Long coats can easily mat.
While the exact origin of shih tzus are unknown, it is certain that they have been held in high regard in the Far East as Tibetan holy dogs and as companions to several Chinese empresses. These small, dependent dogs were almost extinct during the communist revolution, but were sent to the UK in the 1930s to commence breeding. They were introduced into the American Kennel Club in 1969 and have remained as a show dog. Shih tzus, although they rarely shed, have hair that is often grown long, especially for show dogs. This can mean knots and tangles that must be removed gently.
Instructions
1. Brush your shih tzu's coat once a day in order to keep hair matting at bay. You should also bathe him every two weeks to prevent mats from building up. Mats and tangles develop more easily on dirty dogs.
2. Place coat conditioner on the mat and let it sit for three to five minutes.
3. Use a fine-toothed comb to try and pick the mat apart. If this proves too difficult, try and pick the fur apart with your fingers.
4. Take a pin brush and separate the tangle even further. Brush out the fur when the tangle has separated.
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