Grooming a Shih-Tzu

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Hi, I have a 7 month old Shih-Tzu, and I'm not sure how to groom her. She's my sisters dog really, and she wants to show her, so we don't want to get her hair in a puppy cut like the previous owners had it. Since they had it cut so much it's pretty short, and I'd like it to grow out, but I have no Idea what type of grooming Shih-Tzus need. Can they be dry brushed? What kind of brushes/combs should be used, etc. Any advice is great. Thanks! Here's some pictures of her coat:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/LaurenC4/HPIM2209.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/LaurenC4/HPIM2193.jpg

http://www.parazz.com/photos/10551661455_20322.jpg

http://www.parazz.com/photos/04100949162_20322.jpg

[Herschel]

http://www.shihtzu.org/

I'm sure someone there will be able to help you!

[puppyluv2004]

You should definitely start doing a top knot as soon as her hair is long enough to pull back. Make sure you take it out and redo it about every other day or you could end up with a huge mess!
http://www.shihtzu.org/Articles/article.asp?ART_ID_NUM=11&menu=Articles

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Thank you very much to both of you!!!! :)