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

KKBy Kashif Nazir Khan, Founder of Pupline

Updated June 8, 2026·8 min read

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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 the coat cool and tangle-free without shaving the dog bald. Here are eight summer styles, how short to go, what to ask your groomer, and the honest answer to "should I shave my Shih Tzu in summer?"

Should I shave my Shih Tzu in summer?

Short answer: a summer trim is great, but shaving to the skin is not recommended. Unlike many double-coated dogs, the Shih Tzu has a single coat of fine, silky hair. That means a short summer clip is perfectly safe and comfortable. However, shaving all the way down removes the natural barrier that reflects sunlight and protects the skin from sunburn and insect bites. It can also cause the regrown coat to come back with a different texture in some dogs.

The responsible approach used by most groomers:

• Clip the body to about 1 inch or a little under, leaving enough coverage for sun and bug protection.
• Use a longer guard, no. 4 or no. 5 clip, rather than the shortest blade.
• Prioritise mat prevention and paw and sanitary trims between full appointments, where most heat discomfort actually starts.
• Reserve a very short shave-down for severely matted coats as a reset, not a routine style, and always use a guard, never bare skin.

If a dog has a medical reason (skin condition, surgery prep) that warrants a closer clip, your vet will advise you.

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. Upkeep: brush 2–3 times a week and rebook every 6–8 weeks to keep the length even.

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. Body stays at ¾–1 inch; the face is scissored rather than clipped, which takes a few extra minutes at the table. Upkeep: slightly more brushing around the face and ears; rebook every 6 weeks.

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. Upkeep: minimal brushing at home; rebook every 4–6 weeks to keep the length from creeping up.

4. Lion cut

A statement style: the body is clipped short (½ inch or less) while the head, mane, and tail tip are left fuller, so the dog resembles a little lion. Fun and still cool through the body. Upkeep: brush the mane every couple of days to stop it matting while the shorter body stays easy.

5. Top knot with short body

Body kept short (½–¾ inch) 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. Upkeep: the top knot needs a daily comb and re-tie; the body stays low-effort.

6. Practical short face / "teddy face"

Body in a puppy or summer length (¾–1 inch), 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. Upkeep: wipe around the eyes daily; rebook every 6 weeks for a face trim.

7. Modified puppy cut with shaped legs

A puppy cut on the body (¾–1 inch) 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. Upkeep: pay extra attention to the leg furnishings when brushing; they mat fastest on an active dog.

8. Full summer shave-down (for reset only)

For severely matted coats, a groomer may need to clip very short to start fresh, but this should be a one-time reset, not a routine summer style, and always done with a guard rather than bare skin. Once the coat grows back to ½ inch or more, switch to one of the styles above.

Summer haircuts for other dogs

The Shih Tzu principles apply broadly across dogs that need a clip rather than a shed, but the rules change for double-coated breeds.

• Doodles and Poodles: similar to the Shih Tzu approach. A summer clip to 1 inch keeps them cool; the curly coat does not double-coat so shorter is fine, just not to the skin.
• Bichon Frise and Maltese: single-coated like the Shih Tzu. A summer puppy cut at ¾–1 inch is standard.
• Double-coated breeds (Husky, Golden, Labrador, German Shepherd): do not shave these. The double coat insulates both ways, and shaving disrupts regrowth, often permanently. Regular de-shedding and a bath-and-blow-dry is the correct summer service.
• Short-haired dogs (Beagle, Boxer, Dalmatian): no clipping needed; a bath, de-shed and nail trim is the right summer groom.

If you are a groomer quoting the full range of summer services, the Dog Grooming Cost Calculator gives a realistic price range by size and coat type.

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; overgrown paw hair traps heat and debris.
• Never shave to the skin in summer; leave at least ½ inch for protection against sun and insects.
• Book grooms every 4–6 weeks through the warm months to maintain the length you chose.

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. Wondering what a Shih Tzu groom costs in your area? The Dog Grooming Cost Calculator gives a realistic range by size and coat type.

Groomers: track each dog's coat type and preferred length on their client profile, check the vaccination status before they're in the chair, and send a grooming report card with the before-and-after photo. Thinking of grooming for a living? The Pupline groomer toolkit covers scheduling, invoicing and breed templates in one flat monthly price, and how to start a dog grooming business walks through every step.

Frequently asked questions

How often do Shih Tzus need a haircut?

Every 4–6 weeks for a tidy look at shorter lengths, or 6–8 weeks for a longer style like the modified puppy cut. Brushing between appointments is what really prevents matting and keeps the coat comfortable between visits.

Should I shave my Shih Tzu in summer?

A short summer cut is fine; shaving to the skin is not. The Shih Tzu has a single coat (hair, not a thick double coat) so a close clip is safe, but the coat still provides important sun and insect protection. Keep at least ½ inch, use a longer guard, and focus on paw and sanitary trims between appointments. Reserve a very close shave-down for severely matted coats as a one-time reset, not a routine seasonal style.

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

Their fine, silky coat tangles quickly, especially in friction zones (collar, armpits, behind the ears). Regular brushing 2–3 times a week and a shorter summer length dramatically reduce matting and keep every groom appointment faster and cheaper.

What is the difference between a puppy cut and a teddy bear cut?

Both leave the coat at a similar body length (¾–1 inch), but the teddy bear cut adds a rounder, fuller face, scissored into a soft circle rather than trimmed flat. If your Shih Tzu has a slightly longer muzzle, the teddy bear face is particularly flattering.

How much does a Shih Tzu haircut cost?

A full Shih Tzu groom typically costs $50–$95 at a salon in the US, with mobile grooming adding roughly 20–40% on top. The price varies by location, coat condition and add-ons (nail trim, teeth, de-matting). Use the Dog Grooming Cost Calculator for a more precise estimate by state.