Shih Tzu Grooming

The Mud Puppies Way

As much as you love your Shih Tzu, we all know they can require grooming and maintenance to look and feel their best. At Mud Puppies, we attend to every detail of your little pooch, with special attention paid to face trimming, styling and coat care for all coat lengths and styles.

A Shih Tzu dog ready for a groom

Beautiful – but High Maintenance

Your Shih Tzu needs your help! Their long, flowing double coat grows continuously, which can mat quickly and cause skin problems. When their hair mats, they can’t see or their ears hurt, they can’t tell you! Instead, regular maintenance at home and professional grooming will ensure your pup is happy and healthy.

Shih Tzu-Specific Grooming at Mud Puppies

We’ve been grooming and caring for Shih Tzu coats in Austin for more than two decades. Every full groom at Mud Puppies includes a bath, full haircut in your chosen style with special attention paid to your Shih Tzu’s eyes, brushing, tooth care and more. We’ll also help you learn how to care for your pup on a daily and weekly basis to keep them comfortable.

At-Home Shih Tzu Coat Care

  • Daily brushing for long coats
  • Brushing 2-3 times per week for shorter cuts
  • Watch for tear staining around eyes
  • Check ears regularly for trapped moisture

Professional Shih Tzu Grooming

  • Start early for positive grooming associations (around 12 weeks)
  • Recommended every 4-6 weeks
  • Face trimming every 2-3 weeks

Popular styles: puppy cut, teddy bear cut, modified show cuts

Full-Service Groom

This is Mud Puppies’ complete grooming package, with a warm bath, full haircut, brush out, teeth brushing, anal gland expression (upon request), ear cleaning and nail dremeling.

$80+

Tidy

The Tidy is a lighter maintenance groom that includes a warm bath, teeth brushing, anal gland expression (upon request), light dematting, brush out, ear cleaning, nail dremeling and a light trim to neaten face, feet, tail and sanitary areas.

$65+

Express Groom

One-on-one attention for your dog from our groomer means a faster turnaround. Also especially great for pups who are a bit anxious, older or who have medical issues.

Up to 24 lbs. $50
25-50 lbs. $70
51+ lbs. $90

Squeaky Clean Bath

Get special pricing as a playcare or boarding client with this quick and convenient bath and courtesy ear check! While this doesn’t include brushing or hair cutting, you can add on any extras below!

Under 25 lbs. $20
Over 25 lbs. $25-35

Drop Wash

Not interested in a haircut or extras? The drop wash might be perfect for you. Add $10 for brush out.

Under 20 lbs. $20-30
20-40 lbs. $30-40
41-60 lbs. $40-50
61+ lbs. $60+

Add-Ons & Extras

Whether your pup needs a lightning-fast wash or you want to add on some extras to your grooming package, we’ve got you covered at Mud Puppies.

Full Groom Add-Ons

Blueberry Facial $6
Colloidal Shampoo $5
Paw Soother $2
Snout Soother $2
Seasonal Cologne $2
Dematting $1/min

A la Carte Extras

Nail Trim $15
Dremel $20
Teeth Brushing $12
Ear Cleaning $12
Anal Gland Expression $20

More About Grooming at Mud Puppies

Dogs were meant to get muddy, but they also love to get clean. And that’s where our professional groomers get to shine.

A small well behaved dog sitting after being professionally groomed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a Shih Tzu be professionally groomed?

Shih Tzus should be professionally groomed at Mud Puppies every 4-6 weeks. Their continuously growing coat mats quickly without consistent maintenance. Face trimming may be needed every 2-3 weeks depending on the style. Regular grooming prevents painful matting and skin irritation.

What is the best haircut for a Shih Tzu?

The puppy cut is the most popular Shih Tzu style at Mud Puppies, because it is low-maintenance and comfortable. Teddy bear cuts and modified show cuts are also available. Your groomer will recommend a style based on your lifestyle and how much brushing you want to do between grooms.

When should I start grooming my Shih Tzu puppy?

Start professional puppy grooming around 12 weeks of age to build positive associations early. Shih Tzu puppies who are introduced to grooming young are much more relaxed during adult grooming sessions. Mud Puppies handles first puppy grooms gently – focused on comfort and building trust.

Book Grooming for Your Shih Tzu

They may not know how to say it, but they’re bound to show you their thanks.