Key takeaways
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Shih Tzus have a double coat that doesn't shed. Dead hairs get trapped inside the coat and form mats without regular brushing.
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The areas most prone to matting are behind the ears, in the armpits, under the chin, and around the belly.
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Shih Tzus should be bathed every three to six weeks, brushed every one to two days, and professionally trimmed every four to eight weeks.
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80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age three, making regular teeth brushing especially important for small-jaw breeds like Shih Tzus.
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Trimming around the eyes, ears, and sanitary areas is safest in a professional groomer's hands, but most other grooming tasks can be done confidently at home.
Shih Tzus are known for their adorable faces and long, flowing coats. Top knots are a key feature of this breed's look, and keeping those silky locks in good shape is no easy feat. If you've recently welcomed a Shih Tzu into your home, you'll want to know how to properly groom them.
Grooming a Shih Tzu is often a multi-step process, explains Giulia D'Ignazio, a professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming. "Typically, in our salon, we remove the eye boogers before the bath. Depending on the condition of the hair, we will bathe them first or do a pre-shave."
The right tools and a little patience go a long way. This guide covers everything from understanding your Shih Tzu's coat to choosing the right grooming style, so you can feel confident doing it at home.
Understanding the Shih Tzu's double coat
The Shih Tzu has a double-layered coat: a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a longer, silkier topcoat that acts as a shield against dirt and moisture. Unlike many other double-coated dogs that shed in clumps seasonally, Shih Tzus have a very long hair-growth cycle and barely shed at all. When hairs do die and fall out, they get trapped inside the surrounding coat instead of falling to the floor.
Without regular brushing, those trapped hairs wrap around the healthy coat and form tight mats. The areas most prone to matting are behind the ears, in the armpits, under the chin, and around the belly and groin. Anywhere friction or moisture collects is a problem area. A wet coat tightens this process significantly, which is why bathing a brushed coat is always the rule.
One common mistake: surface brushing. Sliding a brush over the top of the coat leaves the dense undercoat completely untouched. Over time, that bottom layer compacts close to the skin, trapping warm, damp air and creating the conditions for hot spots, yeast infections, and skin sores. Because Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed, grooming also needs to account for the face and skin folds, where moisture collects fastest.
Essential grooming tools for Shih Tzus
Grooming your Shih Tzu with ease starts with the right tools. Without them, you might find yourself tangled in knots.
Here are some Shih Tzu grooming essentials to have on hand:
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Slicker brush: Fine wire bristles are ideal for removing loose hair and breaking up small tangles before they turn into tight mats.
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Metal grooming comb: After brushing, use a wide-tooth side to ease through the outer coat and a narrow-tooth side to catch hidden knots in the undercoat.
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Rounded-tip scissors: Safer for precise trimming around your dog's eyes and face.
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Dog nail clippers or grinder: Regular nail trimming is a must for Shih Tzus. Long nails push the toes upward and force an altered, uncomfortable posture.
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Dog-safe shampoo: Shih Tzu skin conditions are more common than most owners expect. "Most Shih Tzus we see have skin conditions, so you have to be extra cautious," notes Giulia. Earth Rated's Double Coat 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo uses jojoba seed oil to hydrate the skin, loosen the dense undercoat, and make post-bath brushing easier. For dogs with dry skin or easily tangled fur, Earth Rated Detangling 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo smooths the hair cuticle so combs glide through without pulling.
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No-rinse shampoo: For in-between baths, Earth Rated No-Rinse Shampoo lifts dirt and odors without drying out the skin.
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Eye wipes: The Shih Tzu's protruding eyes need regular, gentle cleaning. Earth Rated Eye Wipes are unscented, infused with calming chamomile, and sized for easy use around the eyelids and snout.
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Ear wipes: Shih Tzu floppy ears trap moisture and warm air, creating the conditions for infection. Earth Rated Ear Wipes are hypoallergenic, aloe vera-infused, and sized at 5x5 inches to clean the ear flap and outer folds easily.
How often should you groom a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus need more consistent maintenance than most breeds. A clear grooming frequency schedule is the single best tool for staying on top of it, since small tasks done regularly prevent the mat buildup and skin issues that make each groom harder than the last. Here's what that looks like in practice:
Daily tasks
Daily care focuses on the face. The Shih Tzu's flat facial structure causes tear fluid to pool under the eyes, so wipe the area with Earth Rated Eye Wipes every day to keep skin dry and bacteria-free. For dogs kept in longer styles, daily brushing prevents friction-induced knots from tightening overnight.
Weekly tasks
Once a week, inspect the ears for redness, wax buildup, or unusual odor and clean them with an ear wipe if needed. Brush teeth at least two to three times per week using dog-safe toothpaste to stop plaque from building up. Also comb through the fur under harnesses and collars, as these are prime spots for early tangles that go unnoticed until they become mats.
Every 4–8 weeks
Schedule a full bath and nail trim every three to six weeks. Trimming and styling are generally needed every six to eight weeks for shorter cuts and every four weeks for longer traditional styles to keep hair from dragging on the ground or falling into your dog's eyes.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Face and eye wipe | Daily |
| Coat brushing | Every 1–2 days |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times per week |
| Ear inspection and clean | Weekly |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Bath and dry | Every 3–6 weeks |
| Trim and haircut | Every 4–8 weeks |
Step-by-step: how to groom a Shih Tzu at home
Most of the work of keeping a Shih Tzu in good shape happens at home. Here's how to handle each part of the routine properly, from brushing technique to dental care.
Brushing
To brush a Shih Tzu properly, use line brushing. Part the hair horizontally to expose the skin, then work from the bottom up, starting at the feet and legs, moving through the belly, armpits, and finally the back. Every stroke should start close to the skin and slide outward to the ends of the hair.
If you hit a knot or mat, spray the area with a detangling spray or Earth Rated Deodorizing Spray to lubricate the hair fibers. Gently tease the mat apart with your fingers first, then comb through with a wide-tooth comb starting at the outer edges of the knot and working toward the center. If your finger can't fit between the knot and the skin, the mat has tightened too much. Leave it to a professional to avoid tearing the skin.
Bathing
Always brush before bathing. Water has a tightening effect that turns existing tangles into solid, unmanageable mats.
Fill the bath area with warm water up to your dog's chest. Using a cup or handheld sprayer, wet the coat thoroughly down to the skin, keeping water away from the face and ears. Apply a small amount of Earth Rated Double Coat 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo and massage evenly from neck to tail. Rinse twice until the runoff is perfectly clear, since even the mildest shampoo causes skin irritation if left on.
Blot the coat dry with a towel rather than rubbing, since rubbing creates instant tangles. Dry completely down to the skin using a blow dryer on a low, cool setting. A coat that stays damp triggers skin conditions.
For a quick freshen between baths, Earth Rated No-Rinse Shampoo lifts odors and dirt without a full wash.
Giulia recommends bathing your Shih Tzu every four to six weeks to keep their coat clean and shiny. If your dog rolls in something particularly unpleasant, an extra bath may be needed, but regular overwashing strips the coat of its natural oils.
Ear care
Shih Tzu floppy ears act like closed doors. They trap moisture and warm air inside the ear canal, creating a dark, damp environment where yeast and bacteria thrive. Watch for frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears, a foul odor, redness, swelling, or dark waxy discharge. Any of these signs warrants a vet visit.
To clean the ears safely at home, pull the ear flap straight up to open and straighten the canal. Squeeze an alcohol-free ear cleaning solution into the canal until it's full, then massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. You'll hear a wet squishing sound as the liquid breaks up deep wax. Use a clean cotton ball to wipe away the loose debris from the upper canal, let your dog shake their head, then wipe the outer opening once more. Never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal. For day-to-day maintenance, Earth Rated Ear Wipes clean the outer ear flaps and folds quickly and gently.
On the question of plucking hair from inside the ear canal: modern veterinary guidance has shifted away from routine plucking. Pulling hair from the deep canal causes microscopic tears that invite bacterial infections. Today's approach is to trim visible ear hair near the opening with scissors and leave deep plucking to a vet only when an active infection requires it.
Eye care and tear stain prevention
Because of their flat faces and shallow eye sockets, Shih Tzus frequently experience excessive tearing. Rather than draining properly through the tear ducts, excess tear fluid spills onto the surrounding fur, and that wetness creates the reddish-brown discoloration known as tear staining.
The rust-like color comes from porphyrin, an iron-containing pigment found in a dog's tears. When the iron-rich fluid sits on fur, it oxidizes and leaves behind dark streaks. Environmental irritants like smoke or bright sunlight, food sensitivities to common ingredients like chicken or artificial additives, and high mineral levels in standard tap water can all intensify staining.
To prevent it: wipe the area under the eyes daily with Earth Rated Eye Wipes, dabbing outward from the nose rather than rubbing. Switching your dog's drinking water to filtered or distilled water is also effective for reducing the internal mineral levels that feed staining. Replace plastic food and water bowls with stainless steel or ceramic options that are washed daily to prevent bacteria from transferring to your dog's wet muzzle.
Nail trimming
Regular nail trimming is a health issue, not just a cosmetic one. Nails that are allowed to grow too long push the toes upward, forcing your dog to walk on the back of its paws. That altered posture causes joint discomfort and can worsen hip issues over time.
Trim every three to four weeks using dog nail clippers or a grinder. Identify the quick (the pink part of the nail containing blood vessels) and trim only the tip to avoid cutting it. If you hit a pinkish hue, stop. Many dogs can't sit still for all four paws at once, so take breaks as needed and reward generously.
Dental care
Small-jaw breeds like Shih Tzus have to fit a full set of 42 adult teeth into a very compact muzzle. That structural reality causes severe dental crowding, which makes the breed highly prone to oral disease. According to data from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age three.
Brush your dog's teeth two to three times per week using a soft pet toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which contains foaming agents that cause stomach upset when swallowed. Annual dental exams and X-rays under general anesthesia are also recommended to safely clean plaque beneath the gumline where decay begins.
Shih Tzu grooming styles
Shih Tzus require regular trimming and styling to maintain their coats. Giulia recommends trimming every six to eight weeks for shorter cuts and every four weeks for longer ones. Here are the four most popular Shih Tzu grooming styles and what sets each apart.
Puppy cut
The puppy cut trims fur to a uniform length of 0.5 to 1.5 inches all over the body, giving the dog a perpetually youthful, fluffy appearance. It's the most popular choice for pet Shih Tzus: low maintenance, easy to brush at home, and a practical choice for warmer months.
Teddy bear cut
The teddy bear cut keeps the body slightly longer at 1 to 2 inches, while the facial hair is carefully hand-trimmed into a soft, rounded shape. It highlights the dog's expressive dark eyes while staying manageable between professional grooms.
Top knot
The top knot is a classic look where the body is kept short, often in a puppy cut length, while the head hair is left long enough to be gathered and secured with a bow or band. Functional as well as stylish, it keeps long facial hair completely out of the eyes.
Show cut
The show cut keeps the coat at full floor length and requires twice-daily, deep-layer line brushing to avoid mats. It's almost exclusively used for show dogs and is not practical for most pet owners.
| Style | Body length | Maintenance level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy cut | 0.5–1.5 inches | Low | Active families, warmer seasons, minimal daily brushing |
| Teddy bear cut | 1–2 inches | Moderate | Owners who want a soft face with a shorter body |
| Practical top knot | Varies (usually short body) | Moderate–high | Keeping hair out of eyes; preventing corneal scratches and tear stains |
| Show cut | Full floor-length | Extremely high | Indoor show dogs; twice-daily deep brushing required |
Professional vs. at-home grooming
At-home dog grooming works well for the daily and weekly routine. Brushing, face wiping, ear maintenance, and regular baths are all things most owners can handle confidently.
The work that's best left to a professional is anything involving sharp scissors near sensitive zones. Trimming around the eyes, ears, and sanitary areas carries a real risk of injury without proper training. As Giulia puts it: "We usually hold a treat as a distraction and trim around these areas." Professional groomers undergo extensive training to handle these delicate zones safely, and they're equipped to keep a dog calm and steady while doing it.
If your Shih Tzu develops tight, painful mats close to the skin, don't try to cut them out at home. Tight mats drag on the skin and can easily pull it up into the knot. Attempting to cut them with household scissors frequently results in accidental skin cuts. A professional groomer can safely shave the coat down without risking skin damage or disrupting your dog's ability to regulate their body temperature.
Common grooming mistakes to avoid
Shih Tzus need a lot of grooming attention, which means there are plenty of easy oopsies to make. These are the three that come up most often.
Overwashing
Bathing your Shih Tzu too frequently strips their coat of natural oils, leaving their skin dry and itchy. Giulia recommends bathing every four to six weeks. If your pup gets into something smelly between baths, reach for Earth Rated Grooming Wipes or the no-rinse shampoo instead of a full bath.
Incorrect brushing
Brushing only the surface of the coat leads to hidden mats that slowly work their way against the skin, producing sores and irritation. Always brush both the topcoat and undercoat and check problem areas like the armpits and behind the ears.
Using the wrong tools
Pin brushes are designed for curly-coated dogs and aren't suited to the Shih Tzu double coat. Dull scissors can also pull and tear. Invest in the right kit, especially since you'll be using it regularly.
Seasonal grooming tips
You may need to adjust your Shih Tzu's grooming routine as the seasons change.
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Spring: If your dog has allergies, wipe down their fur and paws with grooming wipes after outdoor play to reduce pollen and allergens. Your dog will also blow their winter coat during this season, so focus on brushing out the old undercoat.
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Summer: Continue regular brushing to remove dirt and dander buildup and prevent mats from forming in the heat.
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Fall: Your dog blows their summer coat to make way for their winter coat, so increase your brushing frequency to keep up with the shedding cycle.
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Winter: Keep the fur between your dog's paw pads short to prevent painful snowballs from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?
Shih Tzus need daily face wiping, brushing every one to two days, a bath every three to six weeks, and a professional trim every four to eight weeks depending on coat length. The more consistent the routine, the easier each session becomes.
What is the best haircut for a Shih Tzu?
The puppy cut is the most popular choice for pet Shih Tzus because it's low maintenance and easy to brush at home. The teddy bear cut is a good option if you want to keep the facial fur looking rounder and fuller. Show cuts are beautiful but demand a serious daily commitment.
What type of shampoo and conditioner should I use for my Shih Tzu?
Use a shampoo formulated for a dog's naturally alkaline skin. Earth Rated Double Coat 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo works well for most Shih Tzus, combining cleaning, conditioning, and hydration in one step. For dogs with dry or easily tangled fur, the Detangling 3-in-1 formula helps smooth the coat before brushing.
How do you keep a Shih Tzu's face clean?
Wipe under the eyes daily with a gentle eye wipe to remove tear crust and discharge before it dries and stains. Clean the skin folds around the muzzle at the same time. Earth Rated Eye Wipes are a good fit here: unscented, chamomile-infused, and formulated for sensitive facial skin.
Can I groom my Shih Tzu at home or should I use a professional groomer?
Both. Daily brushing, face wiping, ear maintenance, and baths are all manageable at home. Trimming around the eyes, ears, and sanitary areas is safer in a groomer's hands. Most owners get the best results by doing routine maintenance at home and scheduling a professional groom every four to eight weeks.
What should I do if my Shih Tzu has mats in their coat?
For small tangles, use a detangling spray and work through the mat gently with your fingers before using a wide-tooth comb. For tight mats where you can't fit a finger between the knot and the skin, don't try to cut them at home. Take your dog to a professional groomer who can shave them out safely without risking a skin cut.
Earth Rated's grooming solutions
The best thing you can do for a Shih Tzu is build a simple routine and stick to it. A quick daily face wipe, brushing every couple of days, and a proper bath every few weeks will prevent almost every issue covered in this guide before it starts. The mats, the tear stains, the ear infections: most of them come from gaps in the routine, not bad luck.
Start with one habit if you're not there yet. Daily eye wiping takes 30 seconds and does more for a Shih Tzu's comfort than most owners realize. Earth Rated's grooming range is designed to make that routine as simple as possible, from the first face wipe to bath day.
