Tatty puppy

[Mandy8888]

Hi all

I have had dogs for years but this is my first Shih Tzu/Yorkie cross, she is more like Shih Tzu with long hair that is very thick and knots easily, she came with knots underneath and down her legs so I have tried brushing which she hates, she is 5 moths old.
My question is are knots meant to be there to a certain degree? because I don't really want to shave her at such a young age and I love her tatty look, I shaved her bum area as it got very messy while toilet training her.

No, she shouldn't be knotted. Knots and matts are very very painful for dogs - it sounds like she needs to be seen by a groomer and yes, shaved if necessary for her welfare. It will grow back.

Knots are not meant to be there and can easily turn into matts.

Sounds like she needs to see a groomer - possibly to be shaved for welfare reasons - and then daily brushing.

She's still young enough to learn that grooming is enjoyable - look up positive dog husbandry.

@icedcoffees

No, she shouldn't be knotted. Knots and matts are very very painful for dogs - it sounds like she needs to be seen by a groomer and yes, shaved if necessary for her welfare. It will grow back.

She isn't in pain, thanks for your feedback

@WoodchipNightmares

Knots are not meant to be there and can easily turn into matts.

Sounds like she needs to see a groomer - possibly to be shaved for welfare reasons - and then daily brushing.

She's still young enough to learn that grooming is enjoyable - look up positive dog husbandry.

Thanks for your feedback

@WoodchipNightmares

Knots are not meant to be there and can easily turn into matts.

Sounds like she needs to see a groomer - possibly to be shaved for welfare reasons - and then daily brushing.

She's still young enough to learn that grooming is enjoyable - look up positive dog husbandry.

Look up dog husbandry here or internet?

I know you don't want to hear it, but she will be in pain. Knots and matts pull on the skin. If you're unable to detangle them on your own then she probably needs to be shaved for her welfare.

Please don't leave them. Matted coats are painful for dogs and can cause skin infections and irritations.

She needs to see a groomer, just ask them to do the minimum amount necessary to get the knots out. Her comfort matters more than you wanting her to look a certain way.

Have a read of this:

woofgangflemingisland.com/blog/what-your-groomer-wants-you-to-know-about-matting/

@icedcoffees

I know you don't want to hear it, but she will be in pain. Knots and matts pull on the skin. If you're unable to detangle them on your own then she probably needs to be shaved for her welfare.

Please don't leave them. Matted coats are painful for dogs and can cause skin infections and irritations.

Am happy to hear, she really doesn't look irritated by them, appreciate your advice

@SuperstarDog

She needs to see a groomer, just ask them to do the minimum amount necessary to get the knots out. Her comfort matters more than you wanting her to look a certain way.

Her comfort will always come first, I am just new to this type of fur

Have you ever tried to tie your hair up, and had that one strand that's just too tight and uncomfortable? If the knows grow, that's how she'll fee, but it won't just be one spot.

She needs regular trims and grooming (either professionally, or get the tools and do it yourself), with lots of extra brushing between.

There should not be knots.

My understanding is that knots are painful for dogs which is why groomers charge more for taking care of ones that are knotted.

And dogs are bloody good at masking pain so you may not always know when they are but not wanting to be groomed may be an indication of that.

I always use special treats for brushing my dog so he tolerates it now.

I would take her to a groomers for advice on current condition and maintenance and get some really nice treats so you can start de tangling at home.

[quote icedcoffees]Have a read of this:

woofgangflemingisland.com/blog/what-your-groomer-wants-you-to-know-about-matting/[/quote]
This is very helpful thank you

Thanks everyone, you have all given me great advice, I will shave the knots out with treats at hand x 👍🏼

If it’s any consolation I have an 8 month old puppy who is a mix of shih tzu, yorkie and Maltese who has cut a few cuts already as the fur grows very fast. If you do need to get a shave it won’t be long before there’s regrowth

*Had a few cuts

I think they’re such lovely dogs. I know ‘designer mixes’ aren’t v popular and obviously you can’t be certain what you’re going to get but we got ours because a friend had a shih tzu/yorkie who is so wonderfully natured and ours is turning out that way too. (Also is about the only two dogs that dh is not allergic to)

Her comfort will always come first, I am just new to this type of fur

The issue with these crosses is no one knows what type of fur they’ll have. You may be particularly unlucky and got a mix that knots very easily and needs a lot of care. Yorkies have fine “hair” rather than fur, and while it’s easy on it’s own, i can imagine combined with the shi tzu coat it will tangle very easily.

You need an expert groomer and it sounds like you’re going to have to train her to be combed through daily, or keep her very short.

What did the breeder say? Didn’t they give any advice on how to deal with this coat type?

@Anothernamechange3

If it’s any consolation I have an 8 month old puppy who is a mix of shih tzu, yorkie and Maltese who has cut a few cuts already as the fur grows very fast. If you do need to get a shave it won’t be long before there’s regrowth

Thanks

I think the most important thing you can do with a long coated puppy is accustom them to grooming from the word go. At first it can be difficult as they are generally wriggly and bitey, but you need to persevere every day so it is just as normal a part of their day as going for a walk. Your groomer will thank you. A dog with a long coat needs daily brushing to keep out knots and mats and bits of stick, leaves and plants that seem to find their way into awkward places...They do with mine anyway.

@Brownlongearedbat

I think the most important thing you can do with a long coated puppy is accustom them to grooming from the word go. At first it can be difficult as they are generally wriggly and bitey, but you need to persevere every day so it is just as normal a part of their day as going for a walk. Your groomer will thank you. A dog with a long coat needs daily brushing to keep out knots and mats and bits of stick, leaves and plants that seem to find their way into awkward places...They do with mine anyway.

Thanks

I have just give her a short shave and she was amazing, even time for a sleep during, giving her a break now and will finish another time