Cutting a Shih Tzu's face can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, well-groomed look.
The first step is to brush your Shih Tzu's face to remove any tangles or mats that can make the grooming process more difficult.
You'll want to use a pin brush or a slicker brush to gently remove any knots or tangles, working from the bottom of the face up to prevent matting.
A clean face is essential for a successful grooming session, so make sure to wash your Shih Tzu's face with a mild dog shampoo before cutting.
The eyes are the most sensitive area of the face, so be sure to use a gentle touch and avoid getting any clippers too close to them.
Consider reading: Shih Tzu Groom
Choosing a Style
It's best to leave haircuts to the professionals when it comes to a shih tzu's face. Their short muzzle, pronounced brow, and large 'puppy dog' eyes are all situated very close together on the face, making it difficult to trim the fur around these sensitive areas safely.
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You can trim your shih tzu's face at home, but it's essential to ensure that both you and your pet are calm and comfortable with this process.
If you're still unsure, consider the temperament of your shih tzu. If they allow you to trim the hair around their face at home between grooming sessions, you can go ahead with it.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a style for your shih tzu's face:
- Comb out any tangled hair before trimming
- Use round-tipped scissors to cut little pieces of hair, being mindful to avoid eyelashes
Grooming Techniques
Grooming your shih tzu's face can be a delicate process. It's essential to ensure both you and your pet are calm and comfortable with the process, as recommended by Heather Hoffman, a veterinarian at Chewy.
To start, you'll want to introduce your pup to scissors by letting them smell and touch them. This will help them acclimate to the sound of cutting.
Comb out any tangled hair before attempting to trim your shih tzu's face. This will make the process much easier and less frustrating for both you and your pet.
Use round-tipped scissors to cut little pieces of hair, being mindful to avoid eyelashes. It's also a good idea to start with small, gentle cuts to get a feel for the process.
However, it's worth noting that trimming a shih tzu's face can be quite challenging, especially around sensitive areas. It's probably best to take your shih tzu to the groomer instead of trying to trim their face at home, as their short muzzle and large 'puppy dog' eyes make it difficult to trim the fur safely.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when grooming your shih tzu's face:
- Comb out tangled hair before trimming
- Use round-tipped scissors to avoid eyelashes
- Introduce your pup to scissors before attempting to trim
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you trim hair around Shih Tzu eyes?
Yes, regular trimming around Shih Tzu eyes is essential to prevent hair from obstructing their vision. Trimming this area can help ensure your Shih Tzu's eyes stay healthy and clear.
How to trim a Shih Tzu muzzle?
To trim a Shih Tzu's muzzle, start by combing the hair forward and trimming at a downward angle to shape the top without altering the stop between the eyes
How to make a Shih Tzu face round?
To achieve a round Shih Tzu face, use a curved blender to create a beveled, layered effect on the top of the head, avoiding clippers or scissors. This technique helps maintain a smooth, rounded shape without creating a defined stop between the eyes.
What number do you shave a Shih Tzu?
For a Shih Tzu, use a Number 10 blade electric hair clipper to trim and shave their hair. This length helps prevent skin cuts and is suitable for most Shih Tzu haircuts.
Sources
- 4 Adorable Shih Tzu Haircuts to Ask Your Groomer to Try (dailypaws.com)
- The Ultimate Guide to Shih Tzu Haircuts and Styles (moego.pet)
- Styling up the Shih Tzu Shave-Down (groomertogroomer.com)
- https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/grooming/how-to-use-dog-clippers (cesarsway.com)
- Shih-tzu Round Face Grooming Demo (thegroomhaus.com)
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