The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate, and elegant companion breed known for its friendly nature and long, flowing coat. Originally bred as a lap dog, Shih Tzus love human attention and thrive in close family environments. They are gentle, playful, and well-suited for apartment living, making them popular with both pet parents and professional groomers.
Shih Tzus have a long, dense, double coat that continues to grow and requires regular grooming. Unlike short-coated breeds, their coat can easily tangle and mat if not cared for properly. Grooming is essential not only for appearance but also for comfort, hygiene, and skin health. With the right routine and products, Shih Tzus stay clean, comfortable, and beautifully maintained.
1. Brushing
Shih Tzus need frequent brushing to keep their long coat smooth, tangle-free, and healthy. Daily brushing is ideal, especially for dogs kept in a full coat. Regular brushing prevents matting, removes dirt, and reduces hair breakage.
Use a slicker brush and a metal comb to gently work through the coat, starting from the ends and moving toward the skin. A conditioning or detangling spray helps reduce pulling, adds shine, and keeps the coat hydrated. Regular brushing also makes professional grooming easier and more comfortable for the dog.
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View All2. Bathing
Regular bathing is essential for Shih Tzus due to their long coat, which can collect dirt, dust, and moisture easily. Bathing keeps the coat clean, soft, and free from odour while supporting healthy skin.
Shih Tzus should be bathed every 2–3 weeks, or more often if the coat gets dirty. Always use high-quality shampoos designed for long coats, followed by a conditioner to nourish the hair and reduce tangles. Conditioning is especially important to keep the coat smooth and manageable.
For quick clean-ups between baths, waterless shampoos can be used on specific areas like legs, chest, and face.
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3. Hygiene
Face & Eyes: Shih Tzus are prone to tear staining and eye discharge. The face should be cleaned daily to prevent staining and irritation.
Ears: Their drooping ears can trap moisture and wax. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections and keeps ears healthy.
Paws & Nose: Hair between paw pads should be trimmed regularly. Paw pads and nose may need moisturising to prevent dryness and cracking.
Dental Care: Due to their small jaw, Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues. Regular dental cleaning helps prevent tartar buildup and bad breath.
Nail Care: Nails should be trimmed regularly to ensure comfortable movement and proper posture.
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View AllQuick answers to common questions about Shih Tzu grooming, hygiene, and overall care.
Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, and people-oriented dogs. They love attention and enjoy being close to their families. They are gentle, playful, and generally calm indoors, making them excellent companion pets.
Yes. Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living. They do not require large spaces and are comfortable in smaller homes, as long as they receive daily interaction and short walks.
Yes. Due to their continuously growing long coat, professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is highly recommended. Regular grooming helps maintain coat health, hygiene, and comfort.
Shih Tzus are considered low to moderate shedders. However, because their coat is long and dense, loose hair can get trapped inside the coat, which makes brushing essential.
Daily brushing is ideal, especially if the dog is kept in a full coat. At minimum, brushing should be done 4–5 times per week to prevent tangles and matting.
Shih Tzus have a long, double coat that tangles quickly if not brushed regularly. Friction areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar are especially prone to matting.
A slicker brush helps remove tangles and loose hair, while a metal comb ensures there are no hidden knots near the skin. A detangling spray makes brushing smoother and reduces breakage.
Yes. A conditioning or detangling spray reduces pulling, prevents hair breakage, and keeps the coat hydrated and manageable.
