Shih Tzu dog groomer Berlin: coat, cuts and home care

A Shih Tzu needs a dog groomer every 6 to 8 weeks because their long, thick coat grows constantly and mats quickly. At our GroomRoom in Berlin-Charlottenburg, a full groom for a Shih Tzu costs 89 to 135 € depending on weight. A regularly groomed Shih Tzu takes about 90 minutes and usually costs 105 to 135 €. For this breed, a clear field of vision and clean corners of the eyes are especially important.

The Shih Tzu has a long, thick double coat

The Shih Tzu has a double coat consisting of a long topcoat and a soft undercoat. The topcoat is the outer layer of long, straight or slightly wavy hair. The undercoat is the fine padding underneath, which quickly tangles with loose hair. The hair grows very long and sheds very little in everyday life. Dead hairs therefore get trapped in the coat and form tight knots in areas of friction.

On the face, the hair grows upwards from the bridge of the nose and can poke into the eyes. That's why eye care is part of every appointment for this breed. The Shih Tzu has large, slightly prominent eyes and a short nose. Short-nosed dogs don't tolerate heat well, so we blow-dry at a moderate temperature and take breaks.

These cuts suit the Shih Tzu

If you want to get your Shih Tzu's hair cut, you usually choose between a short everyday length and a long coat. These four styles are the ones owners in Berlin ask us for most often.

The Teddy-Cut is especially popular for the Shih Tzu because it highlights the round face. We trim the hair on the bridge of the nose so it no longer falls into the eyes. With a long coat, we tie the head hair into a loose topknot so the view remains clear. The summer cut makes grooming very easy, in autumn you should let the coat grow a bit again.

How often should a Shih Tzu visit a dog groomer?

We recommend an appointment every 6 to 8 weeks for the Shih Tzu. At this interval, the cut stays in shape, and small tangles don't grow into matted pads. With a long coat or little brushing time at home, you should rather stick to six weeks. Between appointments, you can have eyes and paws groomed via our individual services. Cleaning eyes costs from 15 €, trimming paws from 18 € and the 4-in-1 combo package from 45 €. Puppies come for a first puppy introduction groom after their second vaccination. Read more about the right interval in the article How often to visit the dog groomer?.

Shih Tzu grooming at home: tools and technique

With a Shih Tzu, grooming at home determines how long the coat can stay. This equipment is enough for everyday use:

• A pin brush without ball tips for the long topcoat.
• A slicker brush with fine, curved wire pins for small tangles on the ears and armpits.
• A metal comb with coarse and fine teeth to check right down to the skin.
• A lightweight conditioning spray to reduce hair breakage while brushing.
• Soft wipes for the corners of the eyes and a loose hair tie for the topknot.

Brush the coat in layers, working section by section from bottom to top. Hold the top layer of hair back with your hand and brush the lower layer right down to the skin. Start at the friction points behind the ears, under the armpits and on the back legs. Wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth. You can find more tips in our article preventing matting.

Common mistakes in Shih Tzu grooming

Many problems with the Shih Tzu coat can be avoided with small changes to your daily routine. These are the mistakes we see most often in the salon:

1. Only brushing the surface, while matting is already forming against the skin.
2. The hair tie above the eyes is too tight and left in the coat for days.
3. Hair in the corners of the eyes isn't trimmed and traps tear fluid.
4. The coat isn't blow-dried completely after a bath and mats within a few days.
5. The hairdryer is used too hot and too close to the head, even though short-nosed dogs don't handle heat well.

If the coat is already matted right down to the skin, the only option is usually clipping it short. We explain what you can do beforehand in our article Matted dog: what to do?.

What happens during a Full Groom at the salon

A Full Groom for a Shih Tzu usually takes us 90 to 120 minutes. First, we brush through the dry coat and check if any knots need dematting. Then we bathe your dog using pH-neutral natural products and rinse the coat thoroughly. While blow-drying, we brush layer by layer so the hair falls loosely and straight. Only once the coat is completely dry do we cut it to the agreed length using scissors and clippers. We shape the face with fine scissors and carefully clear the hair around the eyes. Finally, we take care of the nails, ears, paws, and sanitary area. If you don't need a haircut, a Mini Groom with a wash, blow-dry, and brush is enough.

How much does a Shih Tzu cost at a dog groomer in Berlin?

A Full Groom for a Shih Tzu weighing 2.5 to 5 kg costs 89 to 125 € with us. Many adult Shih Tzus weigh between 5 and 10 kg and then range from 105 to 135 €. A regularly groomed Shih Tzu takes about 90 minutes and usually costs 105 to 135 €.

Where your dog falls in this range depends on their coat condition, length, and behaviour on the table. If the coat is matted, we charge an additional dematting fee starting at 15 € per 15 minutes started. For very anxious or defensive dogs, we can schedule more time or a second person by arrangement. We will give you a binding final price before the appointment after assessing your dog in person. You can get an initial estimate using our price calculator, and all starting prices are on our pricing page.

Who grooms your Shih Tzu at GroomRoom

Nata is our Top Groomer and all-rounder with over ten years of experience and a great eye for detail. With Shih Tzus, she pays special attention to a round face and clear eyes. Nathalie is our Head Stylist for Poodles and Bichons, creating Teddy-Cuts with a neat head shape. For anxious dogs, Kristina takes plenty of time with patience and sensitivity. You can watch from the outside through our shop window at Giesebrechtstraße 2. If you're looking for a Shih Tzu dog groomer in Berlin, you can book an appointment online right now.