Shih Tzu Grooming Styles: Every Cut Explained (With UK Prices)
March 30, 2026 3:06 pm
From the classic puppy cut to the trending Asian Fusion, here’s every popular shih tzu grooming style with real UK prices, a decision guide to help you choose, and tips on keeping things tidy between appointments.
·Last updated: March 2026·12 min read
Shih tzu grooming styles refer to the different haircut options available for shih tzus, ranging from the short, low-maintenance puppy cut (1–2 inches all over) to the full-length show coat that reaches the floor. The most popular styles in the UK are the puppy cut and teddy bear cut, both costing between £45 and £80 at a professional groomer.
🐾 A quick bit of data: according to booking records from 1,897 shih tzus on the Tuft platform, the most popular shih tzu name in the UK is Teddy — followed by Lola, Bella, Poppy and Milo. You probably know at least one. (Source: Tuft platform booking data, 7,081 bookings, March 2025–March 2026)
Shih tzus are one of those dogs that look absolutely stunning when they’re well-groomed, and like a completely different animal when they’re not. That thick, silky double coat is beautiful, but it takes work. A lot of work.
The good news? There are loads of shih tzu grooming styles to choose from, and the right cut can make maintenance a whole lot easier (for you and your dog). This guide covers every popular style, how much it costs at a UK groomer, and how to keep things tidy between appointments.
What makes shih tzus different to groom?
Shih tzus have a double coat — a soft undercoat and a longer, silkier topcoat. Unlike breeds with a single coat (like a cockapoo), shih tzu coats grow continuously rather than shedding seasonally. That means regular grooming isn’t optional. It’s just part of life with a shih tzu.
If you skip grooming appointments or let the coat go too long between brushes, you’ll end up with matting. And once a coat is badly matted, most groomers won’t try to brush it out — it’s painful for the dog and often impossible to do properly. The solution is usually a close clip to start fresh, which is why consistent grooming saves money in the long run.
The most popular shih tzu grooming styles
The puppy cut trims the entire coat to an even length, usually between 1 and 2 inches all over. The face is rounded and the ears are trimmed to match the body length.
It’s practical, easy to maintain at home, quick to dry after a bath, and keeps your shih tzu looking adorably fluffy without the daily brushing that longer styles require. Easily the most popular shih tzu cut in the UK.
A grey and white shih tzu with a neat puppy cut. Groom by Jo Rumming, Jo’s Dog Shedd In.
Closely related to the puppy cut, but with more emphasis on face shape. The coat is trimmed to a uniform length, but the face is scissored into a rounder, fuller shape.
It gives shih tzus that irresistible round-faced look that makes everyone stop to say hello on a walk. Slightly more expensive than a basic puppy cut because of the additional facial shaping.
The Asian Fusion cut originated in Japanese and Korean grooming salons and has taken the UK grooming scene by storm. The body is clipped close, the legs are scissored into rounded fluffy cylinders, and the face is shaped into a soft, precise frame.
Neat and structured in a way the puppy cut isn’t, but without the maintenance of a longer style. The rounded legs are the signature detail and take real skill to get right.
Which Shih Tzu Grooming Style Suits Your Dog?
With so many options, it helps to think about three things: how much time you realistically have for brushing at home, how your dog behaves at the groomer, and what your dog’s life actually looks like day to day. Answer the questions below and you’ll have a pretty clear steer.
How much time can you spend brushing at home?
If the honest answer is “not much” — 10 minutes a few times a week at most, go short. The puppy cut or teddy bear cut at 1 to 2 inches is genuinely manageable at that brushing frequency. Anything longer and you’ll be fighting mats within a fortnight.
If you actually enjoy the brushing routine and do it daily, you’ve got more options. A moderate-length cut at 3 to 4 inches looks beautiful if it’s maintained properly. The show coat is there if you’re committed, but daily brushing isn’t a suggestion at that length. It’s a requirement.
Does your dog spend a lot of time outside?
Muddy parks, long walks, rolling in things, longer coats and outdoor dogs are a miserable combination. Short cuts like the puppy cut or summer cut dry fast, pick up less debris, and take five minutes to sort after a muddy walk rather than forty-five. If your Shih Tzu is more of a sofa dog with occasional gentle strolls, longer styles are more realistic.
How does your dog feel about the groomer?
Some shih tzus are relaxed on the table. Others find it stressful, and longer, more detailed cuts take more time. If your dog gets anxious, a shorter cut that requires less time under the scissors is genuinely kinder. The puppy cut is the quickest to complete. The Asian Fusion and show coat are the most time-intensive — lovely results, but not the right choice for a dog who finds grooming difficult.
What coat type does your dog have?
Shih tzu coats vary more than most people realise. Some are silky and relatively straight; others are thick, wavy, or almost cotton-like in texture. The thicker and wavier the coat, the faster it mats. If your dog has a particularly dense or wavy coat, go shorter than you think you need to — it’ll save you money and your dog a lot of discomfort.
| Your situation | Style to consider |
|---|---|
| Busy owner, minimal brushing time | Puppy cut or teddy bear cut |
| Active dog, lots of outdoor time | Puppy cut or summer cut |
| You brush daily and want something striking | Moderate length or Asian Fusion |
| Nervous or elderly dog | Puppy cut — quick and low stress |
| Showing your dog | Show coat with top knot |
| You want a head-turner on the street | Asian Fusion or lion cut |
| Dense or wavy coat that mats quickly | Short puppy cut — don’t push it longer |
Not sure what coat type you have or which cut would work best? A good groomer will tell you honestly when they see your dog in person. You can find a shih tzu groomer near you on Tuft and ask before you book.
How Often Should a Shih Tzu Be Groomed?
The short answer: Every 6 to 8 weeks for most styles.
If your shih tzu has a puppy cut or teddy bear cut, you can stretch this to 8 weeks if you’re keeping up with brushing at home. Longer styles need more frequent appointments — every 6 weeks is sensible for a moderate length cut, and every 4 to 6 weeks if you’re maintaining a show coat.
Shih tzus also need their ears checked and cleaned regularly, their nails trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks, and the hair around their eyes tidied between full grooms. These are things a good groomer will handle as part of a standard appointment, but you can learn to do basic maintenance at home too.
The one thing you shouldn’t do? Leave it too long. Once a shih tzu coat mats, you’re looking at an uncomfortable experience for your dog and often a much higher grooming bill. Regular appointments are genuinely cheaper and kinder in the long run.
Shih Tzu Grooming Prices in the UK
Prices vary depending on location, the individual dog’s coat condition, and what style you’re going for. Here’s a rough guide:
| Style | Typical UK Price |
|---|---|
| Puppy cut / teddy bear cut | £45 to £80 |
| Moderate length cut | £50 to £85 |
| Lion cut | £55 to £85 |
| Show coat groom | £65 to £100+ |
| Bath, brush and blow-dry only | £35 to £55 |
| Nail trim (standalone) | £10 to £20 |
London and the South East tend to be at the higher end of these ranges. Groomers in the North of England, Wales, and Scotland often charge less. For a more detailed breakdown of grooming costs across different breeds and regions, take a look at our UK dog grooming prices guide.
⏱ Why does grooming cost what it does? Tuft booking data shows the average shih tzu appointment runs just under 2 hours (108 minutes). That’s skilled scissor work on a wriggly dog with a double coat — not a quick trim. When you break it down, most UK groomers are charging less than £30 an hour. (Source: Tuft platform booking data, 7,081 bookings, March 2025–March 2026)
Caring for Your Shih Tzu’s Coat at Home
Whatever style you choose, keeping up with home care makes a huge difference between appointments.
Brushing: Daily is ideal for longer styles. Puppy cuts need brushing two or three times a week to stay tangle-free. Use a slicker brush first, then go through with a fine-toothed metal comb to catch anything you’ve missed.
Bathing: Every 2 to 4 weeks at home is fine if you’re maintaining a shorter cut. Use a dog-specific shampoo — shih tzus have sensitive skin and human products can cause irritation. Always dry thoroughly after bathing, ideally with a low-heat dryer to prevent the coat from going wavy or matting as it dries.
Eyes: The area around shih tzu eyes needs daily attention. Wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove discharge and reduce tear staining. Keep the hair trimmed short or tied back so it doesn’t irritate the eyes.
“The number one thing to consider with shih tzus is to make sure you keep their eyes clear and don’t let the discharge build up around them. As you can see from the pictures, shih tzus have lots of eye issues.”
Lucy Baker, Shaggy & Chic
Ears: Check weekly. Shih tzus can be prone to ear infections, partly because their floppy ears don’t allow great airflow. If you notice any smell or your dog is scratching at their ears, get it checked by a vet.
Finding a Shih Tzu Groomer Near You
Not all groomers have the same experience with shih tzus. When you’re looking, it’s worth asking a few questions: have they worked with the breed before? What style do they recommend, given your dog’s current coat condition? How do they handle a dog that’s nervous about grooming?
You can find groomers who specialise in breed-specific cuts through the Tuft app — browse local groomers, see their services and prices upfront, and book directly without the back-and-forth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu Grooming
What is the best grooming style for a shih tzu?
The puppy cut (also called the teddy bear cut) is the most popular and practical choice for most shih tzu owners. It trims the coat to an even 1 to 2 inches all over, keeps the face rounded and neat, and is much easier to maintain at home than longer styles. It’s the cut most UK groomers recommend for pet owners who aren’t showing their dog.
How much does it cost to groom a shih tzu in the UK?
Most shih tzu grooms in the UK cost between £45 and £85, depending on the style and where you are in the country. A standard puppy cut will typically come in at £45 to £75. Longer, more detailed styles like the show coat can cost £100 or more.
How often should a shih tzu be groomed?
Every 6 to 8 weeks is the standard recommendation for most styles. Shorter cuts can stretch to 8 weeks between appointments; longer styles need more frequent visits. Between appointments, regular brushing at home (at least 2 to 3 times per week) is essential to prevent matting.
What is the difference between a puppy cut and a teddy bear cut on a shih tzu?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both involve trimming the coat to a uniform short length (usually 1 to 2 inches). The teddy bear cut typically puts slightly more emphasis on scissoring the face into a round, fluffy shape. In practice, most groomers treat them as the same style.
Can I groom my shih tzu at home?
You can handle brushing, bathing, and basic tidying at home. Daily brushing is particularly important for keeping the coat mat-free. However, clipper work and detailed scissoring — especially on the face — is best left to a professional groomer. Getting the shape wrong on a shih tzu face is easy to do and hard to fix.
How do I stop my shih tzu’s coat from matting?
Brush regularly — ideally every day or every other day for longer coats, and 2 to 3 times per week for shorter styles. Use a slicker brush and follow with a metal comb. Pay extra attention to behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar, as these spots mat fastest. Book grooming appointments every 6 to 8 weeks and don’t wait until the coat is already in trouble.
What is a lion cut on a shih tzu?
The lion cut keeps the coat long around the face and chest (creating a mane effect) while clipping the body short. The tail is usually finished with a pom-pom. It’s a distinctive style that suits owners who want something a bit different from the standard puppy cut.
What is an Asian Fusion cut on a shih tzu?
The Asian Fusion cut is a grooming style originating in Japan and Korea that has become increasingly popular in UK salons. The body is clipped short and neat, the legs are scissored into rounded, fluffy cylindrical shapes, and the face is precisely framed. It takes more skill than a standard puppy cut and typically costs £55 to £90 at a UK groomer.
Ready to book your shih tzu’s next groom? Browse local groomers and book directly through the Tuft app — no phone tag, no waiting around for a callback.