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.
The main advantage of this breed is its luxurious thick fur, thanks to which they are often called lions.
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.
Main appearance attribute
The main advantage of Chinese dogs is their luxurious coat.
Thanks to the imaginative thinking of the Chinese, who developed the breed, cabbage soup tzu is often called chrysanthemums or lions.
A miniature dog can be given any look - a puppy, a teddy bear, a plush toy.
However, with all this, the dog remains a full representative of its family - fearless, loyal, sharp-toothed.
The animal must be regularly bathed with shampoo and conditioner, the fur must be treated with special gels and, most importantly, combed daily.
When keeping these small dogs, the main difficulty is grooming.
Despite the patient nature of the Shih Tzu, the work of maintaining the coat in perfect condition is very labor-intensive.
Maintaining the luxurious appearance of a Shih Tzu requires skill, effort, and thoroughness. First of all, these qualities are most evident when caring for exhibition specimens.
The difficulty is that show-class animals are not cut: their fur is regularly trimmed, but combed daily.
Everyday haircuts
Like the Yorkshire Terrier, daily grooming for Shih Tzu dogs involves a standard trim to ensure the dog's comfort and to give him a well-groomed appearance. This procedure should be performed 1-2 times a month, depending on the rate of fur growth. It is recommended for all pets to have this hairstyle in order to prevent tangles and matting, as well as to ensure that the dog always looks attractive and neat.
The daily styling procedure involves trimming overgrown hair under the paws, at the base of the tail, in the groin area and between the claws.
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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.
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.
East is a delicate matter
The fashion for oriental-style hairstyles is quickly spreading among shitz owners.
How is a Korean haircut done? Aligned long hair remains on the pet's head, which can be braided into pigtails with bows, gathered into ponytails with elastic bands, and secured with hairpins along the entire length. The paws are cut off, leaving the cuffs. Light clothing in the national style helps complete the look.
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.
Puppy haircut
One of the most popular is the Shih Tzu puppy hairstyle. The main advantage of this image is that there is no need for special skills to perform it at home.
Peculiarities:
- body hair is cut to the same length, approximately 3 cm;
- the top of the head is cut in the form of a beret.
This style is especially appropriate on hot summer days, when a dog with long hair feels hot and uncomfortable.
Another type of puppy hairstyle would be the modern style look. The dog's legs are cut into perfect symmetrical pants, the hair inside the ears is trimmed, and a burgher's mustache is created on the face. The result is not a cute little puppy, but a pretty young teenager. Although at the same time, the haircut of a Shih Tzu puppy has the same features.
Teddy bear
Another common look would be the teddy bear haircut for the Shih Tzu. The main distinguishing feature is the creation of a plush effect by cutting thick hair to the same length throughout the body.
Peculiarities:
- on the body the length remains approximately 5 cm;
- the fur on the head, muzzle, ears and tail is trimmed in compliance with symmetrical proportions;
- The hairs inside the ears are cut off almost completely. This is necessary not only from a hygienic point of view, but also to avoid unnecessary protruding ears with an overall balanced image.
There are no specially developed standards regarding these hairstyles. The main requirement for their implementation is compliance with symmetry and harmonious appearance.
Classic show haircut
The exhibition version of Shih Tzu dog grooming (photo below) assumes the presence of long hair, which is decorated with all kinds of accessories during exhibitions.
As a rule, for exhibitions, dog owners give their dogs complex or fancy hairstyles. This task is entrusted to qualified groomers.
The classic show version is a hygiene procedure that includes trimming the hair on the belly, around the anus, under the tail, and under the paws. Also, before the exhibition, the hair on the bridge of the nose, under the nose and under the lower lip is trimmed.
The eastern version of the show style involves a slightly cropped coat, with the hair on the head gathered into a cute ponytail. This hairstyle requires constant care; it is for this reason that only show dogs wear these hairstyles. In general, long-term work on the appearance of the future Champion is the main part of preparation for a dog show.
Grooming
The classic Shih Tzu standard requires a thick, long, well-styled hairstyle with sideburns, beard and parting in the required places.
In this case, only hygienic removal of hair in certain areas is permitted.
The requirements for the exterior are strict: only a professional can give the animal the necessary appearance without compromising the decorative qualities of a representative of the breed.
For this reason the wool is cut. However, in order to preserve the external advantages of the Shih Tzu, a variety of haircut styles are chosen - those that make the little pet cute and funny.
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.
In Russia, the cost of the service is slightly higher and amounts to about 1,000 rubles in the salon and 1,400 rubles when a specialist comes to your home.
You shouldn’t skimp on your pet’s beauty and hygiene, because its health and attractive appearance directly depend on it.
Pay attention to the floor
Boys have their hair cut a little differently than girls, choosing a bear and lion hairstyle. The hair in the groin area and near the anus is greatly shortened. The coat in other places is kept short. Girls are left with long locks, which are subsequently turned into braids and ponytails, pinned with hairpins, and decorated with bows and wide colored elastic bands.
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.
The “highlight” of a Korean-style haircut is the creation of a short “skirt” on the paws; the body is practically deprived of fur, only the plush is retained. For your pet, you can choose stylish clothes, tie bows or use bright hairpins.
A perky tassel is formed at the tip of the tail.
Grooming tool
Modern poodle haircut: how to cut it at home
In salons, grooming is carried out by trained people, but a simple haircut can be done at home. In this case, you will need the following tools:
- rotary machine, you can use a trimmer with a set of various attachments;
- scissors with rounded and sharp tips, additionally for thinning;
- a brush with fairly stiff bristles;
- a special device for removing tangles (trimming knife);
- metal comb;
- tweezers used to remove hair from ears;
- shampoo;
- air conditioner;
- spray.
You should choose high-quality tools so as not to harm the dog during the haircut and avoid various unpleasant moments.
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