One of the main features of the Shih Tzu is its soft and beautiful coat, which can be styled in many ways. Because of this, owners need to be especially attentive when caring for a Shih Tzu's hair. The most important point is daily brushing, which keeps the hair smooth and shiny, makes styling easier, and also supports the dog's overall health.
Does a Shih Tzu's Hair Keep Growing Forever?
An ordinary pet Shih Tzu is also fluffy as a puppy. At about four to five months of age, it often enters an awkward stage where it sheds and the coat becomes sparser. By about one to two years old, the dog grows its adult coat, though the final length depends somewhat on the owner's care. A purebred Shih Tzu usually has very long hair that can grow to around ten centimeters, while mixed-breed dogs often have somewhat shorter hair. The Shih Tzu's coat does not grow endlessly. In general, it usually does not exceed about fifteen centimeters.
How to Groom a Shih Tzu's Coat
The most important step in Shih Tzu coat care is brushing. Ideally, the dog should be brushed every day and trained from an early age to cooperate with grooming. If the coat gets wet during play, it should be dried immediately. Before every bath, the first task is to comb through the coat and remove tangles so they do not worsen during washing. After bathing, the coat must be blow-dried and brushed at the same time so that hairs that have stuck together because of moisture can be separated again.
Once daily brushing is done well, most of the work of Shih Tzu coat care is already finished. The rest mainly involves regular bathing, occasional styling at a grooming shop, and adding nutrients to the diet that support coat health. Under normal care, a Shih Tzu's coat naturally grows smooth and beautiful, which is fitting for a breed whose appearance depends so much on its long hair.