(Comprehensive Review & Buying Guide — Amazon Grooming Tools Included) – Best Brushes or Combs for a Shih Tzu’s Coat
Shih Tzus are among the most beloved toy breeds for their affectionate personalities and gorgeous flowing coats. But that stunning hair — soft, dense, and prone to tangles — requires regular and careful grooming. Choosing the right brushes and combs is essential to prevent mats, reduce shedding, and keep your pup comfortable and looking its best.
This guide walks you through the best brushes and combs available on Amazon and similar platforms to help you choose the Best Brushes or Combs for a Shih Tzu’s Coat, how to use them, and why each type matters.
🧴 Understanding the Shih Tzu Coat
🛠️ Choosing the Best Brushes or Combs for a Shih Tzu’s Coat
Before we talk tools, let’s understand why grooming is so important for Shih Tzus:
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Long, dense hair — Their single, flowing coat easily tangles and mats without daily brushing.
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Sensitive skin — Brushes that are too stiff can irritate tender areas like the face, belly, and armpits.
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Daily routine recommended — Experts often recommend daily brushing to prevent knots and keep the coat soft.
To manage this, your grooming toolkit should ideally include:
✔ A slicker brush for tangles and mat prevention
✔ A deshedding tool or comb for loose hair
✔ A fine‑tooth comb for detail work (face, ears, legs)
🏆 Top Brushes & Combs for Shih Tzu Coats (Amazon & Beyond)
Below are some of the top‑rated brushes and combs suited for Shih Tzu grooming — from everyday brushes to specialty dematting tools.
🪄 1. Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush — Best Premium Slicker Brush
This slicker brush is often called a groomer‑grade essential and is especially effective for long‑haired breeds like Shih Tzus. It features densely packed pins that glide through a Shih Tzu’s undercoat and topcoat — detangling knots without pulling.
Why it’s great:
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Long, flexible pins help break apart tangles gently
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Ergonomic design makes lengthy grooming sessions easier
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Durable and high quality
💡 A slicker brush like this should be a daily staple for any Shih Tzu owner because it helps prevent large mats from forming in the first place.
📊 Best for: Daily brushing, removing loose undercoat, detangling
🐾 2. We Love Doodles Dog Slicker Brush — Best Mid‑Range Slicker Brush
This slicker brush packs professional‑grade performance into a more affordable design. With ultra‑fine steel bristles, it gently removes mats, tangles, and loose hair while stimulating the skin — important for coat health.
Why owners love it:
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Excellent for thick or curly Shih Tzu hair
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Comfortable to hold for longer sessions
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Great blend of performance and value
📊 Best for: Owners wanting slicker performance without premium pricing
💇 3. Furminator Long Hair Deshedding Tool — Best Deshedding Grooming Tool
The Furminator is a widely recommended undercoat deshedding tool — especially helpful if you keep your Shih Tzu’s coat long and find hair around your home. Its blade reaches through the topcoat to remove loose and dead hair.
Pros:
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Reduces shedding (helps keep your house cleaner)
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Ergonomic and easy to use
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Great for regular maintenance between deeper brushings
⚠️ Note: Because Shih Tzus have a long single coat rather than a thick double coat, this tool is not a replacement for a slicker or comb — but it’s an excellent complement.
📊 Best for: Reducing shedding and blow‑outs before styling
🧰 4. Coastal Safari Dematting Comb — Best Budget Dematting Comb
This rust‑resistant stainless‑steel comb offers a quick way to tackle tangles and mats, especially in stubborn areas like behind the ears or under the legs.
Highlights:
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Excellent price point
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Serrated blades help loosen tough tangles
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Easy to control and maneuver in small areas
📊 Best for: Targeted problem areas and occasional mat removal
🪶 5. Paw Brothers 13-Blade Coarse Double Wide Dematting Undercoat Rake for Dogs — Best Rake‑Style Tool
If your Shih Tzu has especially dense or layered hair, a grooming rake is a very helpful addition. This dual‑sided tool loosens mats while removing loose hairs deep in the coat.
Good to know:
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The 13 blade double wide design of the undercoat rake covers a larger area of your pet’s coat
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Gentle on skin with rounded safety teeth
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The unique design of this tool allows it to effectively remove mats and tangles without causing any discomfort or pain to your pet.
📊 Best for: Deep grooming and tackling stubborn tangles
🧼 6. Pet Teezer Detangling Dog Grooming Brush — Best for Sensitive Skin
This brush uses smart two‑tiered teeth designed to detangle without pulling and irritating the skin — ideal for Shih Tzus with sensitive areas like legs and faces.
Why it stands out:
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Easy to glide through hair
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Works well on fine, silky fur
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Good complement for daily brushing
📊 Best for: Dogs with sensitive skin or fine‑textured fur
✂️ 7. Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb & Deshedding Brush — Best Value Tool
This affordable brush delivers solid performance when it comes to dematting and removing loose hair. It’s not as premium as some others but great for owners on a budget.
Good features:
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Decent for light brush‑throughs
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Easy to clean
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Great starter tool for new owners
📊 Best for: Budget‑friendly, everyday touch‑ups
🔎 8. Kenchii Rose Gold Grooming Comb — Best Metal Comb for Detail Work
A metal comb is an essential finisher tool — especially to get through fine tangles near the ears, face, and paws after brushing with a slicker. These combs help ensure every strand is tangle‑free and flush with the skin. Shih Tzu Advice
When to use:
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After a slicker brush session
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On tricky spots where mats hide
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To check that the coat is fully detangled
📊 Best for: Final passes and precision grooming
🛠️ Grooming Tools You Might Also Consider
While the list above highlights tools commonly recommended for Shih Tzus, here are a few others groomers and owners often talk about (especially for specific needs):
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Dematting Rakes — For really tough, deep mats that slickers alone can’t handle.
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Double‑Sided Brushes — Some feature both pin and bristle sides.
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Greyhound Combs (Double Tooth) — Great for checking and finishing after brushing — particularly for long coats. (Not shown above but widely referenced in grooming communities.)
🔍 Tips for Choosing the Best Brushes or Combs for a Shih Tzu’s Coat
🧼 Grooming Tips: Making These Tools Work Best
Getting great results requires not just the right tools — but also the right technique:
🐾 1. Brush Daily if Possible
Shih Tzu coats can mat easily, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area. A daily quick brush helps prevent tangles from becoming severe.
🐾 2. Start With the Slicker
Always begin with a slicker brush to loosen mats and remove loose hair from the coat.
🐾 3. Follow With a Comb
Use a metal comb like the Kenchii to check for hidden tangles and smooth fine hairs.
🐾 4. Be Gentle Around Sensitive Areas
Face, ears, armpits, and belly skin is delicate — use detangling-specific tools and consider a gentle brush like the Tangle Teezer in those zones.
🐾 5. Reward Your Dog
Brushing should be positive — especially for long sessions or for dogs who are new to grooming.
💡 Final Thoughts
Shih Tzu grooming can be a joy — not a chore — when you pair the right tools with good technique. Slicker brushes like the Chris Christensen Big G or We Love Doodles Dog Slicker are excellent daily performers, while combs and deshedding tools help you finish and refine the coat.
Whether you’re preparing your pup for daily cuddles or special occasions, investing in quality brushes and combs makes a noticeable difference in appearance and comfort.
