Shih Tzu

[Bettyjade]

What is the best grooming tool for my Shih Tzu. I was looking at the Furminator, but that is for short haired dogs.

[wyattabby]

What is the best grooming tool for my Shih Tzu. I was looking at the Furminator, but that is for short haired dogs.

it is? I was intending on getting one for my siberian who is not short haired. their website shows several breeds of dogs including long haired ones.

[Rio&Nickysmommy]

I have the furminator and am still trying to figure out how they get all that hair off them in the pictures. I havent had much success on RIo and Nicky who have longer hair to Cockers.
Rio&Nickysmommy

[wyattabby]

I have the furminator and am still trying to figure out how they get all that hair off them in the pictures. I havent had much success on RIo and Nicky who have longer hair to Cockers.
Rio&Nickysmommy

they also use a shampoo for 20 mins that loosens the hair follicles and then they completely dry the dog before using the furminator on it. this was from two different groomers in my area who offer this procedure. but they said the shampoo is what really kicks off the whole process...maybe that's why you're not having any luck?

[DiggityDogs]

It depends on the type of dog. Shih Tzus don't really shed like sibes do, they grow long, continuously growning hair, which has to be cut. They do lose a few hairs but it's not an all out shed fest like a double coated dog. The best thing for a shih is a slicker brush, comb, and a matt breaker if she gets tangles.

[puligroomer]

The furminator is designed to remove excess undercoat. It will do NOTHING on a nonshedding breed such as a shih tzu. I am a professional groomer and I do offer the furminator program. The program is more than just a tool, we rake the dogs undercoat while they soak in conditioner, then we use a super high powered dryer that will literally blow the coat out of the dog (we are standing in a cloud of dog hair at this point), and then we completely brush and comb the coat and finally when all of that is done we use this little tool that will remove any remaining coat. After the entire process, it is quite amazing when you see how much coat can be removed from a husky, collie. or even a lab. Anyone who is considering using this tool needs to be very careful, it can remove too much coat and cause damage, it can also cause severe burns on a dog's skin.

[shoffee]

Puli Groomer was absolutely right with furmination. I groom too, and it really does no good on dogs with hair like your shih tzu.

I would go for a slicker brush, pin brush, and greyhound comb for your pup. When you've got that much coat you're going to need an arsenal :). I have a smaller-sized version of each that I use on my shih's, maltese, yorkies, etc. Also be sure that you have some sort of de-tangling spray/coat conditioner on hand to spritz with before you brush. I've found that it helps to reduce breakage to gently mist before you start brushing. I love the Chris Christenson "Ice on Ice" as well as the Eqqys Avocado spray. But I've used Johnson & Johnson's "No More Tangles" in a pinch at home.

Good luck with your baby!