All About Blow-Drying Your Shih Tzu’s Hair

The Shih Tzu is one of the rare breeds that actually have hair
like humans instead of fur. A Shih Tzu’s hair is its crowning
glory.

Blow-Drying:

The reason for blow-drying your Shih Tzu’s hair after a bath is
to get the coat as fluffy as possible. You want a lush,
powder-puff look. To blow-dry a Shih Tzu’s hair:

1. Place the damp dog on the table. 2. Work from rear to front.
3. Hold the dryer in one spot. As the hairs blow apart, brush
the Shih Tzu’s coat out once again. 4. Brush until the area is
completely dry. 5. Move on the next spot.

To get a good blow-dry of your Shih Tzu’s hair be especially
systematic. Otherwise, some areas will look kinky and curly. If
the Shih Tzu’s hair dries too quickly, dampen the kinky areas
and blow them dry.

If your Shih Tzu’s coat is heavy and thick, you will need a
stronger dryer with a more powerful air flow to achieve the
desired look. Do not brush your Shih Tzu’s hair heavily while
blow-drying. Light, quick strokes are best.

If you have your Shih Tzu’s hair cut short, you can use a
regular cage and towel dry.

Types of Dryers:

There are at least four types of dryers you can use at home for
your Shih Tzu the same as a professional would use. These are:

1. A cage dryer. 2. A floor dryer. 3. A wall dryer. 4. A Pet
dryer.

Cage Dryer: After your bath your Shih Tzu, towel-dry and place
your Shih Tzu in a cage. A professional cage dryer will hook
onto the cage. Set the dryer to either warm or hot. Your Shih
Tzu should dry in a short period of time.

Floor Dryer: A floor dryer is used for blow-drying. A floor
dryer will usually have a stronger blow than a cage dryer. Floor
dryers are usually mounted on a movable stand. You can move the
dryer in a variety of positions.

Wall Dryer: A wall-mounted unit is also available. The
maneuvering for blow-drying is done with a hose. There are
several advantages to this type of dryer. They are:

1. Does not take up space on the floor. 2. The hose is easy to
maneuver. 3. Since the blow is stronger through the hose, the
dryer requires less electricity.

Pet Dryer: Just about any human hair dryer can be used as a pet
dryer. Some companies manufacture special made pet dryers. They
work fine, but will not give you the same look as a professional
dryer.