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

Yes — Shih Tzu puppies teethe heavily between 4-10 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, 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 for gum relief, redirect from furniture/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 + crowding. They cause permanent malocclusion if left — extraction during spay/neuter is the standard fix. Ask your vet to check at 5-6 month check-up.

Does my Shih Tzu need a winter coat in Calgary?

Yes — mandatory below 5°C and essential below 0°C. Shih Tzus have a single coat of hair (no insulating undercoat) and weigh 9-16 lbs — they lose body heat fast in Calgary winter. Add the brachycephalic factor: their compressed airway can't warm cold air efficiently before it hits the lungs, so very cold air (below -15°C) is uncomfortable to breathe and can trigger BOAS symptoms. Setup: insulated fitted coat with belly coverage (Shih Tzus are low to the ground — exposed belly contacts snow), booties for salted sidewalks, optional fleece sweater under coat for sub-20°C, shorter walks (10-15 minutes max below -10°C). 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 winter dog care guide for the broader Calgary protocol.

Shih Tzu Grooming in Calgary &mdash; Cuts, Brushing, Top Knot, Eye Stains

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 breed standard show coat 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.

Q: Why do Shih Tzus need daily brushing?

Because their long single coat doesn't shed normally — dead hair stays trapped in living hair and forms mats 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. Use a slicker brush + 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 1-2 inch puppy cut instead of long coat, you can drop to weekly brushing.

Q: What are the most common Shih Tzu haircuts?

Five most common cuts: (1) Puppy cut — 1-2 inches all over, easy maintenance, the most popular pet cut. Looks "puppyish" regardless of dog's age. (2) Teddy bear cut — slightly longer face fur trimmed round (1.5-2 inches face/legs, 1-2 inches body). The fluffy "teddy bear" look. (3) Top knot / show cut — long flowing coat with hair tied up in a top knot to keep out of eyes. Requires daily brushing and regular tie-ups. The classic Shih Tzu look. (4) Kennel cut / summer cut — very short (¼-½ inch) all over for hot weather, low-maintenance, looks utilitarian. Hair grows back in 4-6 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. Show owners maintain top knot/show cut.

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

Every 4-8 weeks depending on coat length. Calgary professional grooming costs: $60-$95 for full groom (bath, blow-dry, cut, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim). Add $10-$20 for de-matting if needed. Most owners do bath + face/sanitary trims at home between professional grooming to extend the interval. A Shih Tzu in a kept-long coat needs grooming every 6-8 weeks for trim plus weekly home grooming. A puppy-cut Shih Tzu needs grooming every 4-6 weeks. Prices in Calgary vary: cheaper at chain stores ($50-$70 at Petsmart, $55-$75 at Pet Valu), more at boutique groomers ($75-$95+ at Suburban Dog, Bow Wow Groomers, Riverbend Pet Salon). Build a relationship with a groomer who knows your dog — they catch skin issues, eye infections, and mat problems early.

Q: How do I clean Shih Tzu eye stains?

Tear stains (rusty-brown discoloration 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 damp soft cloth or sterile saline pad each morning to remove fresh tears. (2) Trim hair around eyes very short (or have groomer do it) so tears can't pool in fur. (3) Switch to filtered or distilled water — Calgary tap water is hard, mineral-heavy. (4) Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls (plastic harbors bacteria). (5) Eye Envy (powder + liquid kit, $30-$40) is the most-recommended Calgary product. Apply once daily for 2 weeks then taper. Avoid hydrogen peroxide near eyes — it can damage the cornea. Avoid bleaching products marketed for tear stains. If staining gets worse despite routine, vet 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 you want — 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 face), older dogs may need shorter sessions, IVDD-prone dogs shouldn't be lifted unsupported. (6) Anesthesia-free dental — most Calgary groomers offer this; it's cosmetic only and doesn't replace vet dental cleaning. (7) Anal gland expression — yes/no preference, some groomers do as standard. Build a relationship with one groomer over time — they'll know your dog's tendencies.

The short answer

Shih Tzus need daily attention. Long single coat (hair, not fur) doesn't shed normally — mats form within 24–48 hours without brushing. Daily 10-minute brushing if kept in a long coat (or weekly if puppy-cut), professional grooming every 4–8 weeks ($60–$95 in Calgary), daily face/eye wipes, top knot or trimmed face hair to protect eyes from corneal ulcers, brachycephalic face cleaning to prevent skin-fold dermatitis. Most pet owners choose a puppy cut or teddy bear cut for easier maintenance vs the show-coat top knot.

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 breed standard show coat 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 + technique:

Slicker brush (Chris Christensen Big G, Hertzko, or similar — $25–$60)
Metal comb with fine and wide teeth ($15–$25)
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 — the 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 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.

How often does a Shih Tzu need professional grooming?

Every 4–8 weeks depending on coat length. Calgary professional grooming costs: $60–$95 for full groom (bath, blow-dry, cut, nail trim, ear cleaning, sanitary trim). Add $10–$20 for de-matting if needed.

Calgary pricing range:

Chain stores: $50–$70 (Petsmart, Pet Valu) — convenient, less personalized
Boutique groomers: $75–$95+ (Suburban Dog, Bow Wow Groomers, Riverbend Pet Salon, Diggity Dog) — more personalized, often better with breed-specific cuts
Mobile groomers: $90–$130 — come to your home, ideal for senior or anxious dogs

Most owners do bath + face/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.

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.

How do I clean Shih Tzu eye stains?

Tear stains (rusty-brown discoloration under eyes) are caused by porphyrins in tears and exacerbated by minerals in tap water, food sensitivities, and yeast on damp skin.

Daily routine:

Wipe under eyes with damp soft cloth or sterile saline pad each morning to remove fresh tears
Trim hair around eyes very short (or have groomer do it) so tears can't pool in fur
Switch to filtered or distilled water — Calgary tap water is hard, mineral-heavy
Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls (plastic harbors bacteria)
Eye Envy (powder + liquid kit, $30–$40) is the most-recommended Calgary product. Apply once daily for 2 weeks then taper.

Avoid hydrogen peroxide near eyes — it can damage the cornea. Avoid bleaching products marketed for tear stains. If staining gets worse despite routine, vet 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.

Daily routine:

Wipe under 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, redness — clean with damp cloth or unscented baby wipe, dry thoroughly
Check ears weekly for redness, odor, 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, odor, dampness — vet-prescribed medicated wipes (Malacetic, Douxo) clear most cases. If your dog has chronic facial irritation, ask 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. 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/Poodle parent. Before adopting: 2–3 hour visit with the specific dog, in your home if possible, then 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 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 face), older dogs may need shorter sessions, IVDD-prone dogs shouldn't be lifted unsupported
Anal gland expression — yes/no preference, some groomers do as standard
Nails — how short to clip, request grinder/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.

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 $60–$95 full groom. Chain stores $50–$70, boutique $75–$95, mobile $90–$130.

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 “round-face” cut.

Eye stains?

Daily wipe + trim hair short around eyes + filtered water + ceramic/stainless bowls + Eye Envy ($30–$40). Avoid hydrogen peroxide near eyes.

Flat face cleaning?

Daily face wipe after meals, check nose fold, weekly ear check. Skin-fold dermatitis = vet medicated wipes (Malacetic, Douxo).

Hypoallergenic?

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

What to tell groomer?

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

Puppy biting/chewing (4–10 months)?

Normal teething. Flexible chews (KONG Puppy, Nylabone Puppy) — avoid hard antlers (crack small teeth, stress brachy jaws). Frozen washcloths for gum relief. Watch for retained baby teeth at 5–6 month vet check — common in Shih Tzus, extracted at spay/neuter.

Winter coat in Calgary?

Mandatory below 5°C, essential below 0°C. Single coat + brachycephalic + low to ground. Insulated fitted coat with belly coverage, booties, sweater for sub-20°C. Short walks 10–15 min below -10°C. Many refuse to potty in deep snow — train pee pad backup.

Related Guide

Shih Tzu Grooming