Shih Tzu grooming in tropical climate
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing double coat that was bred for cold Tibetan temples, not Florida heat. Most Florida Shih Tzu owners — wisely — keep the coat in a short "puppy cut" instead of the long show coat.
Puppy cut maintenance: 4–6 week schedule, 1–2 inch length all over, rounded face, trimmed feet and sanitary area. This is the pragmatic Florida approach.
If you keep the coat long: daily brushing with a pin brush, a metal comb to check for tangles, and a topknot to keep face hair out of the eyes. Weekly baths with a moisturizing shampoo.
The signature Shih Tzu face: short muzzle, wide eyes, prominent eyebrows. Trim every 2 weeks at home or every visit at the salon. Long face hair gets in the eyes and causes constant tearing — common in Florida due to pollen and AC drying.
Tear staining: Shih Tzus stain easily. Daily wipe-down under the eyes with warm water on a soft cloth, plus a whitening shampoo at every bath. The combination of Florida pollen, AC, and natural breed tendencies makes staining harder to avoid here than in dry climates.
Ears: heavy, floppy, hairy. Ear infections are common. Ask your groomer to pluck ear hair at every visit and clean ears weekly at home.