Shih Tzu Grooming Is Art, Skill, Trade, And A Profession

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