🐶 Dog · long coat
Coat care: Shih Tzu
Long, dense, luxuriant double coat – a silky topcoat and a soft undercoat; a slight wave is permitted.
The Shih Tzu has a long, dense double coat: a silky topcoat and a soft, fluffy undercoat. The coat hardly sheds, but loose hairs stay in it, and without regular brushing mats form. A long coat needs daily brushing in layers and a bath every 3–4 weeks, and the moustache and head hair are brushed every day. Many owners prefer a shorter “puppy” clip, which is easier to maintain.
🛁 Bathing
Usually every 3–4 weeks, to keep the coat clean. Work out mats before bathing; dilute concentrated shampoos according to the label. Blow-dry while brushing lightly so the hairs separate and the coat dries faster and more evenly.
🪮 Brushing
For a long coat – every day, with a pin brush with flexible metal pins and a metal comb. Brush in layers (line brushing): lift the top part of the coat, brush the lower layer down to the skin and work upwards row by row. Brush the moustache and head hair daily.
🍂 Shedding and coat change
At around 10–12 months of age, many dogs' coats change. During this period the coat mats more easily and needs more frequent brushing.
Tips for home
- Gather the hair on the head into a topknot or trim it so it does not irritate the eyes; change the hair band every day.
- Clean the corners of the eyes with a damp cloth; if tearing is heavy, consult a vet.
- Trim the nails and clean the ears as part of routine care.
- The hair on the paws, the lower edge of the coat and around the anus can be trimmed for hygiene; with a short “puppy” clip, the coat is usually tidied up every 4–6 weeks.
Shampoos and conditioners for Shih Tzu
More in the finder →-
Groom Professional Argan Oil Shampoo Concentrate 10:1
€22,80 Size: 450ml · 3 sizes Unit price €50,67/L -
Bugalugs 3-in-1 Raspberry & Lemon Dog Shampoo, Conditioner & Detangler
€10,95 Size: 250ml · 2 sizes -
TropiClean PerfectFur Long Haired Coat Conditioning & Detangling Dog Shampoo 473ml
€19,99 Unit price €42,26/L -
Crown Royale Biovite #1 Shampoo, Concentrate 4:1 for Fine Coats
€42,85 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €90,59/L -
Groom Professional Almond Detangle Shampoo, Concentrate 10:1, 4 l
Regular price €71,53 Sale price €48,99 Size: 4 l · 2 sizes Unit price €12,25/L -
Groom Professional Banana Sheen Silky Shine Shampoo, 1 l
€25,81 Unit price €25,81/L -
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangling Conditioner
€33,99 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €71,86/L -
iGroom Banana Conditioner for Dogs & Cats, 473 ml
€33,69 Size: 473ml · 2 sizes Unit price €71,23/L -
Groom Professional Coat Revitalise Conditioner, Concentrate 10:1, 450 ml
Regular price €25,51 Sale price €19,99 Unit price €44,42/L -
Groom Professional 2 In 1 Protein Shampoo and Conditioner, Concentrate 10:1, 450 ml
Regular price €25,05 Sale price €16,99 Unit price €37,76/L
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe a Shih Tzu?
A long-coated Shih Tzu is usually bathed every 3–4 weeks. Before bathing, work out all tangles, because water tightens them. Use a shampoo diluted according to the label, rinse thoroughly and blow-dry while brushing lightly so the hairs separate. If the dog has a short “puppy” clip, the routine is similar, but brushing takes less time.
Which clip suits a Shih Tzu?
The choice depends on how much time you can spend. A long coat is beautiful but needs daily brushing in layers and the hair above the eyes gathered up. A shorter “puppy” clip is more practical, especially if the coat tangles easily, and is usually tidied up every 4–6 weeks. At any length, the hair around the eyes should be trimmed or gathered up.
How should I brush a Shih Tzu so it does not mat?
Brush in layers: lift the top part of the coat and brush the lower layer down to the skin, then work upwards row by row. Use a pin brush with flexible metal pins and check with a metal comb. Pay particular attention behind the ears, under the armpits and on the legs. At around 10–12 months of age the coat changes, and more frequent brushing is needed then.
Care for other breeds
All breeds →This advice is general. For skin or ear problems, consult a vet.