Dog of the Month: Mel - Our “Most Improved Coat” Star (Perfect for Long-Haired Breeds)
Long-haired breeds are some of the most beautiful dogs to groom, but they’re also the ones who need the most help keeping their coats healthy, knot-free and looking their best. That’s exactly why this month’s award goes to Mel, a sweet little Shih Tzu who visited us at Posh Paws, Clapham Junction for a Full Groom and walked out looking smooth, soft and absolutely adorable.
If you’re searching for long-haired dog grooming UK, deshedding groom London, or reliable dog grooming Wandsworth, Mel’s story is the perfect example of how regular coat maintenance transforms both comfort and appearance.
Why Mel Was Chosen as “Most Improved Coat”
When Mel arrived at the salon, her coat was beautifully long but starting to show the classic signs that many Shih Tzus (and other long-haired breeds) struggle with:
Feathering around the legs becoming clumpy
Slight matting behind the ears
Fluffy patches that needed smoothing
General volume with no structure
A little dryness at the ends
Totally normal, especially for a young Shih Tzu with such a soft, fast-growing coat, but the perfect candidate for a Most Improved Coat transformation.
After her Full Groom at Posh Paws, Mel’s coat became:
Smooth
Clean
Tangle-free
Shiny
Soft to the touch
Beautifully shaped
Her adorable expression and sweet personality didn’t hurt either!
Mel’s Full Groom: What We Did
Mel received our signature Full Groom, perfect for long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus, Lhasas, Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Maltese.
Her groom included:
1. Pre-bath brush-out
To remove loose hair, surface knots and early tangles.
2. Gentle bath using dog-safe products
Perfect for sensitive coats and skin.
3. Blow-dry & fluff-dry
To lift the coat, add volume and prepare for scissoring.
4. De-knotting & coat smoothing
Careful work around the ears, chest, legs and tail where long-haired dogs often mat.
5. Full body trim + shaping
Including face, feet, sanitary areas and feathering.
6. Tidy & detail finish
Ensuring Mel kept her signature Shih Tzu look while still being easy for her owners to maintain.
Mel handled the whole groom beautifully, calm, curious and full of character.
Why Long-Haired Breeds Need Extra Coat Care
Breeds like Shih Tzus, Maltese, Lhasas and long-haired mixes have hair that functions more like human hair, long, silky and constantly growing. That means:
They mat easily
They trap moisture around the ears and legs
Their coats can look fluffy or uneven without shaping
They shed less, but tangle more
They need routine brushing at home + regular professional grooming
Mel is the perfect example of how a regular schedule keeps long coats manageable and healthy.
Mel’s Before & After (What Improved the Most)
While I can’t identify individuals, I can describe the visible improvements in her coat from the image you shared:
✔ Hydration & Smoothness
Her coat looks noticeably softer and more nourished after the groom.
✔ Clean feathering
The fur on her legs and tummy area was tidied and softened, giving her a neat silhouette.
✔ Brightened face
Her facial hair was cleaned, shaped and fluffed to bring out her adorable expression.
✔ Lifted coat texture
Post-blow-dry and trim, her coat sits evenly and has more bounce.
✔ Knot-free undercoat
The areas prone to matting, under the chin, behind the ears, and legs, are now smooth and tidy.
Mel looks like a little cloud of perfection!
Coat-Care Tips for Long-Haired Breeds (Posh Paws Approved)
Whether you have a Shih Tzu like Mel, or any long-haired breed, these professional grooming tips help keep coats healthy between appointments.
1. Brush little and often, not all at once
5 minutes daily > 20 minutes once a week.
Focus on:
Behind ears
Inside legs
Under chin
Tail
Chest
2. Use the right tools
For long-haired breeds, you need:
A soft slicker brush
A metal comb
Dog-safe conditioning spray
This prevents hair from snapping and reduces tangles.
3. Keep the coat clean
Long hair collects:
Mud
Dust
Food particles
Oils
Outdoor debris
A Wash & Brush between full grooms keeps coats fresh.
4. Book a Full Groom every 4–6 weeks
This stops matting before it begins.
For Wandsworth and Battersea owners searching for:
dog grooming Wandsworth
deshedding groom London
Posh Paws is ideally located just off Clapham Junction.
5. Don’t ignore small knots
Tiny tangles grow into mats fast.
If you spot one:
Use a detangling spray
Start from the tip, moving upward
Never pull harshly
If you’re unsure, we’re here to help.
Why Mel Deserves Dog of the Month
Mel didn’t just get a groom, she got a full coat revival.
She’s our Dog of the Month because:
Her coat transformation was gorgeous
She’s a wonderful long-haired example
Her groom shows what regular maintenance can achieve
She reflects the Posh Paws standard of comfort + beauty
She’s simply adorable!
Mel embodies everything we love about working with long-haired pups: gentle care, expert grooming, and a beautiful finish that keeps them healthy, happy and confident.
Looking for Long-Haired Dog Grooming in London?
If your dog struggles with matting, tangles or heavy coat maintenance, we’d love to help.
Posh Paws is perfectly located for:
Battersea
Wandsworth
Lavender Hill
Northcote Road
We specialise in long-haired breeds and offer:
Full Groom
Wash & Brush
De-knotting
Puppy intros
Face/feet tidy
Nail clipping
Teeth cleaning
Mel is proof of how much a well-executed groom can transform your dog’s comfort and coat health.
Ready to Book?
Visit Posh Paws Grooming Salon
Address: 195B St John's Hl, London SW11 1TH, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 3051 9208
Instagram: the.posh.paws
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