How to Groom a Shih Tzu? | At-Home Step-By-Step Routine

A perfect Shih Tzu coat doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a daily brushing habit, the right tools, and a repeatable routine. Tackle it in stages—brushing, bathing, trimming, and hygiene care—and your dog stays comfortable while looking like the aristocrat they are. Here is the exact protocol that keeps a double coat healthy between professional grooms.

The Daily Brushing Rules

Shih Tzu hair mats fast, especially behind the ears, under the collar, and in the armpits. Line brushing is the only technique that reaches the skin. Part the hair horizontally in a straight line, exposing the roots, then brush outward from the skin following the growth direction. Work from the feet upward, section by section.

Never brush a dry coat. Spray the section with a coat conditioner first, which lubricates the strands and prevents breakage. If you hit a mat, work it loose with your fingers first, then use a detangling spray. Stubborn mats get cut out with rounded-tip scissors—never yank them out. For the actual tools that make this process easiest, you’ll want to check our roundup of the best brushes for a Shih Tzu coat.

Bath Schedule: Every 4 to 6 Weeks

Brush the entire dog thoroughly before the bath. A wet, matted coat tightens into impossible tangles. Use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo like Wildwash Super Sensitive; rinse until the water runs clear so no residue irritates the skin. Apply conditioner, let it sit briefly, and leave a small amount in the coat for slip.

Squeeze water out with your hands, then towel dry—replace the towel two or three times during drying. Finish with a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting while combing through with a metal comb.

When and How to Trim the Coat

A full trim lands every 6 to 8 weeks. Start with a clean, dry, fully brushed coat—any remaining tangles will catch on the clipper blade and pull. Use a professional-grade A5 clipper (Andis or Wahl) with a Number 10 blade for the body. Clip in the direction of hair growth and stretch the skin slightly on the neck and armpits to avoid uneven patches.

Switch to a Number 30 blade for the paws. Trim leg hair slightly shorter than the body hair and carefully clip between the toe pads. For the face, put down the clippers and pick up blunt-nosed grooming scissors—sharp tips near the eyes risk injury. Shape the muzzle into a rounded look and keep the muzzle hair short so it doesn’t trap dirt. Blend the ear hair into the head using thinning shears, and trim the tail to a 1–2 inch length following its natural shape.

Hygiene Care: Nails, Ears, and Teeth

Trim nails every few weeks by cutting in small stages. The pinkish “quick” inside the nail bleeds easily; stop well before it. If the dog gets restless, take a break rather than rushing.

Clean the ears weekly with a vet-approved solution. Soak a cotton ball and wipe the visible outer ear—never insert anything into the ear canal. Brush the teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste using gentle circular motions, focusing on the gum line.

The Most Common Mistakes Owners Make

Dry brushing causes pain and breaks the hair shaft. Always spray with conditioner first. Brushing after a bath on wet hair makes mats worse; brush before the bath and again once the coat is completely dry. Using sharp scissors near the face is the fastest way to the vet—blunt-nosed scissors are not optional there. If the coat is severely matted, do not pick at mats with fingers or scissors; a complete shave is the safest option and lets the coat regrow healthy. When using a hairdryer, keep it on the lowest setting to avoid chilling the dog’s skin or burning the coat. For topknots, secure them with rubber bands but never pull the hair tight enough to cause discomfort.

Grooming a Shih Tzu: Weekly Checklist

• Every day: Full line brush with conditioner spray; check for mats behind ears and under collar.
• Every week: Clean ears; brush teeth 2–3 times.
• Every 2–4 weeks: Trim nails in small stages.
• Every 4–6 weeks: Full bath with gentle shampoo + conditioner; dry on low heat.
• Every 6–8 weeks: Full body trim (Number 10 blade); face trim (blunt scissors); paw trim (Number 30 blade); blend ears and tail.