Topknot Styling

One of thick the most outstanding feature of the Shih Tzu besides the long, thick luxurious coat is the topknot. There are two basic types of topknots; the maintenance topknot and the show topknot. The maintenance topknot is worn everyday to keep the face and head hair from falling into the eyes, nose and mouth. It serves a daily function without bows or glamour. The show topknot is usually designed and coiffed to set off the finer features of the individual dog's head. Topknot styling can be an art of sorts. It is usually finished with an elaborate bow.

(For additional poof similar to picture on left, pull a some hairs forward in the middle of the topknot.)

For the show ring, anywhere between one and eight elastic bands may be used to style and section the hair. The maintenance topknot usually uses either three banks straight back (Figure on right)  or two sections of three to each side of the head with a center part (See figure on far right). Variations of these patterns are not unusual. Some people prefer to braid topknot hair. Others use special wrappers or perm end papers to protect the hair and encourage growth. Care must be taken to use only elastics that do not break hair.

***WORDS OF CAUTION***

 **Elastic bands should be removed with scissors, as pulling them out causes breakage.

**Coated Elastic bands must be used to prevent hair breakage. They may be purchased from an orthodontist, pet supply store, or at dog shows .

**Be careful not to pull the hair to tightly where you dog or puppy can not blink their eyes closed.

The puppy topknot is usually the easiest to start with. It is also good practice for you and your for your new Shih Tzu.

To begin with these topknots, part the hair evenly with a straight part between the two eyes just above the top back of the puppy's nose. This is the area along the front side of the stop (in front on their eyes). The part is accomplished with a rat tail comb. A flea comb also works well or a small face comb ordered from a grooming supply company may also be used. The hair above the nose and between the eyes is gathered up and sectioned into a neat inverted V. It is secured with an elastic band. As the hair grows and lengthens, more hair may be added by making the parting for the front section larger.  Hair gel may also be used to keep those dry flyaway hairs in place. Eventually the hair is long enough for a second section. Then you may have enough hair for an adult topknot.

The Adult topknot is pictured on the left. A Back view of the adult topknot is pictured on the right.)

There are many variations to top knots, and we encourage you to experiment to see which one suits you and your puppy or dog.  There are also many places that professional prepared bows can be purchased, along with tiaras, clips, and pins. ** A word of caution about glitter or other foreign material and abrasives on bows.  Be careful with the glittery bows, the glitter can come off and get into your dog or puppy's eyes causing sever eye irritation and/or damage. Before using a glittered bow, rub it firmly with fingers to see if any of the glitter comes off on your hands.  If it does, then DO NOT use it.