The Glamorous Shih Tzu Coat, From Top Knot to Tail

When seen floating across the show ring, the long, flowing Shih Tzu coat is dramatic and eye-catching. But maintaining that coat is for owners who are fans of bathing, brushing, and consistent care.

As with the Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and other toy breeds with long, silky coats, a common option for the pet Shih Tzu is to have a skilled groomer give her a short “puppy clip” (a dog of any age can sport this easy-care look). This is an especially good choice if your Shih Tzu’s coat tends to tangle easily or if you’re just not up for the diligence a ring-ready coat requires. There is also a cut that’s flashier but still fairly easy to keep up.

Not all Shih Tzu coats are the same, so it may take a little trial and error to get just the right grooming system down for your dog’s particular coat. Some are thicker, others softer, and many Shih Tzu coats change when the dog is around ten to twelve months old. Mats can form, so keeping on top of it will prevent headaches later.

Shih Tzu 101:

 

The America Shih Tzu Club has a wealth of information about all things Shih Tzu, including grooming tips.

The Shih Tzu was developed centuries ago in the royal palaces of China, and this charming, mischievous little dog has been warming laps ever since. So it’s no wonder many owners are willing to lavish so much attention on the their coat. Or, just lavish attention on their Shih Tzu.

Related:

Meet the Shih Tzu

Skippy the Shih Tzu mix Takes Begging to a Whole New Level

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