| One of the most eye-catching features of a Shih Tzu | | | | Otherwise, the average Shih Tzu owner will go insane. |
| or Shih Tzu mix is their glorious, flowing and soft coat. | | | | Shih Tzu grooming of a full coat takes just as long as |
| In show Shih Tzus, this coat covers the eyes and | | | | grooming the full coat of an Afghan hound (a much |
| reaches to the ground. In ancient China, where the | | | | bigger dog). And your local climate is probably a lot |
| breed originated, a long thick coat was necessary for | | | | more temperate than Northern China. If you live hot |
| survival in the drafty royal palaces. But that coat is a | | | | climates, a full coat will kill your dog. All breeding and |
| bear to deal with every single day. | | | | pet Shih Tzus' coats should be kept in a Shih Tzu |
| Only show Shih Tzus should be kept in a full coat. | | | | puppy clip. |