Top 10 Shih Tzu Haircuts

Some Interesting Facts About the Shih Tzu Dog Breed 

Shih Tzus are a breed of dog that has an absolutely gorgeous coat. Their hair grows much longer than the average dog, and therefore, Shih Tzu haircuts are a regular part of the maintenance routine for these dogs. 

The good news, though, is that these dogs shed less than the average dog. So, if you maintain their hair routine, your Shih Tzu will be fabulous and happy!

The Many Shih Tzu Haircuts

If you want your dog to stay looking beautiful, and most importantly, healthy, then looking into different Shih Tzu haircuts will assist you in this goal. A Shih Tzu’s hair will grow about ½” per month. If you do not keep up on maintenance, the hair will become matted, and your pup’s overall health will be affected. 

The best Shih Tzu haircuts really rely on personal preference. From the full shave all the way to the lion mane, your dog will need regular care like hair brushing and combing to ensure that their health is maintained. If the hair becomes matted, their skin becomes too greasy. 

Some types of Shih Tzu haircuts include the short puppy cut, the teddy bear cut, and the practical topknot cut. Along with personal preference, you will want to cut your Shih Tzu’s hair to best fit your climate, environment, and the season of the year that you are cutting the hair. 

Shih Tzu haircuts before and after can make a huge difference in your dog’s appearance and comfortability! Try experimenting and see what makes your dog feel and look the best. 

10 Top Shih Tzu Hairstyles

Male

1. The Puppy Cut

The puppy coat is the Shih Tzu haircut, also known as the summer cut. It is a short cut but not entirely shaved. This is great for hot weather to let your dog shed some of that heavier weight for warm days. 

To achieve the Puppy Cut, one to two inches of hair is trimmed off all over the body. That way, there are no places on the body that are cut shorter than others!

2. The Full Shave

The full shave is perfect for hot weather and looks exactly as it sounds. Most people choose this option for their Shih Tzu if they cannot be as attentive to their coats as they must be to avoid the matting and tangling of their hair. 

If you are doing a full shave during the winter months, your Shih Tzu will most definitely need a warm fleece or jacket to wear outside to stay warm. 

3. The Teddy Bear

The Shih Tzu Teddy Bear haircut is extremely popular, as it really does make your pup look just like a stuffed animal! The hair left only to be about two to two and a half inches long all over the body, leaving the length behind but keeping the fluff. 

Regular brushing and combing are required for this cut to make sure your pup stays nice and clean. You will also need to keep the cut’s shape, so a regular appointment with the groomer is recommended. 

4. The Lion Cut

The Shih Tzu Lion Cut haircut looks intricate and difficult to maintain, but in reality, only minimal brushing of the long hair is required to keep your pup happy and healthy. The body is cut short, while the top is left long to emulate the look of a lion. 

This is a more stylized look, so personal preference really kicks in here. However, it is a trendy look, and most people come out of the groomer loving the look of their dog!

5. The Japanese Cut

The Japanese Cut is a combination of short body hair, extra-long hair on the ears, and flowy leg hair. This cut is customizable with the legs, as they can be into circular shapes or into a more tapered look like the flared bottom style. 

This is purely an aesthetic look and will require hands-on regular grooming and upkeep to ensure that the cut stays looking flowy and fantastic. 

Female

1. Practical Topknot

This is the epitome of what Shih Tzu haircuts look like in the minds of many people. It provides a long haircut without having to manage the full length of a show cut, which is much longer. 

The hair at the top of the head is kept as long as a show cut, but the rest of the body is trimmed just slightly to keep off some of the length. Many people put a ponytail, pigtails, or braids on the top of the head for added cuteness. 

2. The Topknot Show Cut

The Topknot Show cut is exactly the same as the Topknot cut on the head, but the body hair is grown all the way to the floor, covering the legs. This is a highly stylish cut and is the norm for those who show their Shih Tzu. 

Because it is so high maintenance, this style is mostly only on show dogs. Daily brushing and combing are required to keep tangles and mats from forming. 

3. Flared Bottom Style

The Flared Bottom style is a more unusual style, but still extremely fashionable and cute! The body is cut short, while the legs, ears, and face are left long. The legs are tapered into a triangle to look like 1970s bell-bottom jeans. 

If you want a more unique Shih Tzu haircut, this is the one for your perfect pooch. 

4. Short Coat, Full Top

The Short Coat, Full Top is exactly what it sounds like. This style is similar to the Japanese Cut, but without the long hair on the legs. Brushing the top regularly is recommended to make sure no matting or tangles form. 

5. The Moderate Puppy Cut

The Moderate Puppy Cut is just a smidge longer than the Puppy Cut, making it the perfect female Shih Tzu haircut! It simply requires a bit more brushing and combing than the original Puppy Cut due to the longer hair.

FAQ’s About Shih Tzu Haircuts

Can all Shih Tzus grow a long coat?

This answer really depends on your pup. Most Shih Tzus can grow a long coat, but it depends on the upkeep and maintenance that you put into your canine. Whether or not the coat will reach the floor depends mostly upon breeding and genetics. 

How long will it take a shaved Shih Tzu to grow a long coat?

Since a Shih Tzu’s hair usually grows around ½” per month, the growth process does not take too long if the hair is healthy and upkeep is done regularly. If your Shih Tzu has been fully shaved, it may take up to 12 to 24 months to reach floor length. 

How can I help with coat growth?

Using high-quality shampoos and conditioners will help your Shih Tzu’s hair to grow quicker than it would with generic shampoos catering to any dog. This will help to spur growth if the shampoo and conditioner are specific to the Shih Tzu breed. 

Regularly combing and brushing your pup will also help with growth, as it will take out any loose hair and keep the hair healthy.