Shih Tzus have a long, silky, continuously growing double coat that reaches the floor if you let it. Most owners don't — the practical choice is a puppy cut every 4–6 weeks at $55–$95 a visit. Keeping a full show coat is a daily commitment measured in years, not weeks.
The Shih Tzu coat
Unusually, the Shih Tzu is both double-coated and long-haired. The outer coat is fine and silky; there's a soft undercoat beneath it. Like human hair it grows continuously rather than reaching a set length and shedding out, which is why an ungroomed Shih Tzu ends up dragging coat along the ground.
That structure matters practically: the undercoat is what mats. Surface brushing slides straight over a tangle forming underneath, which is why owners are so often surprised when a groomer finds pelting on a dog they've been brushing daily.
The cuts to choose between
Puppy cut
One to two inches all over, face rounded. What the overwhelming majority of Shih Tzu owners choose, and rightly. Comfortable for the dog, easy to maintain, and it keeps the expressive face.
Teddy bear cut
A variation on the puppy cut with a fuller, rounder face and slightly longer legs. Cute, marginally more upkeep around the eyes.
Practical or summer cut
Half an inch or shorter. The right answer for hot climates, dogs that swim, and any coat that's got away from you.
Top knot and full coat
The show presentation: floor-length coat with the head hair tied up. Genuinely beautiful, and realistically requires daily line brushing, wrapping, and frequent bathing. Most pet owners who try it revert within a year.
The face is the real work
Shih Tzus have a flat face, prominent eyes and hair that grows directly toward them. That combination creates three ongoing jobs:
- Eye hair. Hair touching the eye causes irritation and, over time, corneal damage. It needs trimming or tying up — never left.
- Tear staining. The breed is prone to it. Wipe the area daily with a damp cloth and dry it; damp fur under the eyes is where staining and yeast take hold.
- Muzzle hygiene. Food gets into the beard at every meal. A quick wipe after eating prevents both odor and skin irritation.
These are the tasks that separate a comfortable Shih Tzu from an uncomfortable one, and none of them wait for the next salon appointment.
What it costs
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Full groom, puppy cut | $55–$95 |
| Bath, tidy & face trim | $35–$55 |
| Full coat maintenance groom | $80–$130 |
| Dematting surcharge | $15–$30 per 15 min |
| Nail trim only | $10–$20 |
Annual cost, puppy cut every five weeks: roughly $570–$990.
Home care that actually works
Brush daily, to the skin. Line brush in sections — part the coat, brush from the skin outward, move up. Follow with a steel comb; if it snags, that area isn't finished.
Mist first. Never brush a dry Shih Tzu coat. A light detangling spray prevents hair breakage and makes the job far more comfortable.
Watch the friction zones: behind the ears, under the front legs, the collar line and the hindquarters.
Check ears weekly. Drop ears plus hair equals trapped moisture. Look for redness or odor.
Trim paw pads monthly. Hair growing between the pads causes slipping on hard floors — a real issue for a small, short-legged dog.
A note on flat faces and grooming safety
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning they can overheat and struggle to breathe more easily than long-nosed breeds. Reputable groomers know this and will avoid heated cage dryers, keep the dog cool, and take breaks. It's a fair question to ask a new salon: "How do you handle brachycephalic breeds and drying?" A good groomer will have a clear answer.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?
Professionally every four to six weeks in a puppy cut. At home, brushing should be daily, and face and eye care ideally every day.
Can I shave my Shih Tzu?
Yes. It's a common and sensible choice in hot weather or when a coat is matted. Leave at least half an inch for sun protection — Shih Tzu skin is pale and burns.
Why does my Shih Tzu's coat mat so quickly?
Because the undercoat tangles beneath a surface that still looks smooth. Line brushing and a comb check solve it; surface brushing does not.
What about the top knot — does it hurt?
Not if it's loose and uses a soft fabric band. Pulled tight, it does. If your dog paws at it, it's too tight.
Related guides
- Maltese grooming guide
- Yorkie grooming guide
- How to brush your dog at home
- Full dog grooming price guide
Costs are typical U.S. ranges for 2026 and vary by region and coat condition.
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