How to Groom a Shih Tzu

The shih tzu is a small toy breed with a long, straight, silky coat, which appears in a wide array of colors. Regular grooming is a necessity for this breed, as its coat mats and tangles easily.

Things You'll Need

• Slicker brush
• Rat tail comb
• Metal comb
• Dog shampoo and conditioner
• Latex band
• Bath towels
• Blow dryer
• Trimming scissors
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Brush your shih tzu as you notice mats and tangles beginning to form. Shih tzus with more cottony hair require brushing two to three times a week. Brushing silky-haired shih tzus once a week should do.

2. Work the coat out in layers, from the ends to the roots, using a wire brush with flexible pins, called a slicker. Go from the feet, to the legs and belly, and the body and tail. Part the coat with a rat tail comb, but use a metal comb on the mustache and below the ears. Use fingers to work through mats.

3. Choose a high quality dog shampoo and conditioner. Every shih tzu's coat is different and requires different products for grooming. Ask your vet, breeder or pet store for recommendations. Often trial and error is the way to find the best products for your dog.

4. Bathe your shih tzu once a week in lukewarm water. Shampoo twice, focusing on the legs, where mats form easily and dirt accumulates quickly. Work out mats slowly with fingers. Using a toothbrush, clean crusty buildup under the eyes and around the mouth. Rinse and condition.

5. Wrap your shih tzu in a couple of warm bath towels to remove excess water. Dry with a blow dryer. While drying, brush his coat to separate his hair. Part his hair, and tie his hair in a topknot on top of his head with a latex band to keep his fur out of his eyes.

6. Keep a daily watch on her eyes. Large-eyed breeds are highly prone to injury. Using a damp cloth or cotton pad, clean the inside corners of her eyes.

7. Check your shih tzus anal area frequently, particularly if you notice him rubbing his rear along the ground. To remove any encrusted fecal matter, rinse the area under warm running water, wash out the fecal matter, rub with a damp paper towel and blow his hair dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Shih tzus change their coat at age 10 to 12 months. During this process, they mat constantly so just keep brushing. It takes about three weeks for them to change their coat.

• Colors and coats differ a great deal within the breed and effect grooming. A silky coat doesn't tangle as much as a soft cottony coat.

• The hair between the shih tzu's pads mats easily, so check feet regularly. Keep it trimmed with trimming scissors. Matting between pads causes great discomfort for you dog when she walks.

• Never brush a shih tzu with a completely dry coat. You must dampen his hair before brushing. Use a spray bottle with warm water and a capful of conditioner.

• Never bathe a matted shih tzu. The water only sets the mats in and makes them much harder to remove.