Shih Tzu Haircuts: The Complete Guide to Popular Styles in 2025

diy dog grooming diy grooming dog grooming May 22, 2025

Close-up of a Shih Tzu with a neatly groomed haircut, showcasing a classic face trim style—perfect inspiration for pet owners researching Shih Tzu haircuts.

Introduction

Shih Tzus are beloved for their luxurious, flowing coats and expressive faces. But as any owner knows, that beauty comes at a cost: grooming. Whether you're interested in a stylish lion cut or a low-maintenance puppy cut, choosing the right style and learning to maintain it at home can save time, money, and stress. This all-in-one guide covers the most popular Shih Tzu haircuts in 2025, complete with photos, grooming schedules, and expert DIY tips to help you keep your pup looking their best.

Discover the best Shih Tzu haircuts and learn how to groom your Shih Tzu at home with expert tips, style guides, and easy DIY techniques!

The 16 Most Popular Shih Tzu Haircuts and What They Mean

Ready to explore the world of Shih Tzu hair styles? Below are the most beloved haircuts, broken down by season to help you choose what works best for your climate, lifestyle, and dog’s comfort.

Top 12 Summer Shih Tzu Haircuts

Shorter cuts help your pup stay cool and reduce matting during hotter months.

1. The Puppy Cut

Adorable Shih Tzu puppy with a fluffy coat receiving a gentle combing, showcasing the soft, rounded look of a classic Shih Tzu puppy cut—ideal for pet parents exploring Shih Tzu haircuts and at-home grooming styles.

Short, even trim all over the body (usually ½ to 1 inch)
Easy to maintain and prevents overheating
Great for active or outdoor-loving dogs

2. The Lion Cut

Groomer using electric clippers to trim a fluffy Shih Tzu with a long lion-style coat—demonstrating a Shih Tzu lion cut, one of the most popular summer haircuts for this breed.

Short body with a full mane and fluffy tail
High style factor, lower maintenance for the body
Keep mane brushed to avoid tangling

3. The Summer Cut

Shih Tzu outdoors with a short summer haircut and neatly trimmed face—an example of a practical and stylish Shih Tzu haircut ideal for warm weather and easy at-home maintenance.

Very close trim all over, with optional fluff left on ears or tail
Ideal for extremely hot climates or dogs prone to overheating

4. The Teddy Bear Cut

Shih Tzu receiving a gentle comb-through on a red background, featuring the signature rounded face and fluffy body of a teddy bear Shih Tzu haircut—one of the most popular and adorable grooming styles for this breed.

Round face with soft, even body length (1–2 inches)
Signature style with a plush, huggable look
Great for year-round style; moderate maintenance

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5. The All-Over Cut

Shih Tzu with an all-over haircut looking up eagerly for a treat, featuring an even, low-maintenance trim that keeps the coat short and tidy—ideal for warm weather and easy at-home grooming.

Uniform short length from head to toe
Minimal styling; just clean and practical
Best for dogs with easily matted hair

6. The Matted Shave Down

Shih Tzu undergoing a matted shave down at a grooming table, with clippers removing tangled fur—an essential haircut for dogs with severe matting or neglected coats to restore comfort and skin health.

Often necessary for dogs with severe matting
Hair is shaved close to the skin to reset grooming routine
Should be followed by a consistent grooming schedule

7. The Long Ear Puppy Cut

Shih Tzu with a long-eared puppy cut lying on a grooming table, featuring a neatly trimmed body, rounded legs, and long, flowing ears accented with a decorative bow—an elegant variation of the classic Shih Tzu puppy haircut.

Standard puppy cut with exaggerated ear fluff
Playful and balanced style

8. Short in the Middle + Long on the Ends

Shih Tzu with a unique haircut that’s short through the body and long on the ears, tail, and topknot—highlighting a stylish, high-contrast grooming look ideal for showing off the breed’s natural elegance.

Trimmed torso with feathered legs and tail
Ideal for showy winter style

9. Cone Paws

Shih Tzu with a cone paws haircut standing indoors, featuring a short body trim with legs left fuller and rounded like little cones—an eye-catching and trendy Shih Tzu haircut style for all seasons.

Tapered legs that resemble cones, often paired with top knot

10. The Practical Top Knot

Shih Tzu wearing a festive red sweater with a practical top knot haircut, featuring long face-framing hair and a tied-up top section to keep fur out of the eyes—an ideal everyday grooming style for visibility and comfort.

Longer facial hair gathered into a top knot, short body
Keeps eyes clear while preserving a classic look

11. The Top Knot Show Cut

Shih Tzu with a luxurious full-length coat and elegant top knot show haircut, featuring a high-gloss finish and a decorative bow—an iconic grooming style for dog shows and formal presentations.

A refined version of the top knot, part of the Show Cut
Often used in competitive grooming or dog shows

12. The Square Head Cut

Shih Tzu with a square head haircut, featuring a fluffy, sculpted face and even body trim—showcasing a bold, geometric grooming style that highlights the breed’s expressive features.

Stylized, boxy face cut with short body
Trendy, but higher in maintenance

Top 4 Winter Shih Tzu Haircuts

Cold weather calls for longer styles to help your Shih Tzu stay warm and stylish.

1. The Lamb Leg Cut

Shih Tzu with a lamb leg haircut, featuring closely clipped body fur with fuller, rounded legs and a fluffy tail—creating a stylish silhouette that balances practicality with plush texture.

Trimmed body with rounded, fluffy legs
Stylish and unique with added volume at the bottom

2. The Medium-Length Puppy Cut

Shih Tzu with a medium-length puppy cut standing on a beach, featuring a soft, natural-looking coat that balances warmth and manageability—ideal for active pups in moderate climates.

Slightly longer than the summer version, retains warmth
Good balance of comfort and coat protection

3. Teddy Bear 2

Shih Tzu walking on grass with a Teddy Bear 2 haircut, featuring a rounded face, trimmed body, and fluffy tail—an adorable, low-maintenance style perfect for everyday wear and seasonal comfort.

A fuller take on the original teddy bear cut
Requires frequent brushing to maintain shape

Want To Give YOUR Dog That Soft, Rounded, Irresistibly Huggable Look?

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4. The Show Cut

Shih Tzu with a full show haircut, featuring a long, flowing coat and perfectly groomed face—an elegant and traditional style often seen in dog competitions and breed showcases.

Does Your Shih Tzu Dislike Being Brushed?

You’re not alone—many dogs find grooming stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ways to help your pup embrace the brush:

Start slowly, using treats and praise
Use a gentle slicker or pin brush to avoid discomfort
Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) at first
Try brushing after exercise, when your dog is calmer
Incorporate brushing into a daily routine for bonding

With time, most Shih Tzus learn to enjoy grooming as a soothing ritual.

How to Choose the Right Haircut for Your Shih Tzu

For Busy Owners

Choose: Puppy Cut, All-Over Cut, Practical Top Knot
Avoid: Show Cut, Square Head Cut

For Summer & Warm Climates

Choose: Lion Cut, Summer Cut, Matted Shave Down
Avoid: Long Ear Puppy Cut, Teddy Bear 2

For Seniors or Dogs with Sensitive Skin

Choose: Medium-Length Puppy Cut, Lamb Leg Cut
Look for hypoallergenic shampoos and soft brushes

How to Get That Teddy Bear Shih Tzu Haircut Face—Even if You’re a Beginner

The Teddy Bear Cut is arguably the most requested Goldendoodle grooming style—and with good reason! It creates a soft, plush look that highlights your dog’s expressive face.

To get it right, trim the muzzle into a gentle, rounded shape, keep the cheeks slightly puffed to balance the roundness, and round off the top of the head while blending into the ears. Thinning shears are key for creating a seamless finish.

If you're looking for detailed guidance on achieving this look at home, Paw Parent Academy offers an online DIY Teddy Bear Cut course with step-by-step video tutorials and expert tips designed specifically for beginners.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Give Your Shih Tzu a Haircut at Home

Title image for a step-by-step guide on how to give your Shih Tzu a haircut at home, featuring grooming scissors and a house icon—designed to help pet parents confidently groom their dog themselves.

Learn how to safely and effectively groom your Shih Tzu at home with this simple, beginner-friendly guide.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have all the right tools to keep your grooming session safe and successful.

Slicker brushes (softer + medium firm)
Combs (wide-tooth + fine-tooth)
Brushing conditioner spray for dogs in a mister bottle
Conditioning scissoring spray in a mister bottle
2 sets of trimmers

Clipper (to be used on the body, legs, and head) + #30 blade + 2 guide combs (¾” long & 1/2 “ long)
Trimmer (smaller clipper with a fixed blade that only trims to 4 different (short) lengths, to be used on sensitive areas like the belly, paw pads, and sanitary areas)

5 shears (curved, thinning, curved thinning, small curved shear, and small straight shear)

Prepping Your Shih Tzu

Proper preparation ensures a smoother grooming experience and helps your Shih Tzu stay calm throughout the process.

Brush out tangles to prevent painful snags
Bathe with a mild, dog-safe shampoo
Dry completely before clipping
Use calming sprays or peanut butter mats for distraction

Ensure to consult your vet before introducing your dog to any calming sprays

Cutting the Body, Legs, and Face

Now that your Shih Tzu is prepped, follow these steps to trim their coat evenly and safely.

Start with the body, clipping in the direction of hair growth
Trim legs carefully to avoid uneven cuts
Use scissors around the face, ears, and tail
Keep eyes and mouth area clean and trimmed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors to make sure your grooming session is both safe and effective:

Cutting wet hair—wait until your dog is fully dry.
Rushing—take breaks and work in sections.
Forgetting ear hair—pluck or trim to prevent infection.
Ignoring tear stains—wipe daily with a safe remover.

Grooming Schedule for Your Shih Tzu (by Style)

Not all styles require the same upkeep—use this guide to keep your Shih Tzu’s haircut fresh and healthy.

Every 1-2 Weeks

Top Knot Show Cut (weekly grooming + show prep trims)
Show Cut (daily brushing + biweekly trims)
Matted Shave Down (rebuild coat slowly, brush daily)

Every 3-4 Weeks

Teddy Bear Cut
Teddy Bear 2
Square Head Cut

Every 4-6 Weeks

Puppy Cut
Long Ear Puppy Cut
Medium-Length Puppy Cut
Practical Top Knot
Lamb Leg Cut
Cone Paws

Every 5-7 Weeks

All-Over Cut (every 5-6 weeks)
Short In The Middle + Long On The End (every 5-7 weeks)

Every 6-8 Weeks

Lion Cut
Summer Cut

Must-Have Products & Tools for Grooming a Shih Tzu at Home

To make grooming easier and more effective, here are some top-rated tools and supplies:

Infographic titled “Products & Tools for Grooming a Shih Tzu,” listing essential items such as slicker brushes, metal combs, brushing conditioner spray, cordless clippers, rounded-tip grooming scissors, dog-safe shampoo and conditioner, pet ear wipes, dog toothpaste and toothbrush, high-velocity dryer, microfiber towel, and quick drying aid—ideal for Shih Tzu grooming at home.

Groomer’s Insights for Shih Tzu Care

Want to groom like a pro? Follow these insider tips:

Brushing = Bonding: Turn daily brushing into quality time.
Bath Time Zen: Make baths calm and enjoyable.
Handle With Care: Be extra gentle around ears and eyes.
Nail Trims Matter: Regular trims prevent injury and discomfort.
Good Food = Good Fur: A healthy diet shows in the coat.
Start Young: Puppies that learn early, groom easier later.
Pro Help Counts: Regular check-ins with your vet to help spot early health issues.

Want to Master Shih Tzu Grooming at Home? Learn from the Pros

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Learn the exact techniques used by professional groomers!
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Build trust and bonding with your dog!
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Transform Your Dog’s Look with The Irresistibly Fluffy Teddy Bear Cut!

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FAQs About Shih Tzu Haircuts

What is the BEST haircut for a Shih Tzu?

It depends on your lifestyle. The Puppy Cut and Teddy Bear Cut are the most popular all-around styles.

How often should I groom my Shih Tzu?

Brush daily. Full grooming depends on cut—every 3 to 6 weeks.

How short should I cut my Shih Tzu’s hair?

Anywhere from ½ to 2 inches is common, depending on the style.

What’s the best haircut for summer?

The Summer Cut or Lion Cut keeps dogs coolest.

Should you trim hair around a Shih Tzu’s eyes?

Yes, but use blunt scissors or visit a groomer to avoid injury.

Can I give my Shih Tzu a lion cut at home?

Yes, with the right tools and patience—practice first on body areas.

Does a #7 or 10 blade cut shorter?

A #10 blade cuts shorter than a #7.

Do Shih Tzus need professional grooming or can I do it myself?

You can do it yourself with training and the right tools—start with simpler cuts like the Puppy or Teddy Bear Cut.