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Puppy Topknot\u00a0by Janice Jones\u00a0<\/p>\n
A puppy topknot might be just what your long haired puppy needs so you can see his beautiful eyes and he can see the world.\u00a0 Some breeds have long coats that continue to grow throughout the lifespan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dogs such as\u00a0Maltese,<\/a>\u00a0Yorkshire Terriers\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0Shih Tzu<\/a>\u00a0can gorgeous long coats as adults, but they don\u2019t start out that way.\u00a0<\/p>\n Growing out a coat is not easy and requires much time, effort and work.\u00a0 Most people opt for a short cut, often called a puppy cut, unless they Perhaps you can\u2019t decide whether to In the meantime, the We will assume that you have been HE If you don\u2019t think you can put a pony This will be a tiny topknot because the Here’s a quick list of steps you can take to make a puppy topknot for your Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkie or other Long Haired Dog Breed.\u00a0 Remember that a very young puppy is not going to keep the top knot in for very long.\u00a0 An alternative to training a puppy to tolerate a topknot is to use a a small (human) baby barrette or clip, to hold the hair away from the eyes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Initially you may want to add a dab of petroleum jelly just to help keep it in place.\u00a0 There are also products on the market that will serve the same purpose.<\/p>\n Start by dividing or parting the hair just above the top back of the nose.\u00a0 A rat tail\u00a0comb works well but you can also use a fine toothed comb if you\u2019re afraid the puppy might move. Never use the rat tail comb near the eyes if you have a squirmy puppy.\u00a0 For those puppies that like to move, make the part just between the eyes using your fingers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Separate any loose hairs that should be part of the mustache before gathering up the hair on he head.\u00a0 Next gather up the hair in a V shape above the nose between the eyes. The wider part of the V is closest to the nose. The narrow part will be at the very top of the head.\u00a0 You should be able to feel a higher bony part of the skull and then a drop off.\u00a0 That high point at the top of the head will be the narrow part of the v shape.<\/p>\n Place a tiny elastic band on the hair you have gathered.\u00a0 Elastic bands can be purchased at beauty supply stores or online.\u00a0 If the hair is very thin, you will want to use a 1\/4 inch band. This is tiny and often hard to manage.\u00a0 You may want to use a larger 3\/8 inch band and double it several times.<\/p>\n Comb or brush the whiskers down and away from Everyone who loves those puppy top knots are going to want to experiment with a bow at one point.\u00a0 A large show bow is not likely to stay in, but you can purchase smaller versions to help your puppy learn how to keep the bow in her hair.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n HINT<\/b><\/p>\n An old toothbrush works very well on a puppy’s mustache and can be used to train a puppy to tolerate being brushed on the face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n You will need to do this daily to keep There are puppies and then there are PUPPIES.\u00a0 Whether there is a genetic component to how well a puppy behaves for grooming is yet to be decided.\u00a0 I have noticed (unofficially) that puppies who have parents that are show dogs or have received championships, i.e championed sired, etc. tend to behave better at grooming than those that do not.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Don’t despair,\u00a0 though, you can train a dog to love grooming.\u00a0 Here are a few hints that might help you get the “upper hand.”<\/p>\n As the hair grows, you will be able to take in more hair to make larger topknots.\u00a0 To do this, make a longer part at the top back of his nose and again, gather the hair into an inverted V shape.\u00a0 Once the puppy has reached maturity, more elaborate topknots can be done. In the meantime, enjoy that cute face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, Janice served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio. <\/p>\n Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master’s in Mental Health Counseling. <\/p>\n She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu, but she has also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel.<\/p>\n When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu<\/a> and Smart-Knit-Crocheting<\/a><\/p>\n We always appreciate your support and encouragement.\u00a0 Your thumbs up means so much to us.\u00a0 Please like this article.<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n If you find this page or any page on Small Dog Place Helpful, or useful in anyway, I’d love it if you would click the small heart found on the bottom right of each page<\/b>.<\/p>\n You can also share or bookmark this page — just click on the:<\/p>\n Sign Up for Our Free Newsletter and get our Free Gift to You.<\/p>\n my\u00a0 E-book, The Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Dog (and how to avoid them)<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.smalldogplace.com\/images\/puppy-topknot-tutorial.jpg\")
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\nhave their eye on the show ring.\u00a0 Others
\njust love the look of a long silky coat.<\/p>\n
\nhave your puppy grow out his hair to floor length or keep it clipped neatly in
\na short hairstyle.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\nhair continues to grow, and it is more noticeable around the face with hair
\nseemingly growing in all directions.\u00a0 A
\nsmall puppy topknot will help keep stray hairs out of his face and keep him
\nlooking neat and clean.\u00a0 You can even
\ncompromise and keep the dog in an overall shorter style while still preserving
\nthe topknot.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\nworking with your puppy and training him to enjoy the grooming experience.<\/a>\u00a0 It\u2019s very hard to put a topknot in properly
\nif your little one is fidgeting everywhere.\u00a0
\nThis is probably the number one complaint of owners wishing to groom. <\/p>\n
\nWON\u2019T STAY STILL!<\/b><\/p>\n
\ntail on a moving object, stop and work on some grooming training first.
\nRemember, all puppies are different, but none of them are born knowing how to
\nenjoy the grooming experience.\u00a0 We have
\nto teach them. Training a puppy for grooming.<\/a><\/p>\n
\npuppy just doesn\u2019t have enough hair yet.\u00a0
\nWe will start with just one centered topknot.<\/p>\nTools and Supplies for Making a Puppy Topknot
<\/h4>\n![\"Puppy](\"https:\/\/www.smalldogplace.com\/images\/puppy-topknot-supplies.jpg\" "\\"Puppy")
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Steps for Making a Puppy Topknot
<\/h2>\n1. Part the Hair to Make the Mustache<\/h3>\n
2. Separate Hair from Mustache and Top Knot<\/h3>\n
3. Place a Tiny Elastic Band on the Top Knot Hair<\/h3>\n
4. Comb Mustache and Whiskers Away from Eyes<\/h3>\n
\nthe eyes.\u00a0 To train them to lie properly,
\na dab of Petroleum Jelly can be placed on them.\u00a0
\n(You will need to clean around the eyes every day.)\u00a0 A soft puppy brush (bristle or pin) can be
\nused to help train these hairs to lay flatter on the face.\u00a0 Be careful not to get too close to the eyes.<\/p>\n5. Bows and Ribbons<\/h3>\n
\nit looking good. The more you do it, the more likely the puppy will get accustomed to all that great attention.\u00a0 Be sure to make it a positive experience.\u00a0 Stop before you find yourself getting upset at the puppy.\u00a0 Always provide treats after you are done.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nMy Puppy Refuses to Sit Still<\/h2>\n
Tips to Help a Puppy Hold Still When Doing a Puppy Topknot<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.smalldogplace.com\/images\/puppy-topknot.jpg\")
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As the Puppy Grows…<\/h2>\n
\n<\/p>\nAbout Janice (author and voice behind this site)<\/h2>\n
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