If you are the proud owner of a puppy or dog from this breed, then you have probably already been debating the advantages of various Shih Tzu haircuts. Should you go for the cute Shih Tzu Teddy Bear haircut or opt for a Summer Cut for convenience?
I am sure you would have already had a few battles with this unique coat. As can be expected, the beautifully fine Shih Tzu hair knots fairly easily if not taken care of. But regular haircuts can certainly help you manage any problematic tangles and matts.
Andis 23320 Professional UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper – Rotary Motor with Shatter-Proof Housing, Runs Calm & Silent, 14-Inch Cord – for All Coats & Breeds – 120 Volts, Blue
If a visit to the grooming salon is delayed for whatever reason, brushing matted hair can become tricky. Preventing matted hair, as much as possible, is definitely advisable. To keep your Shih Tzu healthy and looking his best, you do need to implement a regular grooming regime. This means planning a scheduled clip.
4 Haircut Styles for the Shih Tzu Breed
Below are some of the more popular Shih Tzu hairstyles. Each one looks adorable so deciding which you prefer can be tricky.
The Practical Top Knot
This is one of the Shih Tzu haircuts you have probably already heard of.
For this style, you gather some of your pet’s hair to form a knot on top of his head. The hair is then secured with a ribbon. Some dog owners may choose to form the knot at the back of the head.
The rest of the body hair can be trimmed to the length that you prefer. Of course, the preferred length would depend on whether or not you live in an area that is subject to extreme temperatures.
Naturally, it is advisable that you keep hair from poking into your pet’s eyes.
Shih Tzu Lion Cut
When it comes to Shih Tzu haircuts, Lion Cut is one of the more popular styles. As the name suggests, the lion cut gives your pet the appearance of a little lion.
You will need to trim your dog’s hair all over the body but leave the head and neck hair longer to give the appearance of a mane.
You could also leave long strands on both sides of the mouth for effect. But make sure the whiskers are untouched.
Teddy Bear Cut
This Shih Tzu hairstyle involves leaving a fluffy appearance on your dog’s face. This can give him the adorable appearance of a bear. The hair is left to drop downwards and trimmed at the end of the neck. Hair around the mouth and sides is trimmed shorter than on the head and neck.
I must say, I personally like the Teddy Bear look more than a Lion Cut Shih Tzu style.
A Summer Cut Shih Tzu Haircut
This style is also referred to as the puppy cut. The entire body is trimmed 1-2 inches and always kept at that length. It is suitable for the summer as it is a cooler style.
You will still need to comb or brush regularly to prevent tangles and knots.
Here you can watch a groomer clipping the summer cut. The video is ‘presented’ & described by a little Shih Tzu himself … very cute!
Shih Tzu Haircut Tools
The tools used in the video above include equipment from these grooming categories (Affiliate Links):
Tips for Shih Tzu Haircuts
So, which is your preferred cut for this breed? I love the adorable appearance of the Teddy Bear Cut. However, the Shih Tzu Lion Cut remains a very popular style among owners and groomers.
You can read about other popular dog breed hairstyles by following these links:
- How to Cut Maltese Hair with Clippers and Scissors
- Cockapoo Hairstyles
- Pomeranian Haircuts
- Poodle Haircuts