How to Groom a Shitsu

Grooming your shitsu helps keep its coat looking good.

The Shitsu is a long-haired dog that needs frequent brushing and baths to keep its coat looking smooth and beautiful. Because of its long hair, lack of grooming can produce large mats which can be painful and irritating to your dog. You could take your Shitsu to a professional groomer to be bathed and groomed every week, but this can be expensive. If you prefer to save money, you can groom your Shitsu yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Water
• Slicker brush
• Rat comb
• Dog shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Bath towel
• Hair dyer
• Rubber band

Instructions

1. Moisten your Shitsu's coat by misting it with a spray bottle filled with water.

2. Brush your dog with a slicker brush. Start at the bottom of your dog, near its feet, and work your way up, finishing with the tail. As you brush, start at the ends of its hair and work your way to the roots. This will help remove any mats and avoid creating new mats. Brush your dog's moustache and the hair around its ears, using the slicker comb.

3. Part your dog's hair. Use a rat comb and part the hair on your Shitsu's back.

4. Bathe your dog. Use a dog shampoo. You can find different shampoos at your local pet store. Choose one appropriate for your dog's coat type. Wet your dog with water and apply the shampoo, avoiding your dog's eyes. Pay extra attention your dog's legs, which can accumulate dirt and mats.

5. Rinse your dog with clean water.

6. Bathe your dog again. Rinse your dog thoroughly to remove all shampoo. If desired, you can apply a conditioner.

7. Use a toothbrush to clean your dog's mouth and hair. Apply a bit of shampoo to the toothbrush and lightly scrub around the mouth and eyes to remove dirt build-up and discoloration. Rinse the areas with clean water.

8. Dry your dog using a bath towel. Then dry its coat the rest of the way with a hair dryer. While blow drying, use your slicker brush to avoid mats.

9. Use your slicker comb to part your dog's hair on top of its head. Tie its hair it ponytail on top of its head using a rubber band. This will keep the hair out of its eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• Groom your Shitsu two or three times weekly for a cottony, textured coat. If your Shitsu has a silky coat, groom it weekly. Bathe all hair types weekly.

• If you encounter thick mats on your dog, use your fingers to separate the mats before combing.

References

• Dog Breed Info Center: Shih-Tzu
• Shitsu Club: Shitsu Grooming