Shih Tzu is a small and affectionate breed that requires regular grooming to maintain its hygiene and appearance. Grooming keeps them clean and healthy, and also helps to strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog.
The style of a Shih Tzu varies widely depending on how the face is trimmed. Trimming their face fur might be difficult, but is necessary to prevent matting, discomfort, and infection around their eyes, ears, and nose. Also, trimming their face improves their attractiveness and makes them appear adorable.
To trim your Shih Tzu’s face, you will need essential grooming tools such as scissors, clippers, a comb, styptic powder, and treats to keep them calm and motivated.
To cut the hair on the face of a Shih Tzu, you’ll need a pair of scissors or clippers. Here’s how to do it:
- Brush the hair on your dog’s face.
- Use scissors or clippers to trim the hair around the eyes, ears, and muzzle.
- Be careful not to cut your dog’s skin or get too close to the eyes.
Key Takeaways
- Before trimming, ensure your Shih Tzu is comfortable and secure in a chosen location, and brush their fur thoroughly to prevent tangles.
- Tools for trimming a Shih Tzu’s face include scissors, clippers, a comb, styptic powder, and treats.
- Trim the fur around the eyes, ears, muzzle, cheeks, and chin and check for missed spots.
- Post-trimming care includes brushing the trimmed fur, cleaning the Shih Tzu’s face, and rewarding them with treats.
Preparing the Shih Tzu for Trimming
Preparing the Shih Tzu for trimming requires you to do the following:
Choose a Comfortable Location
Before you start trimming your Shih Tzu, find a safe and comfortable place where they can relax, and you can groom them with ease. Make sure the area is free of anything that could hurt your Shih Tzu, and keep other pets and things that might distract you away.
Brushing the Shih Tzu’s Fur
You need to brush its fur to get your Shih Tzu ready for trimming. Use a slicker brush or comb to remove any mats, tangles, or debris from their coat and to untangle any knots or clumps. That will make trimming your Shih Tzu’s fur easier and ensure it is even and smooth.
Securing the Shih Tzu
You can use a grooming table or a flat surface to keep your Shih Tzu still and safe while you groom them. Use a grooming arm or a leash to hold your Shih Tzu still, so it doesn’t move or hurt itself while you trim its hair. You could also have someone hold your Shih Tzu while you trim their face, but make sure they are comfortable and not stressed.
Related: How Long Does a Shih Tzu Live?
Tools for Trimming a Shih Tzu’s Face
Regardless of the style you choose, you must ensure you have the necessary tools for the job.
Before beginning, conduct a brief inventory of your grooming tools. If you intend to cut your Shih Tzu’s face, you’ll need the following equipment:
Scissors
You will need a pair of scissors with a rounded tip for trimming the fur around the Shih Tzu’s eyes and muzzle. Scissors with a straight edge may accidentally poke their eyes or cut their skin, which can be painful and traumatic.
Clippers
Electric clippers with a blade guard are useful for trimming the larger areas of the Shih Tzu’s face, such as the cheeks and chin. Choose clippers specifically designed for pet grooming that have adjustable blade lengths to achieve the desired fur length.
Comb
Your Shih Tzu’s fur must be even and smooth, so you’ll need a metal comb with fine teeth to comb through it after you trim it. The comb will also help remove loose hair and keep the hair from getting tangled.
Styptic Powder
During the trimming process, accidents can happen, and your Shih Tzu could get nicked or cut. If this happens, you should have styptic powder on hand to stop the bleeding quickly and keep the wound from getting infected.
Treat
During trimming, your Shih Tzu needs to stay calm and still. Treats are a great way to show appreciation for good behavior and keep pets busy while they are being groomed.
Choose treats like small pieces of cooked chicken or low-fat cheese that are easy to chew. Offer a treat when you’re done with each part of the trimming process, like when you’re done with the eyes or nose.
Related: How Much Should Shih Tzu Weigh?
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Trim a Shih Tzu Face
Now that you have prepared your Shih Tzu for trimming and already have your tools ready, you can begin the trimming process. Follow this step-by-step guide to trim your Shih Tzu correctly.
Trimming the Fur Around the Eyes

Follow the instructions below:
- Comb the Shih Tzu’s hair above its eyes up and away from its eyes.
- Hold the scissors horizontally and carefully cut the hair extending past the eye’s corner.
- Be careful not to cut their skin by getting too close to the eye.
- Hold the hair out of the way with your fingers while you trim to avoid accidentally cutting the skin.
Trimming the Fur Around the Ears

Here’s how to trim the fur around the ears:
- Brush the fur around the ears to remove any tangles or mats.
- Hold the ear flap gently. Using the scissors, carefully trim the hair that extends beyond the ear flap.
- Be careful not to cut into the ear leather.
- Repeat on the other ear.
Trimming the Fur Around the Muzzle
Here’s how:
- Comb the hair on the muzzle downwards.
- Hold the scissors vertically and trim the hair around the outside of the muzzle—starting at the nose and working outward.
- Be careful not to cut the whiskers or trim too much hair around the nose.
- Repeat on the other side of the muzzle.
Trimming the Fur Around the Cheeks
Follow the steps below to trim the fur around the cheeks:
- Hold the scissors horizontally and comb the fur on the cheeks forward.
- Carefully trim the hair that extends beyond the cheekbone, following the natural shape of the cheek.
- Be cautious and avoid getting too close to the skin to prevent accidental nicks or cuts.
- Repeat the process on the other cheek, ensuring they are both even.
Trimming the Fur Under the Chin

Here’s how to trim the fur under the chin:
- Comb the fur down, so you can see the neck and find where the chin meets the neck.
- Hold the scissors vertically and cut the hair carefully where it extends beyond the chin line.
- Check often to ensure you’re trimming the same amount on both sides.
- Ensure you’ve cut the hair evenly by brushing it back into place.
Checking for Any Missed Spots
After trimming your Shih Tzu’s face, you should look for any spots you might have missed to ensure it looks even and symmetrical. Here are the steps you can take to see if you missed any spots:
- Look at the whole face for stray or uneven hairs.
- Use a comb or your fingers to gently part the hair and look for any missed spots around the eyes, ears, nose, cheeks, and under the chin.
- If you see any missed spots, carefully trim the hair with scissors.
Related: The Price of Shih Tzu Puppies & Adult Dogs (with Calculator)
Post-Trimming Care
After trimming your Shih Tzu’s face, taking some post-trimming care steps is essential to ensure their comfort and well-being. Here are the steps you can follow:
Brushing the Trimmed Fur
After trimming, use a brush to remove any loose or stray hairs on your Shih Tzu’s face. This will help prevent matting or tangles and keep the fur neat.
Cleaning the Shih Tzu’s Face

Clean your Shih Tzu’s face gently with a damp cloth or a mild facial wash that is safe for pets. This will help get rid of any loose hairs, dirt, or other debris that may have gathered while trimming. Make sure neither soap nor water gets into your dog’s eyes or ears.
Finally, reward your Shih Tzu with treats for their good behavior during grooming! This will help reinforce positive associations with grooming and make it a more enjoyable experience for you and your furry friend.
Related: Shih Tzu Teddy Bear Cut Vs. Puppy Cut
How to Trim a Shih Tzu Face? FAQs
Q: How to Cut Shih Tzu Hair Around Eyes?
A: To cut the hair around a Shih Tzu’s eyes, follow these steps:
- Brush the hair around the eyes to remove any tangles or mats.
- Use a comb to separate the hair in front of the eyes into two sections, creating a part in the middle.
- Hold one section of the hair with your fingers and carefully trim the hair that hangs over the eyes with scissors. Cut the hair in a straight line, starting at the inner corner of the eye and working outward.
- Repeat the process for the other section of hair.
- Use thinning shears to blend the cut hair with the longer hair on the rest of the face. Be careful not to cut too much hair.
Related: How Much Does Dog Daycare Cost? An Extensive Guide
Q: How to Groom a Shih Tzu With Long Hair?
A: Grooming a Shih Tzu with long hair requires regular maintenance to prevent tangles and matting. Here are the steps to follow:
- Use a slicker brush to remove any tangles and mats from your dog’s coat.
- Comb the dog to remove any remaining tangles and mats.
- Use scissors or clippers to trim the hair around the feet, ears, and anus.
- Use a damp cloth to clean any discharge from your dog’s eyes.
- Finally, use a dog shampoo to bathe your dog and rinse thoroughly.
Q: How to Clean Shih Tzu Eyes?
A: Shih Tzus are prone to eye discharge, which can cause staining around the eyes. Here’s how to clean the eyes of a Shih Tzu:
- Wet a clean cloth with warm water and gently wipe away any discharge.
- Use a tear stain remover product if necessary.
- Use a clean towel to dry the area around the eyes.
Q: How Do You Cut the Hair on the Face of a Shih Tzu?
A: To cut the hair on the face of a Shih Tzu, you’ll need a pair of scissors or clippers. Here’s how to do it:
- Brush the hair on your dog’s face.
- Use scissors or clippers to trim the hair around the eyes, ears, and muzzle.
- Be careful not to cut your dog’s skin or get too close to the eyes.
Related: When Is Shih Tzu Full Grown?
Conclusion
Grooming a Shih Tzu’s face is integral to pet care. That helps keep them healthy, clean, and good-looking. Regular trimming helps prevent matting, eye irritations, and other health issues.
With practice, grooming can be a fun way for a Shih Tzu and its owner to spend time together. Lastly, the relationship between a Shih Tzu and its owner is important and should be cherished. Grooming is a great way to strengthen this relationship!