Shih Tzu grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Shih Tzu: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
A full coat needs daily brushing right down to the skin, using a pin brush and then a fine metal comb. Work in sections with the dog lying on its side, and mist the hair lightly first, because brushing a dry coat causes breakage. Behind the ears, the armpits and under the collar are the classic trouble spots. Most pet owners choose a 'puppy cut' of 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 in) every six to eight weeks, which cuts daily brushing to a few minutes.
Bathe every three to four weeks with a dog shampoo and conditioner, then blow dry fully, since air-dried coats tangle. Keep the hair above the eyes in a topknot or trimmed short so it never pokes the eyeballs. Wipe tear stains daily with a damp cloth, trim nails every three weeks, and have a groomer or vet show you how to keep hair around the ear canal tidy. Brush teeth daily if you can, because small, crowded mouths build tartar fast.
Shih Tzu grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily |
| Bathing | Every 3 to 6 weeks |
| Shedding | Light |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
A long, dense, flowing double coat that may be slightly wavy but never curly, growing continuously rather than shedding in big seasonal bursts.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling