A Shih Tzu is either in clipped or full coat. If you wanted to keep your Shih Tzu's coat clipped short, it is still important that he should be accustomed to being groomed at an early age. Fifteen minutes of daily brushing is what a clipped Shih Tzu needs to get used to grooming. However, long or full coat Shih Tzus used in dog shows need to keep its coat at floor length thus daily grooming with a wire brushing is important.

Start brushing your Shih Tzu's hair from the head gently brushing the hair away from the eyes. It is important that the hair must be kept away from the eyes at all times to prevent irritation which may lead to infection or ulceration. If the hair is still falling into the eyes, trimming is recommended however, extra care should be taken when doing the process.

Not only should the hair around the eyes be trimmed but the mouth and the ears as well. Short hair around the area of the mouth prevents food from gathering and prevents ear infections in the ears. After working on the face, it is time to proceed to your dog's neck and then body.

Your dog's nails and hair between the pads should be kept short so give extra notice to those areas. Then lastly groom your dog's bottom area and tail. Short hair in the area of his behind makes it easy for him during potty time. Also check this area daily to ensure it is clean and free of excrement.

To prevent breakage, totally dry coats are not supposed to be brushed. Slightly dampen the coat and brush it in layers. To make the grooming session easy and prevent you from crouching, a grooming table with a firm non-slip surface is necessary. Don't forget to place a soft towel on the surface of the table.

Doing things together with your dog can be one of the most memorable moments of your life and maybe your dog's life too. Knowing some effective tips in grooming do not only make your dog clean and healthy but also can lead to lasting companionship you and your dog will cherish.