Shih Tzu grooming: coat, cuts and how often
A Shih Tzu needs a professional groom ideally every 15 days, with daily brushing at home in between. The long coat tangles first behind the ears, under the legs and along the collar. In Mumbai's heat and humidity, many owners choose a shorter trim, which is easier to keep.
- Coat
- Long and silky, with a soft undercoat
- Tangles first
- Behind the ears, armpits, collar line
- Professional groom
- Ideally every 15 days
Why a Shih Tzu coat tangles
The coat keeps growing and sheds very little, so loose hair stays in and knots with the rest. A collar or harness rubbing on it makes it worse. So does the damp of the monsoon.
What to do between grooms
Five minutes a day keeps most tangles out.
- Brush in layers down to the skin, lifting the coat as you go
- Check behind the ears, the armpits and under the collar every day
- Keep hair out of the eyes, or ask us for a face trim
- If the brush catches on a tight mat, stop and bring your dog to us
What a Shih Tzu groom involves
We work at your dog's pace, with breaks. You can watch the whole groom on the screen in our waiting area.
- Tangles and mats taken out before the bath
- A bath, then drying down to the skin
- A full-length style or a shorter trim, as you choose
- Face, eyes, paws and hygiene areas tidied
- Nails and ears
Care for a flat face
Shih Tzus are flat-faced, and hair near the eyes can make them water. We keep the face trimmed and watch the breathing under the dryer. We take extra care with tethering and handling, and give breaks whenever needed. Red or constantly watery eyes need a vet.
Asked about the Shih Tzu.
How often should I get my Shih Tzu groomed?
Ideally every 15 days at a salon. Daily brushing at home in between stops the coat from matting.
Should I keep my Shih Tzu's coat long or short?
Either is fine for the dog, as long as it is kept up. A shorter trim is easier to look after in Mumbai's humidity.
Why are my Shih Tzu's eyes always watery?
Hair near the eyes and a short face both make the eyes water. Keeping the face trimmed helps. See a vet if the eyes look red or sore.
Send us a photo of your Shih Tzu's coat
Tell us when your dog was last groomed. We will reply on WhatsApp with what we would do.