Cue up the prettiness !
If you ’re ashih tzuparent , you already love your little chunk of fur . They are probably full of energy , show scores of personality , and have a knack for cuddling . In fact , they ’re probably the tycoon or queen of the rook — and that ’s not just because of their attitude . This breed was originallybred for noble families in China , according toMarty Goldstein , DVM . Their long , voluptuary , and silky - smooth coat may even remind you of the robes of royalty .
While beautiful , all of that fur can be difficult to supervise for both you and your pup . Plus , as Goldstein explain , shih tzus have a double coat — a soft , insulating bed of fur beneath the outer level — and they ’re prone to eye and ear health problems . " dense , longsighted pelt can enshroud modest issues and discomfort in these areas , " he says . " If your dog ’s fur is very long , you may not notice the event until they become bigger problems . "
siamionau pavel / Shutterstock
Regulargroomingis the easiest — and most impactful — root to foreclose likely hidden wellness issues . Here , we explore how often this exceptional stock should be groomed , along with our top shih tzu haircut styles to essay .
The Top Knot Cut
In every pet parent ’s heart , their hot dog is the fairest of them all . And even if your pup does n’t contend on the national level , you may give them the " show dog " take care with a top knot style . As Goldstein draw , the pelt is long and falls equally all the way to the level for this look . Then , the whisker around your pup ’s face is draw up into a small ponytail at the top of the drumhead , between their ears . Yep : They can match you with a messy roll !
If it sounds cunning , that ’s because it is . However , this shih tzu haircut does require some maintenance . " Your whelp ’s long fur will quickly foot up debris , dirt , water , and other debris from around the house and out of doors , " Goldstein explicate . So , you will demand to off the top knot every eventide to disentangle the area so it does n’t become painful .
While you ’re doing this , do a quick check of theireyesandearsto ensure no health issues are present . Once your dog wakes up in the morning time , you could pull the topknot back up .
The Teddy Bear Cut
Unlike Elvis , you do n’t have to necessitate your puppy to be your teddy bear : They already are ! And they can depend like one with this medium - duration haircut . As you could guess from the name , the vogue mimic a precious , cuddly teddy bear with a wanton trim on the face that ’s then teased out . Then , the pelt on their dead body is kept to an even 2 inches , Goldstein says .
Though this haircut is unquestionably less to get by , it can still be a challenge since the two-fold - coat grows back rapidly . Plus , the pelt around the face can easy tangle or get felt . " The long strands of fur around your whelp ’s eye can really block their imagination , which can be frustrative for your hotdog and cause them to be fractious or overly nervous , " Goldstein explains . " Who can blame them ? You ’d probably be testy too if your hair’s-breadth was always in your eyes . "
The resolution is to increase the frequency of train visits to keep your shih tzu comfortable ( and lovely ) .
The Lion Cut
When they’replaying a biz of fetch , they can be as fast and fierce as a social lion ! Now , they can even look like one with this medium - distance cut . Goldstein say that for this shih tzu haircut the fur around the dog ’s aspect and neck opening is keep long and trim down to look like a social lion ’s head of hair . Then , the hair on their dead body is shorter , around an inch or two . This cut , along with the teddy bear , is idealistic for summer or if you live in a live climate . you’re able to expect your puppy — err , lion — to want a trimness every four to six weeks .
The Puppy Cut
If you ask Goldstein , this is the most working and easy shih tzu haircut , regardless of age . The puppy cut , also sometimes known as the summer cut , have pelt that is cut very little ( around 1 inch ) from the tip of your puppy ’s arse all the path up to the tip of their nozzle .
" This cut reveals the shih tzu ’s athletic petty frame , bright , intelligent eyes , and that spunky personality we all get it on so much , " he explains . " Although they ’re humble , shih tzus are active , play - loving , speculative pup who do a fair amount of jump , playing , rolling , and romping . "
So , this haircut style allows them freedom of motility . And while sure , it ’s ideal for summer when it’shot outside , Goldstein articulate it ’s also o.k. for colder days , too . " Shih tzus have the double - thickheaded coat ; even an inch or so of fur can still aid protect them fromcold weatherin the winter , " he adds .
How Often Should a Shih Tzu Be Groomed?
Goldstein aver the best matter you could do for your dog ’s health and happiness is to keep their dressing as childlike and useable as possible . For the shih tzu , that means keep their fur myopic and sizeable , from their nose to the top of their tail . " Even with a short slash , your shih tzu ’s twofold - coat can easily modernise mats and tangles , which can pull your dog ’s skin and make them uncomfortable , " he proceed . " So , at a minimum , your dog will need at least 10 minutes ofbrushingevery daylight . "
The oftenness of grooming visit diverge depending on the size of your shih tzu and their unequaled coating . However , a skilful pattern of thumb is once a calendar month or every six week . You should plan on choke more frequently in the summertime and opting for a shorter dash — like the pup cut!—to keep your little one fromoverheating . you may go for longer grooming in the winter , like the top knot , since they likely wo n’t pass as much time under the hot sun .
Also , Goldstein suggests youask your groomer for tipson improving your shih tzu ’s daily grooming routine to keep your pup happy … and looking adorable !
How to Groom a Shih Tzu’s Face
count on the disposition of your shih tzu , they may allow you to trim the haircloth around their face at home between grooming seance . However , it is all important to assure that both you and your pet are serene and comfortable with this process , Heather Hoffman , a veterinarian atChewy , enounce . If not , it ’s much safer to have your shih tzu professionally dress .
Before you start the unconscious process , Hoffman recommends introducing your pup to scissor hold by let him smell and touch them . " you could also open and exit the brace of scissors to allow acclimation to the sound of clipping , " she add together .
Here ’s how to trim your shih tzu pup ’s brass :
" If your pelt baby set about to showsigns of stress , like back talk lick , pulling away , panting , or excessive oscitance , give them a break before continuing , " she suggests .
aboveboard , though , it ’s probably best to take your shih tzu to the groomer instead of adjudicate to bring down their face at home . " Their short gun muzzle , sound out brow , and large ' puppy cad ' optic are all situated very close together on the face , which makes it difficult to trim the pelt around these sensitive areas safely , " Goldstein warns . " That ’s why , in my opinion , it ’s best to leave the haircuts to the professionals . "
