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A Shih Tzu in full coat is a flowing, elegant little dog. A Shih Tzu whose coat has been ignored for two months is a matted, uncomfortable one. The breed’s long, dense double coat sheds very little onto your furniture, but it traps loose hair close to the skin, where it quickly felts into mats. This guide explains how to choose a practical cut, how to brush properly, and how to care for the breed’s prominent eyes, flat face and ears.
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Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Puppy or teddy bear cut — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
The Shih Tzu Coat
Shih Tzus have a luxurious double coat: a long, flowing outer coat over a soft, woolly undercoat. The hair grows continuously and can reach the floor. Shedding is low; the hair that does shed tends to get trapped rather than land on the carpet. This is why Shih Tzus often suit owners who dislike dog hair around the house, and also why they need frequent brushing.
The puppy-to-adult coat change
Between about 10 and 12 months, the soft puppy coat transitions to the adult coat. Mats appear seemingly overnight during this period. Daily brushing or a short puppy cut makes the transition much easier.
Choosing a Cut
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
| Style | Body length | Home brushing | Groomer interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy or teddy bear cut | About 1 inch | 2-3x per week | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Lion cut | Short body, longer head and tail | 3x per week | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Mid-length pet trim | 2-3 inches | Daily | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Full show coat | Floor length | Daily, 20-30 minutes | Weekly bathing, specialist care |
Most pet owners choose a puppy or teddy bear cut, which keeps the classic round face while making daily care manageable.
Brushing Technique
Surface brushing leaves mats hiding near the skin. Instead, line-brush:
- Lightly mist the coat with a detangling spray.
- Part the hair so you can see the skin, and brush the section below the part with a pin brush or soft slicker.
- Move the part up and repeat until the whole body is done.
- Check with a metal comb. If it glides from skin to tip, you are finished.
Pay special attention behind the ears, under the legs, the chest, and the tail. Be gentle; Shih Tzu skin is thin, and brush burn is a real risk with slicker brushes.
Eyes and Face
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, with large, prominent eyes and a short nose. Hair around the eyes can poke the cornea and cause irritation. Keep facial hair trimmed short or gather it into a topknot. Wipe the eye area daily with a soft damp cloth to remove tear residue. Squinting, redness, cloudiness or a sudden increase in tears can signal an eye injury or ulcer and needs a vet check promptly.
Topknots
If you keep the head hair long, use a small, soft band to gather it above the eyes. Redo it every day or two and avoid pulling it too tight, which can irritate the skin.
Bathing and Drying
Bathe every two to four weeks. Always brush out tangles before the bath, because water tightens mats. Use a mild shampoo and light conditioner. Dry thoroughly with a low-heat blow-dryer while brushing; a damp undercoat can lead to skin irritation and mats. Keep water away from the eyes and nose.
Ears
Shih Tzus have hair growing in the ear canal and drop ears covered with long hair. Check weekly for redness, odor and wax. Clean with a vet-approved cleaner. Discuss ear hair removal with your vet, as it depends on the individual dog.
Teeth and Nails
Crowded teeth in a short jaw make dental disease common. Brush daily if possible. Trim nails every three to four weeks, and keep the hair between paw pads short for traction.
Heat and Grooming Stress
As a flat-faced breed, Shih Tzus can overheat during long grooming sessions, especially under hot dryers. Choose groomers who use low-heat or cool dryers and short sessions, and avoid cage dryers without supervision.
Professional Grooming Costs
In the US, a full Shih Tzu groom typically costs $50 to $90, depending on cut and location. Dematting is often billed extra. Most owners book every four to six weeks.
FAQ
Do Shih Tzus shed?
Very little onto furniture. They do lose hair, but it gets caught in the coat, which is why regular brushing is essential to prevent mats.
How can I reduce tear stains on my Shih Tzu?
Keep hair away from the eyes, wipe the area daily and keep the face dry. Persistent heavy tearing can indicate eye problems, so check with your vet.
Bottom Line
Shih Tzus shed little but need regular line brushing, a practical cut every four to six weeks and careful daily eye care. Keep facial hair away from the eyes, clean ears weekly, brush teeth and choose a groomer who understands brachycephalic breeds. A short puppy cut is the simplest route to a comfortable, mat-free Shih Tzu.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Puppy or teddy bear cut.
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