The Shih Tzu is a longhaired dog. Actually, it has two coats,
one outer coat that has long straight hair, and the short and
wooly. The hair on it head is usually tied up in a tight knot
over the head.
Do Not Get a Shih Tzu If You Cannot Groom It Daily
Many people decide that the Shih Tzu is the right dog for them
because they find it so beautiful. It is not a good idea to decide
you want a Shih Tzu after you see it in a dog show. Here, the
best specimens are paraded and what you see though looks easy
and carefree, is the result of a lot of work and perseverance.
Shih Tzu grooming has to be done on a regular basis. Here ‘regular
basis’ means at least every alternate day. You will need to have
the long hair combed every other day if not every day; otherwise,
the hair will knot and/or mat and then become a good home for
a number of parasites. If the parasites are left growing on its
skin for a long time, then the Shih Tzu will develop skin lesions
and other diseases – besides becoming a very miserable dog.
Hence, the minimum Shih Tzu care necessitates that it is groomed
every day – and since it lives for about 15 to18 years, you will
need to decide whether you can do this every day (or alternate
day) for the next 15 years before saying ‘yes’ to this breed as
your pet. Often, people buy this type of dog on a whim or impulse,
and end up giving it up when they realize that they are not able
to cope with the basic Shih Tzu care requirements. It should definitely
not come to this – hence, you should be careful that you understand
what Shih Tzu care and grooming involves before taking in this
dog variety.
What can be a put-off for some it can be a great attraction for
others - many people love the need to groom these dogs every day.
These varieties make great pets for senior people specifically
because they demand so much attention which make the elder people
feel good because they are wanted and because these dogs love
to be loved. The daily grooming is just another way to fill the
day and bond with the Shih Tzu.
In case you love the breed and you still think that, the Shih
Tzu grooming is a handful for you, you can give it the Shih Tzu
haircut, as a last resort. Use the services of a qualified Shih
Tzu grooming professional for this purpose so the beauty of the
dog is not compromised. Regardless of whether you choose to have
the hair long or short, you will have to learn about what
you need to groom your Shih Tzu.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Shih Tzu,
get a copy of this Shih Tzu Guide
NOW!