Learning how to cut the hair of a shih tzu is a skill that saves you a ton of money and helps you bond with your little lion dog. If you've ever looked at your shih tzu after a month of hair growth and thought they looked more like a discarded mop than a puppy, you aren't alone. These dogs have hair that just doesn't stop, and while professional groomers are great, it's totally possible to handle the upkeep at home if you have a little patience and the right tools.
The biggest hurdle for most owners is the fear of "messing up." Here's the secret: it's just hair. It grows back. Even if your first attempt results in a slightly lopsided "teddy bear" look, your dog won't care as long as they're comfortable and can see clearly. Plus, doing it yourself means you can take breaks when your pup gets wiggly, which is a luxury most professional groomers don't have.
Getting the Right Gear Before You Start
You can't just grab a pair of kitchen scissors and hope for the best. Well, you could, but it would be a disaster for the coat and potentially dangerous for the dog. To make the process smooth, you'll want a decent set of electric clippers. You don't need the $300 professional version, but don't buy the cheapest ones on the shelf either—they tend to snag and pull the hair.
Look for clippers that come with various guard combs. These guards are your best friend because they ensure you don't accidentally shave your shih tzu bald. You'll also need a pair of grooming scissors (preferably with rounded safety tips for the face), a slicker brush, and a metal "greyhound" comb. Oh, and treats. Lots of high-value treats. If your dog associates the buzz of the clippers with a piece of chicken, your life becomes ten times easier.
The All-Important Prep Work
The biggest mistake people make is trying to cut a dirty or tangled coat. If you try to run clippers through a mat, you're going to pull on the skin, and your dog is going to decide then and there that grooming is the worst thing ever.
Start with a thorough brushing. Use your slicker brush to get through the bulk of the coat, then follow up with the metal comb. If the comb can't slide through from the skin to the tips, you've still got tangles. Once the tangles are out, give them a bath. Clean hair is much easier to cut and won't dull your clipper blades as fast. Make sure they are 100% dry before you start trimming. Clipping damp hair is a recipe for an uneven, choppy mess.
Starting with the Body
When you're ready to actually start the haircut, it's usually best to begin with the body. Most owners prefer a "puppy cut," which is basically keeping the hair at a uniform length of about one or two inches. Pick a guard comb that matches the length you want and start at the base of the neck.
Always move the clippers in the direction of hair growth. If you go against the grain, you'll end up with a much shorter cut than you intended. Work your way down the back and sides. Take long, smooth strokes. Don't worry about the legs or the tail just yet; focus on getting the "trunk" of the dog looking even. If your shih tzu is nervous, keep one hand on them at all times to steady them. It's a calming touch that lets them know you're right there.
Managing the Legs and Belly
The legs can be tricky because shih tzus have those cute, sturdy little limbs that they love to pull away. I find it's easiest to hold the paw gently and work the clippers down towards the floor. For the belly, be extra careful. The skin there is very thin and loose. You might want to switch to a slightly longer guard or just use scissors to tidy up the "skirt" area if you aren't confident with the clippers near the sensitive spots.
Tackling the Face and Head
This is the part that makes everyone nervous. Shih tzus have those beautiful, expressive eyes, but they also have hair that grows directly into them. To cut the hair on the face, you'll want to switch to your safety-tip scissors.
First, comb all the facial hair forward. Carefully trim around the eyes so they have a clear field of vision. A good trick for the "mustache" is to comb it downward and trim in a semi-circle to get that classic rounded look. If you're feeling brave, you can use the clippers on the top of the head, but most people find it easier to use scissors to blend the head hair into the neck.
Pro tip: If your dog is a "wiggler," wait until they are a bit tired after a long walk before trying to trim near their eyes. Safety is the priority here.
Those Tiny Paws and the Sanitary Trim
Don't forget the "beans!" Hair grows like crazy between a shih tzu's paw pads. If it gets too long, they'll lose traction on hardwood floors and start sliding around like they're on ice. Use your scissors (carefully!) to trim the hair flush with the pads.
The "sanitary trim" is the other "not-so-fun" part of the job. This involves trimming the hair around the private areas and the base of the tail. It's not about aesthetics; it's about hygiene. Keeping this hair short prevents "danglers" and keeps things clean when they go outside. Most people use a short guard on the clippers for this, but again, if your dog is jumpy, scissors are often safer as long as you move slowly.
Finishing Touches and Style
Once you've gone over the whole dog, you'll probably see some stray hairs sticking out here and there. This is where your metal comb comes back into play. Comb the hair "up" or "out" and see where the uneven bits are. Use your scissors to snip off those stragglers.
The tail is usually left long on a shih tzu, but it still needs a trim. Comb it out and trim the ends to keep it from dragging on the ground and picking up burrs or dirt. If you want that classic "fountain" look on the head, you can leave the topknot long and use a small hair tie, but many owners find it easier to just keep the "bangs" short.
Keeping Your Dog Calm Throughout
If your dog starts getting stressed, stop. There is no rule saying you have to finish the whole haircut in one sitting. Sometimes I'll do the body in the morning and save the face for the evening. If they are getting snappy or shaking, give them a break.
Make the grooming area comfortable. I like to put a non-slip mat on top of a table so they feel secure. If they feel like they're going to slip, they'll tense up, which makes it harder for you to get a straight cut. Talk to them in a calm, happy voice. Tell them they're doing a great job, even if they're being a bit of a pill.
Dealing with Mistakes
You're going to make mistakes. You might slip and take a chunk out of the shoulder, or one ear might end up slightly shorter than the other. It's okay! Your shih tzu doesn't look in the mirror and cry. They just want to be clean and cool.
If you do nick the skin, don't panic. Keep some styptic powder (or even cornstarch) nearby to stop any minor bleeding. Usually, it's just a tiny scratch, but it's good to be prepared. If you've made a visible "oops" in the coat, just try to blend it in with the surrounding hair using thinning shears if you have them. If not, just leave it alone. In two weeks, it'll grow out and no one will ever know.
Wrapping it Up
After the cut is done, give your dog a final once-over with the comb. This helps remove any loose hair that was cut but is still hanging out in the coat—this prevents it from shedding all over your couch five minutes later.
Learning how to cut the hair of a shih tzu is definitely a "practice makes perfect" kind of thing. Each time you do it, you'll get faster, and your dog will get more used to the routine. Give them a final treat, a big hug, and let them go show off their new look. They'll feel much lighter and more comfortable, and you'll feel like a pro for doing it yourself.