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Shih Tzu dogs are not just pets, but a breed that gives special chic and status to its owner. Pets are quick-witted and smart, characterized by confidence in their own irresistibility. That is why every owner of such a dog tries to care for him as if he were a person of royal blood. Let's talk today about how to cut your Shih Tzu's hair.

How to trim your Shih Tzu at home

The Shih Tzu is a long-haired dog breed. If you got a puppy of this particular breed, then get ready to constantly work with your pet’s fur. However, one should not think that this is a heavy duty. On the contrary, it is a great advantage and a very interesting process.

A small dog can have any hairstyle - like a puppy, a teddy bear or a teddy bear, and the dog will look harmonious in any image. In general, cutting a Shih Tzu is a creative matter.

To maintain an elegant appearance, constant, expensive coat care is required, this is especially important for show dogs.

Grooming a Shih Tzu at home suggests the following sequence:

carrying out hygiene procedures - washing, drying and combing;
determination of cutting zones and lengths on each part of the body;
if you are cutting a Shih Tzu like a puppy, the length of the fur should be the same everywhere;
When using the American standard, the hair on the back to the midline of the sides is cut to the line of the moire pattern. The paws are not cut, but only trimmed;
cutting must be done with a clipper using movements directed from the tail;
the lower border of the Shih Tzu's hairstyle runs along the inguinal line of the hind legs and above the line of the claws along the front legs;
then you need to cut the chest and neck area. The procedure is performed by the machine from bottom to top. The boundaries are the transition of the neck area to the mouth and the beginning of the ears on the sides;
on the paws it is necessary to carefully trim the cover between the claws;
cut the base of the tail;
This is followed by careful trimming in the area of the nose and eyes;
The last stage will be thinning the fur on the paws, ears and tail. Movements should be directed from top to bottom.

After the procedure, you need to comb and style your hair again, you can decorate it with bright accessories and bows.

Shih Tzu dog - photo

Representatives of this breed are infinitely cute, and due to their miniature size, they are perceived by their owners as children. And they respond with boundless love - the children’s attachment to the family is very high. When the owner leaves home, his pet may whine and “cry” for some time, and when he returns, he greets him with sincere joy.

It is noteworthy that the pet does not perceive any one of the family members as the owner. He loves everyone with whom he lives in the same house. He enjoys playing with children, following on the heels of adults and enjoying every minute spent in the family company on the sofa.

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Grooming at home

Grooming a Shih Tzu is a complex of several activities that are aimed at ensuring cleanliness while keeping a pet. At the first stage, the animal should be thoroughly bathed, since water removes natural fat, which protects the skin from the negative effects of the external environment. To restore it, you need to use:

special dog shampoos;
balms and conditioners that make it easy to comb the coat.

In parallel with cutting and washing, you need to treat the ears with antiparasitic drugs using cotton pads. Before cutting your Shih Tzu's hair, you should choose more bright accessories that will highlight the image of the animal. If you have braids or ponytails, you can secure them with multi-colored bows, elastic bands, ribbons, hairpins, and put a stylish headband on your beloved girl. You can put on an original decoration in the form of a butterfly on a male dog or tie a scarf around his neck.

Tools

It is recommended to groom your pet yourself on stable, flat surfaces. It is best to purchase a table whose height reaches the groomer’s waist; a rubberized mat should be placed on its surface. The pet will feel confident because it will not be able to slip or get scared, and the owner in this case will definitely not injure the dog with grooming tools.

To groom Shih Tzu dogs at home, you need to purchase a professional grooming kit. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the list of accessories in advance, make sure that everything is in place.

To carry out the procedure you need to buy:

trimmer with attachments No. 1,2,3,4,7;
several scissors with sharp and blunt tips;
a metal comb - it is needed to untangle the hairs;
trimming knife;
hard hair brushes necessary for combing wool;
spray;
small hairdryer.

Scissors need to be prepared in different sizes and shapes, since they are used to solve different purposes. Small scissors with rounded ends are suitable for removing hair between your fingers. Classic straight models are used directly for cutting, while thinning models are used to thin out the hair and shape the image.

Step by step instructions

Before you trim your Shih Tzu at home, you need to understand which attachment is suitable for a particular haircut:

“puppy-like” - No. 7;
“like a teddy bear” - No. 3,2,1.

To get the desired hairstyle, you should move from the beginning of the ear to the tip of the tail. If you need to make the hair short, use a lower number attachment on the clipper. Professional groomers advise treating the face when finishing the haircut. The hair on the bridge of the nose and under the nose is shaved as short as possible, and the beard is shortened obliquely using suitable scissors.

In order to cut your dog’s hair correctly without a salon, you need to follow the recommendations of specialists. Be sure to treat all grooming tools with boric acid to prevent irritation on the animal's skin. If the tangles cannot be removed by bathing and drying, you can untangle them using a trimming knife without cutting or trimming anything.

Haircut options

Decorative breeds of dogs are abundantly covered with hair, this allows the owner to create a new look for the pet every day. If you choose the right types of Shih Tzu haircuts, you can ensure your pet wins at a prestigious dog show. Also, a beautifully trimmed animal will help you earn a lot of likes and positive reviews on social networks.

For those people who do not want to participate with their pet, a neat, everyday haircut is suitable. A little lion should look decent at any event or a regular walk on the street. It is recommended to choose one of the popular pet haircuts in order to simply maintain it in the future and spend less time on grooming.

Teddy bear

Photo from Instagram account grooming_delovaya_kolbasa

The teddy bear haircut for Shih Tzus is incredibly popular among breeders all over the world. In this option, the hair on the body is cut evenly; it is enough to leave 5 centimeters long hair on the body so that there are no gaps or bald spots in the coat. Also, the animal's ear hair is removed, which makes the head rounder.

When the fur is shortened, the coat becomes like a dense layer of plush, like a soft toy. In the back of the head you need to leave long hairs, which can be easily gathered into an elegant bun or a perky ponytail. This haircut is acceptable for puppies who are not yet participating in dog shows, as they will not be allowed to participate in the show. A plush model haircut will look impressive on bitches, because the hair on the head can be gathered into a bun using bright elastic bands or shiny hairpins. Males are cut differently - the hair is shortened evenly throughout the body.

Korean haircut

Photo from Instagram account marigrum2019

Shih Tzu hairstyles in the Korean style will not be complete without adding bright accessories. According to the classic version of the dog:

the cuffs on the limbs are cut;
the hair on the body becomes shorter;
an elongated bob is formed on the head.

After the clipping is completed, a skirt-shaped coat is left on the paws. Long strands remain on the top of the animal’s head, from which a tail is formed, decorated with a hairpin and a bow. Sometimes, to emphasize the created image with a Korean haircut, the Shih Tzu wears Asian-style clothes.

Like a puppy

A short puppy-style Shih Tzu haircut in the summer helps give your pet a carefree and playful appearance. With this type of haircut, all hairs on the animal’s body are removed with a machine to a length of 2.5 centimeters. You should not cut the hair shorter than the recommended option, because irritation or dermatitis may appear on the baby's skin. And when cutting hair shorter than 2.5 cm, the animal can be accidentally injured or injured.

The hair on the pet’s head should be cut until a “hat” is obtained, the length of which is twice as long as on the body. A dog's short, stylish hairstyle gives it a neat appearance. This model haircut is advantageous because it is easy to care for your dog. A pet with a puppy cut never suffers from hot weather in the summer.

But such a haircut will not suit a Shih Tzu that participates in various exhibitions. Consultants and show judges do not approve of this hairstyle, since, in their opinion, it can ruin the dog's appearance.

Exhibition

You won’t be able to surprise anyone with ordinary haircuts at dog shows, so the masters of their craft offer original options. Only a professional should groom an animal before such an event. According to breed standards, the coat must be long, neatly laid, with partings in certain places. It is necessary to remove hairs from the nose and anus to maintain hygiene. Even if the dog is groomed by an experienced groomer, the owner should know how to trim a Shih Tzu, as points will be deducted for violating the standard.

For show-class dogs, it is important to correctly emphasize breed characteristics. The classic hairstyle of a purebred Shih Tzu is associated with:

forming a parting that runs from the crown to the tip of the tail;
silky long hair flowing down the entire height of the dog;
shortened fur around the eyes;
neatly decorated mustache and beard.

Between dog shows, curlers are used to help preserve the guard hairs without damaging or changing the base color. Korean haircuts are very popular at various shows and exhibitions, not only classic, but also variable. Before going to the groomers, you should definitely look at the photographs on specialized websites on the Internet and consult with the specialists in the salon.

Show haircut or exhibition option

Today, model or show haircuts are popular among show dogs. They assume that the hairdresser will implement the most daring ideas and give your pet a non-standard look. This hairstyle attracts the attention of everyone around and stands out for its originality.

For example, let's offer this option:

the mustache and beard are cut in a semicircle along an arc;
the hair around the eyes is cut using the hair method;
a “skirt” is cut on the chest;
on the sides the coat is cut short and the length smoothly transitions to the length of the “skirt”. sudden changes in length are not allowed;
the hair on the paws is left short and the hair on the groin is almost completely shaved off;
Long hair remains on the head, from which a tail is made and secured with bright hairpins or elastic bands.

A peculiarity of exhibition specimens of dogs is that they are not cut, but only the ends are trimmed and combed regularly to maintain the beauty of the hair.

Tips and tricks for haircuts. What to do and what mistakes there are

In this part of the article we will tell you how to cut a Shih Tzu and the basic requirements for proper coat care: you need to cut in the direction of fur growth from top to bottom;

Before the procedure, bathe the dog and dry it with a hairdryer;
disinfect instruments with boric alcohol;
If there are tangles, remove them with a trimming knife and comb them out. Do not cut your dog's hair at this stage;
when creating a puppy hairstyle, use a size 7 attachment for the machine, and when creating a teddy bear, use a size 1 or 3 attachment;
after cutting, it is necessary to profile with special scissors;
the base of the tail and the groin area are cut with a clipper;
For a Shih Tzu, trimming the muzzle is a very important task; maximum care is required here;
regularly carry out ear parasite prevention using special means;
eyebrows can be trimmed into individual hairs; they cannot be shaved, because dogs use mustaches and eyebrows as organs of touch;
when forming a ponytail, it should not fall to the side;
Maintain an equal distance between the ears.

Breed standard

From a visual point of view, the dog looks robust, luxuriously dressed, and has an arrogant expression on its face. The distance between the base of the tail and the withers is greater than the height at the withers.

Shih Tzu puppy on a walk in summer

The head of the quadruped is round and wide, quite large, with widely spaced eyes. The amount of fur resembles that of a lion - there is a lot of hair in the area of the “beard” and “mustache”, on the nose. However, this does not completely spoil the dog’s vision.

The Shih Tzu has a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle and has a black nose. However, sometimes a dark brown variant is also found, usually in dogs with brown markings. The dog's lips are not raw, and the jaws are wide.

The bite is most often straight, edge to edge. The four-legged friend looks at his owners and at the world around him with large dark gaze of round, but not bulging eyes, which, moreover, are quite widely spaced.

The eyes, by the way, despite the arrogant disposition, have a warm expression. The description of the tail deserves special words - it is truly royal and luxurious, carried cheerfully, curled over the back and has a high set.

Shih Tzu in poor condition

Shih Tzu ears have a long flap and a relatively low set. They hang down and are covered with decorative hairs that blend into the fur on the neck. This breed has a somewhat arrogant, smooth movement, with the front legs having good reach and the hind legs having a strong drive. The pads are open.

As for the coat, the pile has a dense structure, is usually long, there is a moderate undercoat, but not fluffy. Light waves are allowed. It is important that the fur does not prevent these dogs from seeing their surroundings.

As for color, a wide palette is acceptable. It is highly desirable if there is a mark on the forehead and a white tail tip. Especially when it comes to spotted colors. On the beard of a Shih Tzu there is a so-called “Buddha mark” - a piece of white fur.

Shih Tzus are loyal and affectionate pets

As a rule, the height of dogs does not exceed 27-28 cm, and the dog weighs from 4 to 8 kilograms, depending on gender. The dog has two disqualifying vices - aggression and cowardice. Mental abnormalities are also possible. It is also worth making sure that male dogs have two testes descended into the scrotum.

Differences in grooming males and females

Males are usually cut like a bear or like a lion, with the groin area and anus carefully trimmed. This is the main feature of the Shih Tzu haircut for boys. They are rarely left with long hair all over their body.

Haircuts for Shih Tzu girls also have their own characteristics. They are often left with long hair, especially show specimens, which is then used to make ponytails on their heads using brightly colored accessories or elastic bands.

Tools, accessories and preparations for haircuts at home. Prices in salons

To trim your Shih Tzu's hair at home, you will need the following arsenal of tools:

a special machine with various attachments;
sharp scissors;
milling scissors;
combs and brushes;
trimming knife for separating mats and matted wool.

Also, to care for your dog, you will need special shampoos and hair conditioners, ear parasite remedies, and other anti-parasitic medications.

Grooming a Shih Tzu (photo below) at home will cost you a tiny amount, or even free. However, we will consider the option if you want to turn to grooming professionals. For example, a standard procedure in Ukraine will cost you 130-150 hryvnia. If you want to do it at home, the master will have to pay about 250 hryvnia for the visit.

You shouldn’t skimp on your pet’s beauty and hygiene, because its health and attractive appearance directly depend on it.

Shih Tzu care

Dogs of this breed cannot be called easy to care for. They require attention to wool and quality of nutrition.

Babies' fur grows very quickly and requires regular trimming. The frequency of visits to the grooming salon depends on the length that the dog owner chooses. In recent years, it has been common to cut the Shih Tzu short: the hair is removed all over the body, leaving a fluffy tassel on the tail and a “teddy bear” face. But even in this “mode” you will have to visit the groomer once every two to three months.

As the fur grows, it can disturb the pet: long bangs get into the eyes, which can lead to the development of conjunctivitis. If the dog has long hair, the “bangs” are left, but they must be tied with a “tail”, folding it over the neck.

Regardless of the length of the dog's coat, you need to brush it daily. Even in a short coat, dirt can accumulate due to the fluffy undercoat and the special structure of the hairs. Choose a brush with long teeth so that they reach the body. In the summer, your pet is regularly treated for fleas: long and especially variegated fur can easily hide parasites that cause anxiety to the animal.

Your Shih Tzu also needs to be bathed frequently, optimally once every three to four weeks. They use special shampoos that soften the coat, or conditioners that make it easier to untangle the hairs when combing. After bathing, you can apply oil to the coat, which softens the hairs and makes them shiny.

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What to feed your Shih Tzu

Choosing food for a Shih Tzu is up to the owner. Kids live well on a natural diet if their diet includes beef or veal, boiled turkey or rabbit. Offal is allowed from time to time, fresh vegetables can be given daily. You cannot feed dogs high-calorie, carbohydrate foods from the table: bread, pasta, and cereals will not benefit the kids and will cause problems with weight and coat.

If you choose ready-made food, give preference to super-premium brands with reduced protein and fat content. Still, dogs of this breed do not lead a very active lifestyle, and they do not need a high calorie diet.

Some manufacturers offer special lines of food for dogs with luxurious coats, enriching them with vitamins and other valuable nutrients for a shiny coat. If your pet likes this food, great: ready-made food is convenient for the owner and healthy for the pet.

Advice. Do not combine ready-made food and natural food in your dog’s diet. In this case, it will not be possible to make the diet balanced. Most often, with a combination of dry food and cereals with meat, pets overeat and gain weight. In addition, such a diet creates an unjustified load on the digestive system and disrupts its functioning.

Basic mistakes and useful tips

When grooming a Shih Tzu, inexperienced professionals or the owners themselves often make mistakes that can be completely avoided.

The main thing is to take into account all possible shortcomings and act according to the rules.

But if possible, it is better to immediately contact specialists. The stress experienced by both the dog and the owner when creating the first haircut can lead to a distortion of the silhouette or pain in the animal.

General rules for combing

The Shih Tzu's long coat needs to be thoroughly brushed at least once every few days. However, in some cases it is necessary to carry out the procedure daily.

During the molting period, it is imperative to pay attention to combing your pet every day to avoid tangles. Don't think that one Shih Tzu brush is all you need to do this.

You will need several combs, including a massage brush and a long-toothed metal comb. The ideal option would be a double-sided comb with different densities and lengths of teeth.

Let us describe in detail the procedure for combing a pet:

Combing begins from the hind legs, strands at a time. You need to start scratching from the bottom up, and then back. It is better to lay the animal on its side. If there are tangles and tangled hair, they need to be taken apart and untangled with your fingers, and then comb the hair with a comb;
Using the same pattern, you need to comb your paws, belly, and armpits. Then you need to part your back and comb from top to bottom;
Carefully comb behind the ears and remove tangles. To determine the direction of combing, you should focus on the depression on the nose. The hair above it is combed upward, and below it - in a downward direction. The mustache is also divided evenly and combed down;
If your pet has a lot of tangles, you first need to untangle or cut them off. It is not recommended to bathe an animal with mats, as this will only worsen the situation.

Varieties

There are quite a lot of styles and models of haircuts for Shih Tzu. There are fashionable options for designing animal fur, show versions, and hygienic types of processing. Each of them deserves special attention. In addition, there are popular hairstyles for summer and winter that allow you to provide the dog’s body with fairly comfortable thermoregulation.

Hygienic

The simplest haircut is hygienic, which involves removing tangles and overgrown hair. It is used for puppies and pet-class dogs that do not participate in exhibitions, and for lactating females. The frequency of procedures should be 15–30 days. The hairs between the paw pads must be removed and the anus and groin area trimmed.

Excessively long hairs in the armpits are also removed.

"Like a puppy"

A short summer “puppy” haircut allows you to give your pet the carefree and enthusiastic appearance characteristic of young animals. In this case, all the hair on the body is clipped to a length of 2.5 cm. A shorter option is not recommended, as it can cause skin irritation.

On the head, the hair is also cut or shaped into a “cap”, with a length approximately twice as long as on the body.

Show-class dogs need proper emphasis on their breed characteristics. The canonical hairstyle of Shih Tzu dogs involves the formation of a correct parting from the crown to the tail of the dog. The coat falls along the entire length to the tips of the paws, looks flowing and silky. The cover is shortened only in the area around the eyes, and the beard and mustache are also neatly shaped.

Between exhibitions, curlers are used to preserve long guard hairs without damage or discoloration.

"Teddy bear"

The short haircut is the most popular among Shih Tzu breeders. During shortening, the coat begins to resemble dense plush, characteristic of soft toys. The dog's head and muzzle take on a rounded shape with refined lines. Long hair at the back of the head is gathered into a neat bun or ponytail.

A short teddy bear haircut for a puppy can only be chosen if it is not being shown, otherwise the dog may simply not be allowed to participate in the show.

Korean

Cute Asian-inspired designs are widely popular among Shih Tzu breeders. A Korean haircut allows you to give your dog the appearance of an anime character. To do this, the maximum length of hair is maintained on the head and ears; braids or ponytails are formed here on both sides of the head. The beard and mustache are cut short, forming a rounded silhouette of the muzzle.

History of the breed

These dogs appeared in Europe just under 100 years ago and quickly gained popularity. They became especially in demand in Great Britain, where many representatives of the breed settled in the homes of aristocrats and wealthy people.

This choice is easy to explain: Shih Tzus are very attractive and even touching in appearance. They have beautiful fur, and their face, when properly groomed, resembles that of a bear cub. It has become fashionable not only to keep babies in the house, but also to take them with you, since the compact size and sociable nature of the pet allow this.

In 2004, American scientists decided to check the pedigree of the breed and found out amazing things. Firstly, the Shih Tzu dog is one of the oldest on the planet and has remained virtually unchanged in appearance over the millennia of its existence. Secondly, she has Asian roots: the ancestors of these kids lived in Tibet, and in the middle of the 17th century, the Dalai Lama gave a pair of miniature dogs to the Emperor of China.

Since then, Shih Tzu puppies have become worth more than just their weight in gold. Dogs lived only at the emperor’s court, and none of the “mere mortals” had the right to keep a favorite of this breed. Only from time to time the emperor, who wanted to demonstrate his special affection to his immediate circle, could present a puppy of this breed as a gift. The gift was considered priceless, and the person who dared to steal the dog from the owner faced the death penalty.

Fact. According to one version, the name of the breed is translated as “lion dog.” There is a legend that it was the Shih Tzu that accompanied the Buddha on his travels, and in case of danger it turned into a lion to protect its owner. According to another version, the name means “beautiful dog,” which is associated with the name of Empress Xi Shi, whom the Chinese honor as one of the greatest beauties of the ancient world.

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Differences in haircuts for boys and girls

All Shih Tzu dogs require careful care, regardless of gender and age. What is the difference between grooming girls and boys? The exhibition haircut is one for everyone and does not imply a significant deviation from the canonical silhouette. But in grooming - hygienic or fantasy - there are variations.

As a rule, in males, special attention is paid to the inguinal and anal areas.

The teddy bear haircut looks good on Shih Tzu boys. A universal - unisex - hairstyle is considered to be “puppy style”, giving youth and enthusiasm to a dog in any age category. Girls are traditionally cut in a more fancy way - in the Korean style or in more varied ways, leaving elongated hair on the head, feathering on the paws, forming playful ponytails or braids.

Types of Shih Tzu haircuts

Shih Tzu haircuts can be divided into: 1. Home haircuts 2. Exhibition Home haircuts are more a manifestation of the owner’s imagination than any specific rules. The most popular are the “teddy bear” and “puppy” haircuts. “Teddy bear” is more of a summer haircut, since there is a minimum of fur on the body, while the hair on the head and face remains longer. It is rounded with scissors, so the muzzle takes the same shape as that of a teddy bear. “Puppy” haircut - the hair is cut on the head and body. Thus, its length becomes almost half as long. This haircut option is suitable for winter. Both boys and girls have puppy haircuts. This is a universal haircut option. Exhibition haircuts should only be done by a professional, as they are much more complex than at-home haircuts. Exhibition haircut is a hygienic procedure that involves cutting the hair on the stomach, on the inside of the paws, around the anus, bridge of the nose, as well as removing hair under the lower lip and nose.

Required tools and accessories

When grooming Shih Tzu dogs at home, you need to take care of a full set of necessary tools and accessories needed by every groomer. Among them should definitely be:

rotary type hair clipper;
trimmer with a set of additional attachments;
regular and thinning scissors of a convenient size;
a set of brushes for detangling wool;
metal comb;
tangle cutter or special trimming knife;
tweezers for plucking excess hair in the ears;
spray or aerosol to facilitate combing;
shampoo and conditioner for care.

Rules for bathing and brushing

In order for a Shih Tzu dog to stand out among its relatives with beautiful and soft fur, you need to work on it at least once every few days, and during the molting period - every day. Buy several combs in advance, and one of them should have metal teeth. You can't do without a massage brush.

Remember that it is recommended to untangle all tangles before swimming, otherwise it will be much more difficult to do so later. You may have to get rid of them using a machine. Take proper care of your furry pet, and he will delight you with his beautiful coat and excellent health.

How to cut your hair correctly?

Grooming a puppy and an adult dog traditionally begins with bathing and brushing. Dirty wool cannot be processed properly; first you also need to remove and sort out the tangles. At home, you can treat the head and paws yourself, but only a true master can cut an animal beautifully according to a pattern for an exhibition or use fashionable techniques.

If you don’t want to go to the salon, you can find a specialist who is ready to go to the client.

The procedure for hygienic - everyday haircut of a Shih Tzu - will be as follows.

The hair on the chest, neck, and body of the animal is shortened with a machine to a length of 2.5 cm. The “skirt” is also cut to the overall length. You only need to guide the machine according to hair growth, using a special attachment.
The inguinal and anal areas and abdomen are carefully trimmed. This machine uses a machine without attachments; you can choose a separate miniature version for trimming delicate areas. Long hairs are first removed with scissors.
The fur between the paw pads is completely removed. Legs are trimmed from top to bottom. After a haircut, the limbs should look even, without distorting the proportions.
How to trim your face correctly at home? This is where scissors come in handy. For a beard, it is necessary to maintain an oblique angle; the eyebrows are trimmed in the direction of growth. Sticking hairs in the ears are removed, and around the nose and eyes the haircut should be short.
All areas of the body clipped with a clipper must be trimmed with scissors at the final grooming.

The procedure is repeated as necessary, taking into account the speed and intensity of hair growth.

In preparation for an exhibition, the length is not removed, only the silhouette and hygienic zones are trimmed.

Dog haircut patterns

Dog grooming not only has an aesthetic meaning, but also plays an important role in the process of caring for your pet's coat. Correctly performed grooming allows you to preserve the basic characteristics of the coat that correspond to the breed of the animal: shine, color, silkiness or, conversely, hardness, direction of hair growth. Professional groomers have developed dog haircuts that suit a specific breed and have aesthetic and functional qualities.

Yorkshire Terrier

These cute dogs continue to lead the popularity rating among dwarf breeds. Despite their miniature size, they require significant care. The first grooming for a pet can be organized as early as four months of age. And then make small adjustments about once a month (depending on the rate of hair growth).

There are several main types of Yorkie haircuts:

hygienic: remove excess hair in the groin and anal area, trim the top of the ears, paws, trim the claws;
standard: includes all components of hygienic care, and also trims the hair on the ears, bangs, beard and paws;
model: can include many grooming options depending on the client’s wishes and the type of animal’s coat (long and short haircuts, with or without a skirt, Korean style, puppy style, with a bow ponytail and many others).

Pros and cons of the Shih Tzu

Among the advantages of the breed are the Shih Tzu's diminutiveness, sociability and love of being in the company of people. Therefore, they are perfect for keeping in city apartments.

Kids do not need regular physical activity; daily walks in the fresh air are enough, which is convenient for older owners. But if it is not possible to walk your pet, he can easily get by with a tray. The main thing is to accustom the baby to it from the first days of being in the house.

The main disadvantages of the Shih Tzu:

difficulties in caring for the coat - you cannot do without professional grooming;
eye problems - protrusion of the eyeballs, tendency to inflammatory diseases;
tendency to swallow fur, which can form lumps in the esophagus, causing dangerous consequences, including suffocation.

Due to the nature of their fur, dogs do not tolerate heat well, so in the summer it is better to be outside with them in the morning and evening. Excessive activity on a hot day can lead to heatstroke. Shih Tzus are poor swimmers and do not like water procedures, although they quickly get used to regular bathing.

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Aftercare

How to properly care for the coat of Shih Tzu dogs after grooming? A groomed pet will look impressive only if it receives enough attention. Among the measures recommended to maintain an attractive appearance of an animal are the following.

Regular combing of the coat with special anti-tangle sprays. The procedure is carried out using a metal comb and a special brush with stiff bristles.
Periodic bathing of the animal - on average three times a month, every 10 days. Before and after this procedure, the hair is thoroughly combed and tangles are removed. Conditioner and balm are used during washing.
After taking water treatments, thoroughly treat the wool with antistatic compounds or special aerosol fixatives.
Shaping ponytails for everyday wear. They are created on the beard and crown of the animal.
Using silk walking overalls during every walk.

If you follow these recommendations, the results of grooming can be preserved for as long as possible.

Diseases

On average, dogs of this breed can live from 15 to 17 years, remaining vigorous and healthy. But this does not mean that they do not tend to get sick. Typical ailments of this breed are early loss of teeth and tumors in the mouth. Problems with the spine, even paralysis, may also occur.

It would be strange to avoid problems with such a thick, luxurious coat. It is often inhabited by parasites such as fleas and ticks, but dandruff is also common. The latter is a sign that your four-legged friend lacks trace elements or that the skin care products are not suitable.

Shih Tzu after haircut

If small wounds are not noticed in time, an abscess often develops, especially when it is humid and stuffy outside. If this disease starts, you will need the help of a specialist. The ears are also susceptible to parasites. In addition, the older the dog, the higher the likelihood that he will become deaf. In addition, this breed is susceptible to inguinal hernia, kidney failure, cataracts, atopy, entropion, various types of fungi, and urolithiasis.

Breeds that most often need grooming

All dogs require special care, regardless of size, coat type, living conditions, etc. Even stray dogs monitor the condition of their fur on their own or with the help of their friends. If you do not regularly care for the fur, it can become tangled and matted, which will cause significant discomfort to the animal.

Every pet needs minimal care:

regular brushing;
eliminating wool defects;
trimming claws, etc.

These and more complex procedures (such as a model's hairstyle) are best left to a professional groomer. Most often, its services are used by owners of decorative, small and medium-sized breeds. In most cases, these dogs require special grooming depending on their coat type.

Luxurious wool and special care

The luxurious fur of a Shih Tzu is a source of pride for the owner. Proper care of such wool is needed not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to maintain hygiene. It is known that some decorative breeds require special attention - lack or poor ability to shed, long hair and thick undercoat

often cause the appearance of various troubles, such as frequent tangles, diaper rash and much more. It is necessary to wash and comb frequently, give vitamins and monitor the animal’s health. Grooming the Shih Tzu is also an important procedure, because it gives a beautiful appearance and guarantees that the dog will not suffer from skin diseases and tangled fur. Regularity should be about two weeks.