Shih Tzu Grooming
Shih Tzu Haircuts - Puppy Cut, Teddy Bear Cut, Show Cut
On this page we will discuss Shih Tzu grooming and the different Shih Tzu haircuts and grooming styles such as the Shih Tzu puppy cut, Shih Tzu teddy bear cut and the show cut. For many new Shih Tzu owners, the topic of grooming is a scary thought. "Wow, what do I do with all this hair?!!" is a common question that we hear over and over again. So what we're going to do is break down the most popular Shih Tzu haircuts and then we will hand it over to you all. Take this opportunity to share and discuss your Shih Tzu grooming tips and secrets with all those Shih Tzu owners that are seeking advice. This is a great chance to help or be helped. If you would like to watch some informative videos on Shih Tzu grooming, please visit our
How To Groom A Shih Tzu Video Page.
This is where you can watch and learn about many aspects of proper grooming such as Shih Tzu bathing, brushing, cutting and clipping.
Please keep in mind that the following grooming cuts are in general terms. There is not a set "standard" except for possibly the show cut and even that can be debated. Every groomer has different opinions and terminology based on their individual cutting styles and experience. If you do take your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer for services, please take the time beforehand to discuss with them exactly what it is that you are looking for.
Shih Tzu Puppy Cut
The Shih Tzu puppy cut is probably the most popular Shih Tzu haircut. Also known as the "summer cut", this grooming style is for those owners that don't have the time or patience to keep up with the longer hair. This method generally involves cutting or clipping the Shih Tzus hair down to a length of 1 - 2 inches all over. If you are going to perform a Shih Tzu puppy cut yourself, Do Not clip all the way down to the skin as this can cause significant irritation to your dog. A Shih Tzu summer cut does not mean that you will be totally maintenance free in regards to your Shih Tzus grooming but it will significantly reduce it. As with all haircuts for Shih Tzu, daily brushing is highly recommended to reduce tangling and matting. Of course, with a short puppy cut, tangles and mats won't be much of a problem until the hair starts to grow out a little more. Another benefit of the Shih Tzu summer cut is that it will save you money if you normally visit a professional groomer. So whereas a traditional or "show cut" hairstyle might require a trip to the groomers every few weeks, a puppy cut might only be required every few months. By the way, top knots are definitely out of the question on this Shih Tzu grooming style. Are there any negatives to a Shih Tzu puppy cut? Basically, this is all in the eye of the beholder. Shih Tzu traditionalist whom adhere strictly to the longer show cut will say that this particular grooming style is ugly. Besides this minority opinion, the Shih Tzu summer cut gets the thumbs up from thousands of Shih Tzu owners worldwide. What do you think? Tell us below and share your thoughts with everyone.
Shih Tzu Teddy Bear Cut
Another of the more popular haircuts for Shih Tzu is the teddy bear cut. This type of grooming style can be utilized on most hair lengths. It is very commonly used in conjunction with the summer cut or puppy cut. The Shih Tzu teddy bear cut involves trimming the hair on the head and face to a normal or longer length while the body is generally cut shorter. This particular Shih Tzu grooming style provides a cute, fluffy and rounded appearance thus giving the Shih Tzu a teddy bear/stuffed animal resemblance. If you are into top knots, the length of hair from a Shih Tzu teddy bear cut will be plenty long enough to tie a top knot.
Shih Tzu Show Cut
The "show cut" or the traditional/classic cut is the last of the major Shih Tzu haircuts that we will discuss. This grooming style features a long flowing, luxurious coat that is finished off by the signature top knot or braid which is tied at the top of the head. The Shih Tzu show cut is very high maintenance. Extensive daily brushing and detangling are a must if this style is desired and to be maintained properly. As mentioned previously, if you don't have the time and/or patience for this type of commitment, please consider an alternative Shih Tzu grooming style such as the puppy cut or the teddy bear cut.Now, it's your turn to be heard. Which of the Shih Tzu haircuts or Shih Tzu grooming styles do you prefer? Submit your opinions below.
Favorite Haircut Syle For Your Shih Tzu?
Which Shih Tzu haircut style do you prefer? Do you groom, cut, trim, clip your own Shih Tzu or do you seek out a professional groomer? Share your stories, tips and recommendations with others. Add a photo to supplement your story if you wish.
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
No more groomers for this shih tzu owner
    
I started grooming my Shih Tzu myself. I am not the best at it, but I am assured she is safe and not stressed out. I keep her cut close, clean and short....
Bubble Gum gets all the attention!
    
I home groom my shih tsu in the summer cut all yr. Her name is Bubble Gum. She is gray and white with a hint of liver. Between her name and ...
Questions on the Teddy Bear/Puppy Cut
    
I have four that I want to have either the puppy cut or probably more---the Teddy Bear cut. I have seen Shih Tzus groomed from a groomer and they looked ...
Bailey*** UPDATED GROOMING PHOTOS
    
Here is some more recent pics of Bailey, my liver furbaby. I have included pics before he got his recent,first haircut and after. He just turned a year ...
How to get the Teddy Bear Look?
    
Hi, I am Margie and have two Shih Tzus and I keep them in more or less the Teddy Bear look. However, I went to a shower the other day and this lady had ...
Finally Found!
    
I have searched endlessly for the perfect haircut for my Shih Tzu and finally found it. My baby has very long hair that is just very fine and tends to ...
We groom our own Shih Tzus
    
We have two Shih Tzus, 2 Poms and 2 Havanese. I try to groom mine the best I can as we can't afford to take this many dogs to the groomer. I love the ...
shih tzu show cut
    
I just got my first shih tzu, Maya, who had been neglected for some years. Her hair was shaved to her skin and her next owner never put a brush to her ...
Part puppy and part teddy bear cut
 
I had this cut done for years in Atlanta and am having a hard time explaining to groomers in Florida. The ears and tail are long, face rounded and cut ...
Shih Tzu Grooming Questions - Need Advice
Not rated yet
My female puppy, Amelyah Magi is 5 months old. She has had professional grooming since she was 2 months old; however, I can no longer afford it. I have ...
Hair styles for my Shih Tzus
Not rated yet
I like the puppy cut and teddy bear cuts the best. My dogs are pets and it's easier to keep.
How To Groom A Shih Tzu - Free Videos
Return from Shih Tzu Grooming to Shih Tzu Dogs - Home
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave us a comment in the box below.
|