Get Your Shih Tzu A Shih Tzu Puppy Cut

by Rebecca Simpson

A dog doesn’t have to be a Shih Tzu in order to get a Shih Tzu puppy cut. This is a popular choice for many longhaired breeds including the Havanese, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Lhasa Apso and even the Old English Sheepdog. The ideal Shih Tzu puppy cut (or puppy cut for any breed) is to mimic what a seven or eight week old puppy of that breed looks like. The cut is very close to the body and is done with scissors or electric clippers.

The Shih Tzu puppy cut is the usual style that pet Shih Tzus are kept in. They usually get their first trim at three or four months of age, and then about every four to six weeks for the rest of their lives. You can choose to take your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer, or you can try to give it a go yourself after seeing how it is done a few times. You also need to be sure your dog will sit still for you.

Your Shih Tzu grooming supplies should be for daily maintenance and for giving a Shih Tzu puppy clip. They all can be found wherever pet supplies are sold. Shih Tzus really don’t need anything breed-specific in the way of Shih Tzu grooming supplies. For the puppy clip, you need electric clippers with a number four length blade and sturdy scissors you are comfortable with maneuvering around small areas.

Your Shih Tzu will have to return to the groomer every four to six weeks to keep the fast growing coat under control. Shih Tzu coats also seem to be a magnet for every particle of dirt around. Fortunately, Shih Tzus would rather perch in your lap than romp over hill and dale. They get miserable when their coats are matted, which can easily happen unless you take some time to brush your Shih Tzu every day.

Watch videos or professionals clipping dogs into a Shih Tzu puppy cut. Put up pictures of the finished Shih Tzu puppy cut to help serve as reminders when the time comes for you to clip your dog. Your dog will need clipping about every six weeks, at least. Their coats grow thick and fast.

Leave the face for scissors and get someone to hold the dog if necessary. Smile and act as casual as possible to keep the dog calm. Scissors are used for the coat, but not for the nails. You need a guillotine-style nail clipper to make an efficient, safe cut on the nail.

Shih Tzu grooming should be a time your dog looks forward to, or else your life will quickly become miserable. Use positive reinforcement and lots of verbal praise and treats during any Shih Tzu grooming session. Shih Tzus love to be the center of attention and quickly learn to stay put for it.

Lots of people like to leave a pageboy or pudding bowl cap on the dog’s head for a cute effect that balances the look of the trim Shih Tzu puppy cut well. Afterwards, give your dog a special treat and a break afterwords. Remember, this gets easier the more times you do it!

About the Author: About the author: Rebecca Simpson is an avid lover of the Shih Tzu and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies plus a whole lot more.