What kind of coat does a Shih Tzu have?

Shih Tzus have a long, dense, luxurious double coat, an outer coat of long, flowing hair over a soft undercoat, and it is one of the breed's defining features and its biggest grooming commitment. The coat is often described as more like hair than typical dog fur, and it grows continuously (rather than shedding out heavily like many double coats), which means it keeps growing and, if kept long, reaches the ground in the traditional flowing show coat. Because the coat grows continuously and is long and dense, it is prone to tangling and matting and requires significant, regular grooming to keep it healthy and mat-free, this is not a wash-and-go breed, and the coat is the single biggest practical commitment of owning a Shih Tzu. The upside is that Shih Tzus are relatively low-shedding for the amount of coat they have (the continuously-growing coat sheds less than a typical shedding double coat, with loose hairs tending to be caught in the coat rather than dropped), which many people appreciate, but this comes with the trade-off of the high grooming needs. Shih Tzu coats come in many colours and patterns. The coat needs both regular at-home brushing (to prevent mats between grooming appointments) and, for most pet owners, regular professional grooming (every 4 to 8 weeks or so) to keep it manageable, along with ongoing care of the face, eyes, ears, and other areas. The key thing to understand before adopting a Shih Tzu is that the beautiful coat is a real, ongoing, significant commitment of time and money, and being prepared for that grooming is essential to owning the breed happily.

How often should I brush and professionally groom a Shih Tzu?

How often depends mainly on how long you keep the coat, but the overall grooming commitment is significant. If you keep your Shih Tzu in a long coat (the traditional flowing coat), it needs brushing daily (or very close to it), because the long, dense hair tangles and mats very easily, and daily brushing all the way down to the skin, with the right tools, is essential to prevent painful mats; the long coat also needs regular bathing and often tying up the hair around the face and eyes. If you keep your Shih Tzu in a shorter, practical clip (which most pet owners do, see the next question), brushing a few times a week is usually enough to keep the coat healthy and tangle-free, though even short coats benefit from regular brushing. Effective brushing goes down to the undercoat and skin (not just over the top of the coat), using appropriate tools, a pin brush or slicker brush and a comb are the mainstays, and you must check for and work out any mats, paying attention to the areas where mats form fastest (behind and around the ears, in the armpits, on the belly, on the legs, and around the face and collar area). On top of brushing, most Shih Tzus need professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks (some as often as every 4 to 6 weeks), for a bath, a clip or trim, nail trims, ear care, and trimming of the hair around the eyes, face, feet, and sanitary areas. This professional grooming is a defining, recurring cost of owning the breed. Some dedicated owners learn to clip and groom their Shih Tzus themselves to save on grooming costs, though this takes skill, tools, and practice. The bottom line is that keeping a Shih Tzu's coat healthy requires a genuine, ongoing routine of regular home brushing plus professional grooming, and this commitment, of both time and money, is the single most important practical consideration in owning the breed.

Should I keep my Shih Tzu in a puppy cut or the long coat?

For most pet Shih Tzu owners, keeping the dog in a shorter, practical clip, commonly called a "puppy cut" or "teddy bear cut", rather than the long flowing coat is the sensible, popular choice, for good reason. A puppy cut is a short, even trim in which the coat is clipped fairly short all over (typically an inch or two, though length is up to you) rather than kept long, and its advantages are significant: it is far lower-maintenance than the long coat (you can brush a few times a week instead of daily, and there is much less risk of painful mats), it is more practical for a pet dog's active life (less coat to collect dirt, debris, and moisture, which matters in Montreal's wet and snowy seasons), it is cooler and more comfortable for the dog (especially relevant given the breed's heat sensitivity), and many people find it adorable, the teddy-bear look. The long, flowing show coat, by contrast, is beautiful but demands daily brushing, careful maintenance, and considerable effort, and is really only practical for people showing their dogs or willing to commit serious daily time to grooming. For the vast majority of pet Shih Tzu owners, and especially for an adopted Shih Tzu in a normal active home, a puppy cut or another short practical clip is the sensible, comfortable, low-fuss choice, and it makes the breed's grooming much more manageable while still keeping the dog looking great. You can ask your groomer for variations (shorter or slightly longer, different styling of the face, ears, and tail), and a good groomer will help you find a cut that suits your dog and your maintenance appetite. Importantly, even with a puppy cut, the face, eyes, ears, and other areas still need ongoing care (see the other questions), and regular professional grooming is still needed, the puppy cut reduces the brushing burden but does not eliminate the grooming commitment. There is no downside to keeping a pet Shih Tzu in a practical clip; it is purely a sensible, comfortable choice, and it is what most owners quite reasonably do.

How do I care for a Shih Tzu's face, eyes, ears, and topknot?

The face, eyes, and ears of a Shih Tzu need particular, ongoing attention as part of grooming, and this is genuinely important for the breed's comfort and health. Face and eyes: the hair on a Shih Tzu's face grows long and can fall into and irritate the eyes, which is a real problem given the breed's prominent, vulnerable eyes, so you must manage the facial hair, either by keeping it trimmed short (common with a puppy cut) or, for a longer coat, tying the hair up into a "topknot" (a small ponytail or clip on top of the head that keeps the hair out of the eyes, a traditional and practical Shih Tzu style). Keeping the hair out of the eyes protects them from irritation and injury. Shih Tzus also commonly get tear staining (reddish-brown staining below the eyes from tear overflow), which is managed by keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed and gently cleaning the eye area regularly (and addressing any underlying eye or tear-duct issue with your vet); keep the eye area clean and watch closely for any signs of eye problems (the breed is prone to them). Also keep the hair around the mouth and muzzle clean, as it can collect food and moisture. Ears: the Shih Tzu's floppy, hairy ears are prone to ear infections, so ear care is important, check the ears regularly for redness, odour, or discharge, clean them as needed with a vet-recommended cleaner, keep them dry (especially after baths), and manage the hair in and around the ears as part of grooming (some hair may need to be plucked or trimmed, which a groomer can do). Topknot: for a long-coated Shih Tzu, the topknot is both traditional and functional, keeping the facial hair out of the eyes; for a puppy-cut dog, the face hair is simply kept trimmed short instead. Also part of routine care: regular nail trims and dental care. Getting an adopted Shih Tzu comfortable with having its face, eyes, ears, and feet handled, gently and positively, makes all of this much easier and is worth the early effort. Overall, face, eye, and ear care are a key part of Shih Tzu grooming, closely tied to protecting the breed's vulnerable eyes and preventing ear problems.

How does Montreal's climate affect grooming a Shih Tzu?

Montreal's climate, with its cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, plus wet and muddy conditions in between, has some practical implications for grooming a Shih Tzu. In winter: a Shih Tzu's coat provides some warmth, but the practical grooming challenges are that snow and ice can ball up in a long coat and in the feathering and around the paws, and road salt can get into the coat and irritate the paws and skin, so many owners keep the coat in a shorter clip in winter for practicality (less coat to collect snow and salt), wipe or rinse the paws and underside after winter walks (to remove salt and prevent the dog ingesting it when it licks), and keep the paw hair trimmed to reduce snow-balling. A wet coat (from snow) can also mat, so drying the coat after snowy outings helps. In the warm, humid summer: the heat is a particular consideration given the breed's heat sensitivity (flat face), and while the coat should not be shaved to the skin (a certain length protects the skin and helps regulate temperature), many owners keep the coat in a shorter summer clip for the dog's comfort in the heat, and it is also prime time for the coat getting wet, so drying the coat and ears thoroughly after any water exposure prevents matting and ear infections. In the wet, muddy spring and fall: a Shih Tzu's coat and face get dirty and wet easily, so expect more frequent cleaning, drying, and brushing to prevent mats and skin issues, and keeping the face and eye area clean matters given the breed's eye sensitivity. Overall, keeping a Shih Tzu well-groomed in Montreal means staying on top of regular brushing, face/eye and ear care, and drying the coat when it gets wet, and adjusting the coat length to the season (many owners favour a practical shorter clip year-round, which handles the local climate well, keeps the dog comfortable in summer heat, and manages snow and salt in winter). The short practical clip, again, suits Montreal's climate and the breed's grooming needs well.

Shih Tzu Grooming & Coat Care: A Montreal Guide

The short answer

Shih Tzus have a long, dense, continuously-growing double coat that's relatively low-shedding but high-maintenance, the single biggest commitment of owning one. A long coat needs daily brushing; most owners sensibly keep a shorter puppy cut (brush a few times a week). Either way, plan on professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Crucially, care for the face and eyes (keep hair out of the vulnerable eyes, via a trim or a topknot; manage tear staining), the ears (infection-prone), and dental and nails. In Montreal: keep paws trimmed and wipe off road salt in winter, dry the coat when wet, and a shorter clip handles the climate and summer heat well.

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A Shih Tzu being groomed in Montreal — Regular brushing plus professional grooming, and diligent face, eye, and ear care, keep a Shih Tzu's coat healthy and its eyes protected.

If there's one thing that defines the practical reality of Shih Tzu ownership, it's the coat. That gorgeous, flowing fur is a big part of the breed's appeal and its biggest ongoing commitment, and because the breed's eyes are so vulnerable, the face and eye care that go with grooming are genuinely important, not just cosmetic. Here is how to do it all right in Montreal.

The Shih Tzu coat

Shih Tzus have a long, dense, luxurious double coat, long outer hair over a soft undercoat, often more like hair than fur, that grows continuously (rather than shedding out heavily). Kept long, it reaches the ground. Because it grows continuously and is long and dense, it's prone to tangling and matting and needs significant, regular grooming, not a wash-and-go breed, and the coat is the single biggest practical commitment. The upside: it's relatively low-shedding for the amount of coat, but that comes with the high grooming needs.

The coat needs both regular at-home brushing (to prevent mats between appointments) and, for most pet owners, professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, plus ongoing care of the face, eyes, and ears. The key thing to understand before adopting: the beautiful coat is a real, ongoing, significant commitment of time and money, and being prepared for the grooming is essential (see our health guide on why grooming doubles as a health check).

Brushing and professional grooming

Brushing: a long coat needs daily brushing (the long, dense hair mats very easily); a short clip needs it a few times a week. Brush all the way down to the skin (not just over the top) with a pin or slicker brush and a comb, checking for and working out mats, especially in the friction areas (behind and around the ears, armpits, belly, legs, and around the face and collar). Professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks for a bath, clip, nails, ear care, and trimming around the eyes, face, feet, and sanitary areas, a defining recurring cost.

Some dedicated owners learn to clip and groom their Shih Tzus themselves (with the right tools and practice) to save money, though it takes skill. The bottom line: keeping the coat healthy requires a genuine, ongoing routine of regular home brushing plus professional grooming, and this commitment of time and money is the single most important practical consideration in owning the breed.

The puppy cut vs the long coat

For most pet owners, a shorter, practical clip, the “puppy cut” or “teddy bear” clip, is the sensible, popular choice. Advantages: far lower-maintenance (brush a few times a week, much less matting), more practical for an active dog in Montreal's wet and snowy seasons, cooler and more comfortable (relevant given the breed's heat sensitivity), and adorable. The long, flowing show coat is beautiful but demands daily brushing and serious effort, really only practical for showing or the seriously committed.

For the vast majority of pet owners, and especially an adopted Shih Tzu in a normal active home, a short practical clip is the sensible, comfortable, low-fuss choice, and it makes the grooming much more manageable while keeping the dog looking great. Ask your groomer for variations (shorter or longer, different face/ear/tail styling). Importantly, even with a puppy cut, the face, eyes, ears, and other areas still need ongoing care, and regular professional grooming is still needed, the puppy cut reduces the brushing burden but doesn't eliminate the grooming commitment. There's no downside to a practical clip, it's what most owners reasonably do.

Face, eyes, ears, and the topknot

Face and eyes: the facial hair grows into and irritates the eyes, a real problem given the breed's prominent, vulnerable eyes, so manage it by keeping it trimmed short (with a puppy cut) or tying it into a topknot (a clip on top of the head, traditional and practical). Manage tear staining by trimming the eye hair and gently cleaning the area, and watch closely for eye problems (the breed is prone to them). Ears: the floppy, hairy ears are infection-prone, so check, clean with a vet-recommended cleaner, keep dry, and manage the ear hair as part of grooming.

Keep the mouth-area hair clean too (it collects food and moisture). For a long-coated Shih Tzu the topknot is both traditional and functional (keeping hair out of the eyes); for a puppy-cut dog the face hair is simply kept trimmed. Also: regular nail trims and dental care. Getting an adopted Shih Tzu comfortable with having its face, eyes, ears, and feet handled, gently and positively, makes all of this easier. Face, eye, and ear care are a key part of Shih Tzu grooming, closely tied to protecting the breed's vulnerable eyes and preventing ear problems.

Grooming through Montreal's seasons

Montreal's cold, snowy winters, humid summers, and wet, muddy shoulder seasons each shape the routine:

•Winter: snow balls up in a long coat and around the paws, and road salt irritates, so many keep a shorter clip, wipe/rinse the paws and underside after walks, trim the paw hair to reduce snow-balling, and dry the coat after snowy outings.
•Summer: heat is a real consideration (the flat face), so many use a shorter summer clip for comfort (but don't shave to the skin, a certain length protects and helps regulate temperature), and dry the coat and ears after any water exposure.
•Wet, muddy spring and fall: the coat and face get dirty and wet easily, so expect more frequent cleaning, drying, and brushing, and keep the face and eye area clean given the eye sensitivity.

Overall, keeping a Shih Tzu well-groomed in Montreal means staying on top of regular brushing, face/eye and ear care, and drying the coat when wet, and adjusting the coat length to the season, many owners favour a practical shorter clip year-round, which handles the local climate well, keeps the dog comfortable in summer heat, and manages snow and salt in winter. See our adoption guide.

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If you're ready for the coat commitment, a Shih Tzu is a sweet, devoted companion. Refreshed regularly across Montreal-area organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of coat do they have?

A long, dense, luxurious double coat, often more like hair than fur, that grows continuously (so it's relatively low-shedding but high-maintenance). It's prone to matting and needs regular grooming, the breed's biggest commitment. Both regular home brushing and professional grooming are needed.

How often should I brush and groom?

A long coat needs daily brushing; a short clip a few times a week, always down to the skin, focusing on friction areas. Plus professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks (a defining recurring cost). Some owners learn to groom at home, but it takes skill.

Puppy cut or long coat?

Most pet owners choose a shorter “puppy cut,” far lower-maintenance, more practical in Montreal's weather, cooler (helpful given the heat sensitivity), and cute. The long show coat is beautiful but demands daily effort. Even with a puppy cut, the face, eyes, and ears still need care and professional grooming is still needed. No downside to a practical clip.

How do I care for the face, eyes, ears, and topknot?

Keep the facial hair trimmed or tied into a topknot so it doesn't irritate the vulnerable eyes, and manage tear staining. Care for the infection-prone ears (check, clean, keep dry, manage ear hair). Keep the mouth-area clean, trim nails, and do dental care. Getting the dog used to gentle handling makes it easier.

How does Montreal's climate affect grooming?

Winter: snow balls up and salt irritates, so keep a shorter clip, wipe paws, trim paw hair, and dry the coat. Summer: heat matters (the flat face), so a shorter clip helps (don't shave to the skin), and dry after water. Wet, muddy seasons need more cleaning and brushing. A practical shorter clip year-round handles the climate well.

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Shih Tzu Grooming & Coat Care