Dog Grooming Hints

Shih Tzu grooming can be compared to human beauty culture because it is the beautification of the Shih Tzu breed. The art of Shih Tzu grooming is aimed at creating a reasonable facsimile of a normal specimen of the Shih Tzu breed. The attendance of Shih Tzu American Kennel Club dog shows is an excellent place to observe first hand the best specimens of the Shih Tzu breed.

There are basic steps applicable to grooming the Shih Tzu as well as all breeds of dogs. Anyone interested in becoming a complete dog grooming artist, should know how to make all breeds beautiful. A Shih Tzu grooming artist professional should know how best to enhance the appearance of each breed of dog. However, if the Shih Tzu is your favorite breed, one can become known as an “expert” in grooming the Shih Tzu.

A professional Shih Tzu groomer understands that certain breeds, like Poodles, most Terriers and Spaniels, and the Shih Tzu require far more time and skill to groom than smooth-haired breeds, in which only a knowledge of the fundamentals is required.

History of dog grooming:
The dog, including the Shih Tzu, has been the closest animal to the human family. Grooming dogs was the fashion of the aristocracy during the 19th Century. The art flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France. The Poodle, however, and not the Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed. Grooming was largely confined to the Poodle. The first recorded grooming parlors were established in France about this same time.

The Shih Tzu has become so much an integral part of the family that going to the canine beautician is as much a ritual for the family Shih Tzu as going to the hairdresser is for the lady of the house. Shih Tzu and dog styling in general has also become so professional and sophisticated that Shih Tzu owners have become as selective about their Shih Tzu’s groomer as they are about their own hair stylist.

Origin of the clips:
Since the art of dog grooming flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France and the Poodle, instead of our beloved Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed in France, the Poodle breed became known as the French Poodle. The first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers. The clip most suitable to them resembled what is known today as the “Continental clip.” A mane of hair was left on the foreparts while the back and hindquarters were shaven. This clip made the Poodle resemble a lion, and therefore the clip became known in England as the “Lion clip.”

The American fancy made some variations in the “Lion clip” and began to call it the “Saddle clip.” The English Saddle clip calls for the greatest skill in the art of dog grooming.

It is not clear from historical records just when the “pet clips” originated. Often now we hear of a “Puppy Cut” for our Shih Tzu, which is a very popular style for a family pet Shih Tzu. However, for the show ring, there is much, much more to grooming our beloved Shih Tzu.

Related Posts:

• Introduction To Shih Tzu Grooming
• The Professional Shih Tzu Dog Groomer
• The Shih Tzu Groom Shop Record Keeping
• Dog grooming: Preparing your puppy for grooming
• Ray Colero Dog Training – Home

Shih Tzu Grooming Is Art, Skill, Trade and a Profession

Shih Tzu grooming can be compared to human beauty culture because it is the beautification of the Shih Tzu breed. The art of Shih Tzu grooming is aimed at creating a reasonable facsimile of a normal specimen of the Shih Tzu breed. The attendance of Shih Tzu American Kennel Club dog shows is an excellent place to observe first hand the best specimens of the Shih Tzu breed.

There are basic steps applicable to grooming the Shih Tzu as well as all breeds of dogs. Anyone interested in becoming a complete dog grooming artist, should know how to make all breeds beautiful. A Shih Tzu grooming artist professional should know how best to enhance the appearance of each breed of dog. However, if the Shih Tzu is your favorite breed, one can become known as an expert in grooming the Shih Tzu.

A professional Shih Tzu groomer understands that certain breeds, like Poodles, most Terriers and Spaniels, and the Shih Tzu require far more time and skill to groom than smooth-haired breeds, in which only a knowledge of the fundamentals is required.

History of dog grooming:

The dog, including the Shih Tzu, has been the closest animal to the human family. Grooming dogs was the fashion of the aristocracy during the 19th Century. The art flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France. The Poodle, however, and not the Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed. Grooming was largely confined to the Poodle. The first recorded grooming parlors were established in France about this same time.

The Shih Tzu has become so much an integral part of the family that going to the canine beautician is as much a ritual for the family Shih Tzu as going to the hairdresser is for the lady of the house. Shih Tzu and dog styling in general has also become so professional and sophisticated that Shih Tzu owners have become as selective about their Shih Tzus groomer as they are about their own hair stylist.

Origin of the clips:

Since the art of dog grooming flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France and the Poodle, instead of our beloved Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed in France, the Poodle breed became known as the French Poodle. The first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers. The clip most suitable to them resembled what is known today as the Continental clip. A mane of hair was left on the foreparts while the back and hindquarters were shaven. This clip made the Poodle resemble a lion, and therefore the clip became known in England as the Lion clip.

The American fancy made some variations in the Lion clip and began to call it the Saddle clip. The English Saddle clip calls for the greatest skill in the art of dog grooming.

It is not clear from historical records just when the pet clips originated. Often now we hear of a Puppy Cut for our Shih Tzu, which is a very popular style for a family pet Shih Tzu. However, for the show ring, there is much, much more to grooming our beloved Shih Tzu.

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Related Posts:

• Shih Tzu Grooming Is Art, Skill, Trade And A Profession
• The Professional Shih Tzu Dog Groomer
• The Shih Tzu Groom Shop Record Keeping
• Dog grooming: Preparing your puppy for grooming
• Ray Colero Dog Training – Home

Dog grooming is an important service to a family who love West Highland Terriers. My family was introduced to this breed when my oldest daughter met her future husband. Little did she know that her future included a man and his adorable West Highland female named Ali. Eventually, we added Westie companions, Noel and Chloe. Having a good groomer is as important to us as having a great hair stylist.

With all local licensing in place, I look for cleanliness, experience, services offered, price and location when selecting a pet grooming service. In the past, I have encountered a few dud services including several in-store pet retailers. I believe the best recommendation is the neighbor referral and the appearance of a happy, well-groomed pet.

West Highland Terriers are a long-haired breed with wiry, long coats. At a minimum they need to be groomed once a year. Westies and owners alike can appreciate a spring grooming to remove their heavy winter coat before the dogs begin shredding all over the home. I personally favor a monthly or bi-monthly grooming schedule as it keeps the West Highland Terriers’ hair manageable, anal area clean and toe nails neatly trimmed.

When forced into the ambiguous world of the yellow pages or internet to select a new groomer, I first look for the type of services offered. I am interested in special services such as nail trimming, foot pad maintenance and seasonal dips. My Westies have sensitive skins which need to be considered. In Ali’s case, oatmeal baths were part of her normal grooming experience as it was a source of relief from dry skin. In the summer, flea drips maybe important.

I have always looked for the groomer who has experience with Westies. I am always thrilled when I drop my dogs off to hear the question, “Do you want the traditional westie trim?” Some service providers don’t have a clue what that means.

Behaviorally, I know Westies can be challenging to work with since they are so strong willed. Taking that fact into consideration, I am careful to check my girls for skin nicks and abrasions from inexperience. We started grooming our dogs as puppies to train them early to be tolerant of groomers and needed restraints. If our dogs are cut or nicked during their grooming appointment, I expect that report from the groomer when I pick my dogs up. Under no circumstances, would I approve of our dogs being “drugged” for a grooming appointment which may be a means of compliance for some groomers.

Cleanliness

Related Posts:

• West Highland Terrier Grooming – Mistakes To Avoid
• Dog grooming: Getting started – Part 3
• Toy poodle grooming – Part 1
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• How to groom a Pomeranian – Part 1