The long, silky Shih Tzu coat is gorgeous, and it comes in many colors: black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white. A white tip on the tail and a white blaze on the forehead are highly prized.

Keeping the Shih Tzu coat gorgeous is demanding. Daily brushing and combing is necessary to prevent tangles, as is frequent bathing (as often as once a week). In fact, many a Shih Tzu lover gives up and hires a professional groomer to clip those long locks short. Gone is some of his beauty, but so is the chore of daily brushing. If you trim the coat short and want to keep it that way, plan on grooming appointments every six to eight weeks.

If you do groom him yourself, make the experience as pleasant as possible for both you and your Shih Tzu, starting during puppyhood. (After all, you're going to be doing this a lot.) When brushing, you want to make sure that you brush all the way down to the skin. Most experienced Shih Tzu groomers teach the dog to lie on his side while they brush the coat in sections; it's easier to brush that way and more comfortable for the dog.

At about 10 to 12 months of age, the Shih Tzu coat changes from puppy fluff to a silky adult coat. During this stage, you'll probably think the coat mats faster than you can brush. Don't give up! This is temporary, lasting for about three months. Once the adult coat comes in fully, brushing gets easier.

The Shih Tzu's nails should be trimmed monthly, and his ears checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Hair grows inside the Shih Tzu's ear canal, and this sometimes needs to be plucked if the dog gets a lot of ear infections.

The Shih Tuz's face, like a toddler's, also needs daily attention. He gets dirty after eating, and his eyes tear up readily, so it's necessary to wipe his face regularly with a soft cloth dampened with warm water.

Many small breeds are prone to dental problems, and the Shih Tzu is no exception: it's important to take good care of his teeth. Regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste will keep his gums and teeth healthy.

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