Shih Tzu Grooming: Complete Guide

Well-groomed Shih Tzu with beautiful flowing coat

The Shih Tzu’s stunning coat is both their crowning glory and their greatest grooming challenge. That silky, flowing hair can look absolutely magnificent—or become a matted nightmare. The difference comes down to consistent care.

This guide covers everything you need to know about grooming your Shih Tzu, whether you’re maintaining a long show coat or keeping things practical with a shorter style.

Understanding the Shih Tzu Coat

The Shih Tzu has a unique double coat that sets them apart from many other breeds:

Coat Characteristics

Double-coated — Soft, dense undercoat with longer, silky topcoat
Hair, not fur — Grows continuously like human hair
Low-shedding — But requires more grooming, not less
Fine and silky — Prone to tangling and matting
Fast-growing — Needs regular trimming to maintain style

Coat Changes

Puppy coat transition (8-12 months): Puppies have a softer, fluffier coat that transitions to the adult coat. This period is notorious for matting as the two coat types mix. Brush daily during this transition.

Brushing: The Foundation of Shih Tzu Care

Consistent brushing is non-negotiable for Shih Tzus. Skip it, and you’ll be dealing with mats.

Brushing Frequency

Coat Length	Minimum Frequency
Long (show coat)	Daily
Medium (several inches)	Every 1-2 days
Short (puppy cut)	2-3 times weekly

Essential Tools

Pin brush — Primary tool for daily brushing
Slicker brush — For tangles and mat prevention
Metal comb — For checking thoroughness and face/ears
Detangling spray — Makes brushing easier, reduces breakage
Mat splitter — For working through small mats

Brushing Technique

Mist with detangling spray — Never brush a completely dry coat
Work in sections — Part the coat and brush from skin outward
Use “line brushing” — Create horizontal parts, brush each layer before moving up
Focus on trouble spots:
- Behind and under ears
- Armpits
- Chest and belly
- Around collar area
- Rear legs (“pants”)
- Under the chin
Finish with a comb — Should glide through without catching

Bathing Your Shih Tzu

Frequency

Every 2-4 weeks, depending on coat length and lifestyle. Longer coats may need more frequent bathing to stay clean and manageable.

Before the Bath

Always brush thoroughly before bathing. Water tightens mats and makes them nearly impossible to remove. If you can’t brush through a mat, it needs to be cut out before bathing.

Bathing Process

Use lukewarm water
Wet coat thoroughly — The dense undercoat is water-resistant
Apply shampoo — Dilute first for easier distribution; use a quality dog shampoo
Massage in direction of hair growth — Rubbing in circles causes tangles
Rinse completely — Then rinse again; residue causes skin irritation
Apply conditioner — Essential for Shih Tzu coats; leave on 2-3 minutes
Final rinse — Until water runs completely clear

Drying

Proper drying is critical. A damp Shih Tzu coat mats quickly.

Gently squeeze (don’t rub) excess water with towel
Blow dry on low to medium heat
Brush while drying to prevent mats and achieve smoothness
Ensure completely dry, especially the undercoat

See our complete bathing guide for more technique tips.

Popular Shih Tzu Haircuts

Puppy Cut

The most popular choice for pet owners.

Even length all over (typically 1-2 inches)
Easy to maintain
Requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
Good for active dogs and warm climates

Teddy Bear Cut

Similar to puppy cut but with rounder face trimming
Creates an adorable, plush appearance
Face trimmed in a circular shape around the head
Body kept short (1-2 inches)

Top Knot with Shorter Body

Body clipped short for easy maintenance
Head hair left long enough for a top knot
Ears can be left long or trimmed
Good compromise between practical and traditional look

Show Coat (Long/Full Coat)

Hair left to grow to floor length
Requires daily brushing—no exceptions
Hair wrapped in papers between shows to prevent damage
Not practical for most pet owners
Prone to matting without meticulous care

Lion Cut

Body clipped very short
Full “mane” left around head and neck
Sometimes with pom-poms on tail and legs
Dramatic look; easy body maintenance

Face and Eye Care

The Shih Tzu’s flat face requires special attention:

Eye Area

Wipe daily — Use a damp cloth or eye wipes to remove discharge
Prevent tear staining — Keep area dry; consider tearstain products if staining is significant
Keep hair out of eyes — Use a top knot, clips, or trim the hair
Watch for eye irritation — Hair poking eyes is common; trim carefully

Facial Folds

Clean between wrinkles/folds regularly
Keep dry to prevent yeast and bacterial growth
Check for redness or odour (signs of infection)

Beard

Gets dirty during eating and drinking
Wipe after meals
Some owners trim short; others keep long
Can develop yellow/red staining from food and saliva

Ear Care

Shih Tzus have heavy, pendant ears that don’t allow much airflow:

Check weekly — Look for redness, odour, or discharge
Clean as needed — Use a vet-approved ear cleaner
Hair removal — Hair grows inside the ear canal; your groomer can pluck it to improve airflow
Dry after baths — Moisture trapped in ears leads to infections

See our ear cleaning guide for technique.

Dealing with Mats

Despite best efforts, mats happen. Here’s how to handle them:

Small Mats

Apply detangling spray liberally
Hold mat at the base (protect the skin)
Use fingers to gently pull apart the outer edges
Work through with a mat splitter or slicker brush
Comb through when loosened

Large or Tight Mats

If you can’t easily work through a mat, it’s kinder to cut it out. Attempting to brush out severe mats hurts your dog and damages the coat.

For extensive matting, see a professional groomer. Sometimes a “fresh start” with a short clip is the kindest option.

Prevention

Brush consistently—this is the only real prevention
Keep coat at a length you can maintain
Pay extra attention after swimming, baths, or rain
Check friction areas daily (armpits, behind ears, collar area)

For detailed mat removal, see how to remove mats without cutting.

Professional Grooming Schedule

Coat Style	Grooming Frequency
Long/show coat	Every 2-4 weeks (or more)
Medium length	Every 4-6 weeks
Puppy/teddy bear cut	Every 4-6 weeks

What to Expect at the Groomer

Bath with high-quality shampoo and conditioner
Blow dry and brush out
Full body haircut or trim
Face and sanitary trimming
Nail trim
Ear cleaning and hair removal
Finishing touches (bows, bandanas if requested)

Communicating with Your Groomer

Bring reference photos if you want a specific style. Terms like “puppy cut” can mean different things to different groomers. Clear communication prevents surprises.

Health Considerations

Brachycephalic Care

Shih Tzus have flat faces (brachycephalic), which affects grooming:

Prone to overheating—avoid hot dryers and humid conditions
May have breathing difficulties during grooming—take breaks
Facial folds need regular cleaning
Eyes are prominent and vulnerable—be careful with scissors near face

Skin Sensitivities

Shih Tzus can be prone to skin issues:

Use gentle, hypoallergenic products if sensitive
Watch for hot spots, especially in humid weather
Check for signs of allergies (itching, redness)

Dental Considerations

Small breeds often have crowded teeth. Keep the muzzle area clean and watch for signs of dental issues (bad breath, difficulty eating).

See our dental care guide for more.

Home Maintenance Between Grooms

Daily

Wipe eye area
Quick brush through (5-10 minutes for short coats, longer for long coats)
Check for mats in trouble spots

Weekly

Thorough brush session
Ear check
Face fold cleaning
Nail check

As Needed

Bathe when dirty or every 2-4 weeks
Trim around eyes if hair is bothering them
Clean beard after messy meals

Common Grooming Mistakes

Brushing only the topcoat
The undercoat is where mats form. Always brush down to the skin, working in sections.

Bathing before brushing
Water tightens mats into felt-like clumps. Always brush first.

Letting the coat air dry
Air-dried Shih Tzu coats mat and don’t look their best. Blow dry while brushing.

Choosing a coat length you can’t maintain
Be honest about your brushing commitment. A well-maintained short coat looks better than a matted long coat.

Skipping professional grooming
Unless you’re skilled with scissors and clippers, regular professional grooming is necessary for this breed.

The Bottom Line

Shih Tzus are high-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming—there’s no getting around it. But with consistent brushing, regular professional grooming, and appropriate coat length for your lifestyle, that gorgeous coat is achievable.

The key is choosing a style you can realistically maintain. A healthy, mat-free puppy cut always looks better than a neglected long coat. Work with your groomer to find the right balance for you and your Shih Tzu.

For more grooming guidance, see our guides on brushing frequency, mat removal, and choosing the right brush.

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