The Shih Tzu Grooming Guide: Coat Care & What to Expect

The Shih Tzu is a proud, friendly little character with a big personality and, famously, a long flowing coat that can trail to the floor. Bred as a companion in the palaces of China, this is a dog that loves being with people, and that gorgeous coat is a huge part of the breed's charm. It is also, I will be honest, one of the higher-maintenance coats I groom.

Whether you dream of a long, silky show coat or you would rather keep things practical with a short trim, the routine starts the same way: consistent brushing and regular professional grooming. Here is exactly what your Shih Tzu's coat needs, from a groomer here in York.

Understanding the Shih Tzu coat

Shih Tzus have a long, dense, double-layered coat: a softer undercoat beneath a longer topcoat. The Royal Kennel Club's Shih Tzu profile lists them as long-coated and low-shedding, which sounds ideal until you realise that low shedding means the loose hair stays in the coat and mats rather than dropping out.

That dense, growing coat tangles readily, especially in a full length. It helps to understand where this sits among the different dog coat types. So the more coat you keep, the more brushing it demands. This is the single most important thing to understand about the breed.

How often does a Shih Tzu need grooming?

For a Shih Tzu in a trimmed style, I recommend a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Full-coated dogs kept long need even more frequent bathing and upkeep to stay in good condition.

At home, a full coat needs daily brushing without fail. A shorter clip is far more forgiving, but you should still brush a few times a week.

Groomer's tip: Brush all the way down to the skin, in sections. On a Shih Tzu, a mat can be tight against the skin while the surface still looks lovely and long. A comb that glides cleanly from root to tip is proof the coat is genuinely tangle-free.

Topknot, puppy cut or teddy cut?

You have a lovely choice of styles with a Shih Tzu:

• Full coat with a topknot: the traditional long look, with the hair above the eyes tied up into a topknot to keep it out of the face. Beautiful, but genuinely demanding and best for owners who enjoy daily grooming.
• Puppy cut: a short, even length all over. Easy, practical and by far the most popular choice with my clients.
• Teddy bear cut: a soft, rounded, medium-short style with a cute full face. A gorgeous middle ground.

Be realistic about the brushing you can manage. There is absolutely no shame in a short trim, in fact for most family Shih Tzus it is the kindest, most comfortable option.

Eye and face care

The Shih Tzu's large, round eyes and flat face need particular attention. Hair growing above and around the eyes can rub and irritate, so it must be tied up or trimmed. Tear staining, those reddish-brown marks below the eyes, is common because tears sit in the pale facial hair.

To care for the face:

• Wipe the eye area gently each day with cotton wool and clean water, or a vet-approved eye wipe.
• Clean the facial folds and keep them dry, as trapped moisture can cause soreness.
• Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed, which your groomer will do at each visit.

If an eye ever looks red, cloudy, sore or is producing lots of discharge, see your vet promptly, as this breed can be prone to eye problems.

Ears, nails and the brachycephalic note

Shih Tzus grow hair in their ear canals and can be prone to ear infections, so ears need regular checking and gentle cleaning, which we manage at every groom, along with keeping nails short.

One important health note: the Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed. This means they can struggle in heat and with breathing, so grooming is always kept calm and unhurried, we never rush them, and we keep them cool and comfortable throughout. If your dog shows any breathing difficulty, always speak to your vet.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed? A professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks, with daily brushing for a full coat or a few times a week for a shorter clip. Full-length coats need the most upkeep.

What is the best haircut for a Shih Tzu? For most family dogs, a puppy cut or teddy bear cut. Both keep the breed's cute look while being far easier to maintain than a full coat with a topknot.

Why does my Shih Tzu get tear stains? Their large eyes and flat face mean tears pool in the pale facial hair, leaving reddish marks. Daily gentle cleaning and keeping the eye area trimmed help. Persistent staining or a sore eye is worth a vet check.

Do Shih Tzus shed a lot? No, they are low-shedding, but that means loose hair stays in the coat and mats instead of falling out. Regular brushing and grooming are essential rather than optional.

Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. From a neat puppy cut to careful face and eye care, we will keep your Shih Tzu comfortable and looking wonderful. Book your Shih Tzu's appointment.