Shih Tzu Grooming Supplies (Clippers & Blades)
I groom our Shih Tzus at home, and over the years I have settled on a set of clippers, blades, and supplies that genuinely work. Here is exactly what I use, how I use it, and where you can find each item. I am just a longtime owner sharing what has worked for me, not sponsored by any brand.
The clippers
These are the main Andis clippers I use for grooming our Shih Tzu:
Find Andis dog clippers on Amazon
The blades
I use a #10 blade if I need to cut them really short. This is shorter than most people ever want to cut the body, and it easily cuts off all but the worst mats:
This is a #7 finish cut blade:
This is a #4 finish cut blade. Most people will want to use between a 4 and a 7 for their Shih Tzu for a short “puppy cut” style, and most will likely want closer to a 4. The smaller the number, the longer it leaves the hair. Leaving the hair longer also means there is more of a combing action while you clip, so the dog needs to be combed out and free of knots and mats to use a blade that leaves the coat longer like a 4 or 7.
Care supplies you will want
Spray coolant and lubricant. You don’t really want to breathe this stuff, but it is very handy. Even well-maintained blades on a fast clipper will warm up, and you have to cool them down so you don’t burn the dog. You can stop and wait, switch blades, or use some of this. I go outside or into a different room to use it.
Find clipper spray coolant on Amazon
Blade oil. Everyone with a clipper needs some of this:
Find clipper blade oil on Amazon
Blade wash. Blade wash works very well, like nothing else. It cleans much better than cool lube. I have soaked my blades in this and seen them work like new again afterward:
Find clipper blade wash on Amazon
That is the whole kit. With a decent clipper, the right blades, and these few supplies, you can keep a Shih Tzu looking sharp at home and save a good deal on grooming visits over the years.
