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Shih Tzu Grooming Guide — Coat Care, Costs & Schedule

Mobile grooming for Shih Tzus in Miami — we come to your door. Starting at $72.

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Coat: Long, flowing double coat. Dense undercoat with silky outer coatGroom: Every 8–12 weeksCost: $72–$97

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Shih Tzu Grooming Quick Facts

Shih Tzu Grooming Quick Facts

Coat Type
Long, flowing double coat
Shedding
Low (hair gets caught in coat rather than falling)
Groom Frequency
every 4 weeks
Miami Price
$72–$97

Shih Tzu Grooming Costs in Miami (2026)

ServiceLowHigh
Shih Tzu — Full Grooming$72$97
Bath & Brush Only$43$63
Add-On: De-Shedding$20$40
Add-On: Teeth Cleaning$15$25

Estimates based on 2026 market averages. Actual cost depends on pet size, coat condition, and scope of services.

Shih Tzu Coat Type & Grooming Needs

Coat type: Long, flowing double coat. Dense undercoat with silky outer coat

Shedding level: Low (hair gets caught in coat rather than falling)

Shih Tzus are extremely popular in Miami's Hispanic communities, particularly Hialeah and Kendall. Their dense double coat is challenging in Miami humidity -- it absorbs moisture and creates a breeding ground for skin infections if not properly maintained. Most Miami owners keep their Shih Tzu in a puppy cut (body at 1-2 inches) rather than the traditional long show coat. Face trimming is critical: hair must be kept away from eyes to prevent corneal ulcers, a common issue in this breed. Tear stain removal is a frequent add-on request. In summer, some owners request a full shave-down, but this should be discouraged as the undercoat protects from sunburn.

In Miami's subtropical climate — where humidity regularly exceeds 70% and temperatures stay above 70°F year-round — grooming frequency is typically higher than national averages. The combination of heat and moisture accelerates matting in longer coats, promotes bacterial and fungal growth in thick or double coats, and causes increased sebum production that makes coats oily faster.

Professional Grooming for Shih Tzu — What Is Included

A professional Shih Tzu grooming appointment with Miami Mobile Grooming includes:

  • Bath with breed-appropriate shampoo and conditioner
  • High-velocity blow-dry to remove loose coat and fully dry the fur
  • Breed-specific haircut or trim (popular styles: puppy cut, teddy bear cut, top knot show cut)
  • Nail trim and filing
  • Ear cleaning and drying
  • Teeth brushing with enzymatic paste

Appointment duration: typically 60-75 minutes. Coat condition on arrival affects total time — heavily matted coats take longer and may incur a de-matting surcharge.

Service links: Full Grooming | Bath & Brush | De-Shedding

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Popular Shih Tzu Cuts & Styles

Popular grooming styles for Shih Tzus: puppy cut, teddy bear cut, top knot show cut, practical short cut, lion cut.

For Miami's year-round heat, most owners opt for shorter, more practical cuts — typically the puppy cut or sporting clip — which keep the coat at a manageable length that dries faster and stays cooler. Longer show-style cuts require more frequent brushing to prevent matting in humid conditions.

View before & after transformations for Shih Tzus to see popular cuts in practice.

Shih Tzu Grooming Cost in Miami (2026)

Mobile grooming for a Shih Tzu in Miami starts at $72 and runs up to $102 for a full groom depending on coat condition, size variation within the breed, and any add-ons. Prices reflect 2026 South Florida market rates.

Service Price Range
Full Grooming $72-$102
Bath & Brush $47-$66
Nail Trim (add-on) $20
Ear Cleaning (add-on) $15
Teeth Brushing (add-on) $15

Prices vary by coat condition and size. De-matting surcharge applies if coat requires dematting before cutting. Contact us for exact pricing for your Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu Grooming Schedule

Recommended grooming frequency for Shih Tzus: every 4 weeks.

In Miami, that schedule typically needs to be maintained consistently — skipping even one appointment can lead to matting or excessive coat growth that requires additional de-matting time at the next visit. During Miami's hottest months (June-September), some owners schedule more frequently to keep coats shorter and more comfortable. Post-beach or post-canal-swim baths should be booked promptly to remove salt and bacteria from the coat.

Common Shih Tzu Grooming Issues

Grooming issues our team commonly encounters with Shih Tzus in Miami:

  • eye irritation from facial hair
  • tear staining on light coats
  • matting under ears and armpits
  • skin fold infections in facial wrinkles
  • overheating in Miami heat due to dense coat

In Miami's humid climate, ear infections and skin conditions are especially prevalent for Shih Tzus. Regular ear cleaning at every grooming appointment is strongly recommended. Between appointments, brush your Shih Tzu at home 3-4 times per week to prevent matting and catch skin issues early.

See related guides: Dog Skin Care in Miami Humidity | How Often to Groom Your Dog

Before & After: Shih Tzu Grooming Transformation

See what professional mobile grooming looks like for a Shih Tzu — before and after a full groom, de-mat, and maintenance trim. View the complete Shih Tzu before & after gallery for all three transformation scenarios.

Book Your Shih Tzu's Grooming Appointment

Call (786) 396-8593 or use the form below. Mention your Shih Tzu's size and coat condition at booking.

Before & After: Shih Tzu Grooming Transformations

Full Groom Transformation

$80–$100
Shih Tzu — Full GroomDrag to compare
Shih Tzu coming in at 4.5 weeks from the Hialeah area — the dense double coat grows quickly and becomes uncomfortable in Miami heat. Owner requested puppy cut at 1 inch body length, face kept round with clear eyes. Critical safety note for Shih Tzus: the facial hair MUST be trimmed away from the eyes at every appointment to prevent corneal ulcers — this breed is especially prone to eye irritation from hair contact. The white facial area was cleaned of tear staining using a tear stain solution. Ear cleaning revealed mild debris — cleaned and dried thoroughly. The finished dog looks clean, comfortable, and the facial hair is clear of the eyes. Time: 70 minutes.

Before

Shih Tzu at 6-8 weeks since last groom: overgrown coat, needs puppy cut, nails long, ears need cleaning.

After

Shih Tzu after full groom: puppy cut complete, fresh, nails neat, ears clean.

70 minServices: full grooming, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning

De-Matting Transformation

$90–$115
Shih Tzu — De-MattingDrag to compare
Shih Tzu with 11 weeks of growth and widespread matting through the body and ears. In Miami's summer humidity, Shih Tzu coats that are not brushed between appointments mat extremely rapidly — the dense undercoat holds moisture and tangles in weeks. The matting was too tight to de-mat without causing pain, so a full shave-down was necessary. Note: unlike double-coated breeds, Shih Tzus can be clipped short safely — the shave-down does not damage their coat type. The dog looked dramatically different after the shave: much more comfortable and cooler. Owner was advised to brush daily and return in 4 weeks.

Before

Shih Tzu at 10-14 weeks since last groom: matted coat, overgrown nails, gunky ears.

After

Shih Tzu after de-mat session: mat-free, clean, shorter coat where matting required, refreshed.

85 minServices: de matting, conditioning bath, trimming, nail trimming, ear cleaning

Maintenance Trim

$65–$85
Shih Tzu — Maintenance TrimDrag to compare
Well-maintained Shih Tzu on a 4-week schedule. The coat was perfectly manageable — slight growth on the face and around the ears. We refreshed the puppy cut, kept face hair clear of eyes, cleaned tear staining, performed ear cleaning and teeth brushing. This dog comes in on schedule every time, and it shows — the coat is in excellent condition with no matting and minimal tear staining compared to irregular clients. Time: 50 minutes. The speed and ease of this appointment is the reward for consistent grooming.

Before

Shih Tzu at 4-5 weeks: slightly grown out but well-maintained regular client.

After

Shih Tzu after maintenance trim: freshly bathed, coat neatened, nails trimmed — same style maintained.

50 minServices: bath, blow dry, touch up trim, nail trimming, ear cleaning
View all Shih Tzu transformations →

Recommended Services for Shih Tzus

Full Dog Grooming

From $90–$180

Bath & Brush

From $55–$110

Mobile Nail Trimming

From $20–$35

Dog Ear Cleaning

From $15–$25

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-04-13