I am asking because my shih tzu is just hairy. I mean i am thinking if eventually its hair will grow.
When soldiers entered China – the people of China destroyed all their Shih-tzus — but a few made it back to England with the soldiers. All the Shih-tzus you see today are descendents of the Shih-tzus that were brought to England.
Lately there have been many "designer dogs." Shih-tzus because of their sweet temperment have been exploited and mated with other dogs – so you may be seeing a glutton of shih-tzu mutts out there.
The folks that mention the groomers as to why Shih-tzus look different are right. My neighbor has two Shih-tzus (white and black and white and brown) and they keep their dogs in what their groomer calls "puppy cut." The hair is cropped short and therefore, looks curly.
My own shih-tzu has very long hair – but only on her back (sides). Her beard it cut short (the minerals in the water were collecting and creating bacteria – several vet visits later we found out why…) the hair on her legs is kept short to avoid matting (and I'm not good at combing her legs, she doesn't like it – and in the words of my groomer, not all Shih-tzus can pull it off and still look good – but she does). Also, so the hair on her head does not go into her eyes and cause infections – we keep that short and it frames her face. So, she looks like a Shih-tzu – sort of – but it doesn't matter, it's a great cut, works for her and she is beautiful!
So, if you have a puppy – give him/her time – it does grow. Especially the tail. My little girl had a tiny tail as a puppy – and now she has a beautiful long sweeping one.
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Shell&Jas 
It all has to do with the way you groom them. Many owners of Shih Tzu's find it easier to have the hair groomed regularly rather than the daily task of having to care for the longer hair.
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There are not different types of shih-tzus, but you never know who's breeding what with what, unless you buy from someone who's only intent is to better their specimens. Pet shih-tzus can have shorter, more manageable haircuts but show dogs must have the long coat.
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No there is only like toy shih tzu. what you saw was a shih tzu that had a funky hair cut. but another posibility is that you could have seen a diferent breed of dog that looked like a shih tzu.
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No, They Isn't A Different Its Just That You Can Have A Fancy Dog Let Its Hair Grow Out Or Cut It A Lot And Have it Short. (Or You Might Be Seeing A Mix Breed)
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Breeding and grooming. There is only ony type of Shih Tzu
Poorly bred ShihTzus are not going to have the long flowing hair you see on the dog shows.
Most people trim their Shih's down..it's easier for them to take care of. Keeping a dog in full "show" coat is ALOT of work. And the hair is usually kept wrapped.
Some people don't groom them at all and they get all matted making them look like a big hairy mess.
How old is your dog? It may grow out. Has it been shaved down before? Is the coat completly free of tangles and matts?
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groomer
There is only one type, just depends how the owner has them groomed. Many "pet quality" owners choose to have a puppy cut done for easier maintenance.
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When soldiers entered China – the people of China destroyed all their Shih-tzus — but a few made it back to England with the soldiers. All the Shih-tzus you see today are descendents of the Shih-tzus that were brought to England.
Lately there have been many "designer dogs." Shih-tzus because of their sweet temperment have been exploited and mated with other dogs – so you may be seeing a glutton of shih-tzu mutts out there.
The folks that mention the groomers as to why Shih-tzus look different are right. My neighbor has two Shih-tzus (white and black and white and brown) and they keep their dogs in what their groomer calls "puppy cut." The hair is cropped short and therefore, looks curly.
My own shih-tzu has very long hair – but only on her back (sides). Her beard it cut short (the minerals in the water were collecting and creating bacteria – several vet visits later we found out why…) the hair on her legs is kept short to avoid matting (and I'm not good at combing her legs, she doesn't like it – and in the words of my groomer, not all Shih-tzus can pull it off and still look good – but she does). Also, so the hair on her head does not go into her eyes and cause infections – we keep that short and it frames her face. So, she looks like a Shih-tzu – sort of – but it doesn't matter, it's a great cut, works for her and she is beautiful!
So, if you have a puppy – give him/her time – it does grow. Especially the tail. My little girl had a tiny tail as a puppy – and now she has a beautiful long sweeping one.
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Some people get theres groomed and some don't. I have 2 and one of them for now we are going to let her hair grow like they have for Show Dogs, the other we keep her trimmed because we go back and forth ffrom mid states to Ca and she gets hot if her hair gets to long.
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