Quick answer: A Shih Tzu needs brushing daily (or at least several times a week), a bath every 3 to 4 weeks, a daily face and eye wipe, and a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Keep hair out of the eyes with a trim or topknot, and dry gently on low heat, because Shih Tzus are sensitive to overheating.
The Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is gorgeous, but it mats quickly and hides skin problems if it isn’t cared for. This Shih Tzu grooming guide covers the tools, the routine, face care and the warning signs to watch for.
Shih Tzu Grooming Schedule at a Glance
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily for a long coat; several times a week for a short cut |
| Face and eye wipe | Daily |
| Bath | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Ear check and clean | Weekly |
| Teeth brushing | Daily if possible |
| Nail trim | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Professional groom and trim | Every 4–6 weeks |
How to Brush a Shih Tzu
- Gather the right tools: a slicker brush for detangling, a pin brush for smoothing, and a metal comb to check you’ve reached the skin.
- Work in sections, lifting the top layer so you can brush the hair underneath, down to the skin.
- Start at the ends of each tangle and work toward the skin to avoid pulling.
- Check the hot spots: behind the ears, armpits, belly, legs and tail.
- Stop at tight mats. A mat breaker can help with small ones, but leave tight or large mats to a groomer. See how to deal with minor and severe mats.
Bathing and Drying a Shih Tzu
- Frequency: every 3 to 4 weeks. Over-bathing can dry out the skin.
- Products: a gentle, dog-specific shampoo for sensitive skin, followed by a dog conditioner. Never use human shampoo or harsh soap.
- Technique: brush out tangles first, massage the shampoo in gently while avoiding the eyes and ears, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Drying: towel-dry, then blow-dry on a low or cool setting. Shih Tzus are a flat-faced breed and can overheat, so take breaks and keep the air comfortable.
Shih Tzu Face and Eye Care
Shih Tzus have prominent eyes and facial hair that grows toward them, so daily face care matters. Wipe around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove discharge and limit tear stains. Keep hair out of the eyes with a short face trim or a topknot. Redness, squinting, cloudiness or heavy discharge needs a vet visit. More tips: 5 ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean.
Shih Tzu Skin Care
- Watch for warning signs: redness, itching, flaking or hair loss can point to allergies, fleas or other issues. See your vet if they persist. Our guides to dog dry skin and protecting your pet from fleas and ticks can help.
- Diet: a balanced diet supports skin and coat. Ask your vet before adding supplements such as fish oil.
- Sun: short summer cuts can expose skin. Limit midday sun, and if you use sunscreen on the nose or ears, choose one made for dogs, as some human sunscreens contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.
- Dry winter air: a humidifier at home can help skin that gets flaky in winter.
Popular Shih Tzu Haircuts
A short puppy cut or teddy bear cut is the easiest to maintain and keeps the coat tangle-free. A full-length coat looks stunning but needs daily brushing. Whatever you choose, a professional trim every 4 to 6 weeks keeps it neat and keeps hair away from the eyes.
Professional Shih Tzu Grooming With Groomit
Groomit groomers handle the bath, gentle low-heat drying, haircut, brush-out, nail trim and ear cleaning, and you can ask about facial add-ons for tear stains. Choose in-home or mobile van grooming, so your Shih Tzu stays close to home and away from a noisy salon. Before booking, see how often to groom your dog and prepare with our dog grooming appointment checklist. Small-breed owners may also like our Yorkie grooming guide.
Shih Tzu Grooming FAQs
How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?
Professionally every 4 to 6 weeks, with brushing daily or several times a week at home.
How often should I bathe my Shih Tzu?
Every 3 to 4 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. More often can dry out the skin.
Do Shih Tzus shed?
Very little, but loose hair gets trapped in the long coat and forms mats, which is why regular brushing matters.
What is the easiest Shih Tzu haircut?
A short puppy cut or teddy bear cut is the easiest to maintain and keeps hair out of the eyes.
