The Daily Dog
Health & Insurance

How to Groom a Shih Poo: Coat Care, Tools & Maintenance Tips

By Ashley MR · 5 minutes read

Last updated: July 9th, 2025

How to Groom a Shih Poo: Coat Care, Tools & Maintenance Tips

Shih Poos—adorable mixes of the Shih Tzu and Poodle—are known for their affectionate personalities and soft, fluffy coats. While they’re often praised for being low-shedding and allergy-friendly, their coat can require quite a bit of upkeep. Without regular grooming, a Shih Poo’s beautiful coat can quickly become tangled, matted, or unmanageable.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly groom your Shih Poo at home, which tools to use, and how to keep their coat healthy and soft all year round.
Shih-poo-grooming.png


Why Grooming Is So Important for Shih Poos

A Shih Poo’s coat can be curly, wavy, or somewhere in between, depending on which parent breed they take after. Because their fur is more like hair and less like typical dog fur, it requires consistent brushing and maintenance.

Grooming your Shih Poo helps:

  • Prevent painful mats and tangles

  • Reduce shedding and allergens in the home

  • Keep their skin healthy and clean

  • Maintain their signature “teddy bear” look

  • Build trust and comfort between you and your pup


Understanding Shih Poo Coat Types

Shih Poo coats tend to fall into three categories based on their texture and grooming needs:

shih-poo-puppies.png

Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is strongly recommended for all coat types to maintain hygiene and manage coat length.


Grooming Tools You’ll Need for a Shih Poo

A solid grooming routine starts with the right tools. For your Shih Poo, stock your kit with:

  • Slicker brush – Removes tangles and loose hair

  • Metal comb – For checking deeper mats behind the ears and legs

  • Detangling spray – Softens knots and eases brushing

  • Clippers or grooming scissors – For trimming around the face, paws, and sanitary areas

  • Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner – Choose hypoallergenic formulas

  • Tear stain remover – Commonly needed for lighter-colored coats

  • Ear cleaning solution – Helps prevent ear infections

  • Nail clippers or grinder – Keeps nails short and healthy


How to Groom a Shih Poo at Home: Step-by-Step

1. Brush Before Bathing

Mats will only get worse when wet, so always brush your dog thoroughly before bathtime using a slicker brush and comb.

2. Bathe with a Gentle Shampoo

Use a moisturizing, dog-safe shampoo to lather and cleanse. Make sure to rinse completely—product buildup can cause irritation.

3. Apply Conditioner and Dry

After rinsing, apply a conditioner if your Shih Poo has dry or curly hair. Towel dry first, then use a blow dryer on low heat while brushing gently to avoid new tangles.

4. Trim Hair Where Needed

Use grooming scissors to:

  • Clear fur from the eyes for visibility

  • Trim paw pads and rear areas for hygiene

  • Shape the coat or even out length (or leave this to a professional)

5. Clean the Ears and Trim the Nails

Shih Poos have floppy ears that trap moisture, making them prone to infections. Clean ears weekly, and trim nails every 2–3 weeks.


Shih Poo Grooming Schedule

Grooming TaskRecommended Frequency
Brushing3–5 times per week
BathingEvery 4–6 weeks
Professional GroomingEvery 4–6 weeks
Ear CleaningWeekly
Nail TrimmingEvery 2–3 weeks
Teeth Brushing2–3 times per week

Common Grooming Challenges in Shih Poos

  • Matting under arms and behind ears – Brush these areas regularly

  • Tear stains – Wipe daily and use stain remover if needed

  • Dry skin – Avoid overbathing and use conditioner

  • Grooming anxiety – Introduce tools slowly with treats and encouragement


When to See a Professional Groomer

Even with great at-home care, a professional groomer is essential every 4–6 weeks for:

  • Full haircuts (Teddy Bear or Puppy cut)

  • Mat removal

  • Nail grinding

  • Sanitary trims

  • Anal gland expression (if needed)


Grooming Tips for a Happy Pup

  • Begin grooming routines when your Shih Poo is a puppy

  • Use plenty of praise and treats during sessions

  • Keep your tools clean and sharp

  • Stick to a regular schedule to prevent stress


Trustworthy Advice from the Mawoo Pets Team

At Mawoo Pets, all grooming advice is reviewed by licensed breeders and veterinarians to ensure accuracy and safety. Whether you’re brushing your Shih Poo or choosing the right haircut, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Check out more expert resources:

Browse our full collection at mawoopets.com/blog

Available Shih-Poo Puppies

Julia - Shih-Poo Female

Julia

$2070

Shih-PooGirl

Male 2 - Shih-Poo Male

Male 2

$1825

Shih-PooBoy

Layla - Shih-Poo Female

Layla

$2450

Shih-PooGirl

Lacey - Shih-Poo Female

Lacey

$2070

Shih-PooGirl

Jozie  - Shih-Poo Female

Jozie

$2070

Shih-PooGirl

Lana - Shih-Poo Female

Lana

$1695

Shih-PooGirl

Boy 1 - Shih-Poo Male

Boy 1

$1825

Shih-PooBoy

Jordy - Shih-Poo Male

Jordy

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Angel - Shih-Poo Female

Angel

$2324

Shih-PooGirl

Fia - Shih-Poo Female

Fia

$2325

Shih-PooGirl

Alain - Shih-Poo Male

Alain

$2325

Shih-PooBoy

Jaxen  - Shih-Poo Male

Jaxen

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Jensen - Shih-Poo Male

Jensen

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Jovi  - Shih-Poo Male

Jovi

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Andrew - Shih-Poo Male

Andrew

$2325

Shih-PooBoy

Luna - Shih-Poo Female

Luna

$2324

Shih-PooGirl

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Related puppies for sale

Layla - Shih-Poo Female

Layla

$2450

Shih-PooGirl

Luna - Shih-Poo Female

Luna

$2324

Shih-PooGirl

Fia - Shih-Poo Female

Fia

$2325

Shih-PooGirl

Angel - Shih-Poo Female

Angel

$2324

Shih-PooGirl

Alain - Shih-Poo Male

Alain

$2325

Shih-PooBoy

Andrew - Shih-Poo Male

Andrew

$2325

Shih-PooBoy

Jozie  - Shih-Poo Female

Jozie

$2070

Shih-PooGirl

Julia - Shih-Poo Female

Julia

$2070

Shih-PooGirl

Jovi  - Shih-Poo Male

Jovi

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Jaxen  - Shih-Poo Male

Jaxen

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Jensen - Shih-Poo Male

Jensen

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Jordy - Shih-Poo Male

Jordy

$2070

Shih-PooBoy

Boy 1 - Shih-Poo Male

Boy 1

$1825

Shih-PooBoy

Lana - Shih-Poo Female

Lana

$1695

Shih-PooGirl

Lacey - Shih-Poo Female

Lacey

$2070

Shih-PooGirl

Male 2 - Shih-Poo Male

Male 2

$1825

Shih-PooBoy

Aurora - Shih-Poo Female

Aurora

$1948

Shih-PooGirl

Ami - Shih-Poo Female

Ami

$2324

Shih-PooGirl

Angeline - Shih-Poo Female

Angeline

$1950

Shih-PooGirl

Aubrey - Shih-Poo Female

Aubrey

$1950

Shih-PooGirl

Applepie - Shih-Poo Female

Applepie

$1950

Shih-PooGirl

 Albie - Shih-Poo Male

Albie

$1950

Shih-PooBoy

Andy - Shih-Poo Male

Andy

$1950

Shih-PooBoy

Any questions? Get in touch!

We are here to support you every step of the way. Our concierge service is here daily to answer your questions!

Chat or speak with our team Mon-Sat 9a-9p ET.

Ready to find your new best friend?

Mawoo Pets is a registered entity in USA and Canada.

Join the pack!

Sign up and stay up to date with lovely pups, deals, new articles, and more!

Find your puppy match!

visa logoamerican logomastercard logodiscover logoapple-pay logogoogle-pay logoamazon-pay logo