Shih Tzu Grooming Is Art, Skill, Trade And A Profession

Shih Tzu grooming can be compared to human beauty culture
because it is the beautification of the Shih Tzu breed. The art
of Shih Tzu grooming is aimed at creating a reasonable facsimile
of a normal specimen of the Shih Tzu breed. The attendance of
Shih Tzu American Kennel Club dog shows is an excellent place to
observe first hand the best specimens of the Shih Tzu breed.

There are basic steps applicable to grooming the Shih Tzu as
well as all breeds of dogs. Anyone interested in becoming a
complete dog grooming artist, should know how to make all breeds
beautiful. A Shih Tzu grooming artist professional should know
how best to enhance the appearance of each breed of dog.
However, if the Shih Tzu is your favorite breed, one can become
known as an “expert” in grooming the Shih Tzu.

A professional Shih Tzu groomer understands that certain breeds,
like Poodles, most Terriers and Spaniels, and the Shih Tzu
require far more time and skill to groom than smooth-haired
breeds, in which only a knowledge of the fundamentals is
required.

History of dog grooming: The dog, including the Shih Tzu, has
been the closest animal to the human family. Grooming dogs was
the fashion of the aristocracy during the 19th Century. The art
flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of
France. The Poodle, however, and not the Shih Tzu, was the
favorite breed. Grooming was largely confined to the Poodle. The
first recorded grooming parlors were established in France about
this same time.

The Shih Tzu has become so much an integral part of the family
that going to the canine beautician is as much a ritual for the
family Shih Tzu as going to the hairdresser is for the lady of
the house. Shih Tzu and dog styling in general has also become
so professional and sophisticated that Shih Tzu owners have
become as selective about their Shih Tzu’s groomer as they are
about their own hair stylist.

Origin of the clips: Since the art of dog grooming flourished
during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France and the
Poodle, instead of our beloved Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed
in France, the Poodle breed became known as the French Poodle.
The first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers. The clip most
suitable to them resembled what is known today as the
“Continental clip.” A mane of hair was left on the foreparts
while the back and hindquarters were shaven. This clip made the
Poodle resemble a lion, and therefore the clip became known in
England as the “Lion clip.”

The American fancy made some variations in the “Lion clip” and
began to call it the “Saddle clip.” The English Saddle clip
calls for the greatest skill in the art of dog grooming.

It is not clear from historical records just when the “pet
clips” originated. Often now we hear of a “Puppy Cut” for our
Shih Tzu, which is a very popular style for a family pet Shih
Tzu. However, for the show ring, there is much, much more to
grooming our beloved Shih Tzu.