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The first thing you think when you see a Shih Tzu is “what a beautiful breed.” Their silky-smooth coat inspires and captivates people. But many people don’t know the daily maintenance they need. A Shih Tzu needs to be combed on alternate days, bathed every six weeks, and regular brushing and trimming. You must get the best dog clippers for Shih Tzu if you want a fancy-looking dog.
At first glance, their coat is straight and very fine. But look deeper, and you’ll see that they have a thick coat. To make things more fun, no Shih Tzu is the same. Genetics and age play a role in their hair structure. Hair completely covers the Shih Tzu, so grooming can be a nightmare. For starters, you need to invest in quality clippers.
Our pick is the Wahl Professional Cordless clippers because they give you mobility. But more on that below.
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There are many Wahl clippers on the market. The Wahl Bravura Cordless Clipper gives you everything you need for grooming a Shih Tzu. It combines the power and durability of a lithium-ion battery. Add in the 5-in-1 blade, and you have a professional-grade clipper for your dog.
Bravura provides 90 minutes of cordless action. After that, you have to recharge the device for 60 minutes, or you can plug in the cord and continue.
The five-in-one blade can adjust between sizes 9, 10, 15, 30, and 40. You can choose among a variety of cutting lengths.
You can use it to cut the feet and face, as well as light body clipping. It’s ideal for small and medium-sized pets. The product comes with a one-year professional warranty. You also get 6 plastic attachment guide combs, a cleaning brush, and other accessories.
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Every company in the dog clipping industry has a signature feature, and for Wahl, it’s the adjustable blade. For Andis, it’s the detachable blade. The blades are available in a 5-speed, 2-speed, and single speed option.
You can change the detachable blades when they get hot or when you want a different grooming style. They are ideal for Poodles, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and similar breeds. The UltraEdge is long-lasting thanks to the special hardening process. It is also coated in a chrome finish.
You can also try the Ceramic Edge blades; they run cooler than steel and they are great for high-volume cutting.
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At first glance, the product looks cheap. All that plastic can give such an impression. But the U-Clip delivers quality and durability.
The adjustable blade changes between 30-15-10. This grooming kit gives you everything you need for clipping, trimming, and grooming. It’s ideal for dogs with fine hair, and the Shih Tzu falls right into that category.
Power is the strongest feature of the clipper. Wahl Deluxe provides up to 7,2000 strokes per minute, making it quick and easy.
For such a low price, you get a complete set. The 16-piece kit includes the adjustable blade and stainless steel scissors. You also get a bonus DVD about how to clip your dog.
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The Oster A5 Turbo is one of the best dog clippers. The quality is amazing. But on the flip side, they cost a lot (which is the main reason for the lower rating).
This professional animal clipper delivers efficiency and quickness, making it easy to groom your pet. Oster’s signature feature is the cryogenic blades. Treated with cryogen, the blades provide more durability and better performance, and the wide blade sweep provides faster clipping.
The clipper works at two speeds: 3,000 strokes per minute and 4,000 strokes per minute, and is perfect for grooming dogs and cats.
The set also includes a cleaning brush, blade oil, clipper grease, and replacement brushes.
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If you want cordless clippers, Oster has that as well. The Volt provides less power than the A5; with a maximum power of 2,400 strokes per minute, the blade stays cool longer. This makes it ideal for removing tough, matted fur.
Volt works at only one speed, but that’s enough for home groomers. This device is also compatible with all Oster A5 detachable blades. A single charge provides more than 2 hours of operation.
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Sometimes, you don’t need to pay a fortune for a quality product. This kit gives you everything you need for grooming a dog. What we love the most is the waterproof design. The clipper comes with an IPX4 water-resistant certificate. And yes, you can rinse it under running water (just don’t submerge it in water).
The clippers work with two speed levels. Made of stainless steel, the blades are sharp and precise. The ergonomic design allows you to reach those difficult, sensitive areas.
There are 6 guide combs in the set, including 3mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm, which is more than enough versatility for your dog.
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The two best Andis dog clippers are the AGC2 and the UltraEdge. They are quite similar, although the UltraEdge is a bit more expensive. There are only subtle differences between the two.
The AGC2 works for all coats and breeds. It uses the same detachable blade. You can choose between Ceramic or UltraEdge blades—it just depends on what you need.
It features the two-speed rotary motor professionals use. Thanks to endurance technology, the motor lasts forever. And it prevents stalling or dragging of hair. Many professionals can’t imagine working without Andis clippers, be it UltraEdge or AGC2.
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The challenge with the Shih Tzu is you need to give him summer and a winter haircut. You can look for some Shih Tzu haircut photos for inspiration.
During the summer, your Shih Tzu needs a puppy cut. Yes, the dog has adjusted to the weather and climate outside China and Tibet. But they like their hair short in the summer. Their hair can put extra weight on the dog, so give them more frequent cuts during summer to take some of the weight off.
A summer haircut for a Shih Tzu is between ¼ and 3/8 inches long. You should also take care of hair in the ears. Make sure the ears and beard match the shorter coat. Trim back the tail slightly as well.
You should consider lifestyle factors as well. If your Shih Tzu spends most of the day inside, don’t go shorter than a 7 blade. If your dog spends more time outside, go for a 5 blade. The Shih Tzu does not need shaving to keep cool, but it helps to remove some of their weight.
The best Shih Tzu haircuts for summer are a length you can maintain with brushing and combing. Practice brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Matted hair prevents the skin from breathing.
This one is among the most common questions, alongside to how to groom a Shih Tzu’s face. Most owners groom their Shih Tzu during the winter as well as the summer.
During the winter, your Shih Tzu can get messy quickly if you skip grooming treatments. You can brush your dog every day, but he will get knotty. Long fur leaves room for mud and pee to stick in the fur. So don’t leave your Shih Tzu’s hair too long, because she’ll look and smell dirty. Practice the same routine as during summer, but leaving the hair about 1/8 of an inch longer.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a dog that enjoys grooming at home, but you can make the whole experience more enjoyable. How do you groom a Shih Tzu? Before you start grooming, you have to prepare your dog.
Start by brushing your dog. Sit and pet your dog, and then brush him. Brush through the coat, but don’t pull at any knots or tangles. Use a leave-in detangling spray to handle tangles, and then use a wide-toothed comb. Don’t pull. That can hurt your baby.
Talk in a soothing voice while brushing. Get your puppy in the shower, and bathe him with a detangling shampoo. Remain calm. Don’t let your puppy get nervous or anxious. Scrub and rinse well. Now, it’s time to pat your dog dry. Make this step a gentle massage.
At this point, your dog should relax, and you can get to the clipping treatment. And if you can’t handle the hassle of grooming, we suggest a different strategy: search for Shih Tzu grooming near you.
Do you want to save on costs? Do you want to groom your dog at home? Do you know how to groom a Shih Tzu with clippers? Well, you can learn. Don’t worry. But the most important step is to use powerful and best dog clippers for a Shih Tzu. Here are a few factors to consider.
Cutting power is the first factor. The more strokes per minute, the better. Look for clippers with more cutting power and speed.
Comfort is the next factor. The good news is engineering has come a long way. New technology can reduce noise and heat, making the grooming experience comfortable.
There are other features you can look for, including quick charging time, longer-lasting batteries, comfortable grip, and reduced weight.
Dog clippers are hardly the only grooming equipment you need for a Shih Tzu. You need more. The right blades and combs depend on how you want your dog to look.
For the body, you can get 4F, 5F, and 7F extra blades. These blades provide a short shave and make it easy to maintain the look. For a puppy trim, you need longer blades.
Long hairstyles need combs, which give you more choice over the final look. Go for a stainless steel comb; the finish is much better than plastic, and they are more durable.
The Shih Tzu is a little dog breed. But he has a spectacular coat that can reach the ground. In most puppy competitions, that’s the haircut you see. But that’s a show dog. For a home dog, you need to keep his coat shorter. It’s all for convenience.
You want your Shih Tzu to look beautiful, but also feel comfortable. We hope our picks helped you choose the best dog clippers. Wahl dog clippers, Andis, and Oster are the cream of the crop. You can’t go wrong with any of those choices. Our best pick, Wahl Bravura, offers the most flexibility. You can move around as much as you like, and the adjustable blade gives you different length options.
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