My Shih Tzu puppy is biting and chewing everything. Is that normal?

Yes. Shih Tzu puppies teethe heavily between 4 and 10 months as adult teeth replace puppy teeth. Expect chewing on everything, occasional blood spots on toys, retained baby teeth (Shih Tzus are prone to this; vet check at 6 months and again at adult-tooth eruption), gum sensitivity, and possible drop in food appetite during peak teething. Management: provide flexible chew toys (KONG Puppy, Nylabone Puppy chews; avoid hard items like antlers or hard nylon, which can crack tiny Shih Tzu teeth or stress brachycephalic jaws). Frozen washcloths help with gum relief. Redirect from furniture and shoes to appropriate chews. Supervise closely; small swallowed pieces are choking hazards. Retained baby teeth (where the adult tooth comes in alongside the puppy tooth instead of pushing it out) are common in Shih Tzus due to small jaw and crowding. They cause permanent malocclusion if left; extraction during spay or neuter is the standard fix. Ask your vet to check at the 5 to 6 month appointment.

Does my Shih Tzu need a winter coat in Calgary?

Yes. A coat is mandatory below 5C and essential below 0C. Environment Canada records show Calgary cold snaps regularly hit -30C in winter. Shih Tzus have a single coat of hair (no insulating undercoat) and weigh 9 to 16 lbs; they lose body heat fast in Calgary winter. Add the brachycephalic factor: their compressed airway cannot warm cold air efficiently before it reaches the lungs, so very cold air (below -15C) is uncomfortable to breathe and can trigger BOAS symptoms. Setup: insulated fitted coat with belly coverage (Shih Tzus are low to the ground; the exposed belly contacts snow), booties for salted sidewalks, optional fleece sweater under coat for sub-20C, shorter walks (10 to 15 minutes maximum below -10C). Many Calgary Shih Tzus refuse to potty outside in deep snow; train pee pad use as backup. Watch for shivering, lifting paws, lagging behind, or curling up; all signs to head home immediately. See our Calgary winter dog care guide.

Shih Tzu Grooming Calgary: Cuts, Daily Brushing, Top Knot, Eye Stains, Brachycephalic Face Care

Q: Do Shih Tzus have hair or fur?

Hair, not fur. Shih Tzus have a long, silky single coat (no insulating undercoat) that grows continuously like human hair, rather than the seasonal-shedding double coat most dogs have. The AKC and American Shih Tzu Club breed standard describes a flowing show coat that reaches the floor and parts down the centre back. Practical implications: minimal seasonal shedding, but the coat will mat severely without daily brushing because dead hair stays tangled in living hair instead of falling out. Shih Tzus need either daily brushing in a long coat or regular grooming in a shorter clip. There is no low-maintenance option.

Q: Why do Shih Tzus need daily brushing?

Their long single coat does not shed normally. Dead hair stays trapped in living hair and forms mats within 24 to 48 hours, especially in friction zones (armpits, behind ears, between back legs, around the collar). Mats pull on skin painfully, trap moisture and bacteria (causing skin infections), and can cut off circulation. A neglected Shih Tzu coat goes from manageable to shave-down required in 2 to 3 weeks. Daily 10-minute brushing prevents this entirely. Use a slicker brush plus metal comb. Brush in sections, lifting layers from the skin out. Common new-owner mistake: only brushing the top of the coat. The mats form against the skin underneath. Always comb through after brushing to confirm no mats remain. If you keep a Shih Tzu in a 1 to 2 inch puppy cut instead of a long coat, you can drop to weekly brushing.

Q: What are the most common Shih Tzu haircuts?

Five most common cuts. (1) Puppy cut: 1 to 2 inches all over, easy maintenance, the most popular pet cut. Looks puppyish regardless of the dog's age. (2) Teddy bear cut: slightly longer face fur trimmed round (1.5 to 2 inches face and legs, 1 to 2 inches body). The fluffy teddy bear look. (3) Top knot or show cut: long flowing coat with hair tied up in a top knot to keep it out of the eyes. Requires daily brushing and regular tie-ups. The classic Shih Tzu look favoured by the AKC and American Shih Tzu Club show ring. (4) Kennel cut or summer cut: very short (one quarter to one half inch) all over for hot weather, low-maintenance, utilitarian. Hair grows back in 4 to 6 weeks. (5) Lion cut: long body coat, shaved or short legs and tail with pom-poms. Less common, more stylized. Most pet owners rotate between puppy cut and teddy bear cut.

Q: How often does a Shih Tzu need professional grooming?

Every 4 to 8 weeks depending on coat length. Calgary full-groom pricing (bath, blow-dry, cut, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim) falls into directional bands: chain stores at the lower end, neighbourhood salons mid-range, boutique and mobile groomers at the upper end. Expect a de-matting surcharge if mats are present. Most owners do bath plus face and sanitary trims at home between professional grooming to extend the interval. A Shih Tzu in a kept-long coat needs grooming every 6 to 8 weeks for trim plus weekly home grooming. A puppy-cut Shih Tzu needs grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Build a relationship with one Calgary groomer experienced with Shih Tzu coat work; they catch skin issues, eye infections, and mat problems early.

Q: How do I clean Shih Tzu eye stains?

Tear stains (rusty-brown discolouration under eyes) are caused by porphyrins in tears and exacerbated by minerals in tap water, food sensitivities, and yeast on damp skin. Daily routine: (1) Wipe under eyes with a damp soft cloth or sterile saline pad each morning to remove fresh tears. (2) Trim hair around the eyes very short (or have your groomer do it) so tears cannot pool in fur. (3) Switch to filtered or distilled water; Calgary tap water is hard and mineral-heavy. (4) Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls (plastic harbours bacteria). (5) Tear-stain wipe or powder products are widely sold; check ingredients with your vet first. Avoid hydrogen peroxide near eyes; it can damage the cornea. Avoid bleaching products marketed for tear stains. If staining gets worse despite routine, ask your vet to check for blocked tear ducts, dry eye, or chronic eye infection.

Q: What should I tell a Calgary groomer about my Shih Tzu?

Things to specify when booking. (1) Cut style and length: bring a photo if possible. "Puppy cut at 1.5 inches" is more useful than "short." (2) Face style: round teddy bear, top knot for show, or trimmed-back no-eye-hair if avoiding ulcers. (3) Eye trim: short hair around eyes (1cm or less) regardless of body length; this prevents corneal injuries. (4) Sanitary trim: short hair around genitals and rear for cleanliness. (5) Any health conditions: brachycephalic dogs need careful drying (no hot dryers near the face), older dogs may need shorter sessions, IVDD-prone dogs should not be lifted unsupported. (6) Anesthesia-free dental: many Calgary groomers offer this. It is cosmetic only and does not replace vet dental cleaning. (7) Anal gland expression: yes or no preference; some groomers do this as standard. Build a relationship with one Calgary groomer experienced with Shih Tzu coat work; they will know your dog's tendencies.

The short answer

Shih Tzus need daily attention. A long single coat (hair, not fur) doesn't shed normally. Mats form within 24–48 hours without brushing. Plan on daily 10-minute brushing in a long coat (or weekly if puppy-cut), professional grooming every 4–8 weeks at directional Calgary prices, daily face and eye wipes, a top knot or trimmed face hair to protect eyes from corneal ulcers, and regular brachycephalic-fold cleaning to prevent skin-fold dermatitis. Most pet owners choose a puppy cut or teddy bear cut over the show-coat top knot. This guide leans on AKC, American Shih Tzu Club, and Environment Canada references for the breed and climate facts behind each routine.

Do Shih Tzus have hair or fur?

Hair, not fur. Shih Tzus have a long, silky single coat (no insulating undercoat) that grows continuously like human hair, rather than the seasonal-shedding double coat most dogs have. The AKC breed standard (akc.org) and the American Shih Tzu Club (americanshihtzuclub.org) both describe a flowing show coat that reaches the floor and parts down the centre back. Practical implications: minimal seasonal shedding (you won't find tufts on the couch), but the coat will mat severely if not brushed daily because dead hair stays tangled in living hair instead of falling out. Shih Tzus need either daily brushing in a long coat or regular grooming in a shorter clip. There is no low-maintenance option.

Why do Shih Tzus need daily brushing?

Mats form within 24–48 hours, especially in friction zones (armpits, behind ears, between back legs, around the collar). Mats pull on skin painfully, trap moisture and bacteria (causing skin infections), and can cut off circulation. A neglected Shih Tzu coat goes from manageable to “shave-down required” in 2–3 weeks. Daily 10-minute brushing prevents this entirely.

Brush kit and technique:

Slicker brush (a quality pin or curved slicker rated for fine single coats)
Metal comb with fine and wide teeth
Detangling spray (optional, for stubborn knots)
Brush in sections, lifting layers from the skin out
Always comb through after brushing to confirm no mats remain near the skin
Common new-owner mistake: only brushing the top of the coat. Mats form against the skin underneath

If you keep a Shih Tzu in a 1–2 inch puppy cut instead of long coat, you can drop to weekly brushing. Most Calgary pet owners (Beltline condo dwellers, Bridgeland walk-up tenants, Tuscany families alike) choose this option for sanity.

What are the most common Shih Tzu haircuts?

Five most common cuts:

Cut	Length	Best For	Maintenance
Puppy cut	1–2 inches all over	Most popular pet cut, “puppyish” look at any age	Weekly brushing, groom every 4–6 weeks
Teddy bear cut	1.5–2 inches body, slightly longer rounded face	Fluffy “teddy bear” look	Weekly brushing, groom every 4–6 weeks
Top knot / show cut	Long, often floor-length	Show ring, Instagram, classic Shih Tzu look	Daily brushing + daily top knot tie-up, groom every 6–8 weeks
Kennel cut / summer cut	¼–½ inch all over	Hot weather, low-maintenance	Bi-weekly brushing, groom every 6–8 weeks
Lion cut	Long body, short/shaved legs and tail with pom-poms	Stylized look, less common	Weekly brushing, groom every 6–8 weeks

Most Calgary pet owners rotate between puppy cut and teddy bear cut. They're manageable for owners and look good for 4–6 weeks between professional grooming sessions. Show-coat top knots remain the AKC and American Shih Tzu Club standard look in the ring.

How often does a Shih Tzu need professional grooming?

Every 4–8 weeks depending on coat length. A full groom in Calgary typically includes bath, blow-dry, cut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim. A de-matting surcharge applies if mats are present at intake.

Calgary pricing tiers (directional):

Chain stores: the lowest tier. Convenient, less personalised, often a longer wait list during peak shedding season
Neighbourhood and boutique groomers: mid to upper tier. Often better with breed-specific cuts; ask for a Calgary groomer experienced with Shih Tzu coat work [VERIFY:business:Name when you confirm a specific shop]
Mobile groomers: the upper tier. They come to your Calgary address; ideal for senior or anxious dogs and apartment buildings where elevator-and-leash logistics get tricky

Get a quote at booking; rates vary by coat condition, weight, and add-ons. Most owners do bath plus face and sanitary trims at home between professional grooming to extend the interval. Build a relationship with one groomer over time. They catch skin issues, eye infections, and mat problems early. If you live near Nose Hill, Bowness, Inglewood, or Fish Creek, a 10-minute drive radius usually surfaces 3 to 5 suitable salons.

How do I do a Shih Tzu top knot?

Top knot keeps facial hair out of the eyes and prevents corneal ulcers.

Brush facial hair forward over forehead
Gather hair from above eyes, between ears, in a section about 1–2 inches wide
Use a small soft elastic band (latex-free craft elastic, never rubber bands which damage hair)
Form a small ponytail high on the head
Optional: add a small bow or pin
Re-do daily — loosens with movement and chewing

Practice on a calm dog with treats. Many Shih Tzus dislike having their head touched at first. Daily top knot is non-negotiable for show coats and any Shih Tzu kept in a long-face style. If your dog won't tolerate it, ask your groomer to trim a “round-face” cut that keeps eyes clear without needing daily styling. The American Shih Tzu Club's grooming education pages (americanshihtzuclub.org) show the classic top knot step-by-step if you want a video reference.

How do I clean Shih Tzu eye stains?

Tear stains (rusty-brown discolouration under eyes) are caused by porphyrins in tears and exacerbated by minerals in tap water, food sensitivities, and yeast on damp skin. The AKC's breed-care guidance (akc.org) and most veterinary ophthalmology references describe the same mechanism.

Daily routine:

Wipe under eyes with a damp soft cloth or sterile saline pad each morning to remove fresh tears
Trim hair around eyes very short (or have your groomer do it) so tears can't pool in fur
Switch to filtered or distilled water. The City of Calgary publishes water hardness data (calgary.ca); local tap water sits in the moderately hard to hard range
Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls (plastic harbours bacteria)
A tear-stain wipe or powder system used once daily for about 2 weeks then tapered. Check ingredients with your vet before starting; favourite picks vary by dog

Avoid hydrogen peroxide near the eyes. It can damage the cornea. Avoid bleaching products marketed for tear stains. If staining gets worse despite a clean routine, ask your vet to check for blocked tear ducts, dry eye, or chronic eye infection.

How do I clean a Shih Tzu's flat face and wrinkles?

Brachycephalic breeds collect food, saliva, and tears in their facial folds. Bacterial and yeast infections develop quickly without cleaning. The AVMA's brachycephalic-care guidance (avma.org) flags daily fold hygiene as one of the simplest preventive measures owners can take.

Daily routine:

Wipe under the eyes (tear stains)
Wipe around the mouth and beard area after meals (food traps in long beard hair)
Check the nose-fold crease for moisture, food residue, and redness. Clean with damp cloth or unscented baby wipe; dry thoroughly
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Shih Tzus have hair-filled ear canals prone to infection
Trim beard hair shorter if food retention is severe

Skin-fold dermatitis presents as redness, odour, and dampness. Vet-prescribed medicated wipes clear most cases. If your dog has chronic facial irritation, ask your vet about probiotic-based wipes or a longer-snouted clip that keeps the area drier.

Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic?

Often tolerated by people with mild dog allergies, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic. Shih Tzus have a single coat of hair (not fur) with minimal shedding; both reduce dander and saliva-protein exposure. The AKC's hypoallergenic-breeds guidance (akc.org) lists the Shih Tzu among the lower-allergen breeds with the same caveat. People with mild allergies often tolerate Shih Tzus well. Severe allergies, asthma triggered by dogs, or specific protein allergies (Can f 1) may still react. Bichon Shih (Shichon) and Shih Poo mixes are typically considered slightly lower-allergen due to the Bichon or Poodle parent. Before adopting: a 2–3 hour visit with the specific dog, in your home if possible, then a 48-hour wait for delayed allergic response. Bathing your Shih Tzu weekly significantly reduces allergen load on the coat.

What should I tell a Calgary groomer about my Shih Tzu?

Things to specify when booking:

Cut style and length you want. Bring a photo if possible; “puppy cut at 1.5 inches” is more useful than “short.”
Face style: round teddy bear, top knot for show, or trimmed-back “no eye hair” if avoiding ulcers
Eye trim: short hair around the eyes (1cm or less) regardless of body length. This prevents corneal injuries
Sanitary trim: short hair around genitals and rear for cleanliness
Any health conditions: brachycephalic dogs need careful drying (no hot dryers near the face), older dogs may need shorter sessions, IVDD-prone dogs should not be lifted unsupported
Anal gland expression: yes or no preference. Some groomers do this as standard
Nails: how short to clip; request a grinder or Dremel finish if you prefer smoother edges

Build a relationship with one groomer over time. They'll know your dog's tendencies, anxiety triggers, and any sensitive spots from past injuries. If your shop is licensed under the City of Calgary's business licence registry, that's a useful first-pass filter for legitimacy. Verify any specific business name with the salon directly before booking [VERIFY:business:Name].

Frequently Asked Questions

Hair or fur?

Hair, single coat, no undercoat. Continuous growth like human hair. Minimal shedding. Mats easily without daily brushing.

Why daily brushing?

Mats form within 24–48 hours in friction zones. Brush from skin out, comb through after. Puppy cut owners can drop to weekly.

5 common cuts?

Puppy cut (1–2''), teddy bear (rounded face), top knot/show (long), kennel/summer (¼–½''), lion cut (long body, short legs/tail).

Professional grooming frequency + cost?

Every 4–8 weeks. Calgary full grooms run in directional tiers: chain stores at the lower end, neighbourhood and boutique salons mid to upper, mobile groomers highest. De-matting surcharge if mats are present.

Top knot how-to?

Brush facial hair forward, gather above eyes between ears, soft elastic (no rubber bands), small high ponytail, redo daily. Or trim a “round-face” cut.

Eye stains?

Daily wipe, trim hair short around the eyes, filtered water, ceramic or stainless bowls, plus a tear-stain wipe or powder system used once daily for 2 weeks then tapered. Avoid hydrogen peroxide near the eyes.

Flat face cleaning?

Daily face wipe after meals, check nose fold, weekly ear check. Skin-fold dermatitis means a vet visit for medicated wipes.

Hypoallergenic?

Often tolerated by mild allergies; no dog is fully hypoallergenic. Bichon Shih and Shih Poo mixes are slightly lower-allergen. Trial visit and 48-hour wait before adopting.

What to tell groomer?

Cut style and length (with photo), face style, eye trim short regardless of body length, health conditions (brachy means careful drying), anal glands, nail length.

Puppy biting/chewing (4–10 months)?

Normal teething. Use flexible chews (KONG Puppy, Nylabone Puppy); avoid hard antlers, which crack small teeth and stress brachy jaws. Frozen washcloths help with gum relief. Watch for retained baby teeth at the 5–6 month vet check; they're common in Shih Tzus and typically extracted at spay or neuter.

Winter coat in Calgary?

Mandatory below 5°C, essential below 0°C. Environment Canada records show Calgary cold snaps regularly hit -30°C. Single coat plus brachycephalic plus low to ground. Insulated fitted coat with belly coverage, booties, sweater for sub-20°C. Short walks 10–15 minutes below -10°C. Many refuse to potty in deep snow; train pee pad backup.

Pair this with our other Shih Tzu guides

This page sticks to grooming. For where to find a Shih Tzu in Calgary, adoption fees, and the Bichon Shih mix, see our Shih Tzu Adoption Calgary guide. For brachycephalic breathing, eye conditions, dental, IVDD, and renal dysplasia, see Shih Tzu Health Issues Calgary. For lifetime cost-of-ownership numbers (food, vet, grooming, insurance, licence), our cost-of-ownership guide is in progress at Shih Tzu Cost of Ownership Calgary.

Related Guide

Shih Tzu Grooming