The fun part about being a pet parent to breeds with long hair is that you get to style it differently. In the summer, you can give them shorter hair and in the winter, you can let it grow out a bit.
But long hair isn’t just there for aesthetics. In the case of the Maltese Shih Tzu, their hair helps regulate their temperature and protect their skin. As such, these designer dogs should always be well maintained to keep them happy and healthy, as well as help them keep up with their reputation of being adorable!
Below, you’ll find some grooming tips on how to style your little Shih Tzu for both their health and to keep them looking stylish.
It is best to cut a Maltese Shih Tzu’s coat every 4-6 weeks, but this will be different for each individual dog, and it will be obvious to see when you need to cut your little dog’s hair as it may grow quite long in a short space of time.
Also, if when brushing your dog regularly, you notice that they have more loose hair than usual or that their hair is unkempt or flying all over the place, this is the best time to cut it.
You can take them to a professional groomer or do this at home with scissors, although you’ll need to exercise caution here. Either way, a haircut can quickly take your dog from scruffy to sleek!
This hairstyle is also known as the summer cut and is perfect for these small dogs! Much like a French Poodle-style haircut, the hair on the body and legs is cut short to about 3 centimetres, while the hair on the head and face is left longer.
Most Maltese dog owners prefer this hairstyle because it is low maintenance and requires less brushing. After all, these little dogs shed year-round, and this style can help reduce the regulatory and amount of shedding.
Maltese Shih Tzus have long hair, just like humans, but it can sometimes get in the way. To remedy this, one of the cutest hairstyles to give your Maltese Shih Tzu is the top knot, and, better yet, you can match them if you have long hair too!
The top knot is, without a doubt, the best way to get the hair out of their faces without having to cut any away. The rest of the hair on your dog’s body also remains at its natural floor length.
To make this hairstyle fun, you can add some cute clips and hair ties to create this everyday top knot hairstyle!
As if Maltese Shih Tzus are not cute enough, you can give them this hairstyle to make them look like a stuffed animal!
With this style, the coat is cut to about 5 centimetres long, while the fur around their face and head is trimmed to 11 centimetres.
Similar to the puppy cut, this hairstyle highlights your Malshi’s face. The coat on the body and legs is trimmed to about 3 centimetres, and the hair on the head is kept long, much like a lion’s mane, hence the name.
A clean cut on the body with a somewhat untamed face creates a unique look, so it’s a good style for pet owners who love their pets to stand out!
Like other dogs, Maltese Shih Tzus need to be groomed regularly, and if you can do it at home, you will simultaneously save money and bond with your pup. All you need is the correct tools, and you will be ready to carry out the entire grooming process whenever required.
Daily brushing is most important for Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds as it removes loose and dead hair and evenly distributes natural skin oils.
Frequent brushing also prevents your dog’s coat from mats and tangles, which these dogs are prone to because of their long hair. Invest in high-quality brushing tools, one that has fine teeth and another that is wide.
You should use the fine-tooth comb to go into the undercoat and pick up the loose and dead hair. It also helps with detangling and de-matting the hair, while you should use the wider tooth comb for fur on the ears, eyes and legs.
Regular bathing is going to remove the buildup of debris and will also keep the coat healthy. However, bathing only needs to be done every two months.
Use a dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner, and try not to get it or any water into their eyes and ears, as these are sensitive areas. Always brush Maltese Shih Tzus before bathing them, too, as this will remove loose hair and allow the shampoo and conditioner to get where it needs to.
Brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a month. Much like their parent breeds, Malshis are prone to tooth problems, so regular dental care is crucial.
Cleaning their teeth will help avoid tartar buildup, gum disease and smelly breath. Use dog-friendly toothpaste, and you are good to go!
Brushing their teeth is also the time to check for abnormalities like swelling, sores or rotten teeth. These signs may indicate something more severe and should be checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
While coat care is essential, grooming involves the whole body, even down to the toes. Use either a dog-friendly nail clipper or an electrical file to keep their nails in check. Doing this will also help prevent them from getting injuries from snagging or breaking.
Always be mindful of the quickness in their nails, as cutting this can lead to bleeding. And, if you aren’t confident with clipping your dog’s nails, it’s best to book them in with a professional groomer.
Nails need to be trimmed every four to six weeks. However, as with their hair growth, this will be different for each individual dog. As a good rule of thumb, if you can hear their nails clicking on the floor as they walk, it’s time for a trim.
Cleaning your dog’s ears is an easy process and only requires you to dampen a cotton ball with a gentle cleaning solution to wipe out all of the debris. Never go deep into the ear canal, though, and never use a Q-tip.
Dogs with long hair are prone to tear stains as well, so wiping their face, specifically around the eyes, will eliminate them. Use a washcloth or doggy wipes, but avoid soap or alcohol-based products as this may cause irritation.
Cleaning your dog’s ears should only be done when you do the entire grooming routine; cleaning their eyes can be done a few times daily or as needed.
Many owners start their puppy grooming routine at about 10-12 months, which is the recommended age for all dogs.
Starting at an early age allows them to equate grooming with a positive experience as well as being a time for you to bond with your pets and reinforce obedience and socialisation training.
Bathing your dog should be done every two months or as necessary. If your dog has been running around outside all day and you cleaned them recently, you may rewash them.
Your dog should have professional grooming sessions for regular maintenance. This is so that your dog can get a thorough clean and trim.
You should send your dog every 4-6 weeks to be groomed while you can deal with the everyday maintenance at home.
You should not do this under any circumstances. Shaving can cause many skin problems due to over-exposure to harsh weather and many other things.
Instead, give your Malshi the puppy cut so that you and your dog would not have to be bothered by their long hair during the summer months. This way, their skin is protected, and they remain cool.
These little dogs are lovely, and although they are moderately high-maintenance, they are worth it!
Use the grooming process to check for abnormalities, especially in areas you may not otherwise notice and chop and change between hairstyles to keep them looking stylish and cute.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.