Care & how-to
Shih Tzu Grooming: Brushing, Bathing and Haircuts
A long-coated Shih Tzu needs daily brushing, a bath about every three to four weeks and a professional groom every four to six weeks, according to the AKC. Skip the daily brush and mats form quickly. Here is the routine step by step, plus how a shorter puppy clip can make the coat far easier to keep.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Daily brushing is the core of the routine
The AKC says long-coated Shih Tzu require daily brushing with a good-quality wire brush that has flexible pins. The key is to brush in layers: hold the hair up, work through the section underneath down to the skin, then lower a layer and repeat. Brushing only the top of the coat leaves mats forming at the skin where you cannot see them.
A comb finishes the job by showing you any tangles the brush missed, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. Choose a dog brush with flexible pins and a dog comb for the face and feathering, and keep them to hand so daily brushing stays a habit rather than a chore.
Preventing mats, especially around one year
Mats are the most common grooming problem in the breed. The AKC notes that the coat can change around 10 to 12 months of age, and that mats can form during that stage, so staying on top of brushing then prevents headaches later. Texture often shifts from puppy fluff to a longer, silkier adult coat, which tangles more easily.
If you find a mat, do not pull it. Work it gently apart with your fingers and a comb, starting at the tip, and keep the coat dry because water tightens knots. A mat sitting against the skin is best left to a groomer, who can cut it out safely. Regular brushing, plus a groom every few weeks, is far kinder than a full shave-down after neglect.
Topknot, mustache and face care
A topknot helps keep long hair out of the eyes. The AKC advises removing and re-tying it each day, combing the hair as you do, and notes you can also keep it trimmed short. A soft band that does not pull on the hair is gentler than a tight elastic.
The mustache and beard need combing daily too, because food and water collect in the facial hair and it tangles around the mouth. Wipe the face gently after meals if it gets messy, and keep hair clear of the eyes so the dog can see and stay comfortable. If an eye looks red, cloudy or is weeping heavily, that is a vet question rather than a grooming one.
Bathing every three to four weeks
The AKC suggests bathing a Shih Tzu about every three to four weeks to keep the coat clean. Brush out all tangles first, since water and shampoo set mats solid. Use lukewarm water, keep soap out of the eyes, nose, mouth and ears, and rinse thoroughly: the AKC's advice is to rinse again even when you think the suds are gone.
Choose a dog-specific, soap-free formula, because the AKC warns that human products are made for a different skin pH and can dry or irritate a dog's skin. Our dog shampoo range covers the main types, and the Shih Tzu shampoo guide explains what suits this coat. A dog-specific bath shampoo or a gentle dog shampoo are examples of the product type.
Conditioning and drying
Shampoo strips some oil, so many owners follow with a conditioner to keep long hair smooth and easier to comb. The AKC's shampoo guide notes that vitamin E can help detangle coats, though it does not cover conditioners directly. If you want one, look at a dog conditioner made for dogs, and rinse it out fully.
Blot the coat with thick towels instead of rubbing, which creates tangles. Once the coat is damp rather than soaking, brush it through in layers as it dries so it does not set into knots. Never let a long coat air-dry matted, and keep the dog warm until it is fully dry.
Haircuts and professional grooming
The AKC recommends planning on a professional groom every four to six weeks. A groomer can give a puppy clip, a shorter all-over cut that suits coats that tangle easily or owners who do not want to maintain a full-length show coat. Many pet owners choose it precisely because daily layer brushing of a long coat is a real commitment.
Tell the groomer how much time you can spend brushing and whether the dog has any skin trouble. If the skin looks red, flaky or itchy, or the dog scratches constantly, see your vet before choosing a medicated product, and use those only as directed. This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How often should I brush a Shih Tzu?
The AKC says long-coated Shih Tzu need daily brushing with a good wire brush that has flexible pins, working in layers down to the skin so mats do not form out of sight.
How often should a Shih Tzu be bathed?
The AKC suggests about every three to four weeks to keep the coat clean. Brush out tangles first, use a dog-specific shampoo and rinse thoroughly, then blot dry.
Why does my Shih Tzu keep getting mats?
Mats usually mean the brush is not reaching the skin or brushing has slipped. The coat can also change around 10 to 12 months, when tangles often increase, so brush daily then.
What is a puppy clip for a Shih Tzu?
The AKC describes it as a shorter groomer cut suited to coats that tangle easily or owners who do not want a full show coat. Ask a groomer what length fits your routine.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
