As the proud owner of a Shih Tzu, you’ll want to keep your furry friend looking their best. Regular grooming, including trimming, is essential for maintaining their beautiful coat and overall health. Unlike other breeds, Shih Tzus have a double coat that requires special care. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to trim a Shih Tzu, providing you with tips and techniques to achieve a professional-looking finish.
Before you start trimming, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a pair of sharp, high-quality scissors, preferably with a curved blade; a comb, brush, and slicker brush; and a detangling spray. Start by thoroughly brushing your Shih Tzu’s coat to remove any mats or tangles. Brush in the direction of hair growth, using the slicker brush to remove any loose undercoat. This will make the trimming process easier and more effective.
Now, it’s time to start trimming. Begin by trimming the hair around the face, starting with the eyebrows. Use the scissors to carefully remove any hair that obstructs their vision. Next, trim the hair around the ears, using scissors or clippers with a #10 guard. When trimming the body, use clippers or scissors with a #4 guard to remove any excess hair from the legs, stomach, and back. For the tail, you can use scissors to create a rounded or pom-pom shape. Always trim in the direction of hair growth, using short, even strokes. Finish by combing the coat and spraying it with a detangling spray to prevent mats.
Tools and Preparation
Trimming your Shih Tzu requires specific tools and meticulous preparation to ensure a comfortable and effective process. Gather the following essential equipment:
Shears and Scissors
Investing in high-quality shears and scissors is crucial. Curved shears are ideal for shaping the body, while straight shears are best for trimming around the eyes and paws. Scissors with blunt tips are recommended for sensitive areas. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and sharpening, is essential to maintain their precision.
Types of Shears and Scissors
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Curved shears | For shaping the body |
| Straight shears | For trimming around the eyes and paws |
| Scissors with blunt tips | For sensitive areas |
Additional tools include a comb, slicker brush, nail clippers, and styptic powder for any potential nicks or cuts.
Before trimming, ensure your Shih Tzu is clean and brushed to remove any tangles. A warm bath followed by a thorough blow-dry will facilitate the grooming process.
Identifying the Trim Area
Shih Tzus have a distinctive double coat that requires regular trimming and maintenance. Knowing the designated trim areas is crucial to preserve the breed’s classic appearance. The following points will guide you in identifying these areas:
- Head:
Trim around the eyes, removing any overgrown hair that may obstruct vision. Shape the topknot, leaving it slightly rounded. Keep the hair on the cheeks and chin shorter than the rest of the head.
- Body:
The body is typically trimmed into a “teddy bear” shape. Use scissors or clippers to create an even length of hair, about 1-2 inches long. Round the edges of the paws and trim any excess hair on the belly.
- Legs:
Trim the hair on the front legs from the elbows down, leaving it slightly longer than on the back legs. For the back legs, trim from the hocks down, maintaining a “bell-bottom” shape. Avoid trimming the hair too short on the legs, as this can expose the bare skin and cause discomfort.
- Tail:
Trim the hair on the tail to create a “flag” effect. Leave the hair on the top of the tail longer than on the bottom, and round the edges.
It’s important to note that the trim areas may vary slightly depending on the specific preferences of the owner and the conformation of the dog. Regular grooming and consultation with a professional groomer is recommended to ensure the best results.
Cleaning and Drying
Step 1: Wetting the Shih Tzu
- Thoroughly wet your Shih Tzu’s fur with lukewarm water. Use a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for dogs and avoid getting water in their eyes or ears.
- Create a rich lather and massage it into the fur, working from the head down.
- Avoid using human shampoo, as it can irritate your dog’s skin.
Step 2: Rinsing the Shih Tzu
- Rinse your Shih Tzu’s fur thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all shampoo residue.
- Use a spray nozzle or a showerhead with a gentle setting to avoid startling your dog.
Step 3: Drying the Shih Tzu
- Wrap your Shih Tzu in a clean towel and gently pat them dry. Avoid rubbing, as this can tangle their fur.
- Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to remove excess moisture. Hold the blow dryer several inches away from your dog’s body and keep it moving to prevent hot spots.
- Brush your Shih Tzu’s fur while blow-drying to distribute the heat evenly and prevent mats.
Breaking the Hair Down
You must approach Shih Tzu grooming with patience and attention to detail. The first step is breaking down the hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties. This will prevent it from becoming tangled and matted as you trim. Hair ties work well for the chest area, the legs, and around the ears. Clips are ideal for holding the hair on the top of the head.
After sectioning the hair, you can begin the actual trimming process. Start with the legs, as they are the easiest part to trim. Use scissors or clippers to cut the hair evenly, avoiding any uneven or jagged lines. The length of the hair on the legs should be between 1 and 2 inches.
Next, trim the hair on the chest. This area is a bit more difficult to trim, as the hair tends to be finer and more prone to matting. Use sharp scissors to carefully trim the hair, following the natural contours of the chest. The length of the hair on the chest should be between 1 and 2 inches.
Trimming the Face
Trimming the hair on the face of a Shih Tzu requires special care and attention. Use sharp scissors to carefully trim the hair around the eyes, avoiding the delicate skin around them. The hair on the top of the head can be trimmed to any length you desire, but it should be kept out of the eyes.
The hair on the chin and throat should be trimmed short, but not so short that it creates an unkempt look. The hair on the cheeks can be trimmed to any length you prefer, but it should be blended seamlessly into the hair on the rest of the face.
Once you have completed trimming the hair on the face, you can move on to the ears. The hair on the ears should be trimmed short, but not so short that it exposes the ear canals. The hair on the inside of the ears can be trimmed even shorter, to prevent it from matting.
| Area | Length |
|---|---|
| Legs | 1-2 inches |
| Chest | 1-2 inches |
| Face | Varies |
| Ears | Short |
Using Clippers
Clippers are an excellent tool for trimming a Shih Tzu’s coat, as they can quickly and easily remove large amounts of hair. However, it is important to use clippers with caution, as they can easily cut the skin if they are not used correctly.
Here are some tips for using clippers on a Shih Tzu:
1. Choose the right clipper blade.
The blade size you choose will depend on the length of coat you want to achieve. For a short, close-cut, a #10 blade is a good option. For a longer coat, a #7 or #8 blade is a better choice.
2. Comb the coat thoroughly before clipping.
This will help to remove any tangles or mats that could clog the clippers and make the trimming process more difficult.
3. Start by trimming the body.
Hold the clippers against the skin and move them in the direction of hair growth. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could cut the skin.
4. Trim the head and face carefully.
These areas are more delicate than the body, so it is important to use caution when trimming them. Use a smaller clipper blade for these areas, and be sure to avoid the eyes, ears, and nose.
5. Trim the feet and tail.
The feet and tail can be trimmed with either clippers or scissors. If you are using clippers, be sure to use a small blade and trim carefully around the nails. If you are using scissors, be sure to hold them parallel to the skin and trim in the direction of hair growth.
| Clipper Blade Size | Coat Length |
|---|---|
| #10 | Short, close-cut |
| #7 or #8 | Longer coat |
Scissoring Techniques
Scissoring is an essential technique for shaping and maintaining the unique appearance of a Shih Tzu’s coat. Here are the steps involved:
Preparing the Coat
Brush the coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or mats. Use a slicker brush or a fine-toothed comb for best results.
Cutting the Body
Use curved scissors to cut the coat on the body to a uniform length of about 2-3 inches. Hold the scissors parallel to the body and follow the natural contour of the dog.
Rounding the Legs
Use curved scissors to round the legs, creating a curved shape from the shoulder to the foot. Cut the hair on the back of the legs slightly shorter than the front.
Trimming the Tail
Hold the tail vertically and use curved scissors to trim the hair around the base of the tail to about 1 inch in length. Then, scissor the tip of the tail to a point.
Shaping the Ears
Use thinning shears to shape the ears. Hold the ear up and trim the hair along the edges to create a rounded shape. Avoid cutting the hair too short, as it can make the ears look thin and floppy.
Trimming the Face
Trim the hair around the eyes and nose to create a neat and tidy appearance. Use blunt-tipped scissors to prevent any accidental cuts. The hair on the top of the head can be cut to a length of about 1-2 inches, while the hair around the ears can be left longer.
Shaping the Ears
Trimming the Ear Fringe
To trim the ear fringe, gently lift the ear and hold it against your finger. Using small, sharp scissors, trim the hair around the edges of the ear, following the natural curve. Avoid cutting into the ear itself.
Shaping the Outer Ear
To shape the outer ear, hold the scissors parallel to the ear and trim the hair that extends beyond the rounded shape of the ear. Be careful not to cut too much hair, as this can create a choppy appearance.
Trimming the Inside Cavity
The inside cavity of the ear should be trimmed to prevent hair from matting. Gently pull back the ear flap and use small scissors to trim the hair inside. Take care not to cut too close to the skin.
Removing Hair from the Canal
It’s important to remove any hair from the ear canal to prevent infections. Use tweezers or a hemostat to gently remove any visible hair. Avoid inserting anything too far into the ear canal.
Cleaning the Ears
After trimming, use a cotton ball dipped in an ear cleaning solution to gently clean the ears. Remove any excess dirt or debris.
Frequency of Trimming
Shih Tzu ears should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain their shape and prevent mats. However, you may need to trim them more frequently if your dog’s ears grow quickly or get dirty easily.
Tips for Trimming Shih Tzu Ears
* Use sharp scissors to prevent tearing the hair.
* Hold the ears gently and avoid pulling on them.
* Trim the hair gradually, starting with small cuts and working your way up to larger ones.
* Be patient and take your time to achieve the desired shape.
Trimming the Feet
Paw Pad Prep
Begin by trimming the fur between the paw pads. Use small, sharp scissors to avoid nicking the pads. Cut the fur short, but not too close to the skin, to prevent discomfort and matting.
Toe Hair Trim
Next, trim the hair around the toes. Hold each toe gently and use scissors to cut the hair at a 45-degree angle. Avoid cutting too close to the nails, as this can irritate the foot.
Nail Length Maintenance
Trim the nails as needed using a dog nail clipper. Hold the clipper parallel to the nail and clip off the sharp tip. Be careful not to cut into the quick, which is the pink, sensitive part of the nail.
Dewclaw Removal
If your Shih Tzu has dewclaws (extra claws on the inside of the front legs), trim them regularly to prevent them from growing in and becoming uncomfortable.
Hairline Shave
For a neater look, consider shaving the hair around the bottom of the paw. Use a small, electric trimmer or scissors to carefully trim the hair close to the skin, taking care not to cut the foot.
Pads and Claws Check
Regularly inspect your Shih Tzu’s paw pads for any cuts, sores, or infections. Also, check the nails for overgrowth or signs of ingrown nails.
Frequency of Trims
The frequency of foot trims will vary depending on the individual dog and the amount of time they spend outdoors. Generally, it is recommended to trim the feet every 4-6 weeks.
Table: Foot Trimming Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Small, sharp scissors | Trimming fur between paw pads and toes |
| Dog nail clipper | Trimming nails |
| Electric trimmer or small scissors | Shaving hair around the bottom of the paw |
Finishing Touches
9. Trimming the Feet
For a polished look, trim the hair on the feet. Start by holding your Shih Tzu’s paw and using small, sharp scissors to trim the hair that extends beyond the pads. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin, as this could cause discomfort. Next, trim the hair between the pads, using a light touch to avoid cutting the skin. Finally, round the edges of the feet with the scissors to create a neat and tidy finish.
Tips for Trimming the Feet:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hold the paw firmly and use sharp scissors to trim the hair around the edges of the pads. |
| 2 | Trim the hair between the pads, taking care not to cut the skin. |
| 3 | Round the edges of the feet with the scissors to create a neat finish. |
Maintenance and Tips
Maintaining the health and well-groomed appearance of a Shih Tzu requires regular maintenance.
Brush Daily: Brush the coat thoroughly with a slicker brush to remove tangles and debris.
Bathe Monthly: Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs to bathe your Shih Tzu. Rinse thoroughly and blow dry on a low heat setting.
Trim Nails Regularly: Use nail clippers to trim the nails every 2-3 weeks. Avoid cutting them too short to prevent discomfort.
Brush Teeth Weekly: Brush the teeth using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain dental hygiene.
Check Ears Weekly: Inspect the ears for any signs of redness, discharge, or odor. Clean them if necessary using a cotton ball and an ear cleaning solution.
Trim Sanitary Areas: Trim the hair around the anus, genital area, and feet to prevent mats and debris buildup.
Grooming Supplies: Maintain a set of grooming supplies including a slicker brush, nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, ear cleaning solution, and scissors.
| Grooming Tool | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Slicker Brush | Daily |
| Bathe | Monthly |
| Nail Clippers | 2-3 Weeks |
| Toothbrush | Weekly |
| Ear Cleaning Solution | Weekly |
| Scissors | As needed for sanitary trims |
How to Trim a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a popular breed of dog known for their long, flowing coats. While their coats are beautiful, they can be difficult to maintain. If you don’t have the time or money to take your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer, you can learn how to trim them yourself.
Here are some tips on how to trim a Shih Tzu:
- Start by brushing your Shih Tzu’s coat to remove any tangles or mats.
- Use a pair of sharp scissors to trim the hair around your Shih Tzu’s face, ears, and feet.
- For the body, use a clipper with a #10 blade to trim the hair to an even length.
- Be careful not to cut the hair too short, as this can damage the coat.
- Once you’re finished trimming, brush your Shih Tzu’s coat again to remove any loose hair.
People Also Ask About How to Trim a Shih Tzu
How often should I trim my Shih Tzu?
You should trim your Shih Tzu’s coat every 4-6 weeks.
What kind of scissors should I use to trim my Shih Tzu?
You should use a pair of sharp scissors that are designed for grooming dogs.
What kind of clipper should I use to trim my Shih Tzu?
You should use a clipper with a #10 blade to trim your Shih Tzu’s coat.
How short should I cut my Shih Tzu’s hair?
You should cut your Shih Tzu’s hair to an even length of about 1 inch.
