Clip Hair Extensions

Shih Tzu grooming can be compared to human beauty culture because it is the beautification of the Shih Tzu breed. The art of Shih Tzu grooming is aimed at creating a reasonable facsimile of a normal specimen of the Shih Tzu breed. The attendance of Shih Tzu American Kennel Club dog shows is an excellent place to observe first hand the best specimens of the Shih Tzu breed.

There are basic steps applicable to grooming the Shih Tzu as well as all breeds of dogs. Anyone interested in becoming a complete dog grooming artist, should know how to make all breeds beautiful. A Shih Tzu grooming artist professional should know how best to enhance the appearance of each breed of dog. However, if the Shih Tzu is your favorite breed, one can become known as an “expert” in grooming the Shih Tzu.

A professional Shih Tzu groomer understands that certain breeds, like Poodles, most Terriers and Spaniels, and the Shih Tzu require far more time and skill to groom than smooth-haired breeds, in which only a knowledge of the fundamentals is required.

History of dog grooming:
The dog, including the Shih Tzu, has been the closest animal to the human family. Grooming dogs was the fashion of the aristocracy during the 19th Century. The art flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France. The Poodle, however, and not the Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed. Grooming was largely confined to the Poodle. The first recorded grooming parlors were established in France about this same time.

The Shih Tzu has become so much an integral part of the family that going to the canine beautician is as much a ritual for the family Shih Tzu as going to the hairdresser is for the lady of the house. Shih Tzu and dog styling in general has also become so professional and sophisticated that Shih Tzu owners have become as selective about their Shih Tzu’s groomer as they are about their own hair stylist.

Origin of the clips:
Since the art of dog grooming flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France and the Poodle, instead of our beloved Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed in France, the Poodle breed became known as the French Poodle. The first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers. The clip most suitable to them resembled what is known today as the “Continental clip.” A mane of hair was left on the foreparts while the back and hindquarters were shaven. This clip made the Poodle resemble a lion, and therefore the clip became known in England as the “Lion clip.”

The American fancy made some variations in the “Lion clip” and began to call it the “Saddle clip.” The English Saddle clip calls for the greatest skill in the art of dog grooming.

It is not clear from historical records just when the “pet clips” originated. Often now we hear of a “Puppy Cut” for our Shih Tzu, which is a very popular style for a family pet Shih Tzu. However, for the show ring, there is much, much more to grooming our beloved Shih Tzu.

Brushing your Shih Tzu is the foundation to keeping your Shih Tzu’s hair healthy and beautiful. Without proper and regular brushing, clipping and bathing won’t give your Shih Tzu a good looking body of hair.

Shih Tzu can have different types of hair. The way you brush your Shih Tzu’s hair will depend a lot on the type it was born with.

Types of Shih Tzu Hair:

1. Double coats.
2. Curly Coats.
3. Silky Coats.

Most likely your Shih Tzu will fall into one of the above categories of hair type.

Assemble your tools: Prepare your workspace by assembling your tools before you take your Shih Tzu to the brushing workspace. Your Shih Tzu’s hair type will determine the type of tools you will need.

If your Shih Tzu has a double coat, you will need a slicker brush or pin brush and a wide-toothed comb. Brush the entire body with the slicker brush or pin brush first. Then go over the entire body with the wide-toothed comb.

Take sections of the Shih Tzu’s hair and part the hair so you can see the skin underneath. Comb out the undercoat, pulling the brush outward from the skin. Hold the brush vertically. Insert the bristles or pins into the coat as close to the skin as you can get. A short-pinned brush is best or a soft slicker brush can be used. After your brush the undercoat, go over the topcoat. Brush with the lay of the hair. For a long double coat, twice weekly brushings are necessary. You may even want to brush every day.

If your Shih Tzu has a curly coat, use a slicker brush to brush through. Generally, a Shih Tzu will have only a slight wave and not actually a “curly coat” as a poodle or Bichon. Put the brush deep into the hair and brush from the skin out. Separate out one small portion of the coat at a time. Turn the brush vertically to the skin and insert the pins as close to the skin as you can. Long, wavy coats might require daily brushing. Short-trimmed wavy coats do well with weekly brushing.

Shih Tzu with long silky coats needs special care because of the fineness of the hair. Many Shih Tzu show dogs will have the long silky coat texture. Mats can be a particular problem in areas such as the abdomen, armpits, behind the back legs, under the muzzle.

Spray one side of the silky coat lightly with a conditioner before you start brushing a dry coat to prevent breakage of the hairs. Brushing daily is best to prevent mats. Some professional groomers suggest brushing your Shih Tzu’s face and head first. Other professionals will suggest beginning at the tail. Whichever way you begin, work in layers and brush against the grain, removing knots or tangles one at a time. When you’ve completed brushing the Shih Tzu’s entire body, go over all areas with a wide-toothed comb.