How to groom a Shih-Poo

Brushing and bathing a Shih-Poo

Normally

Daily to every other day

During shedding

Daily line brushing with pin brush and metal greyhound comb

Shedding months

March, April, September, October

Per session

15-25

Bathing

Every 3 to 4 weeks using an intensive hydrating, soap-free oatmeal or silk-protein shampoo followed by a dilute leave-in conditioner. Bathing more frequently strips cutaneous lipid barriers and exacerbates dry, flaky skin.

Professional grooming

Full clip (Teddy Bear or Puppy Cut), sanitary trim, paw pad clearing, ear canal hair inspection/plucking, gland expression if indicated, and nail grinding · Every 4-6 weeks

Step by step

1. 1
   Eye & Face Prep

   Soften facial crusted discharge with warm saline wipes, then gently comb outward from inner eye corners.

2. 2
   Line Brushing

   Part the coat down to the pink skin with one hand; brush outward in small sections from roots to tips, working from paws upward to neck.

3. 3
   Comb Confirmation

   Run the fine teeth of the metal greyhound comb smoothly through all brushed areas. If comb catches, repeat slicker brushing on that specific knot.

4. 4
   Sanitary & Paw Check

   Check for fecal debris in perineal furnishings and remove trapped gravel, mud, or hair burrs between paw pads.

Tools for this coat

• Stainless Steel Greyhound Comb (Face & Body)

  The ultimate test tool; checks right down to the dermis to detect hidden knots behind ears, armpits, and groin that slickers glide over

• Flexible Slicker Brush with Coated Pins

  Separates wavy hair filaments layer by layer without scratching sensitive toy skin

• Conditioning Detangling Mist

  Must be sprayed prior to brushing; brushing dry hair causes static breakage and cuticle damage

• Micro-Fine Tear Stain Flea Comb

  Gently extracts hardened ocular rheum and discharge from inner corners of the eyes without gouging facial skin

Never do this with a Shih-Poo

• Never bathe a matted dog; warm water acts like felt-makers' steam, shrinking mats tight against the skin and creating painful hematoma-prone pelts
• Never use human shampoo or heavily fragranced parabens on their delicate, allergy-prone epidermal mantle
• Never leave ear canals damp after baths; always dry thoroughly with cotton balls to prevent Pseudomonas or Malassezia yeast flare-ups

Ears, eyes, teeth and nails

Ears grow dense internal canal hair that traps moisture and cerumen, requiring routine trimming or gentle veterinary plucking; eyes are prone to epiphora (overflow tearing) requiring daily drying to prevent malodorous yeast dermatitis; teeth require daily enzymatic brushing to counteract severe crowding; nails must be clipped or Dremel-ground every 2-3 weeks to avoid splaying toes.

Through the seasons

Paw protection helps in snow and on hot pavement.

Coat colours