GROOMING

The Shih Tzu is a longhaired dog. Actually, it has two coats, one outer coat that has long straight hair, and the short and wooly. The hair on it head is usually tied up in a tight knot over the head. Do Not Get a Shih Tzu If You Cannot Groom It Daily

Many people decide that the Shih Tzu is the right dog for them because they find it so beautiful. It is not a good idea to decide you want a Shih Tzu after you see it in a dog show. Here, the best specimens are paraded and what you see though looks easy and carefree, is the result of a lot of work and perseverance.

Shih Tzu grooming has to be done on a regular basis. Here ‘regular basis’ means at least every alternate day. You will need to have the long hair combed every other day if not every day; otherwise, the hair will knot and/or mat and then become a good home for a number of parasites. If the parasites are left growing on its skin for a long time, then the Shih Tzu will develop skin lesions and other diseases – besides becoming a very miserable dog. Hence, the minimum Shih Tzu care necessitates that it is groomed every day – and since it lives for about 15 to18 years, you will need to decide whether you can do this every day (or alternate day) for the next 15 years before saying ‘yes’ to this breed as your pet.

Often, people buy this type of dog on a whim or impulse, and end up giving it up when they realize that they are not able to cope with the basic Shih Tzu care requirements. It should definitely not come to this – hence, you should be careful that you understand what Shih Tzu care and grooming involves before taking in this dog variety. What can be a put-off for some it can be a great attraction for others - many people love the need to groom these dogs every day. These varieties make great pets for senior people specifically because they demand so much attention which make the elder people feel good because they are wanted and because these dogs love to be loved. The daily grooming is just another way to fill the day and bond with the Shih Tzu.

In case you love the breed and you still think that, the Shih Tzu grooming is a handful for you, you can give it the Shih Tzu haircut, as a last resort. Use the services of a qualified Shih Tzu grooming professional for this purpose so the beauty of the dog is not compromised. Regardless of whether you choose to have the hair long or short, you will have to learn about what you need to groom your Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover