| One of the most eye-catching features of a Shih Tzu | | | | brushing should be like another expression of affection |
| or Shih Tzu mix is their glorious, flowing and soft coat. | | | | and no hitting the dog is allowed. Get your dog used to |
| In show Shih Tzus, this coat covers the eyes and | | | | being bathed, brushed, combed, ears wiped, eyes |
| reaches to the ground. In ancient China, where the | | | | wiped and nails clipped as soon as you can. Get them |
| breed originated, a long thick coat was necessary for | | | | used to the sound of clippers days or even weeks |
| survival in the drafty royal palaces. But that coat is a | | | | before using them yourself. They should stand still |
| bear to deal with every single day. | | | | before you attempt clipping them. |
| Only show Shih Tzus should be kept in a full coat. | | | | Your electric clippers will come with a dizzying array of |
| Otherwise, the average Shih Tzu owner will go insane. | | | | detachable blade lengths, designated by numbers. |
| Shih Tzu grooming of a full coat takes just as long as | | | | Some professional dog groomers recommend a |
| grooming the full coat of an Afghan hound (a much | | | | number four blade for the Shih Tzu puppy cut. A |
| bigger dog). And your local climate is probably a lot | | | | number ten will get rid of stubborn tangles, but will |
| more temperate than Northern China. If you live hot | | | | make a shorter cut. Number forty is what vets use |
| climates, a full coat will kill your dog. All breeding and | | | | before they operate - try not to get that mixed up with |
| pet Shih Tzus' coats should be kept in a Shih Tzu | | | | a four! Keep your clippers clean and stored well and |
| puppy clip. | | | | this most expensive of Shih Tzu grooming supplies will |
| You need to make Shih Tzu grooming a rewarding | | | | last many years. |
| experience for your dog. They should be praised and | | | | |