The exact origins of this long, silky-haired toy breed are unknown. It is thought that the Shih Tzu originated in Tibet and is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. Often depicted in traditional oriental art, the breed’s name derives from the Chinese word meaning “lion dog”.
Renowned for their flowing coats and regal charm, these dogs were once treasured by imperial Chinese royalty — and today, they remain just as adored. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little companion with a short muzzle, large dark eyes, and an affectionate temperament, making them a favourite among families and those that prefer a less active dog.
However, beneath their glamorous exterior lies a coat that demands a high level of regular care. Without consistent grooming, their long hair can easily become tangled and matted. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to groom your Shih Tzu at home - from brushing and bathing to clipping and trimming. With the right tools patience, and plenty of practice, you can keep your Shih Tzu looking elegant and healthy between salon visits, or even complete a full groom yourself!
Contents
What Coat Type do Shih Tzu's Have?
Shih Tzus are a single breed, but their coat can vary in texture and density between individuals and come in variety of colours. The two main coat types are:
- Silky straight coats – smooth and flowing, similar to human hair.
- Slightly wavy coats – softer, fluffier and more tangle prone.
All Shih Tzus have a double coat that consists of a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat. This combination gives them that full, luxurious look, but also means the hair can easily knot without daily care. Shih Tzu's only shed very lightly with the changing seasons but their coats continue to grow so must be regularly maintained to keep them in the best possible contain. Whether you prefer to keep your dog in a long show-style coat or a shorter, more manageable trim, having a consistent grooming routine is crucial.
The Importance Of Grooming Your Shih Tzu
Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping your Shih Tzu looking neat — it’s vital for their comfort and health. Without frequent brushing, their hair quickly knots forming tight mats, especially around the face, ears, armpits, legs and tail. Matted hair can pull on their skin, causing irritation, sores, and even restricting movement.
Aim to brush your Shih Tzu daily to prevent tangles and remove dirt or debris. Grooming is a great opportunity to health check your dog, checking their skin for redness, dryness, parasites or any early signs of irritation.
Because their hair grows continuously, most Shih Tzus need clipping every 6–8 weeks. Professional grooms can be costly, so learning to maintain or clip your Shih Tzu at home will save you money in the long run — and your groomer will always appreciate a mat-free, well-brushed coat!
How To Groom A Shih Tzu Puppy
Your Shih Tzu puppy wont need clipping until their adult coat comes when they are about 10-12 months old. However early introductions to grooming is essential to set up your puppy for a lifetime of easy, relaxed grooming sessions. Here’s how to get started:
- Start early (around 8–10 weeks): Gently brush your puppy to get them used to the feel of grooming.
- Handle regularly: Touch their ears, paws, and face often so they’re comfortable being handled.
- Keep it positive: Short sessions with treats rewards and praise will help your puppy associate grooming with something positive. Lick mats are ideal to keep your puppy entertained with a treat whilst you groom them. They'll soon come to look forward to their grooming sessions!
- Use gentle tools: Begin with a soft brush and later introduce a slicker brush and comb as the coat thickens. Our Essentials Pet Grooming Set has a range of brushes and combs perfect for beginner groomers.
- Introduce clippers early: Even though clipping won’t be necessary until their adult coat grows in, let them hear and feel the vibration of clippers to build confidence. Our ultra-quiet Showmate Cordless Dog Trimmer is ideal for this stage.
- Safety first: Use bull-nosed safety scissors to trim around the eyes and paws for neatness and hygiene.
You can find more tips in our Puppy Grooming blog here
Essential Grooming Tools For Shih Tzus
Brushing is the foundation of good coat care. To keep your Shih Tzu knot-free and shiny, you’ll need the following:
- Slicker Brush: Perfect for detangling long or dense coats. Our Flat Head Slicker Brush features soft, cushioned pins with coated tips to protect your dog’s skin.
- Combination Comb: After brushing, run a comb through to check for hidden tangles. Our 7" Metal Combination Grooming Comb includes both fine and wide teeth for different coat sections.
- Small Nail Clippers: Shih Tzus’ nails grow quickly and can curl into the pads if not maintained. Our Small Dog Nail Clippers are ideal for safe trimming.
- Gentle Shampoo: Use a natural, chemical-free shampoo such as Wildwash Shampoo depending on your dog’s coat needs.
Brushing Technique: How To Brush a Shih Tzu
To brush your Shih Tzu thoroughly, use the line brushing technique to ensure you reach the hair right at the level of the skin.
Work in sections, starting from the feet and moving up the body.
Use one hand to part the hair and expose the roots.
Brush from the skin outwards, following the direction of hair growth.
Pay attention to high-friction areas — behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, and tail and work all over the dog.
How to Deal with Mats: If you find a small mat, use your fingers or a de-matting comb to tease it apart. Avoid using scissors! Mats often develop close to the skin and it's all to easy to catch their skin using scissors this close. Instead, use a clipper with a close cutting 10 or 30 blade to safely nibble away underneath the mat. If your Shih Tzu’s coat is heavily matted, it’s best to seek help from a professional groomer.
Bathing Your Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus should be bathed every 3–4 weeks depending on their coat length and lifestyle. Regular baths keep the coat soft and help to prevent tangles.
Always brush before and after bathing to remove knots and clip away any mats before they enter the bath. Use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo like Wildwash Super Sensitive or Wildwash Stinky Dog Shampoo and work in into the coat, all over the body before rinsing thoroughly.
After rinsing, squeeze as much water from the coat using your hands then towel dry to remove most of the dampness. You can then use a hairdryer on a low or cool setting while brushing through to prevent tangles forming as it dries and fluffing up the coat ready for clipping.
Top Tip: Always bath your dog before you clip them. Clean hair is not only easier to cut, it helps your clipper blades stay sharper for longer, stops the blades from tugging the hair and gives the best possible result.
Clipping Your Shih Tzu
Whilst show dogs are kept with a beautiful long flowing coat, most pet Shih Tzu's are much easier kept in a clipped, shorter 'pet trim' and need clipping every 6–8 weeks to maintain a manageable length. The ideal style depends on your lifestyle and preference — here are some popular trims for Shih Tzus:
- Puppy Cut: A low-maintenance style where the hair is clipped evenly to about an inch all over.
- Teddy Bear Cut or Pet Trim: Popular drop coat styles for easy maintenance. Usually a clipped body with slightly longer legs and a cute rounded shape to the face.
- Top Knot: For longer hair on the head, the hair can be tied in a top knot with a band or bow to keep it out of the eyes.
The Best Clippers for Shih Tzus
Our professional mains powered and cordless Shih Tzu Dog Clipper Sets come with 3 clipper blades perfectly suited for grooming this breed. Each set comes with:
- No. 10 blade for close clipping: Ideal for the face, feet and sanitary areas. This blades can also be used with combs guides that clip over the top of the blade to provide longer cuts up to 32mm.
- 4F blade for body clipping: leaving a clip length of 9mm. Ideal for pet trims and giving a smooth, even finish.
- 4 Skip tooth blade for body clipping: A great blade for blending or first cuts of clipping very dense, thick coats. This blades leaves a soft, natural finish.
Shih Tzu Clipping Tips:
- Always start with a clean, dry, brushed-out coat.
- Clip in the direction of hair growth for a smooth, natural finish.
- Stretch the skin slightly while clipping to avoid uneven patches.
- Apply clipper oil every few minutes to the clipper blades reducing friction and heat.
Watch this brilliant tutorial with professional groomer Lauren Emily Dog below. We have more grooming guides on our YouTube channel @MasterclipUK
Grooming Scissors Best For Shih Tzus
Once the main clip is done, use grooming scissors for tidying and shaping. A good set should include straight, curved, bull-nose safety scissors, and thinning shears.
Areas to Trim:
- Face & Eyes: Use bull-nose scissors for safety when trimming around the delicate eyes and muzzle. Thinning shears help blend harsh lines for a soft, rounded look.
- Ears: Ears can be either be trimmed short in a teddy bear style or left longer and shaped at the ends. Shih Tzus’ ears can get heavy with hair. Brush them down and trim around the edge of the ear leather to allow good airflow. Don't forget to clean the insides of the ear with cotton wool and a veterinary recommend ear wash too.
- Tail: Comb the hair of the tail holding it out straight and tidy the tail with curved scissors, in a slight 'u; shaped curve to keep it in a neat full plume.
- Paws: Trim excess hair under the pads level to provide better grip. Then place the foot down and trim around the shape of the foot with curved scissors for a neat, rounded appearance.
Our Onyx, Topaz and Essentials Scissor Sets both include all the tools needed for finishing work and are perfect for at-home groomers.
Seasonal Grooming Tips
Spring/Summer: Keep the coat shorter for comfort, but avoid clipping too close (never shorter than a No. 7 blade) to protect the skin from the sun.
Autumn/Winter: You may wish to grow the coat a little longer to provide warmth. Even with a longer coat, regular brushing is essential to prevent mats from damp walks. If you keep your Shih Tzu short in winter, consider using a dog coat during colder weather.
Tips for a Happy, Well-Groomed Shih Tzu
Start grooming early and keep sessions short and positive.
Brush daily to prevent tangles and matting.
Clip every 6–8 weeks using a professional-grade A5 clipper.
Use gentle, natural shampoos suited to your dog’s skin.
Seek advice from your groomer — most are happy to share tips for home maintenance.
With patience, the right tools, and a regular routine, you can keep your Shih Tzu looking and feeling their absolute best. Grooming isn’t just about appearance — it’s a wonderful way to bond and care for your furry little companion.
Need personalised advice? Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to help!
