Shih Tzus are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. They are small, cute, and incredibly loyal pets that make great companions. We know first hand and that is why we have four lovely Shih Tzus to keep us company.
One of the biggest challenges of owning a Shih Tzu that we have found, is taking care of their long and beautiful coats. Shih Tzu haircuts and grooming styles are essential to keep their fur healthy, clean, and tangle-free.
There are many different Shih Tzu haircuts and hairstyles to choose from, each with its unique look and benefits. Whether you want a classic lion cut or a more modern puppy cut, there is a style that will suit your dog’s personality and your lifestyle.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 Shih Tzu haircuts and styles that are popular in 2023, and provide some tips on how to maintain your dog’s coat after the cut.
So, like us, if you’re a proud owner of a Shih Tzu or considering getting one, this article is for you. We’ll help you choose the perfect haircut that will not only make your dog look adorable but also keep them comfortable and healthy. Let’s dive in and explore the best Shih Tzu haircuts!
The Classic Shih Tzu Cut
The Classic Shih Tzu Cut is a timeless and elegant style that is perfect for any Shih Tzu. This cut features a long, flowing coat that is trimmed to a uniform length all over the body. The hair on the head is typically left longer than the rest of the body, creating a distinctive topknot that is a hallmark of the breed.
The Classic Shih Tzu Cut is a great option for owners who want to keep their dog’s coat looking neat and tidy without sacrificing any of its natural beauty.
To achieve the Classic Shih Tzu Cut, it’s important to start by brushing out your dog’s coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or mats. Then, use a pair of sharp scissors to trim the hair on the body to the desired length. The hair on the head should be left longer, and can be styled into a topknot using a small, soft brush or comb. The ears should be trimmed neatly, and the hair around the eyes should be trimmed carefully to avoid any irritation or discomfort.
The Classic Shih Tzu Cut is a versatile style that can be customized to suit your dog’s individual needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a shorter, more practical cut or a longer, more glamorous style, the Classic Shih Tzu Cut is a great choice for any Shih Tzu owner.
Generally for our first grooming session for our Shih Tzu’s we have had the groomers give a classic Shih Tzu cut.
The Teddy Bear Cut
The Teddy Bear Cut is one of the most popular Shih Tzu haircuts. It is a shorter style of haircut that involves clipping the hair on the face and body to a uniform length, leaving the ears and tail longer.
Our favorite part of this style is the cute fluffy face, and long fer flowing tail. It really is just the cutest cut, giving our Shih Tzu a cute and cuddly appearance, resembling a teddy bear.
To achieve the Teddy Bear Cut, the groomer will typically use clippers to trim the hair to a length of around one to two inches. They will also use scissors to shape the hair around the face, ears, and tail. This style requires regular grooming to maintain its shape and keep the hair from matting.
Overall, the Teddy Bear Cut is a great option for Shih Tzu owners who want a low-maintenance but stylish haircut for their furry friend. It is also a practical choice for warmer climates, as it keeps the hair short enough to prevent overheating.
Some other popular variations of the Teddy Bear Cut include the Round Teddy Bear Cut and the Square Teddy Bear Cut, which involve shaping the hair around the face into either a round or square shape, respectively.
Another variation is the Teddy Bear Head, which involves leaving the hair on the body longer and shaping the hair on the head to resemble a teddy bear’s face. In summary, the Teddy Bear Cut is a classic Shih Tzu haircut that is both cute and practical. It is a great option for owners who want a low-maintenance style that still looks stylish and adorable.
The Lion Cut
The Lion Cut is also popular and recognizable haircuts for Shih Tzus. It is designed to make your dog look like a little lion, hence the name. This cut is characterized by a short trim on the body and legs, with longer hair left on the head, neck, and tail to create a mane and tufted tail.
The Lion Cut is a great choice for Shih Tzus who live in warmer climates, as it helps keep them cool during hot weather. It is also a low-maintenance cut, as it requires less brushing and grooming than some other styles.
However, note that the Lion Cut may not be suitable for all Shih Tzus. Dogs with sensitive skin or allergies may experience irritation or discomfort from the shorter hair, and some dogs may not like the sensation of having longer hair on their head and tail.
When our Shih Tzus get their short summer haircuts, there can be some butt scratching for the first week, as it can cause some itching, at least in our Shih Tzus it does.
The Lion Cut may not be appropriate for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors, as the shorter hair can leave them more vulnerable to sunburn and insect bites.
The Top Knot Cut
The Top Knot Cut is a popular Shih Tzu haircut that involves leaving the hair on the top of the dog’s head to grow longer than the rest of the hair. It’s a great option for Shih Tzu owners who want to keep their dog’s hair out of their eyes while still maintaining a cute and stylish look.
The Top Knot Cut is also a great choice for those who want to show their Shih Tzu in dog shows. This haircut is often used in show competitions to give the dog a more polished and refined look.
To achieve the Top Knot Cut, groomers will typically trim the hair on the sides and back of the dog’s head shorter, while leaving the hair on the top of the head longer. The longer hair is then gathered up and tied into a small ponytail or top knot using a small elastic band or ribbon.
Overall, the Top Knot Cut is a great option for Shih Tzu owners who want to keep their dog’s hair out of their eyes while still maintaining a cute and stylish look.
While we haven’t tried this cut our or Shih Tzus, we hear It’s also a great choice for those who want to show their Shih Tzu in dog shows.
The Puppy Cut
The Puppy Cut is one of the most popular Shih Tzu haircuts, and our personal favorite. This style is perfect for a low-maintenance haircut for your furry friend. The Puppy Cut is easy to perform, easy to maintain, and perfect for active dogs.
This cut is a short haircut that leaves the hair about one to two inches long all over the body. The hair on the face and ears is trimmed short, while the hair on the body is left slightly longer. This style is perfect for keeping your Shih Tzu cool during hot summer months.
The Puppy Cut is also perfect for owners who don’t have a lot of time to groom their dogs. This style requires minimal grooming and is perfect for dogs who love to play and run around.
We personally love this cut when the weather is getting cold and the snow is coming. The longer cut helps our Shih Tzus stay warm in the colder months.
The Practical Cut
The Practical Cut is a great choice for Shih Tzu owners who want a low-maintenance haircut that still looks stylish. This cut is for dogs who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors. Here are some details on this practical and functional haircut:
There is some similarity in this cut to the puppy cut.
- The Practical Cut involves trimming the hair to about 1 to 2 inches in length all over the body.
- This cut is perfect for dogs who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors, as it keeps their fur clean and mat-free.
- The Practical Cut is also easy to maintain, requiring minimal grooming and upkeep.
- This cut is perfect for owners who don’t have a lot of time to spend on grooming or who want a low-maintenance haircut for their Shih Tzu.
Overall, the Practical Cut is a great choice for Shih Tzu owners who want a functional and stylish haircut for their pet. It’s easy to maintain, practical, and perfect for dogs who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors.
The Show Cut
The Show Cut is a popular style for Shih Tzus that are competing in dog shows. This style requires a lot of maintenance and grooming, but it can make your dog look stunning.
If we had more time we might try this cut, because it certainly requires extra time grooming and brushing your Shih Tzu. But we don’t show our dogs so unlikely we will use this cut. Well maybe if we let them go too long without a cut (just kidding).
The Show Cut involves trimming the hair on the body, legs, and tail to a specific length, while leaving the hair on the head and ears long. The long hair on the head and ears is then styled into a topknot or ponytail.
To achieve the perfect Show Cut, it’s important to find a professional groomer who has experience with this style. The groomer will need to carefully trim the hair to the correct length and style the topknot or ponytail. This style can be customized to suit your dog’s unique features and personality.
Here are some key features of The Show Cut:
- The hair on the body, legs, and tail is trimmed to a specific length
- The hair on the head and ears is left long
- The long hair on the head and ears is styled into a topknot or ponytail
- This style requires a lot of maintenance and grooming
- The Show Cut is a popular style for Shih Tzus that are competing in dog shows
The Bob Cut
The Bob Cut is a popular Shih Tzu haircut that has been around for many years. It is a classic and timeless style that is perfect for any Shih Tzu, regardless of their age or gender. This haircut is characterized by its short, even length all around the body, with the hair being cut to the same length from the neck to the tail.
One of the great things about the Bob Cut is that it is very low maintenance. It requires very little brushing or grooming, making it a great option for busy pet owners. Additionally, this style is perfect for Shih Tzus who live in warm climates, as it keeps their fur short and cool.
Another benefit of the Bob Cut is that it is a great option for Shih Tzus with allergies or sensitive skin. With less hair to trap dirt and allergens, this style can help keep your pet’s skin healthy and clean.
Overall, the Bob Cut is a classic and practical style that is perfect for any Shih Tzu. Whether you want to keep your pet cool and comfortable in the summer or simply want a low maintenance haircut, the Bob Cut is a great option.
The Mohawk Cut
The Mohawk Cut is a bold and daring style that can make your Shih Tzu stand out from the crowd. This cut involves shaving the hair on the body and legs while leaving a strip of longer hair down the center of the head and back. This longer strip is then styled upwards to create the signature “mohawk” look.
While this style may not be for everyone, it can be a fun way to show off your Shih Tzu’s personality and unique style. It’s important to note that this cut requires regular maintenance to keep the mohawk looking sharp and defined.
If you’re considering the Mohawk Cut for your Shih Tzu, it’s important to find a groomer who is experienced in this style. A skilled groomer will be able to create a clean and precise cut that will make your pup look their best.
To Sum Up
Shih Tzu haircuts and styles are an important part of maintaining your dog’s health and appearance. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the perfect one for your furry friend.
From the classic Puppy Cut to the stylish Teddy Bear Cut, each style has its own unique charm and personality. The Lion Cut is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement, while the Ponytail Style is perfect for those who want to keep their dog’s hair out of their face.
It’s important to remember that each style requires different levels of maintenance and care. Some styles may require regular trimming and grooming, while others may be low maintenance and easy to maintain.
Ultimately, the best haircut for your Shih Tzu depends on your personal preferences and your dog’s individual needs. Take the time to research and explore different styles to find the perfect one for your furry friend.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to groom your pets yourself, you could experiment with different cuts as well. If you mess up, then you can always have the groomer fix it up.