Shih Tzus do need to be groomed regularly as their fur grows continuously. I saw the breeder groomed her own dogs. That would help, but I prefer to pay a groomer. Every 2-4 months depending on the season. I will let Buffy grow out for the winter months, shorter in the summer as she is outside getting dirty a lot. Can’t let her get too long in the winter really, as the snow clumps in the fur making a mess to clean up inside.
That is a lot of grooming for sure-Husky girl sheds fur by the pound at this time of year, but that is just a matter of brushing her outside every evening, and putting up with some fur in the house because I have a dog from up North.
I took my Chow to the groomer for a bear clip every summer, but I was told you aren’t supposed to clip Huskies, Malemutes, and other Artic-type dogs.