If you trim a shih tzu's coat short, how long will it take for it to grow back long again?

Question

I love my little guy's beautiful long coat, but I worry that it might be too hot for the climate in Alabama. However, we really don't spend that much time out in the sun. I'm a "senior" and he's...well, he's spoiled.

So, if I were to sacrifice Raggedy Andy's long hair for his comfort, how long before it would grow back to it's luxurious length again?

I brush and comb him every day, bathe him at least once and usually twice a week, and keep his top knot up most of the time.

Answer 1

You don't need to worry about his coat length and heat, especially since you aren't doing a lot of outdoor activities in the summer.

He'll be just fine with his lovely coat, there's no need to trim him up for his comfort.

Answer 2

it will grow very fast when winter comes.  it may take up to 6 weeks in the summer.  i do notice that when i shave my shih tzu he is much happier with his coat gone in the summer.

Answer 3

Well, I don't know. But I wouldn't trim it too much,  or even trim it at all now! It's already august. We shaved our Collie dog in March, and he still hasn't grown too much of his hair (because Collies have such long coats), but a lot at the same time. It's almost fall anyways.

It depends on how much you trim it.

Answer 4

I would guess about 8-12 weeks.  You can always ask for a shorter trim but still leave a bit of length on it if you are not wanting to wait so long.

Answer 5

it will take about a year for it to grow long again...it is worth the wait if u r in hot weather..and always remember if ur dog get too hot to soak their feet in cold water, not ice water...

Answer 6

I have a 5 year old shih tzu named roxy and she was very furry this summer. We took her to the groomers to get her fur shaven off and she feels better because she's not as hot... If you shave him his fur will probably take till around christmastime when it starts to grow more.

Answer 7

It shouldn't take too long but I'd go with keeping his gorgeous coat!

I love Shih Tzu in long coat. As long as he's not in the heat for long periods of time and when he is out he's kept hydrated then I wouldn't cut his coat. The coat is supposed to act as a thermal regulator so in the heat the warmth is meant to be kept out and in winter the warmth kept in. If cut too short you may find that your Shih Tzu does worse in the heat than when he did in full coat.

Answer 8

Hello. I would not have him clipped if your dog is older he need all the extra coat he can get. Like humans as dogs get older they can't regulate the body temp so because he has never had a hair cut I would just leave it as is. You said you don't spend much time out in the sun so I would not worry much besides the Shih Tzu is meant to be a full coat breed. What your doing is fine just bath him like you are and brushing him daily will help remove any dead coat I would run a comb through his coat just to make sure he has not tangles.