Shih Tzu puppies are born with straight hair. Their fur is quite short, similar to other short-haired dog breeds, making it difficult to distinguish them at a young age. Without knowing their parents, Shih Tzu puppies often resemble Pekingese or Pomeranian puppies with their oval faces, large eyes, and short, sparse fur. As they mature, their coat transforms into long, flowing, brown-yellow hair.
Shih Tzus are exceptional companion dogs, once exclusively favored by royalty. Now, they've become popular family pets. However, their long coats require significant grooming, making them unsuitable for busy individuals. Adult Shih Tzus are distinct from other breeds, but puppies are harder to identify. Shih Tzu puppies' short, straight fur makes them appear indistinguishable from other short-haired breeds, increasing the risk of misidentification when purchasing. It’s advisable to acquire a Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder. Furthermore, their coats grow up to 27cm long and require regular care and grooming techniques.
Grooming Tips for Your Shih Tzu's Coat
1. Given the length of a Shih Tzu's fur, part the hair on the bridge of the nose along the centerline using a comb. Then, separate the hair at the corners of the eyes into two parts each, and comb, dividing the neatly arranged hair into semicircular shapes above and below. Pull the hair on the top of the head tightly and tie it with a bow, enhancing the dog's elegant appearance.
2. You can braid the hair on both sides of the Shih Tzu's head into two pigtails. Attentive owners will also bundle the Shih Tzu's coat to prevent the long hair from being broken or from becoming dirty. It's particularly beneficial to bundle the hair around the face and ears. Doing so avoids food stains and prevents long hair from getting into the eyes.