Shih Apso Grooming

The Shih Apso, like its Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso parent breeds, will require a good bit of grooming. These hybrids' coats are long, silky, and straight (or occasionally wavy); though the coats don't shed too much, they tangle pretty easily, so frequent brushing will be necessary to minimize the tangling and to keep the coats looking their best.

Shih Apso brushing will need to happen 3-4 times per week, if not daily. First wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then use a pin brush to go through the coat section by section, brushing in the direction of hair growth. If you run across a tangle, first try separating it with your fingers, then if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of a greyhound comb.

Frequent Shih Apso baths are necessary, too (at least once per month). When bathing a Shih Apso, be sure to use shampoo and conditioner made for dogs, as the human kind has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin. And after the bath, it's best to dry the coats with a hair dryer on its lowest heat setting.

The Shih Apso coat can look great in a variety of haircuts as well. See below for descriptions of some adorable Shih Apso grooming styles.

In addition to its coat, your Shih Apso will need regular maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush (but be sure to use canine toothpaste); clean the ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution; and trim the dog's nails every 2-3 months with standard nail clippers.

Though owners can learn how to perform all aspects of Shih Apso grooming themselves, a lot of people rely on professional groomers for major tasks like bathing and haircuts. In any case, it's a good idea to take the dog to a pro at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Shih Apso at home.

Because these hybrids' parent breeds both have long, flowing coats, numerous Shih Tzu-Lhasa Apso haircuts are possible. And depending on the style, your Shih Apso cut will need a touch-up trim every couple of months.

A few popular Shih Apso styles:

• Puppy Cut: A simple, low-maintenance style. The entire coat is clipped short (to about two inches). Some people like to leave the hair on the dog's legs, face, and head a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Show Cut: This style leaves most of the coat's length, but requires some precision. The coat is scissor-trimmed by only a half-inch or so, and often thinned out with thinning shears; the hair on the face and head is rounded and even. Will need a groomer's expertise.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face, and head is left a bit longer, and carefully sculpted and rounded to make the dog resemble an adorable stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.
• 3-Layer: Also called a 3-Stack, this artistic style sees the hair on the face, head, and ears cut to shoulder length; the hair on the body is cut to a line 2-3 inches from the ground; and the leg hair is cut to a line just above the ground. The overall look gives the appearance of three distinct layers or "levels." Definitely requires a groomer's skill.