The 3 Best Brushes for Your Shih Tzu

If you have a Shih Tzu, you already know that their coat is part of their charm. It’s silky, soft, and makes them look like little royals walking around the house. But that beautiful hair? It tangles fast. And when it does, brushing can turn into a struggle.

The good news is that with the right tools, you can keep your Shih Tzu’s coat smooth, healthy, and mat-free without frustration. The secret is to use brushes designed for their unique hair type — gentle on their skin, but strong enough to remove tangles before they become mats.

Today, I’ll walk you through the three brushes I believe every Shih Tzu owner should have. These are tools I trust and use because they actually work — not just for looks, but for keeping your dog comfortable and happy.

3 Best Brushes Every Shih Tzu Owner Should Have

1. Freshly Bailey Small Slicker Brush — Your Daily Essential

If you only invest in one grooming tool for your Shih Tzu, make it this one. The Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush is designed for dogs with long, dense, or curly coats — exactly like a Shih Tzu’s.

The brush has fine, long pins that glide through layers of hair, reaching the undercoat without scratching the skin. It removes loose fur, dirt, and light tangles before they have a chance to turn into mats. What I love most about it is how it keeps the coat fluffy and clean without pulling.

When you brush regularly — even just five minutes a day — you’ll notice a difference right away. Your Shih Tzu’s hair will look shinier, and you’ll have fewer tangles to deal with later.

I like to start every brushing session with this slicker. I divide the coat into small sections and brush gently, following the direction of the hair. If I hit a snag, I stop and loosen it slowly rather than pulling. This brush does the heavy lifting, so the rest of grooming becomes easy.

It’s comfortable to hold, too. The handle is ergonomic and lightweight, which makes brushing less tiring — especially important if your Shih Tzu has a full coat that takes time to go through.

If you’ve ever used cheap slicker brushes that scratch or don’t grab enough hair, you’ll feel the difference with this one immediately. It’s gentle, efficient, and honestly one of the best tools you can have for daily brushing.

2. Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb — The Tangle-Saver

Even with regular brushing, Shih Tzus will always find a way to get a few knots — especially behind the ears, under the armpits, or around the tail where friction happens. That’s when the Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb comes in handy.

This tool is specifically made to tackle mats and tougher tangles that a regular slicker can’t handle. It has sharp blades that safely cut through mats without pulling on your dog’s skin. 

I use the dematting comb when I feel resistance that won’t budge with the slicker. The key is to go slow. I hold the base of the tangle with one hand to protect the skin, then gently work through it with the comb using short, light strokes.

It’s tempting to rush when you find a mat, but patience always pays off. With this comb, you can carefully loosen knots without causing discomfort. After a few passes, I switch back to the slicker to smooth everything out.

For Shih Tzus with thicker or longer coats, this tool is a lifesaver. Without it, small tangles quickly turn into bigger mats that are painful to remove — or worse, need to be shaved out. The Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb makes it possible to fix problem areas at home before they get to that point.

If your Shih Tzu hates brushing sessions, this comb can make a big difference. Because it’s gentler and faster at dealing with knots, it reduces the pulling sensation that dogs often react to. It’s one of those tools that earns its place in your drawer after just one use.

3. Freshly Bailey Metal Comb — The Finishing Touch

Once you’ve gone through your Shih Tzu’s coat with the slicker and dematting comb, you’ll want to finish with the Freshly Bailey Metal Comb. Think of it as your “final check” tool — the one that catches anything the other brushes might have missed.

After brushing, I use the comb to gently go through the coat from root to tip. If it glides smoothly, I know everything’s tangle-free. If it catches, that means there’s still a small knot hiding — so I go back with the slicker or dematting comb to fix it.

This comb is also great for styling. It helps you part the hair neatly, lift sections while drying, or fluff the tail and topknot for that classic Shih Tzu look. And since the teeth are smooth and rounded, it won’t scratch your dog’s skin.

It’s a small tool that makes a big difference in how polished your dog looks. I keep one near the grooming area and another in the travel bag because it’s perfect for quick touch-ups between baths.

BONUS TOOL: Detangling Spray — A Little Help for Tough Spots

If you want a little extra help making brushing smoother, I highly recommend using a detangling spray before you begin. One I’ve had good luck with is the Freshly Bailey Detangling Spray.

Here’s how I use it:

I lightly mist the coat — not soaking, just a fine spray — especially in places that tend to knot (behind ears, underarms, along the chest). Wait for 20–30 seconds so it settles in, then start with the slicker brush. The extra slip from the spray helps your brushes glide over the fur instead of catching.

If I hit a stubborn tangle, I’ll reapply just a little bit of spray on that spot, gently work with the dematting comb, and then finish as usual with the metal comb.

A good detangling spray can really reduce pulling and make grooming more comfortable for both you and your Shih Tzu.

How to Use These Tools Together

Having the right tools is one thing — knowing how to use them makes all the difference. Here’s the routine that keeps my Shih Tzu’s coat soft, shiny, and mat-free.

1. Start with the Slicker Brush. Use it daily or every other day to remove loose hair and light tangles. Always brush in the direction of hair growth and take your time.
   
   
2. Tackle Knots with the Dematting Comb. When you feel a stubborn spot, stop brushing and isolate the area. Hold the base of the fur with your fingers, then gently work through the mat using short strokes.
   
   
3. Finish with the Metal Comb. Once the coat feels smooth, go over it with the comb. It helps catch small tangles and gives that final polished look.

If you brush often, each session only takes about 10–15 minutes.And if your Shih Tzu has a puppy cut, it’s even quicker. The key is consistency — a few minutes every day will save you from hours of detangling later.

Why Regular Brushing Matters for Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus have what’s called a double coat — a soft undercoat and a longer, silky outer layer. When the hair sheds, it doesn’t fall off like it does with short-haired dogs. Instead, it stays trapped in the coat, where it twists into tangles.

Brushing helps in three ways: it removes loose hair, spreads natural oils for shine, and keeps the skin clean by allowing airflow. Skipping even a few days can make a noticeable difference. Mats can form quickly, especially around the ears, chest, and legs.

Beyond appearance, regular brushing also keeps your Shih Tzu comfortable. Mats pull on the skin and can even cause irritation or infections. A well-groomed coat feels lighter, cleaner, and more breathable — especially during warmer months.

Tips to Make Brushing Easier

Brushing doesn’t have to be a fight. Here are a few small things that make it smoother for both you and your dog:

• Start brushing when your Shih Tzu is calm, not when they’re full of energy. I like doing it after a walk or right before bed when they’re sleepy.
• If your dog has dry hair, use a detangling spray before brushing to help the tools glide through the fur. This reduces friction and breakage.
• Always support the fur near the skin when working on a tangle. It prevents pulling and makes the process less uncomfortable.
• Give treats as you go. A small reward every few minutes helps your dog associate brushing with something positive.
• Keep the sessions short and consistent. It’s better to brush for five minutes every day than for an hour once a week.
• Most importantly, be gentle. Shih Tzus have sensitive skin under all that hair. A slow, calm rhythm works best — think of it more like a massage than a chore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my Shih Tzu?

Ideally, every day — but at least four times a week. Their coat tangles fast, and skipping too long makes brushing more difficult later.

Do I need all three brushes?

Yes, they work together. The slicker handles daily maintenance, the dematting comb saves you from tough knots, and the metal comb finishes everything off.

What if my Shih Tzu hates being brushed?

Start small. Brush one leg, praise them, and stop. Slowly build up to longer sessions. Using the slicker gently helps because it’s less likely to pull.

Can I use human brushes?

No. Human brushes aren’t made for double coats and can actually cause breakage or pain. Stick with brushes made specifically for pets.

How long should a brushing session take?

For a full coat, about 10 to 20 minutes. For a shorter haircut, maybe 5 to 10 minutes. The more often you do it, the faster it becomes.

What is the best shampoo for a Shih Tzu?

A great option is the Freshly Bailey Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s made to clean, moisturize, and detangle coats like a Shih Tzu’s, leaving the hair soft, shiny, and easier to brush. It’s gentle on the skin and helps prevent tangles between baths. You can use it every 2 to 4 weeks to keep your dog’s coat fresh, smooth, and healthy.

Shih Tzus are known for their beautiful coats — but beauty like that takes a little effort. The good news is that with the right tools, grooming becomes a simple routine instead of a chore.

The Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush, Dematting Comb, and Metal Comb are the only three brushes you really need. Used together, they prevent mats, keep the coat shiny, and make brushing something your dog can actually enjoy.

It’s not just about looks. Regular brushing keeps your Shih Tzu’s skin healthy, strengthens your bond, and gives you a few peaceful minutes together each day. And honestly, that’s one of the best parts of having a Shih Tzu — they love the attention just as much as you love giving it.