.

2. Bath (10-15 min) Use a moisturizing or silk-protein shampoo to enhance the coat's natural luster. The Shih Tzu coat tangles easily when wet, so apply shampoo by squeezing through the coat, not rubbing vigorously. Condition thoroughly — Shih Tzu coats benefit from a good conditioner to prevent tangling between grooms.

3. Drying (15-20 min) Towel press (don't rub — rubbing creates mats). Fluff dry with a stand dryer or low-velocity dryer while brushing with a pin brush. Dry the entire coat straight. Small dogs like Shih Tzus can chill easily — keep the dryer warm and the process efficient.

4. Clipping/scissoring (20-25 min) For a puppy cut: use a clip comb (usually 1" or 1.5") over the body, blending into the legs. Scissor the legs to match the body length in a slightly rounded shape. For the face: scissor a round face shape, keeping the hair out of the eyes. Trim a visor if the owner prefers, or blend the topknot into the face for a rounded teddy bear look. Shave or scissor the ears to the owner's preference — some want long ears, some want them trimmed.

5. Finishing (10 min) Clean ears (Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections), trim nails, sanitary trim. Clean the eye area — Shih Tzus have prominent eyes that tear, causing staining. Wipe tear stains with a damp cloth. Apply a topknot bow if the owner requests it. Final brush-through.

• Pin brush — daily brushing, gentle on the silky coat
• Slicker brush — detangling, removing loose undercoat
• Greyhound comb (fine/coarse) — mat check, face styling, final finishing
• Clip combs (1", 1.5") — most popular puppy cut lengths
• Clipper with #10 blade — under clip combs, sanitary areas
• Straight shears (6-7") — smaller shears suit this small breed
• Curved shears (6-7") — rounding the face, topknot, feet
• Thinning shears (40-46 tooth) — blending, removing bulk
• Mat splitter or dematting comb — for working through tangles
• Tear stain remover — for the eye area (common Shih Tzu issue)
• Conditioning spray — prevents static and tangling between grooms

Cutting the face flat — A Shih Tzu face should be round, not flat or square. Use curved shears and shape from multiple angles. The forehead should blend smoothly into the cheeks.

Ignoring the eyes — Shih Tzus have large, prominent eyes that are easily injured during grooming. Be extremely careful with scissors near the face. Always point scissors away from the eyes. Watch for signs of eye irritation or ulcers.

Leaving the ear canals hairy — Shih Tzu ears grow hair internally. While plucking is debated, excessive ear hair can trap moisture and cause infections. Follow the client's vet guidance.

Matting the coat during bathing — Vigorous scrubbing wet Shih Tzu coat creates mats. Apply shampoo and conditioner by squeezing through the coat, and always pre-brush before bathing.

Neglecting the sanitary area — The long Shih Tzu coat easily collects urine and fecal matter around the sanitary area. Keep this area closely trimmed for hygiene, even if the rest of the coat is left long.

Shih Tzus are a companion breed that spends most of their time indoors, so seasonal changes affect them less than outdoor breeds. However:

Summer: Most owners request shorter puppy cuts (3/4" to 1") for comfort. The Shih Tzu flat face means they're heat-sensitive — keep the salon cool. Check for flea irritation since their dense coat hides fleas well.

Winter: Longer styles are more common. Some owners grow the coat out for warmth and aesthetics. Recommend more frequent grooming (every 4 weeks) to prevent matting on longer coats. Dry winter air can worsen tear staining.

Year-round: Shih Tzus are prone to tear staining regardless of season. Offer tear stain removal as a standing add-on service.

• Shih Tzu owners tend to be long-term, loyal clients — treat them well and they'll book every 4-6 weeks for years
• The breed is generally good on the table but can be wiggly during face work — a grooming arm and loop help
• Offer a "face, feet, fanny" trim between full grooms — it's a quick service that keeps the dog tidy
• Shih Tzus over 8 years old often have dental issues that make muzzle work sensitive — be gentle around the mouth
• Upsell tearstain treatment as a recurring add-on — it's quick to apply and visible to the owner
• Senior Shih Tzus may have lens luxation or dry eye — ask about eye conditions at check-in