Shih Tzu puppy haircut: how to cut it at home

What you need for grooming at home

You can’t do without a certain set of tools when cutting hair at home.
In addition, you will need special care products (including bathing), additional accessories and decorations. Everything you need is prepared in advance. We will only perform hygienic grooming at home

Tools and accessories

Initially it may seem that their purchase will be expensive, but with constant use they will quickly pay for themselves. To trim your dog at home you will need the following:

• a machine with a rotary engine (like a trimmer) with a set of various attachments;
• several scissors (for leveling the length, cutting off split ends);
• a brush with hard natural bristles (needed for combing out small debris, dirt, dead wool);
• comb with fine teeth to straighten hair and eliminate tangles;
• tools for cutting tangles;
• special nail clipper and tweezers;
• hair dryer, spray bottle.

You will need several scissors. Small ones with round tips are used for cutting ears and around the eyes. Classic straight ones are for the main function, thinning ones are for thinning wool.

Special means

Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to bathe the dog. Water washes away dirt and small debris. In addition, the natural oil protection of the hair and skin is washed away. In order not to harm the pet, it is necessary to use special products - shampoos, balms.

Cosmetics are bought in veterinary stores (ordinary ones for humans, prohibited for use). The preparations make cutting and combing easier. Cotton pads and anti-parasitic products are used for the ears.

Accessories and decorations

The choice of accessories and decorations is solely at the discretion of the owner. If you plan to braid hair and make ponytails, you will need small rubber bands. The use of bows, ribbons, headbands and hairpins is allowed. Boys often wear small butterflies around their necks.

Attention! The main condition is not to harm the animal. Decorations should not only be bright, but also safe... Do not pull tight ponytails or use hard elastic bands

Do not pull tight tails or use hard elastic bands.

Hygienic haircut

When hygienic cutting, pay attention to the length of the coat, treat the paws, groin, tail and belly.
Attention! The main difficulty in hygienic treatment of small dogs is cutting the hair around the nose and eyes.
This is necessary, but you need to work as carefully as possible so as not to harm the animal. In addition, it is important to consider the needs of the breed. Animals need eyebrows and whiskers to navigate in space and perceive other signals. The dog is an apartment dog, so we must not forget about the claws - the overgrown ones take on a spiral shape and affect the gait and health of the pet.

Types of dog haircuts

The haircut algorithm depends on its type. Thanks to regular practice, an owner who knows the basic nuances can easily cut his pet’s hair just as well as a groomer.

Trimming

Trimming is a haircut for wire-haired dogs that involves removing thinned and dead hairs. To provide this service, salons use special trimmers or the manual method. If safety precautions are followed, there is no pain at the time of plucking.

Rolling

Rolling is a dog grooming that involves the gradual removal of mature hairs. After it, hairs of different ages, and therefore of different lengths, remain on the body.

Rolling is carried out manually every 2 weeks. With its help, they emphasize advantages and disguise shortcomings, creating the most advantageous appearance.

Flatvec

Flatvec is a dog haircut that maintains a smooth and imperceptible transition from short to long hair. Most often it is done with scissors, since the machine gives a less impressive result.

Clipperwek

Clippercut is a very short haircut of dogs, close to the “zero” state. When creating it, the hairs are cut to the minimum possible length, using a manual or electric clipper.

Taking care of your health: how to avoid diseases and prolong your life

The Shih Tzu is a strong breed. Some representatives lived up to 20 years. With proper care, the pet will delight its owners for 15–16 years.

Vaccination

The owner of the nursery must be asked for documents confirming vaccination. If the puppy has not yet had vaccinations, they are given according to the scheme:

• 1st course – at 8 – 9 weeks;
• 2nd course – at 10 – 12 weeks;
• subsequently – annually.

Shih Tzus are vaccinated against:

• plague;
• rabies;
• parovirus enteritis;
• parainfluenza;
• leptospirosis;
• Lyme disease.

After vaccination they are quarantined for 2 - 3 weeks. During this period, walks and contact with other animals, especially stray ones, are prohibited.

Possible diseases and their prevention

Until 3 months of age, care must be taken to ensure that the puppy does not go up or down stairs. This can cause the hind legs to become bent.

Shih Tzu show haircut at home

Of course, if your pet is going to participate in competitions and exhibitions, then it is best to contact professional groomers who know the necessary standards and requirements regarding the appearance of a particular breed. But, if you decide to learn how to cope with this task yourself in the future, then you need to know how to properly trim your Shih Tzu for an event.

The Shih Tzu show haircut scheme is quite simple. It emphasizes the impeccability and well-groomed nature of the coat and, at the same time, the luxurious and truly imperial appearance of the pet. It is worth noting that a short-haired Shih Tzu will not work here. A prerequisite is long hair that falls along the entire body. The Shih Tzu's head is not trimmed, meaning the length remains as is. The only caveat to trimming a Shih Tzu's face is split ends. But, with proper and daily care, such a problem should not arise. So, in order to prepare your dog for the show, wash the coat, do hygiene and while the coat is still slightly damp, comb it thoroughly. Trim the ends, but just trim them! Don't overdo it. Treat the wool with a special protective spray, which gives it a shiny appearance and helps prevent tangles. Afterwards, it is necessary that your Shih Tzu wear curls almost before the exhibition. This will help prevent the fur from getting tangled and, at the same time, keep it looking flawless.

As for your pet's face, you can trim your Shih Tzu's face around the eyes and beard. But the hairs are not removed, but only trimmed to give the shape of an arc. This Shih Tzu's muzzle trim should be complete. The final step is to tie the high ponytail with a bow. To do this, conditionally divide your pet's head into three zones, and collect a tail that would resemble an onion in appearance. First, tie it with a tight invisible elastic band so that the hairstyle has a shape and only then decorate the tail with a beautiful, lush bow or hairpin. That's all, your pet is ready to conquer not only those around you, but even the most demanding judges at any dog ​​show.

Home grooming rules

Take care of the location in advance. It is more convenient to carry out the procedure on a stable table. Choose a model that reaches your waist. With a lower or higher option, your arms or back will quickly get tired. Cover the surface of the table with a rubberized mat to prevent your dog from slipping.

Treat all metal tools with boric alcohol to avoid infection if cut. After the preparatory steps, feel free to move on to the main ones.

Step-by-step description of the procedure

The first stage includes cleansing, detangling and combing. Working with dirty hair makes no sense and often ends in injury. Wash your dog with a special shampoo, pat dry with a towel and dry with a hairdryer.

If you don’t know how to trim your Shih Tzu at home, then follow this pattern:

1. If you find tangles, moisten them with water from a spray bottle and try to untangle them with your hands or use a tangle cutter.
2. Brush the fur with brushes to remove any matted areas.
3. Take the clipper and carefully trim the hairs on the bridge of your nose and under your lower lip. Remove excess hair near the eyes and nostrils. Move the clipper strictly according to hair growth.
4. Move to the body, moving from the hindquarters to the groin. In intimate areas, it is better to use a machine without an attachment.
5. Adjust the length on the front legs, moving from top to bottom. The final result should present even columns without distortion of proportions.
6. Treat the neck, mouth and base of the ears. Use scissors to trim the beard, moving along an oblique line. Trim your eyebrows and pluck ear hairs.
7. Gather the hair at the tip of the tail into a bun and trim it with scissors. Remember that it should not fall on its side.
8. Trim the fur between the toes with small scissors. Gently clean the area near the anus.
9. Shape the final look using thinning and straight scissors.

After the final stage, collect the tail and decorate the dog with the prepared accessories.

Useful tips for beginners

Make sure your Shih Tzu can be cut in the style you choose. If your dog participates in competitions, contact a groomer.

People are accustomed to care procedures from early childhood. Be sure to reward your puppy for good behavior. This will reinforce the positive associations and reduce the stress factor.

To treat cuts, use antiseptics: peroxide or chlorhexidine. These medications should always be in your home medicine cabinet in case of force majeure.

Under no circumstances should you trim your eyebrows or mustache, which serve a tactile function. To maintain a neat appearance until the next exhibition, use curlers - a soft type of curler that prevents tangling.

How to avoid common mistakes

When grooming Shih Tzu dogs, it is forbidden to overly moisten or overdry the coat. This disrupts the structure of the hairs and increases their injury. Hair can be damaged by neglecting combing, untangling and thinning. It is not for nothing that these procedures are prescribed as mandatory. Refusal of them will negatively affect not only the final image, but also the quality of the wool.

The choice of location is no less important. Sliding surfaces and loud noises from the window can frighten your dog. As a result, grooming will turn into a stressful factor, and the situation will have to be worked through with a zoopsychologist. A similar situation can be caused by inept handling of tools. If you do not have sufficient experience and confidence in your abilities, it is better to cut your Shih Tzu in a salon. Observe the actions of the wizard to eliminate future possible errors.

How to accustom a puppy and an adult dog to a haircut

A spaniel should be taught to comb itself from childhood, and it is better to do it right away on the grooming table. Some owners do not strive to care for the baby’s still short hair, and this is a mistake, since the purpose of this action is to accustom him to care items and procedures.

First, the puppy is taught to stand on the table. At this time, you can let him smell the combs, be sure to stroke and praise him like a child. If he tries to chew brushes and combs, stop this behavior.

When the puppy feels calm and confident on the table, you can try brushing him. This is done carefully and gently: you should not pull the fur and hurt the baby, so as not to form a negative impression. It is better to choose the moment when the puppy has played enough, is tired and is in a sleepy state.

The older the puppy, the longer the brushing time. But if you do this regularly, the process is unlikely to take you longer than 10-15 minutes, even with long hair, because the vast majority of time is spent sorting out tangles.

If you have not taught your dog to groom and groom since childhood, then you have little chance of making him love this activity. But it is quite possible to teach patience. Actions with an adult dog will be approximately the same as with a baby, but you may encounter more active resistance.

Grooming your Cocker Spaniel should be regular, and then your friend will look neat and tidy, regardless of whether he is a show star, a hunter, or a sofa pet.

Let fellow pet lovers know what you think.

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How to comb properly

Dogs are brushed frequently, and daily during shedding. The procedure helps prevent the formation of tangles. Basic moments:

• the wool is first moistened with a spray bottle;
• It is better to lay the animal on its side, start from the hind legs, move the brush strictly in the direction of hair growth, then move to the front legs and belly;
• To comb the back, the pet is placed on its feet, the parting is separated and each side is processed separately;
• Combing the head begins with the ears, smoothly moving to the muzzle.

Combing is a mandatory procedure.

The Shih Tzu's coat is soft and silky and requires constant care.

The Shih Tzu is a popular pet breed. To keep your dog healthy, cheerful and active, it is necessary to provide careful and constant care for its coat. To carry out the procedure independently, you should familiarize yourself with its intricacies in advance.

Haircut options

For those people who do not want to participate with their pet, a neat, everyday haircut is suitable. A little lion should look decent at any event or a regular walk on the street. It is recommended to choose one of the popular pet haircuts in order to simply maintain it in the future and spend less time on grooming.

Teddy bear

The teddy bear haircut for Shih Tzus is incredibly popular among breeders all over the world. In this option, the hair on the body is cut evenly; it is enough to leave 5 centimeters long hair on the body so that there are no gaps or bald spots in the coat. Also, the animal's ear hair is removed, which makes the head rounder.

When the fur is shortened, the coat becomes like a dense layer of plush, like a soft toy. In the back of the head you need to leave long hairs, which can be easily gathered into an elegant bun or a perky ponytail. This haircut is allowed for puppies who are not yet participating in dog shows, since they will not be allowed to participate in the show. A plush model haircut will look impressive on bitches, because the hair on the head can be collected in a bun using bright elastic bands or shiny hairpins. Males are cut differently - the hair is shortened evenly throughout the body.

Korean haircut

Shih Tzu hairstyles in the Korean style will not be complete without adding bright accessories. According to the classic version of the dog:

• the cuffs on the limbs are cut;
• the hair on the body becomes shorter;
• an elongated bob is formed on the head.

After the clipping is completed, a skirt-shaped coat is left on the paws. Long strands remain on the top of the animal’s head, from which a tail is formed, decorated with a hairpin and a bow. Sometimes, to emphasize the created image with a Korean haircut, the Shih Tzu wears Asian-style clothes.

Like a puppy

A short puppy-style Shih Tzu haircut in the summer helps give your pet a carefree and playful appearance. With this type of haircut, all hairs on the animal’s body are removed with a machine to a length of 2.5 centimeters. You should not cut the hair shorter than the recommended option, because irritation or dermatitis may appear on the baby's skin. And when cutting hair shorter than 2.5 cm, the animal can be accidentally injured or injured.

The hair on the pet’s head should be cut until a “hat” is obtained, the length of which is twice as long as on the body. A dog's short, stylish hairstyle gives it a neat appearance. This model haircut is advantageous because it is easy to care for your dog. A pet with a puppy cut never suffers from hot weather in the summer.

But such a haircut will not suit a Shih Tzu that participates in various exhibitions. Consultants and show judges do not approve of this hairstyle, since, in their opinion, it can ruin the dog's appearance.

Exhibition

You won’t be able to surprise anyone with ordinary haircuts at dog shows, so the masters of their craft offer original options. Only a professional should groom an animal before such an event. According to breed standards, the coat must be long, neatly laid, with partings in certain places. It is necessary to remove hairs from the nose and anus to maintain hygiene. Even if the dog is groomed by an experienced groomer, the owner should know how to trim a Shih Tzu, as points will be deducted for violating the standard.

For show-class dogs, it is important to correctly emphasize breed characteristics. The classic hairstyle of a purebred Shih Tzu is associated with:

• forming a parting that runs from the crown to the tip of the tail;
• silky long hair flowing down the entire height of the dog;
• shortened fur around the eyes;
• neatly decorated mustache and beard.

Between dog shows, curlers are used to help preserve the guard hairs without damaging or changing the base color. Korean haircuts are very popular at various shows and exhibitions, not only classic, but also variable. Before going to the groomers, you should definitely look at the photographs on specialized websites on the Internet and consult with the specialists in the salon.

Show haircut or exhibition option

Today, model or show haircuts are popular among show dogs. They assume that the hairdresser will implement the most daring ideas and give your pet a non-standard look. This hairstyle attracts the attention of everyone around and stands out for its originality.

For example, let's offer this option:

• the mustache and beard are cut in a semicircle along an arc;
• the hair around the eyes is cut using the hair method;
• a “skirt” is cut on the chest;
• on the sides the coat is cut short and the length smoothly transitions to the length of the “skirt”. sudden changes in length are not allowed;
• the hair on the paws is left short and the hair on the groin is almost completely shaved off;
• Long hair remains on the head, from which a tail is made and secured with bright hairpins or elastic bands.

A peculiarity of exhibition specimens of dogs is that they are not cut, but only the ends are trimmed and combed regularly to maintain the beauty of the hair.

Types of Pekingese haircuts at home

There are several options for cutting a Pekingese haircut at home. The most common:

• hygienic haircut;
• "under the lion";
• "like a puppy."

Modern poodle haircut: how to cut it at home

The rest of the haircuts are just their variations. If a dog takes part in exhibitions, then it cannot be cut like a lion. This rule applies to both sexes. Typically, boys have their hair cut like a lion, while girls have their hair trimmed to make them look more like a stuffed animal or a puppy.

Note! Pekingese tolerate haircuts quite calmly and are not afraid of getting their hair cut, do not try to escape and stand quietly on the groomer's table

Hygienic haircut

Animals that take part in exhibitions can only be trimmed with scissors. The fur on the paws, elbows and belly is trimmed so that the dog does not collect all the dirt from the ground.

The mane is trimmed so that the muzzle has a round shape proportional to the body. Split ends and sparse hairs must be removed from the tips of the ears. Otherwise, the dog's entire body remains fluffy.

Hygienic grooming of the Pekingese

The only place where you can remove almost all the hair is under the tail. Despite the haircut, the owner will still have to comb the pet daily, otherwise the formation of tangles cannot be avoided.

Puppy style (Flatwork)

When cutting a Pekingese of any age to look like a puppy, the belly, chest, sides and body are cut short (up to 2 cm). The fur on the paws is left fluffy, but trimmed.

Pekingese Flatwork Grooming

The muzzle is cut in the shape of a circle, the hair should be of medium length. The length on the ears is the same as on the muzzle. The genital area is trimmed with a machine, the length of the nozzle is no more than 10 cm. Thanks to this haircut, the pet will have a very neat appearance.

Under the lion

In this case, a special machine is used, with which the hair on the body is cut off (with a nozzle up to 2 cm), the hair on the paws is trimmed, but left fluffy. The mane is left only on the head. On the neck, thick fur is cut off to create a smooth transition.

The hair on the ears is not cut off, but trimmed taking into account the shape of the muzzle. The tail is cut short and only a small pompom is left at the tip, like a real lion.

Pekingese haircut like a lion

Creative haircuts

A hygienic haircut for a Shih Tzu is required to maintain the health of the pet, while an exhibition haircut is required to comply with show class instructions. Creative haircut options are more fun for owners.

"Teddy bear"

Another name for the hairstyle is “bear cub”. Is one of the most popular. The hair on the body must be trimmed evenly, leaving a length of 5 cm. The head is made round in shape, with no gaps allowed. In this form, the pet resembles a plush toy.

Like a puppy

The Shih Tzu puppy haircut implies that the pet's appearance is as close as possible to that of a puppy. The hairline is made shorter than in the previous version - up to 2-3 cm in length. They leave something like a “cap” on the head. There is another method - they leave the “pants” on the paws and shorten the mustache.

Korean

This haircut is often used for girls. The image involves the use of various bright accessories and jewelry. The animals are given cuffs, the hair on the body is shortened, and a long bob is cut on the head. Elongated strands are collected into ponytails or braids, secured with hairpins, elastic bands, and Asian-style elements.

Korean haircut

Shih Tzu haircut, at home or in the salon

If this is the first visit to the salon, then even an adult dog may be scared and confused. Depending on the salon, the owner is allowed to be present during the haircut, and sometimes is even recommended. True, if the pet is very distracted by the owner, it would be better to leave for a minute. And no need right off the bat! It is better if the first haircuts are as simple as possible and, accordingly, not long in time. The best option would be to cut your Shih Tzu at home, calling a hairdresser to your home.

You need to gain the puppy's trust and continue to introduce him to grooming and bathing. But a trained Shih Tzu is an immensely patient creature, and seems to understand perfectly well that beauty requires sacrifice.

Main types

Ideas about the appearance of the breed are changing. New animal care technologies lead to a gradual renewal of the dog’s appearance, which sometimes leads to a change in the breed standard. Specialists keep up with the times, trying to contribute to maintaining the beauty of the breed using modern methods and tools.

Each haircut serves a specific purpose and is carried out in a given sequence at set intervals.

The use of various devices, the imagination of the owner, and the skill of the groomer create highly artistic masterpieces that are pleasing to the eye.

Popular Shih Tzu haircuts:

1. hygienic;
2. exhibition (standard);
3. model.

Shih Tzu grooming

The Shih Tzu breed standard does not require a haircut. The coat of show class dogs for participation in exhibitions must remain long throughout the body and on the head, including the beard and ears; trimming is only possible. On the head, so that long hair does not get into the eyes, make a beautiful ponytail, braid, or a lush bun, decorated with a bow - the top note. Before the exhibition, the long hair of the Shih Tzu is collected in curlers to avoid damage.

It is customary for Shih Tzu pets not participating in exhibitions to have their hair cut to make their coat easier to care for.

Any dog ​​needs daily care - hygienic grooming

, and especially a long-haired dog, which includes the Shih Tzu. Wool is prone to tangling and matting, which subsequently becomes very difficult to comb.

• Trim and file nails every 4-6 weeks to maintain proper foot structure.
• Trim excess hair from the bottom of the paw pads and around the edges, forming a circle.
• Wipe your ears with a special product. Remove long hair from the ear canal by plucking with tweezers or using your fingertips.
• Before bathing, comb your dog and remove tangles. Use a metal comb, a gentle tangle cutter
• Bathe your pet as it gets dirty, using shampoo for flowing coat types and conditioner with oils.
• After bathing, dry your pet with a hairdryer while combing it with a speaker brush or slicker brush.

Rules for bathing and brushing

In order for a Shih Tzu dog to stand out among its relatives with beautiful and soft fur, you need to work on it at least once every few days, and during the molting period - every day. Buy several combs in advance, and one of them should have metal teeth. You can't do without a massage brush.

Remember that it is recommended to untangle all tangles before swimming, otherwise it will be much more difficult to do so later. You may have to get rid of them using a machine. Take proper care of your furry pet, and he will delight you with his beautiful coat and excellent health.

How to properly trim a Yorkie's head

A Yorkie's first haircut is done at about 3-4 months of age. For a puppy's haircut, it is preferable to choose a classic or hygienic one, since its main purpose is to ensure the cleanliness and comfort of the animal.

Haircuts for adults are very diverse. There are many options for fashion haircuts, but for show dogs it is preferable to trim and contour with thinning scissors to get rid of split ends.

• on the back of the nose;
• under the lower jaw and along the line of the mouth;
• in the area around the eyes;
• in the upper third of the ears (in puppies up to the middle of the length of the ear), giving a V-shape;
• remove with a trimmer or tweezers from the inside of the ear;
• and also create the contour of the head.

General rules

Before grooming, the dog is bathed, blotted with a towel, combed thoroughly and dried using a hair dryer.

Using a machine, the length is removed on the back of the nose and at the bottom of the mouth. Select individual hairs from the eyes and nostrils.

They determine how long the fur will be left on which parts of the body. The body is cut to a conventional boundary, which is visually drawn:

• along the hind legs - to the ischial tuberosities and groin;
• above the line of the elbow joints of the front legs.

Then move on to the chest and neck. Here the machine is driven from bottom to top to:

• lines of transition of the neck to the mouth;
• bases of the ears.

The lower border of the panties is emphasized at the level of the foot, and the hair between the toes is cut off.

The tail is cut so that it does not fall to the side. The hair around the anus is cut short.

The final stage is to use thinning scissors in a top-down motion through the fur on the paws, ears, and tail.

Finally, the Shih Tzu is combed, the remaining fur is styled and decorated with bright hairpins and elastic bands.

Variety of types and styles of haircuts

Shih Tzu haircut styles determine the final result of grooming. The variety of possible looks is amazing, so for convenience, there are 3 types of hairstyles:

• hygienic, aimed at creating a neat appearance and comfortable well-being of the animal;
• exhibition, fixed by standards and necessary for participation in exhibitions;
• model, limited only by the imagination of the master.

The first option is required for pets of any class, the second is for show class, and the third option is provided for dogs that do not participate in exhibitions. Model grooming at competitions is a reason for lowering the final score and even disqualifying a participant.

Hygienic

The goal of a hygienic Shih Tzu haircut is to prevent dermatological and infectious pathologies that occur when the fur becomes dirty and tangled. It is carried out from 4 months 1-2 times a month. It is better to entrust the first procedure to a veterinarian or groomer.

Hair is trimmed between the paw pads, in the armpits, groin and ears, around the eyes and anus. Timely care prevents the formation of tangles and the accumulation of pieces of excrement and food stuck in the hair.

Exhibition or show

It is better not to do show grooming for Shih Tzu dogs at home. Any mistake will affect your pet’s future show career, so trust the professionals.

The main task of this haircut is to create a winning image that emphasizes the characteristics of the breed. The procedure for preparing for an exhibition includes hygienic removal of interfering hairs and trimming of the fur on the face. Participants are given beards and mustaches and a ponytail on their heads. Strong shortening is unacceptable. The coat should flow like a flowing, silky “waterfall” along its entire length.

Korean

Shih Tzu hairstyles in Korean style are not complete without bright accessories. Dogs have the cuffs on their paws cut, the fur on their body shortened, and a long bob formed on their head. At the end, the long hair remaining on the limbs resembles a “skirt”, and the hair on the top of the head is gathered into a ponytail or braided. The final “highlight” is decorating with hairpins, bows and even wearing Asian clothes.

Under the teddy bear

Another popular Shih Tzu haircut is the “teddy bear” haircut. When creating it, the hair on the body is cut evenly, leaving no more than 5 cm in length. The hairs inside the dog's ears are removed and the head is given a rounded shape, avoiding gaps in the coat. With a teddy bear haircut, the Shih Tzu resembles a soft plush toy.

Like a puppy

Giving a Shih Tzu a “puppy” haircut implies visual rejuvenation of an adult pet. All fur is shortened to 2.5-3 cm, and a “cap” is cut off on the head. Another option has been invented for puppies. The kids have their mustaches cut off and “pants” left on their paws. As a result, the puppy turns into a mature teenager.

Nuances in the hairstyles of boys and girls

The fixed standards are the same for representatives of different sexes. If we talk about model haircuts, then there are some nuances.

For Shih Tzu girls, a short haircut is not the best choice. The elegance of little ladies is demonstrated with the help of long hairstyles with a “skirt”, spectacular braids and ponytails, decorated with bright accessories.

For Shih Tzu boys, a “puppy” or “teddy bear” haircut is suitable. The images of males are more laconic, so the coat is shortened as much as possible.

Required Tools

Have you decided to become your dog's personal groomer and don't know where to start? Let's go to a virtual dog beauty salon and study it from the inside, purchase cosmetics and hygiene products, and also equip our workplace with everything necessary. Here's what we need:

Table

Groomer table. It is theoretically possible to carry out the grooming procedure on any table, but it is not convenient. You will need an anti-slip table equipped with a bracket. It can be of various sizes, with or without wheels. It is more convenient to buy a folding table for home use.

Hairdryer

You need a powerful hairdryer, especially if you want to dry a dog with a thick undercoat. In salons they use a special compressor, but at home you can get by with a high-quality household hair dryer with 3-4 operating modes.

Scissors set

Grooming scissors are an important tool. There should be 4 of them: straight, curved, with blunt ends and thinning.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics and care products. The minimum set is zoo shampoo and conditioner. They should be selected according to the dog's coat type.

If finances allow, you can pamper and buy for the care of your beloved pet’s coat: a nourishing mask, styling gel, oil for silkiness and shine, tinting paints, various sprays and aromatic perfume.

Other

We choose other tools depending on the breed of the dog. If we are talking about decorative fluffy breeds, then most likely you will need: combs with frequent, rare and rotating teeth, a slicker brush, a massage brush, a furminator, a trimmer and a tangle cutter.

It would be a good idea to buy a special bathtub for washing dogs, but only if you have space in your apartment to store it.

Well, that's basically all. Now let’s calculate how much such an undertaking will cost us:

Perhaps the final figure will surprise you with its magnitude. Let's continue the calculations: multiply the minimum number of groomer services per year by their cost and by the life of the dog 4 x 1500 x 15 = 90,000 rubles and subtract the investments 40,300 = 49,700 rubles - this is exactly the amount you will have in the family budget. Whether it is profitable or not is up to you to decide.

In addition, you can save significantly on investments in the following ways:

1. Equip a regular table with a rubber backing and purchase a holding bracket for it.
2. Buy used equipment.
3. Refuse to buy work clothes and a case for storing tools.
4. Use mid-priced hair care products.
5. Do not use additional cosmetics or choose them from a more budget-friendly option.

You cannot skimp on the quality of scissors and clippers. They must be the best, always new and factory sharpened.

Only such tools will give you pleasure in your work and pleasant sensations for your dog. Don’t chase products from the economy class category, they will only bring disappointment.

Tools and care products

The key to a successful and beautiful hairstyle is a quality tool. What can't you do without when grooming?

• scissors - straight and rounded, large and small;
• dog machine; You can, of course, try human hair, but the structure of wool and hair is different, so it’s better to get a special tool;
• thinning scissors, if thinning is required;
• wide-tooth comb and brush;
• slicker if the animal has a voluminous undercoat;
• hair dryer;
• a tangle cutter will come in handy if the felt boot can no longer be disassembled with a comb;
• nail clipper for manicure, two types to choose from: guillotine or nippers.

As for care products, you will need shampoo for the type of coat your dog has, optional conditioner, peroxide or chlorhexidine, just in case. During show trim, fixing agents are often used - foams, mousses and varnishes.

Tips and tricks

The dog can have its first haircut from a young age (from 6 months), so that it immediately gets used to this difficult procedure. Moreover, it is not necessary to do all the manipulations. They start small. When the dog remains calm and does not run away, it is rewarded. In this case, the animal will associate the haircut with positive emotions.

If the owner of the Shih Tzu is not confident in his abilities, then the first procedure should be carried out by a professional. But there is another solution to the problem: turn to video tutorials in which the process is commented in detail.

It is recommended to take your pet for a walk before grooming. Experienced groomers also advise you to first draw a mental diagram of your Shih Tzu’s future hairstyle. In addition, you need to think through the procedure in advance so as not to go astray.

This is especially important for the first haircuts at home, when the owner has no experience at all.

Shih Tzu hair should be cut on a flat surface. It should not be located too high or low. A rubber mat is laid on it to prevent the paws from slipping. During the procedure, it is necessary to contact the dog and behave affectionately with it. It is easier for animals to relax when they hear the owner’s voice and feel his stroking.

Rules and tips on how to cut your own hair

A dog for shows needs to be trimmed regularly, but for a home, once every 3 months is enough. A puppy or an adult dog is trimmed in the direction of hair growth - from top to bottom, using special tools. Basically you need to use a clipper, sharp scissors, combs, and a trimming knife. Before grooming, it is advisable to bathe the dog and dry it with a hairdryer.

Basic recommendations for a proper haircut:

Treat all instruments with boric alcohol to avoid irritation on the dog’s skin and infection; Disassemble the tangles with a special trimming knife and comb. At this stage nothing is cut; A Shih Tzu “puppy” haircut is carried out with a clipper with a size 7 attachment, and a “teddy bear” haircut is carried out with a three or one. You need to carefully trim off the excess from the body with a clipper; the skirt is not left behind; Next, thinning with scissors to give neatness; The area of ​​the tail and anus is also treated with a machine. There is a tassel on the tail, and elongated hair on the paws, reminiscent of boots. Between the pads of the fingers, the fur is removed inside and the claws are trimmed; The final touch is to trim the puppy’s face. This is a special point, if you leave a lot of fur, the dog will not be able to breathe normally

Gently shave the area of ​​the bridge of the nose, under the nose. Prevent your ears from parasites and trim the hair on your ears carefully with scissors; It is important to maintain some consistency of lines, especially when cutting the head and muzzle. For example, a beard is cut obliquely from the ear, that is, from the ear to the mouth; The front legs are cut from the elbow and above, the hind legs even higher (the line from the anus to the groin); Eyebrows are lightly milled, but not shaved; Form a top note, maintaining an equal distance between the ears; the tail should not roll over to the side, forward or backward.

The hairstyle is ready!

How to maintain a neat appearance

To maintain a neat appearance between procedures, it is important to follow basic care measures. These include timely bathing and proper brushing.

Bath procedures

Dogs are bathed 3 times a month in warm water. Veterinary shampoos, conditioners and balms are used for care. After bathing, it is important to treat your dog with an antistatic spray or aerosol fixative with silk particles. After bathing procedures, avoid drafts and dry your dog with a hairdryer.

If there are tangles, bathing will have to be postponed until they are eliminated. If the hair gets tangled frequently, it is recommended to shorten the Shih Tzu's haircut to a puppy style. This will eliminate excessive dirt accumulation during walks.

How to trim a Yorkie's face at home

Owners of Yorkshire terriers will have to trim their pet's coat several times a month. Hiring the services of a professional groomer is expensive every time.

Some dog breeders prefer to groom their pet at home themselves. This procedure is more economical and does not cause discomfort or stress for the animal.

To trim a Yorkie's face, you will need a standard set of tools:

• thinning and sharp scissors of different lengths to create the outline of the head;
• scissors with rounded blade ends for cutting hair on the ears and around the eyes;
• trimmer for removing hair from the inside of the ear;
• dog clipper with attachments of various lengths
• metal combs.

The haircut is carried out on pre-moistened wool.

The animal must be secured with a collar and leash. The length of the leash should provide the dog with a comfortable sitting position on the table during the procedure, without making breathing difficult.

Grooming a Yorkie's head is a fascinating and not too difficult task, but before you start creating your pet's hairstyle yourself, you should watch several training videos and master classes on the Internet.

Reviews

Elena: “My favorite Ronya is the owner of a wonderful thick coat. When it grows back, I take him to a dog beauty salon. There, Shih Tzus get a comprehensive haircut. After this, the dog is transformed. We don’t go to exhibitions, but for myself I want the dog to look great.”

Natalya: “Daisy the Shih Tzu lives in our house. Relatives and friends admire this beauty. And achieving a spectacular look for a dog is very simple. Every day we comb her, and once a month, together with my husband, we cut her hair and make braids or ponytails.”

Dmitry: “My son loves dogs, and I decided to give him a Shih Tzu puppy. The dog became a great friend to us. But in autumn and spring this breed sheds heavily. Therefore, during the off-season, I always call home a groomer who gives the dog a teddy bear haircut.”

Trimming nails

Trimming the nails is also a mandatory procedure - since the nails, if not shortened, begin to crack and bleed, which causes your pet great suffering.

Just like human nails, your Yorkie's nails should be trimmed regularly.

If you hear your dog clicking while walking on the parquet floor, it means it’s time to trim his nails. Before trimming your Yorkie puppy's nails to cope with this procedure, stock up on the following:

• nail clipper;
• cotton buds;
• nail scissors
• nailfile;
• dry potassium permanganate.

After cutting, the dog’s nails should be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate. Below are step-by-step recommendations on how to cut your Yorkie’s nails:

• place your pet on your lap and secure it tightly;
• move the hair from the finger you plan to process and lightly press it - the claw will extend and it will be more convenient to trim it;
• at an angle of 45 degrees, trying not to touch the claw bed, trim the claw;
• do not forget about the fifth fingers that are not visible;
• if you accidentally hit the claw bed and blood comes out, treat the area with a cotton swab, dipping it in dry potassium permanganate;
• a trimmed claw is too sharp - your pet can injure himself or someone else with it. Therefore, process it with a file;
• Next, remove all the hair from the base of the paw - dried dirt accumulates there. Dogs love this procedure much more than the nail trimming that precedes it.

And finally, one more piece of advice - it is best to trim the nails after bathing, when they are as soft as possible and well processed. If you don’t have a nail clipper, it’s okay, you can easily do it with ordinary nail scissors.

Paw care

It is necessary to inspect the paws regularly. Plant seeds, plants themselves, thorns, and glass can get stuck there.

If the dog has walked on fresh fuel oil or asphalt, its paws should be greased and then washed with soap.

In winter, another scourge is chemicals. After every walk, you must wash your paws, otherwise the chemicals will corrode the skin. To avoid problems, your dog can be trained to wear special shoes.

Trimming claws must be done extremely carefully. It is important not to touch the vessel. In dark-haired dogs, the living part of the claw is difficult to see. You should cut into small pieces, monitoring your pet’s reaction. If the vessel is touched, the bleeding surface must be treated with ferrous sulfate powder (it is better to always keep it in the first aid kit).

As you can see, grooming a Shih Tzu requires some effort. But in return, the pet will thank you with a luxurious appearance and fun play. If home care is burdensome for you, you can always turn to professionals.

Sequence of procedure

To shorten your pet’s claws quickly and painlessly, the dog owner should prepare for the procedure in advance and study the sequence and technology of performing all actions:

First of all, accustom your dog to the sight and sounds of nail clippers or nippers from a young age. You can playfully click the tool in front of the puppy so that the animal will not be afraid of it in the future. To encourage your pet, you need to treat it with treats. Before the first procedure, you need to think about a comfortable non-slip surface. This could be a table, a couch or a wide bench. You should invite an assistant to help restrain your pet or distract him by offering him a treat. This should be a person familiar to the dog and not causing him concern. It is better to trim nails when the pet is in a relaxed state, for example, he came after a tiring walk, played for a long time, or ate a hearty meal. While the animal is focused on a toy or food, you need to take its paw and carefully feel the pads of the fingers, each claw, determining the location of the nail bed. The owner should stand in front of the pet so that his hands are along his paws. The thumb should fix the pad of the toe on the front paws from which the claw is cut, the rest should grip the foot. It is more convenient to work with the hind legs when the dog lies on its side. Large pets are held down by leaning on them with the whole body and not allowing them to get up. It is better not to touch the spaces between your fingers. This can cause the dog discomfort or tickling and involuntary withdrawal of his paws. Then cut off the tip of each claw, leaving at least 2 mm to the pulp. In this case, you need to lightly press on the pads of your fingers so that they straighten. The cut is made only from below, in no case from above or from the side, this will cause delamination of the plate. Its angle is about 45 degrees or straight

You should be especially careful when working with dark breed dogs; it is better to cut off small sections, removing layer by layer. In general, it is advisable to trim the tip gradually, giving it the desired shape. If the cut surface is oval, the nail bed is nearby. Rudimentary claws have to be cut off more often, since they do not wear off at all and do not come into contact with surfaces when the pet moves. Now each cut must be carefully filed and sanded. If fur grows between your pet's toes, it is best to carefully cut it off with nail scissors with rounded tips. Briefly soak your pet's paw with trimmed claws in a bath of saline solution or chamomile infusion to relieve irritation and redness.

During the entire process, you should not raise your voice at the dog or show irritation and anger; the owner’s mood should be calm, friendly and positive. You should speak to your pet kindly, but firmly, calming him if necessary and forcing him to obey.

If the procedure does damage the pulp, then under no circumstances should the dog be allowed to escape. After putting the tool aside and interrupting the cutting process, you should gently clasp your pet with your hands, calming it down. Then treat the bleeding site with prepared products.

How to accustom your pet to the procedure

Initial acquaintance with cutting plates is carried out at an early age; the puppy must make sure that it will not hurt him. It is more difficult to convince an adult dog of the need for hygiene and teach it not to resist.

Praise and reward for patience

During the procedure, you must constantly talk to your pet and praise him for his patience. The following are used as rewards:

• dog treats;
• cookie;
• bones.

Before trimming the next claw, they pause - the dog is petted and praised.

Important! With the right approach, next time the animal will be trimmed calmly, without aggression or attempts to escape

If it doesn't give and bites

In some cases, the standard approach cannot be used: a young or adult individual refuses the process. As a result, they grow huge claws that interfere with normal movement.

Important! If a problem arises (if the Yorkie begins to bite), the issue will have to be resolved with the help of a veterinarian, groomer or dog handler

Grooming naughty dogs