Understanding the Shih Tzu Coat
Shih Tzus carry a long, dense double coat that grows continuously. Left untrimmed it reaches the floor — beautiful in the show ring, unrealistic for London parks and drizzle. The coat mats readily, especially where the harness sits, behind the ears and on the chest.
The Three Realistic Styles
The puppy cut — 2–3 cm all over. The most practical choice: smart, washable, and forgiving of a busy brushing schedule. Most pet Shih Tzus in the city wear this.
The teddy bear — same practical body with a rounder, fuller face. Adorable, but that face needs eye-area tidying every 2–3 weeks. Full teddy bear guide here.
The long coat — for the committed: daily line-brushing, weekly baths, topknots to keep hair out of the eyes. Stunning, and a genuine hobby.
The Daily Bit: Faces and Eyes
Shih Tzu faces need daily attention regardless of style — hair grows toward the eyes, and tear staining builds where it stays damp. A quick wipe with a clean, damp cloth each morning, plus professional face trims, prevents staining and irritation. A blueberry facial at groom time brightens existing stains.
Harness tip: a Y-front harness on a Shih Tzu mats the chest coat in days. Rotate harness position, brush the contact zones after walks, or walk on a collar where safe.
Schedule
Every 4–6 weeks professionally for short styles, with a bath-and-tidy or face trim between full grooms if you like the sharp look. Long coats: professional maintenance every 3–4 weeks. Skipping to 10+ weeks almost always ends in a shave-off — see our matting guide for why.