Shih Tzu Hairstyles – What You Need To Know

One of the great things about having a Shih Tzu is the fun of choosing their hairstyle. Unlike many other dogs with short hair or fur, Shih Tzus hairstyle options are endless.

Take a look at the adorable Shih Tzu hairstyles above for some inspiration!

If you enjoy getting creative, grooming your own Shih Tzu can be a truly fulfilling experience. Before diving into the different Shih Tzu hairstyles, it’s important to remember that not every cut will look the same on every Shih Tzu. Factors like coat texture and body features play a role. So, have fun experimenting with different cuts to find the one that suits your furry friend best!

Shih Tzu Hairstyles & Different Shih TzubHaircuts

Most Shih Tzu owners prefer to keep their dog’s hair trimmed, which means a visit to the groomer every 6-8 weeks. If not trimmed, Shih Tzus will have long, flowing hair. A perfect look for those who love brushing and grooming their pets or for show dogs. However, for a family pet, those long locks can be a bit much to handle.

If you decide to keep your Shih Tzu’s hair long, be prepared for the time and effort required to maintain that beautiful flowing coat!

When choosing your Shih Tzu’s hairstyle, consider how you can style each part of their body. Their face, body, ears, head, and legs. In most Shih Tzu hairstyles, the tail is left long to preserve that cute, flag-like flourish.

Keeping A Full and Thick Face

The first thing you notice about a Shih Tzu is their face, so it’s a key focus when selecting a hairstyle. You can choose to shave the face completely, or leave the beard as is or trim it short.

Some owners prefer to trim the beard and whiskers for a rounded look. While others leave them longer to create a more elongated head shape.

Topknot

A topknot can be thick or long, pulled up with an elastic band. You can also opt to shave the head short, or leave the hair the same length as their body. This creates a more uniform look.

Body Hair

Your Shih Tzu’s body hair can be shaved short, left about an inch long, or trimmed in various ways. The length might depend on the season. Shih Tzus can handle winter with a trimmed look as long as they have a sweater or coat. Many owners even have a full wardrobe for their pets!

Contrary to popular belief, Shih Tzus don’t need a summer trim to stay cool. Their coat insulates them, keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter.

Ears

The ears can be trimmed to match the length of the whiskers and mustache. Thus giving the Shih Tzu a round, Teddy Bear look.

Legs

Legs can be trimmed to match the body length, left natural, straightened or made feathery. Or even clipped short at the top and long at the bottom for a bell-bottom effect, sometimes called “Skirts.”

Tail

Most people don’t cut their Shih Tzu’s tail, opting instead to just trim the ends to create a thick, plumed look. The tail can get matted if not properly cared for, so make sure to brush and comb it regularly using a steel comb.

Puppy Cut

The Puppy Cut, also known as the Summer Cut or Teddy Bear Clip, is the most popular Shih Tzu hairstyle. This is because it’s easy to maintain.

In this style, the groomer trims the hair on the legs, body, and face to about 1-2 inches. The ears can be trimmed to match the facial hair or left longer. When brushed out, your Shih Tzu will look like a stuffed animal. Super cute and easy to manage with regular brushing or combing.

Shih Tzu Hairstyles – Clippers and Accessories

Most groomers use a variety of combs and blades, but if you’re clipping your Shih Tzu at home, you don’t need an extensive collection—a few blades will do the job.

Clippers can heat up quickly, and you don’t want to risk burning your dog’s hair. Keep a can of blade coolant handy or have an extra blade on hand just in case. Blades also need oil, so keep a small container of blade oil nearby and dispose of it safely after use.

Shih Tzu Hairstyles Conclusion

Part of the required care for a Shih Tzu is their hair maintenance. You need to take care of it in order to give them a good appearance. Also to avoid knots and tangles forming. If you’re ready to style your Shih Tzu’s hair yourself, grab a clipper and have some fun. If not, ask around for good groomer recommendations.