Hard
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient toy breed developed in the Chinese imperial court as a companion lapdog, and their regal, flowing double coat reflects that heritage. The coat is dense, luxurious, and long when kept in full show length, but the most practical choice for most pet owners is a shorter puppy cut maintained every 4–6 weeks. The Shih Tzu's flat face (brachycephalic) means facial hair requires particular attention to prevent eye irritation, and their dense undercoat makes them one of the highest-maintenance small breeds.
Coat Type
Long, Dense, Soft Double Coat
Groom Every
Every 4-6 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Puppy Cut
The coat is clipped or scissored to an even 1–2 inch length over the entire body, with rounded shaping on the face and a soft, fluffy finish. This is by far the most popular style for pet Shih Tzus — practical, adorable, and manageable.
2
Show Coat / Imperial Style
The full-length double coat is maintained and parted down the center of the back. The head coat is gathered into a topknot. This style requires daily brushing, professional grooming every 3–4 weeks, and a significant time commitment from the owner.
3
Teddy Bear Cut
A rounded, plush look achieved by scissoring the coat to 2–3 inches and rounding the face into a circular shape. The eyes are framed by slightly longer hair than a puppy cut for a soft, toy-like appearance. Very popular for Shih Tzus.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Brush a Shih Tzu daily — the dense double coat mats in the armpits, behind the ears, and around the collar zone almost immediately, and even a puppy-cut Shih Tzu needs brushing several times per week.
- Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short or tied back — their flat face means hair naturally falls across the eyes, causing constant irritation and the tear staining that's characteristic of this breed.
- Check and clean the facial fold above the nose leather weekly — Shih Tzus have a skin fold between the muzzle and the nose that collects moisture and debris, which can cause odor and skin infections if left uncleaned.
- Use a conditioning spray before every brushing session to reduce breakage in the fine, silky outer coat — dry brushing destroys coat texture over time.
- Schedule professional grooming every 4 weeks maximum — a Shih Tzu on an 8-week schedule will typically arrive at the groomer in a matted condition that requires a shave-down, which is stressful for the dog and expensive for the owner.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
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Deep Dives
Shih Tzu Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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