| The standard coat of a Shih Tzu should be luxuriously | | | | 6. Take one of the spliced pieces (5") and tie the |
| long and dense with a good wooly undercoat. The hair | | | | ribbon at the centerfold securely. |
| on top of the head may be tied up. When a Shih Tzu | | | | 7. Separate each fold by gently pulling out and twisting |
| is completely brushed and combed the Shih Tzu | | | | each fold out from the center. Do both sides. When all |
| should have a sleek look. The beard come to a point | | | | the folds are pulled out and twisted, the bow is |
| and a long, luxuriant moustache flows over the beard. | | | | completed. All that remains is to fasten the bow to a |
| Method of making a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy | | | | tuft of hair, using the ends of the center splice to tie |
| topknot: | | | | the knot. Cut off any excess ribbon that remains. |
| 1. Part the hair from the ear on both sides of the head. | | | | Care of the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy's ears: |
| 2. Gather up in one hand the hair in the middle and slip | | | | Because of the long hair covering the Shih Tzu |
| on a latex band at the base. | | | | puppy's ears, problems can develop when the ear |
| 3. The band may have to be wrapped around twice to | | | | gets little air. Clean the excess hair out of your Shih |
| make it secure. | | | | Tzu puppy's ear canal (not the ear flap) to improve air |
| 4. A ribbon or barrette is recommended to be | | | | circulation and help prevent infection. |
| attached to latex band. | | | | Care of the Shih Tzu's eyes: |
| How to make your own Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy | | | | Shih Tzu generally have large eyes with shallow |
| bows: | | | | sockets. A Shih Tzu's eyes are more prone to injury |
| 1. Cut one yard of ribbon. The ribbon can be any width | | | | than most other breeds. If your Shih Tzu puppy's eyes |
| you desire. | | | | are red or cloudy or tear excessively, or if your dog |
| 2. From this yard of ribbon, cut another piece about 5" | | | | squints and rubs at his eye, have a vet look at your |
| long. Splice this in half lengthwise. | | | | Shih Tzu puppy's eye to determine the cause. |
| 3. Cut the remainder of the yard in half. This material | | | | Professionalism in Shih Tzu grooming: |
| should give you enough for two ribbons or bows. | | | | The word professional means "one skilled in a |
| 4. Wrap one of the long pieces around two fingers. | | | | profession, craft, or art. The word professionalism is |
| Slip the folded ribbon off your fingers and double it | | | | defined as "the methods, manner, or spirit of a |
| over. | | | | profession. |
| 5. With a utility scissors, snip off a piece at the corners | | | | To become professional at anything, one must have |
| in a "V" shape, but not a sharp V, for you will lose any | | | | the skills appropriate to the art, craft or profession and |
| thread of support. There should be a piece of ribbon | | | | must conduct themselves professionally. |
| left at the centerfold to hold it all together. | | | | |