As a certified dog trainer who has worked with hundreds of small breeds, I can tell you the Shih Tzu is one of the most rewarding and one of the most demanding coats to maintain. That flowing, glamorous hair is not fur in the usual sense. It grows continuously, much like human hair, and it does not shed in big seasonal clumps. Instead, loose strands get trapped in the surrounding coat, which is exactly why a neglected Shih Tzu can mat painfully close to the skin within days.
Over the years I have learned that good grooming is not about making a Shih Tzu look show ready. It is about comfort, skin health, and catching small problems before they become vet visits. In this guide I will walk you through the tools, the step by step routine, the mistakes I see most often, and the moments when you should hand things over to a professional. Everything here was reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Sarah Kim, DVM.
What You Will Need
Before you start, gather everything so you are not chasing supplies with a half-brushed dog on your lap. Good tools make the difference between a calm session and a wrestling match.
- A pin brush and a metal greyhound comb to find hidden tangles near the skin
- A slicker brush for working through the coat in sections
- A gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner (never human shampoo, which is the wrong pH for canine skin)
- Dog nail clippers or a rotary nail grinder, plus styptic powder for accidental nicks
- Round-tipped scissors for trimming around the eyes, paws, and sanitary areas
- A damp soft cloth or vet-approved eye wipes for the facial folds and tear stains
- A vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls (never cotton swabs deep in the canal)
- A non-slip mat for the tub and plenty of small treats to reward patience
Step by Step: How to Groom a Shih Tzu
A predictable order keeps your dog relaxed and makes sure nothing gets skipped. I always brush first, because bathing a matted coat only makes the knots worse.
Brush and de-tangle first
Work in sections from the skin outward using the pin brush, then run the metal comb through to confirm there are no hidden mats. The comb should glide freely. If it snags, gently tease the tangle apart before bathing.
Bathe with lukewarm water
Wet the coat thoroughly, apply diluted dog shampoo, and massage to the skin. Keep water and suds out of the eyes and ears. Rinse completely, because leftover shampoo causes itching and flaking, then apply conditioner and rinse again.
Dry and brush while drying
Towel away excess water, then blow dry on a warm, low setting while brushing. Letting a Shih Tzu air dry encourages mats to form. Brushing as you dry keeps the coat straight and smooth.
Clean the face, eyes, and ears
Wipe the facial folds and under the eyes with a damp cloth to remove discharge and reduce staining. Clean the visible part of the ear with cleaner on a cotton ball, and check for odor or redness that may signal infection.
Trim nails and tidy the paws
Clip just the tip of each nail to avoid the quick, then trim the hair between the paw pads so it does not trap debris. Finish with a light scissor tidy around the eyes and sanitary area if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I see the same avoidable errors again and again, and most of them lead to a stressed dog or an uncomfortable coat. A little awareness prevents nearly all of them.
The single most common mistake is brushing the top of the coat while mats form unnoticed at the skin. Always finish with a metal comb that reaches the roots. If the comb cannot pass through, there is a tangle hiding underneath. Other frequent mistakes include using human shampoo (wrong pH for dog skin), bathing before de-matting, cutting nails too short into the quick, and pushing cotton swabs deep into the ear canal where they can damage the eardrum.
Tips for Success
Small habits make grooming faster, safer, and far less stressful for both of you. These are the things I wish every new Shih Tzu owner knew on day one.
Start gentle handling of paws, ears, and face while your dog is young so grooming feels normal, not frightening. Short, frequent sessions beat long, exhausting ones. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise. A consistent every-other-day brush, a bath every three to four weeks, and a quick daily eye wipe will keep a Shih Tzu comfortable. If full coat care feels overwhelming, ask your groomer for a shorter puppy cut that is far easier to maintain at home.
When to Get Professional Help
Home grooming covers most routine care, but there are clear moments to call in a professional groomer or your veterinarian. Knowing the difference protects your dog from pain and injury.
If the coat is severely matted, do not try to cut the mats out with scissors yourself, because the skin underneath is easy to nick and the wounds can be serious. A groomer has the clippers and skill to remove a tight coat safely. See your veterinarian rather than a groomer if you notice red or smelly ears, persistent eye discharge or squinting, lumps under matted hair, broken skin, or signs of pain when you touch a certain spot. Shih Tzus are prone to eye and ear problems, so anything beyond cosmetic belongs with your vet.
Safety note: Always de-tangle a Shih Tzu before bathing and never cut tight mats with scissors, as the skin underneath is delicate and easily injured.