The Shih Tzu grows a show coat that sweeps the floor — and almost no pet owner keeps it that way, for good reason. Clipped sensibly, this is a manageable companion coat; grown long, it's a daily-maintenance commitment.
The coat
A double coat: a long, silky outer layer over a soft undercoat. It sheds lightly (loose hair tends to stay caught in the coat rather than on your sofa), which means brushing does the job your hoover otherwise would. The face needs particular care — hair grows into the eyes, and the beard collects food and water.
How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?
Every 4–6 weeks professionally if kept in a shorter pet trim, plus brushing at home several times a week and a daily face wipe. In a longer coat, daily brushing is non-negotiable and grooms every 4 weeks keep the shape. Tear-staining is common; your groomer can trim the eye corners short, but daily cleaning is what actually controls it.
Popular styles
- Puppy clip — one even, short length; the most popular and practical choice.
- Teddy bear — short body with a fuller, rounded face. Charming, but the longer face needs daily attention.
- Top knot styles — traditional for the breed; hair tied up out of the eyes. More common on dogs kept in longer coats.
- Full coat — the show look. Beautiful, and a genuine part-time job.
What does Shih Tzu grooming cost?
Typically £30–45 for a full groom across most of the UK — Shih Tzus are small, but the face work is fiddly and matting around the ears and trousers is common, so heavily matted coats cost more or get clipped short.
Between grooms
Daily: wipe the eyes and beard. Weekly: brush and comb through to the skin, check the ears (hairy ear canals are standard issue on this breed — many groomers pluck or trim them), and check the trousers and armpits for mats. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, so mention it if your dog struggles in warm rooms — a good groomer will keep drying sessions short and cool.