Shih Tzu Grooming Guide: Costs, Cuts & Care Tips (2026)

Shih Tzu Grooming Costs

Here's what to expect for professional Shih Tzu grooming based on size and service type:

Size	Weight	Basic Groom	Full Groom
Standard Shih Tzu	9-16 lbs	$50-$70	$70-$90
Imperial Shih Tzu	4-9 lbs	$45-$65	$65-$85

Annual grooming costs: $500-$1,080 (based on grooming every 4-6 weeks).

For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.

Shih Tzu Coat Type & Care

Shih Tzus have a luxurious double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a long, flowing outer coat. The coat can grow to floor length if maintained for show. Most pet owners keep it trimmed shorter for easier maintenance.

Coat Type	Long/Silky
Shedding	Low (hair gets trapped in coat)
Grooming Frequency	Every 4-6 weeks
Brushing	Daily to every other day
Grooming Difficulty	Medium-High

Popular Shih Tzu Haircuts

Here are the most popular grooming styles for Shih Tzus:

Puppy Cut

Best for: Easy maintenance, active dogs

Hair trimmed to 1-2 inches all over body. Clean, manageable, and comfortable.

Maintenance: Low - brush every 2-3 days

Teddy Bear Cut

Best for: Fluffy, cute appearance

Body kept at 1-2 inches with rounded face and head. Creates adorable teddy bear look.

Maintenance: Low-Medium - brush every 1-2 days

Top Knot

Best for: Keeping hair out of eyes

Face hair gathered into a top knot with bow or band. Can be combined with any body length.

Maintenance: Medium - daily brushing of long hair

Show Coat

Best for: Show dogs, dedicated owners

Full floor-length coat, parted down the middle. Requires significant daily maintenance.

Maintenance: Very High - daily brushing and conditioning

Lion Cut

Best for: Unique style statement

Body shaved with full mane around head and chest, puff on tail.

Maintenance: Low-Medium - less coat to maintain

Shih Tzu Grooming Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your Shih Tzu looking and feeling their best:

Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks
Brushing: Daily for long coats, every 2-3 days for short cuts
Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks
Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
Ear cleaning: Weekly

Puppy Grooming

Start gentle brushing at 8 weeks. First professional groom at 12-16 weeks. Establish positive grooming associations early as Shih Tzus need lifelong grooming.

Senior Dog Grooming

Senior Shih Tzus may have more sensitive skin and less patience for grooming. Keep coats shorter for comfort. Watch for skin issues common in older dogs.

Find a Shih Tzu-experienced groomer

Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Shih Tzus and similar breeds.

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Common Shih Tzu Grooming Problems

Eye Problems

Shih Tzus are prone to eye issues due to their flat faces. Hair can irritate eyes and cause tear staining.

Prevention: Keep face hair trimmed or tied up. Clean eyes daily. Watch for excessive tearing or redness.

Matting

The silky coat tangles easily, especially in armpit, behind ears, and rear areas.

Prevention: Brush thoroughly every 1-2 days. Use detangling spray. Pay attention to friction areas.

Skin Allergies

Shih Tzus can have sensitive skin prone to allergies and irritation.

Prevention: Use gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos. Watch for scratching or redness. Keep skin dry and clean.

At-Home Shih Tzu Grooming

Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Shih Tzu's coat at home.

Essential Tools

Pin brush for daily brushing
Metal comb for checking tangles
Detangling spray
Eye wipes for daily cleaning
Ear cleaner
Hair bands for top knots

Grooming Tips

Always brush before bathing - water tightens mats
Use a leave-in conditioner for easier brushing
Keep face hair trimmed or tied to prevent eye irritation
Clean eye area daily to prevent tear staining
Check ears weekly for odor or discharge

Finding a Shih Tzu-Experienced Groomer

Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Shih Tzu:

Ask about experience with brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
Ensure they're comfortable handling small dogs gently
Look for groomers who don't rush small breed appointments
Ask about their approach to face and eye area grooming
Check reviews from other Shih Tzu owners

For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to groom a Shih Tzu?▼

Shih Tzu grooming costs $50-$90 per session. Basic grooming runs $50-$70, while full grooming with detailed styling costs $70-$90.

How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?▼

Shih Tzus need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Between grooms, brush daily or every other day to prevent matting.

What is the best haircut for a Shih Tzu?▼

The Puppy Cut is most popular for easy maintenance. Hair is trimmed to 1-2 inches all over. The Teddy Bear Cut adds a rounded face for extra cuteness.

Do Shih Tzus need haircuts?▼

Yes, Shih Tzus need regular haircuts. Their hair grows continuously and will mat without trimming. Most owners choose practical short cuts.

How do I keep my Shih Tzu's face clean?▼

Clean the face daily with pet-safe wipes. Keep hair around eyes trimmed or tied up. Address tear staining with regular cleaning.

Can I groom my Shih Tzu at home?▼

You can do daily brushing, face cleaning, and basic maintenance at home. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is recommended for haircuts.

The Bottom Line

Shih Tzu grooming requires professional appointments every 4-6 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Shih Tzu looking and feeling their best.

Find a groomer experienced with Shih Tzus, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Shih Tzu will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.