Small breed grooming: Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Maltese
July 21, 2026 · 6 min read
Long silky coats look effortless and are anything but. Face, feet, and sanitary work do most of the heavy lifting.
Silky coats grow continuously
Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Maltese have hair rather than a shedding coat. It keeps growing, which is why a missed appointment shows up so quickly around the eyes, paws, and rear.
Face, feet, and sanitary between full grooms
Even if you love the long look, a short mid-cycle tidy keeps the dog comfortable: eyes clear, paw pads free of hair, and the sanitary area clean. It takes minutes and prevents most of the problems we see.
- Wipe tear staining daily with a damp cloth, then dry the fold
- Comb the topknot and ear fringes — they mat first
- Trim hair between the pads so the dog isn't sliding on floors
Long coat or puppy cut?
A full-length coat needs daily combing at home. A puppy cut keeps the sweet round face and cuts maintenance dramatically. Both are correct — the right answer is whichever one you'll actually keep up with.
How often
Every four to six weeks for a puppy cut, and closer to every three to four weeks if you're keeping length.
Book your dog in.
Salon or door-to-door, same care either way. Pick a time and we'll confirm your price.