Get Your Shih Tzu A Shih Tzu Puppy Cut

One of the most eye-catching features of a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu mix is their glorious, flowing and soft coat. In show Shih Tzus, this coat covers the eyes and reaches to the ground. In ancient China, where the breed originated, a long thick coat was necessary for survival in the drafty royal palaces. But that coat is a bear to deal with every single day.

Only show Shih Tzus should be kept in a full coat. Otherwise, the average Shih Tzu owner will go insane. Shih Tzu grooming of a full coat takes just as long as grooming the full coat of an Afghan hound (a much bigger dog). And your local climate is probably a lot more temperate than Northern China. If you live hot climates, a full coat will kill your dog. All breeding and pet Shih Tzus’ coats should be kept in a Shih Tzu puppy clip.

A professional dog groomer best accomplishes The Shih Tzu puppy cut. They can easily be found now at large pet store chains and near veterinary offices. You need experience clipping dogs - or at lest trimming hedges - before attempting to tame the Shih Tzu coat. After watching a few times, you might be able to get the gist of trimming, but Shih Tzu grooming like this is tricky. Dogs are pretty forgiving creatures, but Shih Tzus tend to be vainer than most and will not forget bad haircuts.

Your electric clippers will come with a dizzying array of detachable blade lengths, designated by numbers. Some professional dog groomers recommend a number four blade for the Shih Tzu puppy cut. A number ten will get rid of stubborn tangles, but will make a shorter cut. Number forty is what vets use before they operate - try not to get that mixed up with a four! Keep your clippers clean and stored well and this most expensive of Shih Tzu grooming supplies will last many years.

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.

Keep in mind that any white areas around the Shih Tzu’s eyes, nose and mouth will often be discolored, but shouldn’t be smelly. Introduce your Shih Tzu to the daily Shih Tzu brushing routine as soon as possible.

Scissors can be used to trim any uneven areas and are especially recommended for delicate areas like the face and anal region.

Get out any tangles with a soft brush first, then with a slicker. A flea comb helps check for parasites and for very small, tough tangles. Clip the nails only when necessary. A Shih Tzu puppy cut makes this routine a lot easier.