Summer Shih Tzu Haircuts: 8 Cool, Low-Maintenance Styles

KKBy Kashif Khan, Founder of Pupline

Updated May 30, 2026·8 min read

For summer, the best Shih Tzu haircuts are short, even, and low-maintenance — the puppy cut, teddy bear cut, and summer (kennel) cut are the three most popular, because they keep a dense double-ish coat cool and tangle-free without shaving the dog bald. Here are eight cool-weather styles, how short to go, and what to ask your groomer.

How short should a Shih Tzu go in summer?

Most summer cuts leave the body between ½ inch and 1 inch long. That's short enough to prevent matting and overheating, but long enough to protect the skin from sunburn and bug bites. Never shave a Shih Tzu down to the skin: the coat actually helps regulate temperature, and a too-close shave risks sunburn and, occasionally, coat that grows back patchy.

A quick rule of thumb:

8 summer Shih Tzu haircuts

1. Puppy cut

The all-time favourite: the coat is trimmed to a uniform length (usually ¾–1 inch) all over the body, legs, and face. Easy to maintain, hard to get wrong, and keeps that soft, fluffy "forever puppy" look while shedding the heavy length.

2. Teddy bear cut

A puppy cut with a rounder, fuller face — the muzzle and head are scissored into a soft circle so the dog looks like a plush toy. Slightly more upkeep around the face, maximum cuteness.

3. Summer (kennel) cut

The shortest practical everyday cut: body clipped to about ½ inch, legs and face tidied to match. The coolest, lowest-maintenance option for hot, humid months — popular with busy owners and active dogs.

4. Lion cut

A statement style: the body is clipped short while the head, mane, and tail tip are left fuller, so the dog resembles a little lion. Fun and still cool through the body — just keep the mane brushed.

5. Top knot with short body

Body kept short for summer, but the hair on the head is grown out and tied into a top knot. Keeps hair out of the eyes (a common Shih Tzu issue) while staying cool everywhere else.

6. Practical short face / "teddy face"

Body in a puppy or summer length, with the face scissored short and round rather than long. Less hair around the eyes and mouth means fewer tear stains and easier cleanups after meals and water bowls.

7. Modified puppy cut with shaped legs

A puppy cut on the body with the leg hair left a touch longer and shaped into soft columns. A tidy middle ground that still photographs beautifully for a grooming report.

8. Full summer shave-down (vet-guided only)

For severely matted coats, a groomer may need to clip very short to start fresh — but this should be a reset, not a routine summer style, and ideally done with a guard, never to bare skin.

Upkeep between groom appointments

Even short cuts need help to stay cool and comfortable:

• Brush 2–3 times a week to catch mats before they tighten, especially behind the ears and under the legs.
• Keep the face clean — wipe around the eyes daily to manage tear stains.
• Trim around the paws and sanitary area between full grooms.
• Never shave to the skin in summer; leave protection against sun and insects.
• Book grooms every 4–6 weeks through the warm months.

What to ask your groomer

Bring a photo and use specifics: "a summer cut, about half an inch on the body, face rounded, ears tidied, top knot left long." Clear length guidance gets you the result you pictured — and a happy, cool dog. Groomers: track each dog's coat type and preferred length on their client profile, and check the vaccination status before they're in the chair. Thinking of grooming for a living? See how to start a dog grooming business, and price each cut with the Dog Grooming Cost Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How often do Shih Tzus need a haircut?

Every 4–6 weeks for a tidy look, or 6–8 weeks for a longer style. Brushing between appointments is what really prevents matting.

Should I shave my Shih Tzu in summer?

A short summer cut is great; a full skin shave is not. The coat protects against sunburn and helps with temperature regulation — go short, not bald.

Why does my Shih Tzu's hair mat so easily?

Their fine, dense coat tangles quickly, especially in friction zones (collar, armpits, behind the ears). Regular brushing and a shorter summer length dramatically reduce matting.