Gentle, low-stress grooming for Shih Tzus — silky coats, eye trims, and every popular cut. 77 verified Google reviews from Ottawa pet owners.
Puppy Cut · Teddy Bear · Lion Cut · Topknot Trim · Eye Area Care
Opens on tlc4dogs.com — our booking system
Shih Tzu coats are beautiful but demanding — silky double coat, continuous growth, facial folds that need careful attention, and a breed that can be sensitive at the groomer. We've handled every variation of this for 40+ years.
Puppy cut, teddy bear, lion cut, topknot trim — bring a photo and we'll match it. We'll also advise what works for your dog's coat texture and how much maintenance you want between grooms.
Careful trimming around the eyes and face is standard on every Shih Tzu groom. We clean and clear the area to reduce irritation and help manage tear staining without distressing the dog.
Shih Tzus often come in nervous — especially for their first few grooms. We work at the dog's pace, no cage dryers, no crating. Many of our Shih Tzu clients came to us after bad experiences elsewhere.
Full groom from $75 for an X-small Shih Tzu. No hidden add-ons. Price confirmed at booking after a look at coat condition.
The Shih Tzu coat is one of the more technical in small-breed grooming. Here's what comes up most often and how we address it.
The outer layer is silky but the undercoat mats easily — especially behind the ears, under the collar, and in the armpits. We do a thorough brush-out before every bath and assess mat level at check-in.
Tear staining is common in Shih Tzus. We trim the hair away from the eye area carefully and can advise on at-home maintenance to keep staining minimal between visits.
The pushed-in face and facial folds require patience and precision. We take our time here — no rushing, no distress to the dog.
Shih Tzus don't shed like other breeds — their coat grows year-round. An 8–10 week schedule keeps things manageable. Go longer and you're dealing with mats that require a shorter cut.
Every dog is different. Bring a photo, tell us your lifestyle, and we'll match it to the right cut.
Short, even trim all over — the most practical choice for Ottawa winters and busy owners. Easy to maintain, grows out evenly, and suits every age.
A rounded face and slightly longer body coat for a plush stuffed-animal look. Popular year-round. Requires regular brushing between grooms.
Full mane left around the head and chest, shorter clip on the body. Striking on confident Shih Tzus. Great for summer.
Long body coat maintained with the facial hair tied up in a topknot. The classic show look. Requires commitment to regular brushing and more frequent grooms.
Full groom includes bath, blow-dry, brush-out, haircut, nail trim, ear clean, eye area trim, and a finishing spritz. Prices by weight at drop-off.
| Size | Bath & Brush | Bath & Tidy | Full Groom |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-small up to 12 lb · most Shih Tzus |
$40 | $60 | $75 |
| Small 13–20 lb · larger Shih Tzus |
$50 | $70 | $85 |
| Medium 21–40 lb |
$65 | $85 | $100 |
| Large 41–90 lb |
$95 | $110 | $135 |
| X-large 91 lb+ |
$120 | $135 | $170 |
Final price confirmed at booking after we see coat condition. A deposit holds your slot and comes off your groom — refundable if you cancel 24+ hours in advance. We recommend booking 2–4 weeks ahead to get your preferred slot.
"First time client and was extremely happy. Owner and staff were extremely friendly and my dog looked fantastic. Prices are also very reasonable as it includes everything. Will definitely be coming back and recommending to friends and family."Karine Villeneuve · Ottawa · Verified Google review
"Our Shih Tzu Lily used to shake the whole way to the groomer. TLC took their time with her and she came out looking perfect — eye trim, topknot, the works. First time she wasn't stressed. We won't go anywhere else."Small-breed owner · Ottawa · Verified Google review
Every 8–10 weeks is the standard cycle. Shih Tzus have continuously growing coats that will tangle and mat if left longer — especially around the face, ears, and armpits. Dogs kept in longer styles need more frequent brush-outs at home between visits.
The puppy cut is the most practical for Ottawa winters — short, even all over, it keeps the coat off the ground and reduces ice and salt buildup on the legs. If your dog spends most of their time indoors, a slightly longer teddy bear is also a popular choice.
Yes, always. Eye area trimming is standard in every Shih Tzu groom at TLC. We carefully clear hair away from the eyes to prevent irritation and help manage tear staining. We also clean and tidy the facial folds and ear fringes.
Bath, blow-dry, thorough brush-out, haircut (your choice of style), nail trim, ear cleaning, eye area trim, and a finishing spritz. Most Shih Tzus fall in the X-small to Small range — full groom from $75.
Most Shih Tzu grooms take 2–3 hours depending on coat length, condition, and temperament. First-time dogs or those with matted coats may take a little longer. We'll give you an estimated pickup time at drop-off.
Shih Tzus are gentle dogs but can be anxious, especially in their first few grooms. We don't rush them. No crating, no cage dryers — your dog is with a groomer from drop-off to pickup. We work at the dog's pace and take breaks when needed. Many Shih Tzu owners come to us specifically because their dog was too stressed elsewhere. Call ahead and we'll talk through the best approach.
Puppy cut, teddy bear, lion cut, and topknot trim. Show us a photo at drop-off and we'll match it as closely as the coat allows. First visit? We'll chat about what suits your dog's coat texture and your maintenance preference between grooms.
Online booking takes about 2 minutes at tlc4dogs.com. Or call (613) 745-5808 and we'll find the right slot. We recommend booking 2–4 weeks ahead to get your preferred time. A deposit holds your spot and comes off your service.
Slots fill fast — especially for small breeds. We recommend booking 2–4 weeks ahead. Online takes 2 minutes, or call and we'll sort it out.
Opens on tlc4dogs.com — our booking system · Same business, different domain
Open Tue–Sun · 9 am–5 pm · Closed Mondays
5303 Canotek Rd, Unit 20A · East Ottawa · Off Montreal Road · Free parking on-site