| Shih Tzu grooming can be compared to | | | | to the hairdresser is for the lady of |
| human beauty culture because it is the | | | | the house. Shih Tzu and dog styling in |
| beautification of the Shih Tzu breed. | | | | general has also become so professional |
| The art of Shih Tzu grooming is aimed at | | | | and sophisticated that Shih Tzu owners |
| creating a reasonable facsimile of a | | | | have become as selective about their |
| normal specimen of the Shih Tzu breed. | | | | Shih Tzu's groomer as they are about |
| The attendance of Shih Tzu American | | | | their own hair stylist. |
| Kennel Club dog shows is an excellent | | | | Origin of the clips: Since the art of |
| place to observe first hand the best | | | | dog grooming flourished during the |
| specimens of the Shih Tzu breed. | | | | reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of |
| There are basic steps applicable to | | | | France and the Poodle, instead of our |
| grooming the Shih Tzu as well as all | | | | beloved Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed |
| breeds of dogs. Anyone interested in | | | | in France, the Poodle breed became known |
| becoming a complete dog grooming artist, | | | | as the French Poodle. The first Poodles |
| should know how to make all breeds | | | | were water dogs and retrievers. The |
| beautiful. A Shih Tzu grooming artist | | | | clip most suitable to them resembled |
| professional should know how best to | | | | what is known today as the "Continental |
| enhance the appearance of each breed of | | | | clip." A mane of hair was left on the |
| dog. However, if the Shih Tzu is your | | | | foreparts while the back and |
| favorite breed, one can become known as | | | | hindquarters were shaven. This clip |
| an "expert" in grooming the Shih Tzu. | | | | made the Poodle resemble a lion, and |
| A professional Shih Tzu groomer | | | | therefore the clip became known in |
| understands that certain breeds, like | | | | England as the "Lion clip." |
| Poodles, most Terriers and Spaniels, and | | | | The American fancy made some variations |
| the Shih Tzu require far more time and | | | | in the "Lion clip" and began to call it |
| skill to groom than smooth-haired | | | | the "Saddle clip." The English Saddle |
| breeds, in which only a knowledge of the | | | | clip calls for the greatest skill in the |
| fundamentals is required. | | | | art of dog grooming. |
| History of dog grooming: The dog, | | | | It is not clear from historical records |
| including the Shih Tzu, has been the | | | | just when the "pet clips" originated. |
| closest animal to the human family. | | | | Often now we hear of a "Puppy Cut" for |
| Grooming dogs was the fashion of the | | | | our Shih Tzu, which is a very popular |
| aristocracy during the 19th Century. | | | | style for a family pet Shih Tzu. |
| The art flourished during the reigns of | | | | However, for the show ring, there is |
| Louis XV and Louis XVI of France. The | | | | much, much more to grooming our beloved |
| Poodle, however, and not the Shih Tzu, | | | | Shih Tzu. |
| was the favorite breed. Grooming was | | | | Connie Limon is a shih tzu breeder. She |
| largely confined to the Poodle. The | | | | publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A |
| first recorded grooming parlors were | | | | professional newsletter with a focus |
| established in France about this same | | | | upon health and wellness for you and |
| time. | | | | your pets. Discounts are offered to |
| The Shih Tzu has become so much an | | | | subscribers. Sign up at: |
| integral part of the family that going | | | | This article is FREE to publish with |
| to the canine beautician is as much a | | | | resource box. |
| ritual for the family Shih Tzu as going | | | | |