Most pet Shih Tzus are kept clipped in a style called the Shih Tzu puppy cut. You can have this done by a professional groomer or do it yourself, provided you know what you are doing and your dog will stay still. Your dog needs training to get a Shih Tzu puppy cut as much as you need training in giving one. You need electric clippers with a number four blade length to do the job. Watch professionals give the Shih Tzu puppy cut before trying it on your own dog. The first time with this Shih Tzu grooming procedure is always the hardest!



Because of the incredible thickness and length of the Shih Tzu's cuddly coat, pets and breeding dogs need to be kept clipped. This saves the owner an incredible amount of time and worry. Having short hair rather than long hair does not bother the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu is bothered when their coats are matted and dirty and soon become miserable. Keeping your pet's coat tangle free is the goal of Shih Tzu daily grooming.

The Shih Tzu puppy cut is the usual style that pet Shih Tzus are kept in. They usually get their first trim at three or four months of age, and then about every four to six weeks for the rest of their lives. You can choose to take your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer, or you can try to give it a go yourself after seeing how it is done a few times. You also need to be sure your dog will sit still for you.

Your Shih Tzu grooming supplies should be for daily maintenance and for giving a Shih Tzu puppy clip. They all can be found wherever pet supplies are sold. Shih Tzus really don't need anything breed-specific in the way of Shih Tzu grooming supplies. For the puppy clip, you need electric clippers with a number four length blade and sturdy scissors you are comfortable with maneuvering around small areas.

Daily maintenance grooming equipment includes, at the least, a soft brush (that looks like a body brush for horses), a pin or slicker comb, a flea comb and nail clippers. Any white areas around the eyes, nose and mouth usually never stay white. This is normal. Just make sure these stains don't smell and don't have food or other material trapped in the coat. Brush with the soft brush and attack tangles gently with the slicker brush or the flea comb. Clip nails only when needed.

Watch videos or professionals clipping dogs into a Shih Tzu puppy cut. Put up pictures of the finished Shih Tzu puppy cut to help serve as reminders when the time comes for you to clip your dog. Your dog will need clipping about every six weeks, at least. Their coats grow thick and fast. Using a number four blade, hold the clippers like a pencil, as lightly and firmly as you can. Sweep the dog's coat with the clippers in this position. Leave really sensitive areas like the anal region and face for scissors. Practice makes perfect. Keep a special treat to be given to your dog only after a grooming session.

The first time is always the worst for learning the Shih Tzu puppy clip. Your dog might give you a funny look if the results are not quite what you expected, but your dog will forgive you. Besides, in a month it'll need trimming again anyway! Giving your Shih Tzu a puppy clip gets easier with practice.