If you are a Shih Tzu owner and you’re looking for a Shih Tzu haircut that will make your pet stand out from the crowd, we’ve got you covered. Indeed, the Shih Tzu has beautiful fur that makes styling more exciting.
They look like they’ve been dipped in cotton candy or at least a pile of fluff. Fortunately, keeping your Shih Tzu looking its best doesn’t mean that you have to cut off all its lovely fur.
In this article, we’ve got some great ideas on how to keep your Shih Tzu’s fur looking just as fluffy and soft as it did when you first brought your furry friend home.
28 Best Haircut Styles for Shih Tzus
The Shih Tzu is a dog that’s often associated with royalty, and it’s easy to see why. These little dogs are well known for their soft and silky long hair that can be styled in various ways, regardless of age, gender, and color.
But what kind of haircut should you give your Shih Tzu? Let’s take a look at the best haircuts and styles for Shih Tzus.
1. Puppy Cut
The puppy cut is a style that’s perfect for Shih Tzus, and it’s made for the warm weather. In order to achieve this style, your Shih Tzu’s hair must be trimmed to 1 to 2 inches long.
This cut is a low-maintenance style that allows your pup to stay cool in the summer and look adorable at the same time. Hence, it is also known as the summer cut.
This length is ideal because it allows your Shih Tzu to feel comfortable, especially when playing with kids. It also allows you to maintain their beautiful coats without having to trim their hair every week or two.
2. Long-Ear Puppy Cut
The long-ear puppy cut is a simple cut that will give your Shih Tzu a more feminine appearance. The ears are left with long hair, while the rest of the body is trimmed down just like the puppy cut.
This style is suitable for the summer months as well when you want to keep your pup cool. It also makes the dog look more like an unaging puppy, so you can enjoy that youthful look even as your dog gets older.
3. Lion Cut
The lion cut simply involves trimming the hair over your dog’s body to a length of one inch and leaving the head fur intact to give off a lion mane.
This hairstyle is easy to maintain, allowing you to spend more time snuggling with your little lion instead of grooming. A lion cut also works for the hot weather because it keeps them cool.
4. Teddy Bear Cut
The teddy bear cut is another popular cut for Shih Tzus. It’s a great way to keep your dog looking and feeling their best, whether you want them to be more toy-like or just want a low-maintenance look.
The teddy bear cut will leave your dog’s coat trimmed short at ½ inch or ¾ inches in length all over the body, giving them a plush appearance that resembles a stuffed toy.
Regular brushing will help to avoid tangled hair and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Check out this adorable video of how a Shih Tzu is transformed using the teddy bear cut:
5. Cone Paws
Out of all the Shih Tzu haircuts, cone paws cut is the perfect choice if you want to make your Shih Tzu look like royalty. It is also known as the striking paws.
In this cut, most of the coat is cut short while shaping the hair on the paws to create the appearance of small cones.
This cut can be difficult to style if you don’t know what you’re doing, so we recommend bringing your dog to a professional groomer with experience with the cone paws cut.
6. Practical Top Knot Cut
The practical top knot cut is super simple, and it’s the perfect way to keep your pup looking fresh and fabulous. The best thing about this cut is that it only styles the dog’s head, not the whole coat.
In this hairstyle, the long and lustrous hair on the head of the Shih Tzu is tied with a top knot.
My sister owns a liver Shih Tzu named Hailey, and she loves to experiment with different bows and ribbons to achieve different top knot looks. She loves to do this with Hailey’s body hair trimmed short, usually puppy cut style, to keep the dog cool, especially in summer.
Being conscious of neatness, my sister prefers this hairstyle to keep Hailey’s hair out of her eyes and mouth, allowing good vision. It also ensures that her hair doesn’t get stuck in her food bowl.
7. Top Knot Show Cut
The top knot show cut is a style that requires a lot of time and effort. If you’re looking to really wow people with your Shih Tzu, especially if they are show dogs, this is the way to go.
This cut is required for Shih Tzus competing in conformation shows based on the American Kennel Club standard. Hence, you can expect to see this style when you watch these types of competitions.
It’s similar to the practical top knot. The only difference is that instead of keeping the body hair short, your pet’s beautiful hair is grown at floor length to cover the feet, making it more elegant yet high maintenance.
This style requires long hours of grooming sessions. Moreover, the Shih Tzu’s coat should be trimmed regularly to encourage the growth of long hair of equal length on the back and sides.
8. Medium-Length Puppy Cut
The medium-length puppy cut is the perfect way to maintain your Shih Tzu’s gorgeous coat without having to spend hours in their grooming routine.
This medium-length haircut is slightly longer than the usual teddy bear and puppy cuts but not too long like the top knot show cut. This cut will also highlight its silky coat while keeping maintenance to a minimum.
9. Short in the Middle, Long on the Ends
The “short in the middle, long on the ends” style is a classic Shih Tzu look that will never go out of style. It requires removing all of the hair from the middle of your dog’s body, leaving all their face and tail area untouched.
The hair on their ears is also left uncut, though we recommend extra grooming for the dog’s facial hair, especially after meal times or drinking water because it can quickly form tangles.
10. Mohawk Cut
The Mohawk is one of the most fun and unique Shih Tzu haircuts that will turn heads wherever you go.
The dog’s body hair is cut at around 1 inch all over, but the head is left with longer hair, between 2 and 4 inches. Some Shih Tzu owners also opt to use pet-friendly hair dye for a more funky appearance.
Make sure to check out these tips to get your Shih Tzu to calm down, as it may get agitated, especially when the groomer shapes the mohawk on its head, as it can take time.
11. Short Cut
A Shih Tzu puppy can be prone to matting if you don’t keep up with its grooming session. A short haircut is a great way to reduce the time you spend on your pup’s coat.
It’s a fairly easy cut since it is a shaved-all-over look, meaning there’s no need for trimming or regular brushing, and minimal facial hair means you’ll have a smooth-looking pup in no time.
12. Long Cut
Long haircuts for Shih Tzus can be styled in various ways, depending on how thick the hair is on your pup’s body. You can braid, color, or even put different clips in it.
The best thing about these long strands is that they make your Shih Tzu look more recognizable when out in public or at events where other people are present.
However, this Shih Tzu cut can be difficult to care for and requires more time-consuming grooming styles than short-hair and medium-length cuts.
If you have a Shih Tzu with long fur, it is essential to avoid tangles and keep the coat clean and healthy.
13. Short and Layered
The short and layered cut is the perfect combination of style and practicality. Shih Tzus are known for their full, fluffy coats, but this cut keeps them neat and manageable without sacrificing their signature look.
The layers of this Shih Tzu haircut give them just enough bounce and volume, helping them stay warm in cooler months.
14. Puppy Trimming
The puppy trimming style is an excellent choice for your Shih Tzu puppy’s first haircut before you give them a full-blown puppy cut or teddy bear cut.
It involves cutting away just the excess fur from your Shih Tzu’s body so that they look neat. It also includes trimming all four paws, tails, and ears and cleaning the facial hair.
Moreover, you will also have to maintain your Shih Tzu’s hair by trimming it every couple of weeks.
15. Dyed Tail
The dyed tail hairstyle for Shih Tzu is a bold choice for your dog’s hair, but if you want to stand out in the crowd and show off your pup’s personality, this is a great option.
It involves coloring your dog’s tail with pet-friendly dye. This hairstyle is excellent for the summer but can also be worn year-round if you don’t mind your dog looking like a unicorn in the winter.
However, make sure to consult with your vet if this is safe for your pet. You should also only use pet-safe hair dye if you opt for this hairstyle.
16. Wavy Cut
The wavy haircut is a style that works well for the Shih Tzu’s coat. This cut is long enough to keep them comfortable in the heat and short enough to keep them cool when the weather gets hot.
This style helps you show off your Shih Tzu’s natural curls and waves, which is perfect for any owner who wants their dog to look as beautiful as possible.
17. Pigtails
The pigtails grooming style for Shih Tzus is a cute and fun look that your pup will love. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re going to the park or just hanging out at home.
This style is actually a simple variation on the standard comb-over, in which you begin by brushing the top of your dog’s head from back to front.
This is also another style that my sister is very fond of when it comes to grooming Hailey on top of the basic top knot. In this style, my sister splits Hailey’s hair into two equal sections and ties them back with ribbons or elastics, one section on each side of her head.
18. Bangs
Bangs are the perfect way to add a little edge to your Shih Tzu’s look. This hairstyle involves cutting the top of your dog’s hair short and leaving long bangs on either side of its face.
The long hair on top should be cut straight from ear to ear. These bangs should be about three inches wide and one inch long at the bottom where it meets the forehead.
The rest of the hair can be cut short, around two inches long all around, so that it matches up with the length of the bangs.
19. Dress-Up Cut
The dress-up cut is like a summer cut, but this haircut focuses on making your dog look fabulous with any clothing, just like human hair.
It starts by clipping all of the hair from its torso and back. Then, you cut around the muzzle with scissors or clippers so it looks clean without excess hair.
Finally, you can style your dog’s hair based on your personal preference, whether by parting it down the middle or putting it in bows and accessories.
20. Tail Haircut
In this cut, the main focus should be the dog’s tail, which should be left long to show off and make it appear full and luxurious.
As for the rest of their body, keep the length of the coat short to emphasize the shape and outline.
21. Cute Ears Cut
The cute ears cut is a variation of the long ear cut. It is very similar in its execution, but there are some specific differences that you need to keep in mind when deciding on this kind of haircut for your Shih Tzu.
The first thing to note is that the length of each ear’s hair should be similar. This means you must trim away any excess hair from both ears.
After you have trimmed away all excess hair, you should brush through your dog’s fur so that they look sleek.
22. Simple Cut
A simple haircut for Shih Tzus is easy to maintain and always looks neat. The key to this look is trimmed facial hair, especially around the eye area.
We recommend that you trim the hair around their eyes and mouth so that they look polished and composed. Regular brushing of body hair is highly recommended to help keep this haircut in check and avoid matting.
23. Curly Cut
The curly cut is quite a different haircut, and it is a great way to give your Shih Tzu a natural, curly look while keeping them clean and stylish. This cut also adds volume to your dog’s body.
The layered cut gives the appearance of curls without having to worry about maintaining the style after you leave the groomer.
24. Korean Style
The Korean style is one of the most popular Shih Tzu haircuts because the long hair on the ears, tail, and legs gives off a fab look. This style also has short facial hair on the cheeks and around the eyes.
The long hair is often styled with long strands falling on each side of the face. Furthermore, the leg hair is shaped like a little bell that hangs down from the thighs, a bit bigger than the cone paws cut.
25. Round Face Cut
The round-face Shih Tzu cut is a new, more minimalist take on the traditional teddy bear Shih Tzu haircut.
It makes your dog look like a stuffed animal with a big head and round eyes. The short fur on this cut helps keep the dog cool and is very easy to maintain.
26. Long Beard
The long beard Shih Tzu cut is designed to keep the body fur of your pet short and neat but leaves enough length on the face for a beard.
This Shih Tzu hairstyle can be shaped like an inverted triangle below the mouth. It is also vital that you ensure this area remains regularly brushed and groomed so it does not get matted or dirty.
27. Semi-Long Cut
The semi-long Shih Tzu cut is a lovely, luxurious style that’s perfect for dog owners who want their pups to look like they’re wearing a fancy wig. It is slightly longer than the medium-length cut but not as long as the long cut.
Although it gives your pup a sleek appearance, it’s not relatively as low-maintenance as short haircuts.
28. Sanitary Cut
The sanitary Shih Tzu cut includes totally shaving the abdomen area and anal area, as well as cleaning up the face and paw hairs. The rest of the body can also be cut in a short length.
This trim is perfect for Shih Tzus, especially if they live in warm areas, as it can help them cool down easier.
Different Coat Lengths for the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a beautiful, beloved dog breed. One of the most striking features of this dog is its coat, which comes in various lengths, from long and luxurious to short and fluffy.
Here we’ll look at each Shih Tzu coat length to help you decide which length is right for your dog:
Shaved
The shaved length is one of the most popular coat lengths for the Shih Tzu breed. It involves shaving off all the fur on your dog’s body, leaving only an outline of its natural body shape.
You won’t need to have a groomer appointment often with this coat length, but you’ll still want to brush your pup every couple of days to keep its hair from getting matted.
However, just like other dog breeds, having this cut is not advisable since their coat serves as their protection against external factors, especially ultraviolet rays.
If your dog has this haircut, it is best not to expose it to direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions, as its skin is unprotected and more sensitive.
Short
Short-haired Shih Tzus have coats that are at least one inch long. Their hair is soft, smooth, very fine in texture, and requires little maintenance aside from regular brushing.
Shih Tzus doesn’t shed much, and a short haircut makes it an even more excellent option for people who suffer from allergies or just want to keep their living spaces clean and tidy.
Medium
Medium coats have a length of 2 ½ to 4 inches long. These coats are more coarse and wiry than short coats but still soft and silky to the touch. Shih Tzu haircuts that can be considered at this length are curly and wavy cuts.
Moreover, this coat length requires more groomer care than the short coat, but it’s still not as time-consuming as longer coats require.
Semi-Long
The semi-long coat is longer than the medium-length version and shorter than the long-haired version. It gives them an elegant look that’s perfect for formal occasions or just running around town.
However, this hair length requires more care than other Shih Tzu hair lengths to keep mats from forming at the ends of the hair shafts.
Long
The long-haired Shih Tzu has a long, silky coat that can grow more than six inches long down the floor, and the texture should be soft and silky.
Many Shih Tzus with this kind of coat are often seen in show rings and competitions. Long hair should be brushed daily so that it does not get tangled or matted.
Long-haired Shih Tzus also requires frequent trips to the groomer to remove dead hair and trim the coat regularly so it doesn’t grow into an unruly mess.
Shih Tzu Haircut Before and After Pictures
There’s nothing more exciting than Shih Tzu haircuts. Whether you’re joining a big event like a competition or want to update your dog’s look, knowing what you’re getting into before making the plunge is essential.
We’ve compiled some before and after pictures of Shih Tzu haircuts for you to see what kind of transformation is possible with these inquisitive pups.
Short Cut
From semi-long, wavy hair to clean, shaved hair, this dog has gone from one extreme to the other.
Having a pet is not just about the look. It’s also about how your dog feels. The clean shave makes it easier for them to move around, so they can play longer and enjoy their time with you.
Mohawk
This Shih Tzu’s transformation from a short-haired pup to a shaved, red-mohawked canine has been nothing short of incredible. This dog will surely be a natural head-turner.
Teddy Bear Cut
From mid-length hair to a teddy bear cut, this dog went from looking like a shaggy mess to looking like a neat gentleman. Whether this Shih Tzu is a puppy or an adult dog, this look really gives an adorable appearance.
Helpful Haircut Tips for Your Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed is known for its adorable face and fluffy coat. However, their beautiful fur can also be a challenge to maintain. Like most dogs, there are proper ways to care for your pup’s grooming needs.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your Shih Tzu’s coat looking healthy and shiny, this section has everything you need, from haircut tips to Shih Tzu grooming techniques.
Follow the tips below to ensure your Shih Tzu has the best haircut:
- Do your research. Take some time to research different styles that would look good on your dog. You can also ask friends and family members who have dogs what style they like best. Also, consider your area’s climate to see if the cut you’re going for is suitable.
- Choose reputable groomers. Like any other service provider you hire, it’s essential to do your due diligence when finding the right groomer for your pup. You should make sure that the groomer has experience working with Shih Tzus. Look for reviews online or ask around at local pet stores or grooming salons to see which ones people love working with.
- Get your dog comfortable. Shih Tzus often feel anxious during grooming sessions, especially if it is their first time. It is best that you get your dog familiar with grooming tools and the groomer at an early age so that it may feel relaxed. Grooming salons usually have a guide that you can follow to help your little buddy feel at ease.
- Reward your Shih Tzu with a treat or praise after the session. To make grooming a positive experience for your pet, rewarding them each time, especially if they behaved well, would allow them to be more eager for the next grooming session. This would also help them understand that grooming is best for them.
Proper Shih Tzu grooming can make your pet look like a show dog. Following those simple tips above, you can ensure your Shih Tzu always looks great.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Popular Haircut for a Shih Tzu?
For a Shih Tzu, the most popular cut is the puppy cut. This cut is easy to maintain and requires minimal upkeep.
You can just brush it once or twice a week and maybe give it an occasional bath if needed. It’s also ideal for those who have busy lifestyles because it doesn’t require much time at all.
How Often Does a Shih Tzu Need a Haircut?
The rule of thumb is that Shih Tzus need to be trimmed once every 4 to 6 weeks. Some owners opt to groom their dogs every three weeks, while others wait closer to six weeks before they take their pets in for a cut.
The answer to this question depends on the length of your dog’s hair. If you have a Shih Tzu with long hair, you may need to make the trip to the pet stylist more often than if you own a Shih Tzu with short fur.
What Happens If You Don’t Cut Shih Tzu’s Hair?
If you do not cut your Shih Tzu’s hair, they may develop hair mats, which leads to itchiness and sometimes pain to your dog.
In addition, without intervening to cut or brush it, it can further lead to hot spots, skin infections, or scabs. These problems can cause pain to your pet if untreated.
It will also increase the chances of ticks and fleas staying on your dog with long fur because they are harder to treat in longer hair than in short fur.
What Length Should I Cut My Shih Tzu’s Hair?
Ideally, 1 to 2 inches of fur would make your Shih Tzu comfortable, so you can cut it if the length exceeds that. This is also best if you live in a warm environment.
However, if you live in a cooler area, you could start cutting the hair when it reaches four inches or more. This will help keep your dog warm during cold weather.
You should always make sure that your dog is comfortable with the length of its fur before making any cuts. Overall, the exact length of your Shih Tzu depends on your personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Shih Tzu breed is a beautiful, intelligent, and loving dog. They are known for their long, luxurious fur, making them the favorites of many families.
Because of their cute appearance, you will want to make sure that you are giving them the best haircut possible.
Shih Tzus love to be pampered, and they usually enjoy being groomed, which is great because their coat requires regular brushing and grooming to keep them looking healthy and shiny.
Similarly, when it comes to Shih Tzu haircuts and styles, there are many to choose from, to their owners’ delight.
What’s your favorite Shih Tzu hairstyle? Share in the comments below! We’d love to know your thoughts.
