Puppy grooming is one of the first things new families ask us about, and for good reason. Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles and Imperial Shih Tzus have beautiful, low-shedding coats, but that hair keeps growing and tangles easily. At Maxanimo, we start gentle grooming habits with our puppies long before they go home, and in this guide we share what we have learned as a family breeder in La Prairie so you can keep your puppy comfortable, clean and happy all year long in Quebec.
Why puppy grooming matters so much for Poodles and Shih Tzus
Low-shedding breeds don't drop their hair on your couch. Instead, loose hair stays in the coat, and if it isn't brushed out, it turns into mats. Mats pull on the skin, trap moisture and can hide redness or irritation.
Grooming is about more than looks. A regular routine helps you:
Keep the coat soft and free of painful tangles
Notice anything unusual early, like a sore spot, a tick or a skin change
Get your puppy used to being handled, which makes vet visits much easier
Build trust and a calm bond between you and your dog
The earlier your puppy learns that brushing and handling are pleasant, the easier grooming will be for the next 15 years.
Brushing your puppy: the heart of the routine
If you only do one thing, brush. For a Poodle's curly coat or a Shih Tzu's long, silky hair, short daily sessions work much better than one long battle on the weekend.
Tools: a soft slicker brush and a metal comb with wide and fine teeth are all you need to start.
Technique: brush in small sections, all the way down to the skin, then run the comb through. If the comb glides, you're done.
Hot spots for mats: behind the ears, under the legs ("armpits"), the collar or harness area, and the tail.
Time: 3 to 5 minutes a day is plenty for a young puppy. Stop before your puppy gets restless.
Never pull hard on a knot. Hold the hair close to the skin and work the tangle out gently with the end of the comb. If a mat is too tight, leave it for a professional groomer rather than cutting near the skin with scissors.
Bath time without the drama
Most puppies only need a bath every 3 to 4 weeks, or when they get really dirty. Too many baths can dry out the skin.
Use a gentle shampoo made for puppies, never human shampoo.
Brush before the bath: water tightens existing tangles into mats.
Use lukewarm water and keep it away from the eyes and inside the ears.
Rinse very well. Leftover shampoo can make the skin itchy.
Drying is the step people skip, and it's the most important one for curly and long coats. Towel off, then use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting while you brush. In a Quebec November, a damp puppy gets cold fast, so make sure the coat is completely dry, right to the skin, before any trip outside.
Eyes, ears, nails and teeth
Small breeds need a little extra attention on the details.
Eyes: Shih Tzus and Poodles can have tear staining. Wipe gently around the eyes every day with a soft, damp cloth and keep the hair above the nose trimmed or tied in a little top knot so it doesn't poke the eyes.
Ears: check them weekly. They should look clean and smell neutral. Poodles grow hair inside the ear canal; ask your groomer or veterinarian how they recommend managing it for your dog. If you see redness, discharge or a bad smell, or your puppy scratches or shakes their head often, book a visit with your vet.
Nails: trim them every 2 to 3 weeks, or when you hear them clicking on the floor. Take off just the tip. If you're nervous, a groomer or vet can show you how.
Teeth: small breeds are prone to dental problems, so start brushing early with a puppy toothbrush and a dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). A few times a week is a great start.
💡 Remember: the goal at this age is not a perfect haircut. It's a puppy who stays calm when you touch their paws, ears and face. Keep sessions short, reward with a small treat and end on a happy note.
Your puppy's first visit to a professional groomer
Even with great home care, Poodles and Shih Tzus need regular professional grooming, usually every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the cut you choose.
For the first appointment, we recommend waiting until your veterinarian confirms your puppy's vaccines are on track. Many groomers in the Montreal area offer a short "puppy intro" visit: a bath, a tidy of the face, feet and hygiene area, and lots of patience. It's a lovely way to start.
Choose a groomer who is used to small breeds and willing to go slowly.
Ask for a short, simple first session rather than a full styled cut.
Practise at home beforehand: handling paws, a hair dryer sound, standing on a table.
Book regular visits so your puppy gets used to the place and the people.
Grooming through the seasons in Quebec
Our climate adds a few extra steps. In winter, keep a slightly longer coat for warmth, but trim the hair between the paw pads so snow and ice balls don't form. Rinse or wipe paws after walks on salted sidewalks. In summer, a shorter "puppy cut" is easier to maintain, but don't shave down to the skin. A few centimetres of coat protect against sun and heat.
Adding grooming to your daily rhythm is easier when it's part of a routine. Our guide on creating the perfect routine for your new puppy can help, and if you're still deciding on a breed, read our article on choosing between a Toy and a Miniature Poodle.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can I start grooming my puppy?
Right away. Gentle brushing, touching the paws and wiping the face can start the day your puppy comes home. At Maxanimo, our puppies are already used to being brushed and handled before they leave us.
How often should I brush a Toy Poodle or Shih Tzu puppy?
Ideally every day, for a few minutes. Once the adult coat comes in (often between 6 and 12 months), tangles can form even faster, so the daily habit really pays off.
Is it okay to shave my Poodle or Shih Tzu?
A short trim is fine and very practical, but shaving right down to the skin is not recommended. The coat protects the skin from cold, sun and irritation. Talk to your groomer about a cut that suits your lifestyle.
Let's find your perfect grooming buddy
Grooming a Poodle or Shih Tzu takes a little time each day, but it quickly becomes a sweet moment you both look forward to. If you'd like to welcome one of our puppies, take a look at our available puppies or contact Maxanimo. We're always happy to answer your questions, before and long after adoption.
— Maxime, Maxanimo