Shih Tzu Grooming Guide: How to

With their flowing coats and adorable faces, Shih Tzus are a Scottish favourite—but that beautiful fur comes with responsibility. Whether you prefer the classic full-coat look or a practical puppy cut, regular grooming is essential to prevent mats, maintain skin health, and keep your little lion comfy in our damp climate. At Kinga’s Dog Grooming, we’ve perfected Shih Tzu coat care. Follow our guide to master home maintenance and know when to book the pros.

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How Often Should You Groom a Shih Tzu?

• Brushing/Combing: Daily, especially in full coat; at least 3–4×/week in a short cut.

• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks, or after muddy walks.

• Professional Groom: Every 4–6 weeks for full coats; 6–8 weeks for shorter trims.

A consistent schedule keeps mats at bay and makes each session quicker and more enjoyable for you and your pup.

🛠 Essential Tools (Amazon UK Links)

1. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
   Gently lifts tangles; clears fur with one press of the button.
   Buy on Amazon UK

2. Safari Stainless Steel Comb
   Dual-ended—wide teeth for curls, fine teeth for close-to-skin passes.
   Buy on Amazon UK

3. Safari Dematting Tool
   Safely works through small mats without cutting fur or skin.
   Buy on Amazon UK

4. Pro Dog Dryer
   High-velocity airflow dries dense curls fast, preventing damp mats.
   Buy on Amazon UK

5. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner
   Soothing, hypoallergenic formula brightens white coats.
   Buy on Amazon UK

6. Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner
   Keeps ears dry and free from infection after wet walks.
   Buy on Amazon UK

7. Safari Professional Nail Clipper (Guillotine)
   Sharp blades for safe trims every 3–4 weeks.
   Buy on Amazon UK

8. PetSafe Grooming Wipes
   Quick clean-ups between baths for muddy bellies and paws.
   Buy on Amazon UK

9. De-tangling Spray

   Easily free tangled fur using this spray

   Buy on Amazon UK

   🪮 Step-by-Step Brushing & Combing Routine

1. Prep Your Space

   • Lay a towel or grooming mat.

   • Gather all tools within arm’s reach.

2. Detangler Spray

   • Lightly mist coat with Bio-Groom Aloe Rinse to ease handling.

3. Slicker Brush

   • Start at the head, brushing in the direction of hair growth.

   • Work in sections: neck → shoulders → back → sides → legs → tail.

4. Comb Check

   • Run the Safari comb through each section, teeth parallel to the skin.

   • Hold hair at the roots when you hit a knot to minimise tugging.

5. Mats & Knots

   • For small tangles, gently tease with a comb and brush.

   • For large mats, book a dematting session at Kinga’s or use a dedicated mat splitter—never shave with scissors.

6. Face & Feet

   • Use the comb to clear hair around the eyes and muzzle.

   • Trim paw fur if needed to maintain traction on slick floors.

7. Reward Time

   • Always finish with praise and a treat to build a positive association.

🛁 Bathing Your Shih Tzu in Damp Scotland

• Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks, or after messy outdoor play.

• Shampoo: Lather Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo gently from neck to tail.

• Conditioner: Apply Burt’s Bees Conditioner mid-coat to ends; leave for 2–3 minutes.

• Rinse: Rinse thoroughly—soap residue irritates skin in humid weather.

• Dry: Towel dry, then use Andis dryer on low heat/high airflow while brushing to prevent tangles.

Scottish Tip: Always finish drying indoors—Shih Tzus’ dense coats trap moisture and can develop hotspots if left damp.

✂️ Shih Tzu Haircut Styles

• Puppy Cut: Uniform ½–¾″ length all over (Low maintenance)

• Teddy Bear: Rounded face with slightly longer body (Medium maintenance)

• Lamb Cut: Short body, slightly longer legs and tail (Medium maintenance)

• Show Coat: Full-length flowing coat (High maintenance, daily brush)

Home Grooming vs Professional Grooming

• Brushing & Combing:

  • DIY Home Care: Daily (slicker + comb)

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in full groom

• Bathing:

  • DIY Home Care: 4–6 weekly, self-dry

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Premium bath + blow-dry

• Nail Trimming:

  • DIY Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks with Safari clippers

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise guillotine nail trim

• Ear Cleaning:

  • DIY Home Care: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough cleaning & inspection

• Coat Trimming & Scissoring:

  • DIY Home Care: Basic face/paw trims

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Full scissor styling & trimming

• Dematting:

  • DIY Home Care: Home mat splitter for small knots

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Gentle dematting service

Shih Tzu coat textures

grooming other small breeds

Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks ensures no hidden mats, perfect trims, and detailed skin checks.

❓ FAQ Section

Q: My Shih Tzu hates the dryer—what do I do?
A: Start on low airflow; let them sniff the nozzle off first. Reward calm behaviour and gradually increase speed.

Q: Is it okay to cut hair around the eyes?
A: Yes—just use round-tip scissors or ask a groomer. Keeping your eyes clear prevents irritation and stains.

Q: How can I prevent tear stains?
A: Wipe eyes daily with a damp cloth, trim facial hair, and consider a stainless-steel water bowl to reduce staining.

🏴 Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips

• Muddy Paws: Keep grooming wipes by the door for quick wipe-downs after puddle play.

• Winter Coat: A slightly longer Puppy Cut in winter helps retain warmth—switch to a shorter cut in spring to reduce mats.

• Indoor Drying Station: Create a cosy corner with a towel and dryer—no more ruffling in the hallway.

• Sun Awareness: Lighter coats can burn—apply pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin in summer.

Ready to Book Your Shih Tzu’s Groom?

At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Shih Tzu coat care—from mat prevention to precision scissor work. Our gentle handling and expert techniques ensure a stress-free experience for your pup.

Book Your Appointment Today and let your Shih Tzu shine—rain or shine!