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Shih Tzus are adorable, small dogs that make great family pets. If you want a dog whose personality is as sweet as its looks, you should not search anymore. With Shih Tzus, you got it all – looks, charms, and affection.
Shih Tzus look even more adorable when they are properly groomed. They have something that is called a double coat, which means that they have a shorter inner layer and a longer outer layer.
It is really important for a Shih Tzu owner to know how to properly brush their pooch, and also which grooming tools to use. With this type of coat, proper care is essential; otherwise, their hair will easily get tangled.
Regular brushing will help smooth any matts and tangles, and keep their long hair silky and shiny. You will need a high-quality brush that can penetrate deep into the undercoat and reach all those stubborn knots.
A good stainless steel comb or even an undercoat rake may be also beneficial if your Shih Tzu is prone to matting. If you want to find out which grooming tools are actually worth purchasing, keep reading.
In this article, I present to you 11 best brushes for Shih Tzu dogs that will make daily brushing a truly enjoyable process.
Best Brushes For Shih Tzus: Top Three Picks
Premium Pick: Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush
- Fluffinging, detangling, and styling are all made easier with this brush
- Your dog's skin won't be scratched by its long "comfort glide" pins
- It works extremely well as a deshedding tool
- The ergonomic grip handle with a unique rubber coating prevents slipping and brushing fatigue
- A great, long-term investment that is worth the money
Budget Pick: JW Pet Gripsoft Dog Soft Pin Slicker Brush
- Specifically designed for daily brushing and sensitive skin
- Features unique Gripsoft technology for maximum comfort and control
- 90-degree-angled soft pins are gentle, and prevent any scratches or irritation
- This grooming tool is very effective in preventing tangles
- It ensures a beautifully soft and shiny coat
Best Value For The Price: Andis (Pet) 7-1/2-Inch Steel Comb
- Detangling tool made of stainless steel of high quality
- The product can be used by dogs of any breed and any age
- Eliminates tangles, mats, loose hair, dirt, and debris with ease, while adding volume to the hair
- Offers you a lightweight and and fatigue-free grooming session
- It helps stimulate the dog’s skin and hair follicles
What Are The Best Brushes For A Shih Tzu?
1. Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush
- A deshedding brush fundamental for regular grooming, detangling, and removing mats
- It features sturdy, stainless steel pins, with coated safety tips for gentle brushing
- Developed by professional groomers for the best results
- It helps remove loose fur on all hair types
- It helps the dog's coat stay healthy by distributing natural oils
The first product on our list of the best brushes for Shih Tzus is the Hartz Groomer’s deshedding slicker dog brush. This is a great pet brush for everyday grooming sessions.
It is made out of extra fine bristles that have a protective coating on the tips. The protective coating on the tips, along with breather holes on the brush head allow a gentler and smoother brushing motion. There are many pins that are tight enough to pull out the loose hair, but at the same time, neither sharp nor dull.
Also, the ergonomic handle gives dog owners maximum control and comfort, so that the brush is easy to hold and maneuver. You will not feel fatigued after brushing your pup, like you may with some other brushes.
When it comes to cleaning the brush, you have to remove the collected hair from the tool, and then wash it in warm, soapy water as needed.
RELATED: Do Shih Tzus Shed? A Guide To Grooming Low-Shedding Dogs
2. Andis (Pet) 7-1/2-Inch Steel Comb
- Detangling tool made of stainless steel of high quality
- The product can be used by dogs of any breed and any age
- Eliminates tangles, mats, loose hair, dirt, and debris with ease, while adding volume to the hair
- Offers you a lightweight and and fatigue-free grooming session
- It helps stimulate the dog’s skin and hair follicles
If you want a high-quality product that will do the job perfectly, you can’t go wrong with the Andis Steel Comb. They are known for having good quality products for all types of dogs, which can also be seen in their awesome reviews.
I chose this product as our “best value” one because I think that this tool is the perfect balance between performance and price.
It is made out of durable, but lightweight stainless steel blades, so you know that it will last you a long time. One side comes with coarse teeth, and the other one, with fine teeth. You can use it to detangle, remove any loose hair and dirt, or as a finishing touch for fluffing or smoothing out the hair.
The comb is also equipped with an anti-slip handle to make brushing more comfortable and fatigue-free. This is definitely the grooming tool that I recommend to everyone. It is not so expensive, and it does the job perfectly.
3. Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush
- Fluffinging, detangling, and styling are all made easier with this brush
- Your dog's skin won't be scratched by its long "comfort glide" pins
- It works extremely well as a deshedding tool
- The ergonomic grip handle with a unique rubber coating prevents slipping and brushing fatigue
- A great, long-term investment that is worth the money
Chris Christensen is definitely the luxury brand of the dog grooming world. Yes, I know… it costs a lot; however, I think it is worth mentioning because it has some of the best reviews you can find in one dog brush. It is not called a groomer’s miracle brush without a reason.
There is no doubt that the Big G dog slicker brush has the best capability of removing knots and tangles with ease. It comes in three different sizes to fit your dog’s size and breed the best. For dogs like Shih Tzus, the baby size might be the perfect one.
This brush allows you to fluff, detangle, and style all in one product. It is made out of super long, soft, and scratch-free pins that are situated on a cushioned pad that retracts.
The handle features a unique rubber coating that prevents the brush from slipping or being uncomfortable in your hand. The only downside of this brush is its price; however, if you are able to afford it, we assure you that you will not regret purchasing it.
READ ALSO: Shih Tzu Lifespan: How Long Do Shih Tzus Live On Average?
4. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Excellent for thick hair and dense double coats
- It features rotating teeth that easily remove mats, tangles, and loose hair
- Helps cut down on shedding
- Very convenient and comfortable
- The ergonomic, non-slip handle offers maximum control while brushing
The worst part of brushing your dog has to be dealing with all that hair; however, Hertzko has a solution for that. Although Shih Tzus shed less than some other dog breeds, they still lose hair while being brushed.
The Hertzko slicker brush comes with an awesome feature and a very smart design that allows you to collect the hair in a very simple and effective way. The brush has a push button that easily retracts the bristles.
How does this work? Well, it’s simple.
When you want to start brushing, you simply press the button to extend the bristles, and when you want to collect the hair, you push it again to retract those bristles, and now you can easily collect the hair.
The brush helps reduce shedding, remove any dirt and debris, improve blood circulation, and keep the thick coat shiny and soft. Just remember to be careful while brushing because the pins are a little bit sharp.
5. Coastal Pet Safari Dog De-Matting Comb
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Stainless steel blades
- Ergonomic
Due to their long coat, Shih Tzus are quite prone to tangles and stubborn matts, so it is very useful to have one good dematting comb in your household. The Coastal Pet Safari comb is a very good example of a product that does wonders when mats are involved.
It easily removes mats and knots on a longer coat while avoiding contact with the dog’s skin. The comb is made out of stainless steel, sharp, serrated blades that can remove even the toughest knots out there.
The blades are reversible for left-handed use, which is an awesome feature for left-handed pet parents. The soft rubber handle allows for a very comfortable and easy grip.
Definitely take your time brushing your dog. This tool is great, but it is also very sharp, and if you are not careful enough, some unwanted accidents can happen.
RELATED: Silver Shih Tzu: Is This The Most Unique Shih Tzu Color?
6. PETPAWJOY Dog Brush
- Deshedding brush for dogs and cats
- Rotatable brush
- Removes loose undercoat
- Eliminates dander, dirt, and tangles from a dog’s coat
The PETPAWJOY dog brush is designed for gentle grooming of small dogs and puppies. It will gently remove any tangles, loose hair in the undercoat, dirt, and dander, and leave the coat looking shiny and smooth.
This brush comes with a rotatable brush head, which means that you get two grooming actions in one tool — one for grooming, and one for massaging. Massaging is great for improving blood circulation and preventing any skin diseases.
The pins of this brush are very safe, effective, and do not irritate the skin. They come with rounded white tips, so they aren’t that sharp, and therefore, protect your pet from getting hurt.
7. JW Pet Gripsoft Dog Soft Pin Slicker Brush
- Specifically designed for daily brushing and sensitive skin
- Features unique Gripsoft technology for maximum comfort and control
- 90-degree-angled soft pins are gentle, and prevent any scratches or irritation
- This grooming tool is very effective in preventing tangles
- It ensures a beautifully soft and shiny coat
A lot of dogs don’t like to be brushed, so it is always good to have that one brush that does the job, but it is also so gentle so that your pup doesn’t even notice you are brushing him. The JW Pet Gripsoft dog brush is a soft slicker brush specifically designed for sensitive skin.
It features a rounded head, and 90-degree-angled soft pins that run parallel to the dog’s skin; therefore, providing gentler brushing motion. Since this brush will not irritate or scratch your pet, it is perfect for those pups that are not a fan of daily brushing.
Although it is very gentle, it still does the job amazingly, removing dead hair, and all sorts of mats, knots, and tangles, leaving the coat shiny and smooth.
It is called Gripsoft because of the unique technology that provides a non-slip grip for maximum control and comfort while using the brush.
If you are looking for an affordable product, fast shipping, and great results, we definitely recommend you to try this.
RELATED: Busting The Myth: Male Vs. Female Shih Tzu
8. Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush
- 2-in-1 grooming tool
- One side for detangling and removing loose hair, and the other side for styling and shining fur
- It is easy to hold, use, and maneuver
- Offers gentle dog grooming with safety tips and breather holes
- Great, quality dog brush for an amazing price
We all know that pets can be very expensive. You have to provide them with constant care, food, and supplies, and at the same time, you want to give them the best you can. However, all this can sometimes be too much.
Not everyone can afford to buy various types of brushes, so products like the one we are going to mention next are, in most cases, a true lifesaver.
The Hartz Groomer’s combo dog brush is a great combination of two different brushes, bristles and pins that allow you to perform two different brushing motions with one product.
On one side, you have a bristle brush that is made out of nylon bristles that remove any dirt and debris, distribute the natural oils throughout the hair, and leave the coat healthy and shiny.
On the other side, there is a stainless steel pin brush with safety tips that efficiently remove any loose hair and tangles.
What I noticed about this brush is that it is a bit hard to remove the dog’s hair from it, so you’ll have to deal with that, but you can wash it with a bit of water, soap, or shampoo and it should be fine. For the price, it is truly a great grooming product that you should definitely try.
9. ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake
- Perfect for the shedding season, and dogs with a double coat
- Successfully eliminates any loose hair, and gives your furry friends a wonderful makeover
- It can be used on both small and big dog breeds
- It features a non-slip, memory gel grip handle
- Provides comfort and control while brushing
Although Shih Tzus are not exactly great shedders, a good undercoat rake is something you should definitely have in your household.
The ConairPRO Undercoat Rake does exactly what its name suggests — removes the dead undercoat. It does the job perfectly; however, I feel the need to mention that this tool should definitely not be used on a daily basis, especially for breeds like the Shih Tzu.
It is made out of short, stainless steel pins that are able to penetrate deep into the undercoat and remove any dead hair, stubborn knots, and debris. This tool can be used on both a dry and a wet coat; however, make sure that you use it in the direction of the hair growth.
If you use it occasionally and knowingly, this can be a great product to have in case of straightening any burrs and eliminating unwanted knots.
READ ALSO: How Often Should You Bathe A Shih Tzu? Tips And Tricks
10. Coastal Pet Li’l Pals Double-Sided Dog Comb
- Designed for toy dog breeds, small dog breeds, and Shih Tzu puppies
- Helps detangle the fur, remove existing matts, and straighten and smooth the dog’s coat
- Features a multi-use head for detangling and removing fleas out of the dog’s hair
- Stimulates the production of natural oils for a healthy coat
- Can be used for brushing around the eyes and facial hair
The Coastal Pet Li’l Pals dog comb is the perfect grooming tool for small dog breeds, Shih Tzu puppies, and dogs exposed to outside adventures. All dogs need entertainment, and outside activities are the perfect way to achieve that; however, it can also bring some unwanted problems.
While being outside, your pups are exposed to various forms of parasites, such as fleas and ticks. This double-sided comb is the perfect solution for that. It efficiently lifts any fleas or ticks from your pet’s hair.
RELATED: What’s With That Tick Scab On My Dog? Tick Removal 101
Additionally, it helps detangle, remove any knots, and smooth out the coat. This stainless steel comb can also be used to brush out facial hair because it comes in the perfect small size for small breeds.
On one side, it features 32 closely-spaced teeth, and on the other, 17 more spaced-out stainless steel teeth.
So, if your dog also hates having his face brushed or if he is just too small for other larger dog brushes, this one is definitely something you should check out.
11. Double Sided Combo Pins And Bristle Brush, By Hertzko
- This is a great brush for dogs with both the short hair and long hair
- It is double sided, with a pin brush on one side, and a fine bristle brush on the other
- Great for detangling the undercoat and gently removing dirt and loose hair from the top coat
- Features pins with rounded ends to prevent any accidents
- Perfectly contours to your pet’s body
The last product on our list is the double-sided pin and bristle brush, by Hertzko. This brush can be used on both dogs and cats… both short-haired or long-haired.
This is great if you have multiple pets in your household… you can use one product on all your pets, so you don’t have to spend extra money.
On one side, you have a pin brush with rounded ends that is great for detangling or brushing out the loose undercoat. On the other side, there is a bristle brush that is great for gently removing any dead hair, dirt, and dander.
Brushing can be a tedious job; however, this brush has an anti-slip handle with a comfort grip that prevents any strain no matter how much you brush your furry friend.
READ NEXT: 13 Best Teacup Shih Tzu Breeders In The US
FAQs – Grooming Tips
Shih Tzus should DEFINITELY be brushed. Brushing is one of the most important aspects of keeping their coat healthy and luxurious. Their coat is certainly one of their most recognizable features, which grabs the attention of every passerby.
You definitely need to put a lot of time and effort into making them look as adorable as ever, and it all pays off when you look at their cute little face.
It is best tostart with brushing pretty early on, when your Shih Tzu is still a little puppy. By doing this, your puppy will get used to it, and you will not have problems when it grows up.
Shih Tzus are born with a single outer layer, which means that their hair should not get tangled as easily as in adult Shih Tzus. So, when it comes to puppies, you can try to brush them every two to three days or so.
If you have time, it is always better to do it regularly. During their first year of life, Shih Tzus should grow their inner layer, which makes a double coat. Some puppies get it sooner than others.
Full-grown Shih Tzus should ideally be brushed every single day; however, if you don’t have time to do it that often, every other day should also be fine.
If you do it less often than the recommended brushing frequency, make sure that you do a proper job. In this case, it would be best to keep their coat short since it will be easier for you to keep it properly dematted and detangled.
RELATED: Shih Tzu Haircuts: 24 Hairstyle Ideas For Your Pet
First things first… you need to train your dog and get him used to the idea of brushing. As I mentioned previously, it is best to start when they are young. You will need high-quality brushes and grooming tools that will make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Before you start brushing, spray a light mist of some leave-in conditioner all over the coat. This will prevent the hair from breaking, and also help in removing any knots.
Always work in small sections at a time, and move slowly to other areas. Be careful not to miss any spot, especially those that are hard to reach.
Make sure that you reach the undercoatand get as close to the skin as possible. Most knots are usually situated in the undercoat, so if you only brush the outer coat, you won’t do the job properly.
Be extremely careful around the face and eyes. For those areas, it is best to use a very small brush or a comb, so you don’t accidentally hurt your pooch.
Brushing your dog regularly has many benefits for its health, but it also helps strengthen your relationship with your pooch. Even if you don’t think about it, this is a great way of bonding with your furry friend.
RELATED: Are Shih Tzus Hypoallergenic? Keeping Dog Allergies At Bay
It is said that physical contact and time spent with your pet have a lot of influence on relieving stress in humans, so this is a great daily habit that can significantly help your doggie, and also you.
Daily brushing helps spread the natural oils throughout the coat, which then keeps the dog’s hair shiny and clean. You will also be able to notice any changes in your dog’s health; for example, skin irritation, sore patches, lumps, ear infections, fleas, ticks, and much more.
Matted hair is very common in breeds such as the Shih Tzu, so even with daily brushing, you’ll often find some matts and knots.
You need to be very careful when dealing with matts because if you are too harsh, you can hurt your pooch, and I am sure no one wants that. So, make sure that you don’t pull or tug.
To start, spray some conditioning spray directly on the matted hair. You will need a dematting tool or a stainless steel comb. Isolate the matted hair and work step by step, one mat at a time. Be gentle, and always start at the outer edge of the matted hair, slowly working your way to the inner part.
While the FURminator is a great deshedding tool, it is not recommended for dogs like Shih Tzus, Poodles, Yorkies, or Lhasa Apsos. This tool can be great for double-coated dogs with a dense undercoat that sheds a lot; however, it still needs to be used very carefully.
If it’s not used properly, especially on a dog such as a Shih Tzu, it can cause hair breakage, it can damage the hair, it can friction burn the skin, and it can cause overgrowth of the undercoat.
A simple dog brush, along with regular brushing is enough to maintain your pup’s healthy coat, remove any matts, tangles, and dirt, and overall, keep it well-groomed.
If you want to properly groom a Shih Tzu at home, you will need to purchase all the grooming tools that are needed for dog grooming.
Shih Tzu grooming does not only include brushing, so besides the right brush, make sure that you get a variety of tools such as hair clippers, scissors, different types of brushes, nail clippers, a dog toothbrush, ear cleaning solution, and good dog shampoo and conditioner.
READ NEXT: How Much Does A Shih Tzu Cost? Buying And Raising Shih Tzus
Final Thoughts
Finding a good brush for your pup is not always an easy job; however, I am sure that our guide on the best brushes for a Shih Tzu will help you find what you are looking for.
Keep in mind that brushing your dog is very important, and that you should be doing it as often as possible. If you have the time, then daily brushing would be ideal, but since we all lead such a busy life, every other day is still okay if you keep up with the schedule.
Whether you choose a more expensive tool or the cheapest one, the most important thing is that you do it regularly. Your dog’s coat will start looking much better, shinier, and 100% cuter.
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