Best Brushes for Shih Tzus (2026): Pin Brushes, Slickers, and Combs
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Shih Tzu Pedia earns from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca, at no extra cost to you. We have not received free products. Our picks are based on breed club grooming guidance and published product specifications, not on hands-on testing.
How we chose these brushes: We started with grooming advice from the American Shih Tzu Club and the American Kennel Club, then compared current Amazon listings for pin length, materials, availability in the United States and Canada, and customer ratings. Every source is listed at the end. Last reviewed: September 2026.
The right brush makes Shih Tzu grooming faster, gentler, and more effective. The wrong one can break the coat or miss mats close to the skin. This guide explains which type of brush your Shih Tzu needs, then lists the best options for 2026.
Quick Picks: Best Brushes for Shih Tzus in 2026
| Pick | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Christensen 27 mm Oval Pin Brush | Best overall for long coats | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Chris Christensen 20 mm Oval Pin Brush | Puppies and medium-length coats | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| We Love Doodles Pin Brush | Budget pin brush | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush | Best slicker for puppy cuts | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush | Budget slicker | Amazon.com |
| Chris Christensen Buttercomb, 7.5 inch | Best comb | Amazon.com |
| Andis Stainless Steel Comb, 7.5 inch | Budget comb | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
Which Brush Does a Shih Tzu Need?
It depends mostly on coat length.
- Long coat: the American Shih Tzu Club recommends a good quality wire pin brush with flexible pins, used in layers from the feet up, followed by a comb to make sure no mats remain. The American Kennel Club advises daily brushing that reaches the skin.
- Short puppy cut: a slicker brush works well on shorter hair. Use a light touch, because slicker pins can scratch the skin if pressed hard.
- Every Shih Tzu: a steel comb. A comb is the best way to find small tangles the brush missed, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and on the belly.
Most owners need two tools: one brush that suits the coat, plus one comb.
The Best Brushes for Shih Tzus, Reviewed
1. Chris Christensen 27 mm Oval Pin Brush
Best for: long, full coats
- 27 mm stainless steel pins with ground and polished tips
- Lightweight beech wood body with a firm, flexible cushion
- Oval shape that covers more coat per stroke
Why we picked it: It matches what the American Shih Tzu Club recommends: a quality wire pin brush with flexible pins. The longer pins reach through a full coat to the skin.
Keep in mind: It is one of the pricier brushes here. Dogs in a short puppy cut may do better with the 20 mm version or a slicker.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
2. Chris Christensen 20 mm Oval Pin Brush
Best for: puppies and medium-length coats
- 20 mm stainless steel pins, shorter than the 27 mm version
- Same Original Series build and oval shape
Why we picked it: Shorter pins are easier to control on a puppy coat or a coat kept at medium length.
Keep in mind: The shorter pins may not reach the skin through a very long, thick coat.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
3. We Love Doodles Pin Brush
Best for: owners who want a pin brush on a budget
- Silver metal pins
- Lightweight beech wood handle
Why we picked it: It offers the same basic design as more expensive pin brushes at a lower price, and it is available in both the United States and Canada.
Keep in mind: It has far fewer customer ratings than the Chris Christensen brushes, so there is less feedback on long-term durability.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
4. Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Best for: Shih Tzus in a puppy cut
- A pet owner version of the Big G slicker that the brand says is used by professional groomers
- Large head for covering the body quickly
Why we picked it: On shorter hair, a quality slicker lifts loose hair and helps prevent tangles between trims.
Keep in mind: Slicker pins can scratch the skin if you press too hard. Use light, short strokes. The large head can be awkward on the face and legs.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
5. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Best for: a budget slicker that is easy to clean
- Retractable bristles that release collected hair with a button
- One of the most-reviewed slicker brushes on Amazon
Why we picked it: It is inexpensive, widely available, and the self-cleaning feature saves time.
Keep in mind: Use gentle pressure, as with any slicker. At the time of review, we could not confirm stock on Amazon.ca.
6. Chris Christensen Buttercomb, 7.5 inch
Best for: a professional-quality comb
- 7.5-inch greyhound-style steel comb
- Fine teeth on one half and coarse teeth on the other
Why we picked it: The coarse side checks the body coat, and the fine side works for the face, ears, and feet. Running a comb through after brushing is how you find mats the brush missed.
Keep in mind: It is expensive for a comb, and we could not find it on Amazon.ca at the time of review.
7. Andis Stainless Steel Comb, 7.5 inch
Best for: a budget comb
- 7.5-inch stainless steel comb
- Designed for working out knots and loose hair
Why we picked it: It does the same core job as a professional comb at a much lower price, and it is sold in both countries.
Keep in mind: Work tangles out gently from the ends toward the skin. For heavy mats, see a professional groomer.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For
- Pin length. Longer pins reach the skin through a full coat. Shorter pins are easier to control on puppies and shorter coats.
- Rounded or polished pin tips. These are gentler on the skin.
- A cushioned base. A flexible cushion lets the pins move with the coat instead of pulling.
- Comfortable size. A Shih Tzu is small. A very large brush head can be hard to use on the face and legs.
- A comb as well. No brush replaces a steel comb for finding hidden tangles.
How to Brush a Shih Tzu
- Mist the coat lightly with a detangling spray.
- Start at a lower leg. Hold the hair up and brush a thin layer down, reaching the skin.
- Work up in layers over the legs, body, chest, and tail.
- Comb through each area. If the comb catches, gently work the tangle out.
- Comb the face and topknot with the fine side of the comb.
Never cut out mats with pointed scissors. The skin can be pulled up into a mat and cut. For heavy matting, see a professional groomer.
For the full routine, including bathing, nails, and teeth, see our Shih Tzu grooming guide and coat care guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of brush is best for a Shih Tzu?
For a long coat, a pin brush with flexible pins plus a steel comb, as the American Shih Tzu Club recommends. For a short puppy cut, a slicker brush plus a comb works well.
Can I use a slicker brush on a Shih Tzu?
Yes, especially on a shorter coat. Use light pressure, because slicker pins can scratch the skin if pressed hard.
How often should I brush my Shih Tzu?
The American Kennel Club recommends daily brushing for a long coat. Dogs in a short cut still benefit from brushing several times a week.
Do I need a comb if I have a brush?
Yes. A steel comb finds small tangles close to the skin that a brush can miss.
What pin length should I choose?
Longer pins, such as 27 mm, suit a full coat. Shorter pins, such as 20 mm, suit puppies and shorter coats.
Sources
- American Shih Tzu Club. Grooming the Companion Dog.
- American Kennel Club. The Glamorous Shih Tzu Coat, From Top Knot to Tail. 2026.
- Product details from current Amazon.com and Amazon.ca listings, checked September 2026. Prices and availability change often.
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
