Brown And White Shih Tzu Female Puppy? The 160 Top Answers

This is sometimes referred to as chocolate.

There is no color code for a brown Shih Tzu. Brown Shih Tzu dogs are technically not actually brown (see next point).

Solid brown coated Shih Tzus are liver colored in most cases. The liver is denoted by skin pigmentation, not coat color. For liver, the skin points (nose, eye rims, lips, paw pads) are liver, ranging in color from a light brown (sometimes with a pink tinge) to a very dark chocolate brown. So although your eyes see a brown coat, the dog is not officially registered as such.

Here’s how you know what a brown Shih Tzu might actually be:

If a Shih Tzu is brown and white (partially bicolor), if the nose is a shade of brown, the dog is liver and white.

If the nose is black, a brown and white Shih Tzu can actually be red and white, brindle and white, gold and white, or some other combination.

If a Shih Tzu puppy is born solid brown, in some cases their coat will change as they mature. Often it will lighten up.

A Shih Tzu that is light brown or even black may mature into a darker brown coat.

Shih Tzu Coat Colors

by Janice A Jones | Updated on 06/17/2021

The rainbow of Shih Tzu coat colors is a fascination for most Shih Tzu owners, and once buyers realize they have so many choices, that fascination often leads to obsession. Some breeders specialize in certain colors, while others try to create a wide variety of colors.

“All Shih Tzu coat colors are acceptable,” states the American Kennel Club breed standard.

The Kennel Club in the UK agrees.

“All colors acceptable, white blaze on forehead and white tip to tail highly desirable in bi-color.”

In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club states:

“All colors are acceptable, but black noses, lips and eye rims are a must.”

According to FCC (Fédération Cynologique Internationale)

“Colour: All colors acceptable, white blaze on forehead and white

Tip to tail in Parti colors highly desirable.”

White Black Red

So if every color is allowed, what colors are there really?

When a person first looks at or thinks of a Shih Tzu dog or puppy, they see the gorgeous coats of many colors that are characteristic of Shih Tzu show dogs.

Unlike some breeds, which typically come in one color or a variety of a few colors, the Shih Tzu comes in an amazing array of rich colors.

But with such a rich variety of Shih Tzu colors, color combinations, and markings, a lot of confusion ensues. To make it even more confusing, a Shih Tzu’s colors can change over time.

In this article on Shih Tzu dog colors, I will attempt to explain the many color variations that exist in the breed today and help you decide on your perfect Shih Tzu color.

BUT, please note that the Shih Tzu’s color doesn’t make the dog! When buying a dog, look for health, personality, and temperament.

Shih Tzu puppies can be born with solid hair, a combination of two colors, or a mix of three colors.

To complicate matters further, Shih Tzu dogs can be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) based on the pigment of their skin rather than the color of their coat!

Can the “experts” make it even more complicated? Well, the short answer is yes and no. Understanding what qualifies as a specific color can be even harder if you’re myopic like me. So how do you determine the color of a Shih Tzu dog?

When a puppy is to be registered with the American Kennel Club, the breeder has a choice of eight solid colors, seven variants using two color combinations, four combinations using three or more colors, and a variety of different types of markings that occur with the dog combinations listed above.

A word on “official” and “unofficial” colors

If you search for a specific color you will come across breeders who have many different names for colors that are not recognized by the major kennel clubs.

Whether breeders use these colors to describe the color in layman’s terms or to justify grossly inflated prices for unusual colors is still a debate in my opinion. If you see colors like:

chocolate

lavender

Isabella

These are not standard colors. All of these colors would be referred to as liver if your pup was registered with the AKC.

Let’s start with the solid colors. There are eight solid colors to choose from:

Shih Tzu Coat Colors: The Solids

Solid Black Shih Tzu: That was MeiLing

This solid black Shih Tzu pup is also considered a Prapso

Black is the most dominant color and a true black Shih Tzu will not have any other hair color.

Even if there is a small trace of another color, the dog is then considered to be a combination of two colors. All Shih Tzu dogs with black hair also have black noses. You will never see a black Shih Tzu with a brown nose.

It does not exist. I’ve seen rumors online that black Shih Tzu dogs don’t exist and that the pup must be a hybrid. That is not true. All black puppies are very rare.

A white coat is similar to black in that it is only one color with no trace of other colors. The nose is black unless the dog is considered liver, in which case the dog will have a brown nose and be liver.

The American Kennel Club gives breeders a hard time whose puppies and dogs aren’t pure white, but are cream rather than white. There is no way to call a Shih Tzu cream, so white is usually noted on the official papers.

This pup started life almost white and then turned silver at the age of one year. These two white Shih Tzu are Princess Leia and Obi Wan Tzu-nobi

A silver colored coat tends to appear white with a deep luster resembling silver. It’s not gray, but a glossy, silky color. The dog will have black lips, pads, eye rims and a black nose.

Red is a solid color that looks deep, dark, and orange. The dog’s nose and other points (eye rims, pads, lips and nose) are black.

Solid gold resembles a tan yellow, but there is a wide range of shades from light tan to deep gold.

Lilah is a solid gold with a black mask. Hanna is Lilah’s mother and looks almost identical.

Although the two Gold Shih Tzu dogs above are daughter and mother, you can see the difference in color tones, with Lilah (left) looking redder.

Brindle is really a combination of one color and a solid stripe of another color, such as a brindle. B. a gold-black brindle. Toby, below is an example of a red tabby Shih Tzu coat color. Brindle is really not a color but a pattern consisting of gold, tan, tan, gray or black stripes.

Brindle coats all look different, as some dogs have thicker or wider stripes, while some coats have stripes that appear very narrow.

If the brindle is liver or blue, the dog is considered liver or blue. A true brindle designation has black dots, meaning black eye rims, mouth, and paw pads.

What looks like a brindle coat when young can morph into something else as they mature.

The picture below of Toby is when he was about a year old. He had a beautiful red tabby coat. The picture of him at the age of six looks very different. He is still brindle but has lost a lot of the red and the brindle is less noticeable.

Brindling occurs as a complex response to multiple genes found at different locations (loci) on the gene.

Red Brindle Shih Tzu, Tobu aged one year. The red tabby Shih Tzu Toby is now showing a faded brindle coat at the age of six.

liver

Here are three different liver dogs, but they all look different because they are called livers because of the brown pigment on their nose, eye rims, and footpads.

This is Bebe, a retired mom at Miracle Shih Tzu. She is liver.

Liver is confusing because it’s the color of the dots (the dog’s nose, eye rims, pads, and lips) and not the actual coat color. Only when the dots are brown or liver colored is the dog referred to as “liver.”

Liver dogs lack the black pigmentation of the skin. Their noses, pads of feet, and lips will be brown, but their hair can be other colors, ranging from very light to dark chocolate and everything in between.

Livers can range in color from bright red, orange, and cream to dark chocolate. So you could have a white liver, cream liver, red liver, or chocolate liver.

Some Shih Tzu dogs may also have green eyes with this coloring, but not always.

Liver color comes from a recessive gene and for it to show up in a puppy, both mother and father must carry the gene.

This beautiful red Shih Tzu puppy would look “liver and white” on his official AKC registration records.

Taco here by Dogwood Country Shih Tzu, is a stunning red color with just a bit of white on the chest. But look at his nose. Unlike the red and white Shih Tzu above, Little Taco’s nose is brown.

Technically, the American Kennel Club will refer to him as a liver, despite having that distinct red color that often looks more orange than red.

Baby, young and old

This little girl you may have seen on this website is Bebe as a baby. This is Bebe as an adult. Their “chocolate” or brown coloring has faded.

Gus’ Amazing Color Change Cathy Morning of Bloomer, WI USA writes that Gus was a solid dark brown. He turned his back on one, which I’m told was a mocha. His face, legs and feet are brown.

Gus with a deep coat of chocolate hair Gus Now

Blue

Blue Shih Tzu: Note the bluish nose, eye rims, and mouth

Blue is another confusing color. A true blue Shih Tzu will have a blue nose but may have other hair colors. The color looks more anthracite and is often difficult to see except in natural light. Sunlight is the best way to see this rare color.

So if you are considering buying a true blue Shih Tzu, it is best to visit the breeder in person rather than relying on a photo found online.

Blue is considered diluted from a genetic point of view. Dilution occurs when the pigment (either black or brown) has been affected by an additional dilution gene. The pigment is clumped together in different ways and distributed irregularly.

If the pigment is black, dilution results in the blue color. When the pigment is brown, the color produced is a silvery color called isabella or lilac. You’ll hear Shih Tzu breeders call this color “lavender.” AKC recognizes the blue but does not list the isabella or lavender color as part of their standard.

This dilution gene affects only the pigment of the nose, the rims of the eyes, and other spots. It has no influence on the fur color.

Shih Tzu Coat Colors:

Two-tone combination

There are seven color variants that include two combinations, one white with another color:

Black and white

Blue and white

silver and white

Red and white

gold and white

Brindle and white

liver and white

Another Shih Tzu Coat Colors two-color combination includes red and gold coloring dogs, but this combination does not appear on official AKC registration records, although it does exist.

When there are two combinations, the color patterns can have endless possibilities. No two Shih Tzu with two colors will ever look alike. Symmetry in color combinations is highly desirable but not necessary.

Liver and White Shih Tzu

Liver and White Shih Tzu

This is our retired father Ketchikan

Red and white Shih Tzu

Here is a red and white Shih Tzu. The red looks orange to the eye but should not be confused with the lighter shades of gold.

Red and white Shih Tzu

This is one of our former moms and her puppies.

Black and white Shih Tzu

Black and White Shih Tzu Some black and white puppies are born with pink noses and then the black pigment begins to form over a few weeks.

Two black and white siblings aged 8 weeks.

Blue and white

This former mom (Lucy) who is blue with her four puppies, two of which are blue and white.

This is a blue and white Shih Tzu puppy, daughter of the dog pictured above.

A black and white designation includes all dogs with black and white markings. A term that comes up from time to time is piebald.

The white that appears in a black and white dog is determined by the gene on the S locus. White spots, or white areas, are basically the same and can appear on any color, including black. The white hair occurs when the skin cells cannot produce pigment, resulting in pink skin and white hair. The nails and paw pads may also turn white or pick where no pigment is produced.

Some of the more interesting patterns we see in Shih Tzu dogs occur in the black and white. See pattern below.

Lilibeth from Midland TX writes that she is still a puppy so I haven’t noticed a change in her coat yet but I’m sure I will, her dad’s coat has changed to more of a silvery white coat , and he had a lot more black on him, her mother on the other hand is black and white and although the white spread widely the black stayed quite black. I’m curious to see how she will look as she grows.

Shih Tzu coat colors: 3 color combinations

Tricolor combination with dobie markings

Shih Tzu dogs can also be a combination of three colors. The most common combinations of these are:

silver, gold and white

Silver, Black and White

Black, gold and white

Black, Silver and Gold

Black, gold white

By: Claudia, Von Sto. dgo Dom. republic writes,

When I first met her (8 weeks) she had 3 colors, black, white and gold). Her barber never shaved her fur until she was 14 months old. She is now 16 months old and her coat has a beautiful color pattern now. I enjoy the journey and love it no matter what.

Unique markings

In addition to the Shih Tzu’s coat colors and combination, certain markings may appear on the coat. Everyone has their own terminology.

Black mask

Black mask

You might think of the Lone Ranger or Batman, but a Shih Tzu’s mask is very different. Sometimes a dog will have a black hair coloring on its muzzle that can extend to its eyes and ears and even its forehead.

This is called a black mask. The rest of the hair can be a different color like gold or red.

Dobie marks

A very rare colored marking called Dobie marking occurs when a puppy is born with tan markings on an otherwise black or very dark coat. This would be in addition to the normal Shih Tzu coat colors mentioned above.

These markings are above the eyes, on the cheeks, on the lower legs, and under the tail. This is considered very rare and breeders often sell these puppies at a premium.

They are called “Dobie” markings because they resemble the coloration of the Doberman Pinscher. These colors and markings are relatively uncommon as they come from recessive genes, meaning that both parents of a puppy must “carry” that recessive gene in order for the puppy to have that color or marking, and not all puppies from these parents will have the Dobie gene. have marking.

Black tips

Another interesting occurrence in hair color is black tips. When the pup is born the coat will be a color like red or gold with black tips at the ends of the hair shaft.

This occurs across the body and should not be confused with the black that some Shih Tzu dogs have on their ears. This black tip disappears completely after the puppy’s first haircut, but is very noticeable and beautiful when the dog is young or when the dog is left in full coat.

Claire from Oviedo, Florida (USA) writes about her Lola who was golden white at 16 weeks and had black ear buds: I don’t have a good enough picture of her as a puppy to post but her gold is gray become tan. After her first grooming, the black earbuds were gone and I was sure the groomer gave me someone else’s dog. This is her at 7 years old. At 9 years old she seems to be getting lighter on the saddle and ears!

Shih Tzu Coat Colors: The Perils of the Age

Another interesting phenomenon of Shih Tzu coat colors is that they change over time, most becoming slightly lighter, known as fading, and others becoming gray or gray.

It is not uncommon for an 8-week puppy to have a color noted on AKC paperwork that is completely different from an adult’s actual coat color. So, a word of warming, the color you fell in love with at 8 weeks of age may be completely different by the time they are their first birthday.

What causes these color changes? Quite simply, it’s all in the genes. Two different genes determine whether a Shih Tzu’s coat will lighten or gray over time. I don’t want to get too technical with you, but basically there are two genes at work in these processes.

Other genetic factors that contribute to coat color

Fading: If a Shih Tzu carries the “G” gene, their coat will fade as they age. You will notice fading in puppies as young as a month old. Sometimes puppies look almost black at birth, but when they first taste dog food their coat will have changed. The fading will continue until the dog reaches its first birthday.

Graying: If a dog carries the chinchilla gene (CH series) they are likely to change color as well, but not in the same way as fading. Instead, the dog’s coat takes on a rich, silver color. Someone once asked me if my dog ​​was aging prematurely at two years old. No, it’s just this gene at work!

8 week old puppy

Here is Ricky at 8 weeks old. He has black tips, but it’s hard to see in this photo.

His coloring is very dark, almost brindle in color with a black mask.

adult dog

Here Ricky is all grown up again. The same dog, but its color is completely different. He has kept his black mask, but with the first haircut all the black butts are gone.

Adult Shih Tzu

More interesting colors and patterns of the Shih Tzu coat

You will hear all sorts of terms used to try and describe how colors fall on the fur. Here are just a few:

Blaze: refers to a strip of white hair down the center of the face between the eyes

Flare: This occurs when the blaze (top) widens as it nears the top of the skull.

Collar or Scarf: As the name suggests, it is the marking around the neck, which is usually white.

Saddle: A large patch of color, often white, across the back where a saddle would go if it were a horse.

Tuxedo: This is an interesting design that features a patch of white hair on the chest of an otherwise solid color dog. The color is often on the chin and sometimes on the feet. When you put it all together, it resembles a tuxedo!

Choosing a Shih Tzu coat color

So how do you choose a color? It’s really just a matter of personal preference. A light coat requires more bathing and grooming. A white discoloration on the face, around the muzzle or under the eyes can rub off easily and requires frequent washing. You will likely be dealing with tear stains.

These light-colored Shih Tzus may require products that eliminate tear stains. Chocolates are now “hot” and rare colors are more expensive. Colors are beautiful, but hair and spot colors are only “skin deep.” The breed’s true personality and amazing traits run deep and come in every color! Various Shih Tzu coat colors fascinate current and future owners. If you’re curious about how colors change over time, don’t forget to visit our page on Shih Tzu coat color changes.

Did you know… Many people choose a name based on their Shih Tzu coat color. For example, check out our Shih Tzu name pages to learn more.

Tell us about your Shih Tzu’s coat colors

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Often referred to as the chocolate Shih Tzu or the brown Shih Tzu, the liver Shih Tzu is one of the most unique Shih Tzu puppies. People usually confuse this dog’s name because liver is not an actual color; It is skin pigmentation.

Skin spots such as the lips, paw pads, and the rims of the eyes are liver, ranging from light to dark depending on the genes present.

The dog may sport a brown coat, but the color is not officially recognized as such.

What makes the liver color so special? How do genes work to achieve such pigmentation? And how do you tell a Liver Shih Tzu apart from the rest?

About the Shih Tzu breed: origins, coat colors and patterns

One thing you will immediately notice about Shih Tzus is their adorable face with large, dark eyes looking up at you. Then you will see how this pup resembles the king of the jungle – the lion. Often referred to as the “Lion Dog,” the Shih Tzu has been around for thousands of years. That’s plenty of time to enjoy her endearing character and appealing looks.

Shih Tzus are classified as small dogs, weighing only 9 to 16 pounds and standing at 8 to 11 inches tall. Surprisingly, they’re pretty solid for dogs their size.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Shih Tzu, even the Liver Shih Tzu, as an official dog breed with a fairly long lifespan of up to 16 years.

Shih Tzu dogs are known for their affection for people, especially children. Because they were used as lap dogs, today’s Shih Tzus are a good choice for apartment living. Some dogs enjoy digging holes or chasing squirrels, but the Shih Tzu prefers to sit on your lap, cuddle and watch TV with you.

The Shih Tzu is not a threat. Things like dog food, visits to the hairdresser, or vet check-ups are not an issue for many Shih Tzu owners. In fact, Shih Tzus are excellent dogs for allergy sufferers. They do not shed and are considered hypoallergenic!

One thing that sets them apart from many other dog breeds is their wide variety of coat color combinations, patterns, and markings.

Here is a full list of recognized Shih Tzu coat colors:

• Solid Black: This is probably the rarest Shih Tzu color of all. Also, it is the most seen monochrome option. The solid color black is very rare. Usually, a black Shih Tzu will have a small patch of color somewhere on its body.

• Solid White: White is another rare color for Shih Tzus. However, they exist. Other hues sometimes creep in, but the dog is classified as white if most of its body is pure white, not cream. These dogs have black noses, which makes them look like little snowmen.

• Solid Blue: A blue Shih Tzu will appear gray, but under the right light will give the dog a brilliant blue cast. The blue tint is just a diluted black and occurs when the puppy’s parents passed the dilution gene to the puppy. A True Blue Shih Tzu has blue fur and a blue nose.

• Solid Red: Although we call them red Shih Tzus, these puppies are actually orange in most lighting conditions. Shih Tzu puppies can have a deep red coat, but the color will change and fade as the pup grows into an adult dog.

• Silver: Some white Shih Tzus have a silver sheen to their coats, which is why we refer to them as silver Shih Tzus.

• Gold: Although many dog ​​breeds sport a golden coat, particularly those with multicolored coats, Shih Tzus in gold are quite rare. The color starts out as vibrant and shiny, but fades to a soft yellow as the dog matures. Golden Shih Tzus are often seen with a black mask.

• Liver: Shih Tzu’s liver, the star of our story, is sometimes called chocolate, but it’s not exclusively brown. Sometimes they have white patches on their chests. However, liver does not refer to the dog’s coat color, but to its skin points such as the lips, paw pads and nose.

• Brindle: A brindle Shih Tzu has a solid coat that is striped in a different shade. These two shades could be pretty much anything; As such, it is not uncommon to see all brindle Shih Tzus.

• Two-Tone: A two-tone Shih Tzu has two primary colors, but one of the shades is usually white. Black is the most common counterpart to the white coat, meaning the black and white Shih Tzu is very popular. However, any of the colors listed, even brindle, can be part of the two-tone coat. A very rare bi-colored Shih Tzu is a black with tan spots, also known as a Dobie Shih Tzu.

• Tricolor: These Shih Tzus are relatively rare and are sometimes taken for granted as the third color is usually pale and faded. Gold and black are common combinations.

The Shih Tzu breed comes in a variety of shades, but there are also markings in the following patterns:

• Scarf or Collar: A Shih Tzu with much of its body solid color but with a different shade, usually white around the neck, is a Shih Tzu with a scarf or collar.

• Blaze: Blaze Shih Tzus have a white stripe that runs between the eyes. It can go beyond the neck or back. But it always splits the eyes down the middle.

• Flare: This pattern is almost identical to Blaze, except for the white patch that widens as it reaches the top of the dog’s head. A flare can also take up the back and parts of the neck.

• Tuxedo: This is a solid color Shih Tzu with some white on the chest and feet. It really looks like the dog is wearing a tuxedo.

• Saddle: This pattern appears as a bit of color, usually white, that sits on the dog’s back, just like a saddle on a horse.

How to Identify a Liver Shih Tzu

Photo by: @heylilbowie

The biggest question when it comes to liver Shih Tzus is whether or not your Shih Tzu is actually liver. Well, the first thing you do to check if a dog is liver is to look at the nose. If the nose appears brown then it is a liver colored dog. For example, a brown and white Shih Tzu must have a brown or liver nose to be classified as a liver Shih Tzu.

A black nose with brown and white fur may be red and white instead. In other words, what appears brown may actually be a dull red combined with white.

The best way to tell is to expose your Shih Tzu to direct sunlight. The red or rusty color appears quickly. Other combinations are brindle or gold and white or other colors instead of liver.

Sometimes a Shih Tzu puppy is born a solid brown, but in some cases the coat will lighten over time as the puppy matures. Or, if the fur is closer to black, it gets darker. In both cases, it is the genes that determine the amount and shade as the Shih Tzu puppy matures.

Brown/Liver Vs. Black Shih Tzu

Photo by: @lord_poddington

All-tan Shih Tzus are rare, but all-black Shih Tzus are also found. In most cases, the black fur has white markings. This indicates the presence of a gene that produces white markings in all dogs, including Shih Tzus.

When it comes to telling the difference between black and brown Shih Tzus, it can be difficult depending on how dark the brown or liver tone is. A black Shih Tzu has a black nose, but a liver Shih Tzu has a liver nose.

Another sign is that a black Shih Tzu puppy’s coat can change over time. It is not uncommon for a black Shih Tzu puppy to turn almost silver by the time they become an adult Shih Tzu. In addition, exposure to the sun can change the color of the coat, especially if the dog spends a lot of time outdoors.

AKC’s take on liver color

Liver (AKC color code S 123) is a beautiful shade seen in the Shih Tzu breed as well as many others. Just like the blue color, although blue is not uncommon, liver is based on skin pigmentation and not coat color.

Liver itself is a type of brown color ranging in hues from light brown with a glossy pink overlay to a deep dark chocolate brown.

What is the liver gene?

Photo by: @realrubytheshihtzu

The liver gene occurs at the B locus. It causes a brownish color. Also, it’s recessive, so b is liver and B is non-liver. For a dog to be liver, it must have the bb genotype. This means that a liver pup can be born to black parents if both are carriers of the liver allele. For example, if both are Bb, then at least 1 in 4 puppies will be a Bb.

The different pigment color genotypes are:

• BBdd or Bbdd – blue (without liver, diluted)

• BBDd or BBDD – black (without liver, undiluted)

• bbdd – Isabella (liver, diluted)

• bbDd or bbDD – liver (liver, undiluted)

The liver gene affects only eumelanin, or the black pigment. The black in the coat can turn liver or brown when a dog is bb on the B locus. These include saddles, shades, and merle dogs.

Genetically speaking, it is impossible for a liver dog to have even one black or gray hair on its coat. Don’t let the tan or seal tones fool you. They may appear liver, but they really aren’t.

A liver dog may have some pheomelanin red hairs depending on the K and A locus alleles present.

Sometimes a liver dog is described as thin. Well, liver isn’t technically a dilution; it’s just a different color from eumelanin. Dilution in dogs is controlled by a separate locus and causes blue or isabella/purple Shih Tzus.

The liver colors the nose brown and the eyes amber or light brown. Sometimes liver dogs can have a pink nose. Nose color is usually the most reliable way to tell which dogs are liver and which are not.

Sometimes dogs are born with only pheomelanin or red pigment in their coat, like sable or recessive genes in red Shih Tzus, but they still have one of the eumelanin colors (blue, black, liver, or isabella). This pigment will be visible in the color of the nose.

Black, blue, liver, or isabella pigment means that if a dog has eumelanin in its coat, it will be that particular color. If there is no eumelanin in the fur, then there is something in the nose and eyes. The pigment color can still be identified.

Although we are talking about the b and B alleles, there are several recessive alleles that cause liver color, all located on the B locus. They are often denoted by bc, bd and bs. Many dog ​​breeds carry more than one of these alleles, but bs and bd are the most common, while bs is rare.

The alleles can be combined, i. H. a bc and a bd, but the result will still be liver.

The differences in liver tones are likely the result of other modifiers or environmental factors.

When testing a dog for liver genes, make sure your lab does all testing for all known liver variants; Otherwise you will not get an accurate result.

Liver Shih Tzu look-alikes

Photo by: @cosmicloveshihtzu

There is a dark shade of red (pheomelanin) that looks very similar to liver. This color is mainly found in dogs like the Irish Setter and the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs can be distinguished from livers by their black nasal pigment.

What you need to be careful of is not to confuse a solid black Shih Tzu with a liver colored one. Sure, this might sound a bit silly, but it’s a fairly common mistake, especially with long-haired Shih Tzus.

If a black dog has long hair, the hair can take on a brownish tint. This often happens when the dog is outside for too long. It’s called bronzing and has no genetic basis. It’s absolutely eco-friendly. It may be difficult to tell black from liver in a photo, but it’s a lot easier in person.

The last similar pattern is called a seal and makes the dog look tan. Seal consists of a black top coat and a reddish undercoat. So if the undercoat shows through, the dog may appear as a liver. Sometimes it can even appear all black!

The gene behind liver color

Photo by: @realrubytheshihtzu

The gene that causes liver in dogs is TYRP1 (Tyrosinase Related Protein 1). Also, similar mutations in the same gene are responsible for brown phenotypes in many animal species, including dogs.

In most species these mutations are recessive, although dominant and co-dominant brown alleles are not unknown.

TYRP1 in dogs is a modifier of eumelanin and not a dilution. A dilution gene affects only the density of the pigment, resulting in a paler phenotype. TYRP1 changes the shape of the pigment molecules. Due to the new shape, the pigment reflects the light differently. This results in a brown instead of black phenotype.

The existence of different versions of the b allele in dogs suggests that the mutation occurred multiple times separately. Interestingly, all b alleles are absent from some groups of dogs, usually Asian breeds like our Shih Tzu.

Facts About Liver Shih Tzu Dogs

Photo by: @lord_poddington

Here are some interesting and helpful facts that might help you better understand the liver:

• Liver is an official AKC-recognized color in the Shih Tzu breed. It is a standard color, not an alternative, with liver being S123 and liver and white being S125.

• It doesn’t matter what color coat a Shih Tzu has. If his nose, eye rims, lips and paw pads are in liver, he is classified as a liver dog.

• The nose will always tell you if a Shih Tzu is liver or any other color. So when in doubt, take a look at this adorable button nose!

• A Shih Tzu’s coat can be almost any color, but it’s usually shades of brown and gold. The shades can range from very light to light cream to deep dark chocolate. That also means solid colors, dual colors and tricolors.

• Some Shih Tzus, like black ones, will never have a liver nose.

• An inexperienced breeder may make a mistake and register a liver-nosed golden and white Shihtzu as a golden and white Shihtzu. This is absolutely wrong, and the dog should be classified as a liver.

• The color of the fur may be fine, but the name would be wrong.

• Other dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels and Dalmatians can also be Livers, but they have a different name. For example, a Liver Pomeranian is referred to as a Beaver Pomeranian.

• A Shih Tzu that is obviously liver will be a bb.

• A Shih Tzu can carry the liver gene, but does not have to show it. If a Shih Tzu only carries liver, he is a b and not a bb. And if it doesn’t have a liver, he’s a B or black, more specifically a Bb.

• Liver is recessive to black. For a dog to be Liver, one of the following scenarios must occur: a) both parents must be Liver, b) one of the parents is Liver while the other is carrier, c) both parents are carrier. In other words, even dog parents who don’t look like liver can have at least one liver pup.

• If you breed Shih Tzus that are liver carriers, your litter can consist of both black and liver puppies. For example, if male and female Shih Tzus have black skin spots (B) and carry the liver gene (b), they may have puppies with bb or Bb.

• The liver allele affects the B gene (black). This allele turns any area of ​​the coat that would be black into liver. This is an “all or nothing” process. In other words, a liver dog with even the slightest amount of black hair? Impossible!

What happens if you thin the liver?

Photo by: @precious_woofs

Well, unofficially it will give you a lavender Shih Tzu, but the dog is registered as a regular liver. This is particularly rare and very beautiful. With so much dilution, the eyes appear very light amber or green.

What is a Liver Nosed Shih Tzu?

Eumelanin, or the black pigment, colors a dog’s nose. This is why a liver dog has a liver colored nose. If the nose is black, the dog is not liver.

A recessive red liver is still born with a liver nose and amber or yellow eyes. It is common for a recessive red dog’s nose to turn pink with age, so a liver colored dog will have a liver colored nose. If the nose is black, the dog is not liver.

Is a white liver shih tzu combo possible?

Photo by: @shihtzumaniac_donjuanx

Yes, a white-liver Shih Tzu is possible, but also rare.

Since Shih Tzus range in color from very light to the deepest shades of chocolate brown in a liver color, it is certainly possible to have a Shih Tzu puppy with a white liver color.

Liver and White Shih Tzus for sale

Liver and white Shih Tzus can be found at a good Shih Tzu breeder. Never buy from unreliable sources or even puppy mills!

A liver and white Shih Tzu can cost at least $1,200, but the price can even go up if the pup is of the highest quality.

Liver Shih Tzu Puppies: How Much Do They Cost?

Photo by: @kiwisforall

AKC-approved liver shih tzu puppies are quite expensive. They can go as high as $3,500 for premium puppies.

The cheaper the Shih Tzu puppy is, the more likely it is to get sick.

Conclusion

Sure, Shih Tzus with livers are rare beauties, but being liver doesn’t affect the dog’s personality. In fact, coat color, no matter what it is, will never affect a dog’s temperament.

All Shih Tzus are wonderful animals. Treat them the way they deserve and you’ll get unconditional love back. It doesn’t get any better than that, does it?

Information and pictures of purebred Shih Tzu

Sam-mee-Sun the Shih Tzu at the age of 6 years

Other names Chinese lion dog

Chrysanthemum Dog

Lion Dog Pronunciation Americans commonly pronounce the Shih Tzu as SHEET-zoo; However, the actual original Chinese translation is “sure-ds”. In Chinese pronunciation, the “ds” is pronounced the same as the “ds” at the end of the word “words”. It is Chinese Mandarin and directly means “lion”. Hence the term “lion dog”. The nicknames “chrysanthemum dog” and “sheet-sue” are common in America, but both are inaccurate American renditions of the Chinese original. SHEET-zoo Your browser does not support the audio tag. sure-ds Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Shih Tzu is a small, powerful dog with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The head is round and wide and wide between the eyes. The square muzzle is short, measuring an inch or less from the tip of the nose to the defined stop. The nose is broad, with well opened nostrils. The nose, lips, and rims of the eyes are liver in liver dogs, blue in blue dogs, and black in all other colors. The teeth meet in a plane or under bite. The large, round eyes are dark, but lighter in blue and liver dogs. The large, hanging, low-set ears droop and are covered with a luxuriant hair. The back is flat. The muscular legs are straight and well-boned. The tail is set high, carried over the back and is covered with luxuriant hair. Wolf claws are sometimes removed. The double coat is thick and long and flows down the dog. The hair above the eyes is often tied in a topknot. There is a lush beard and mustache, and the hair on the muzzle is short. Coat comes in all colors.

Temperament The Shih Tzu is a bright, lively little dog. It’s happy and sturdy and full of character. The gentle, loyal Shih Tzu makes friends easily and responds well to consistent, patient training. It makes a very alert watchdog. It’s bold and smart. This affectionate little dog is playful and brave, enjoys being around people and is generally good with other pets. Some can be difficult to housetrain. The Shih Tzu needs everyone in the house to be the pack leader, with the rules of the house consistently being made clear. Owners who allow their dogs to take over may find them snappy when surprised or upset. Due to this dog’s small size and adorable face, he often develops Small Dog Syndrome, a human-caused behavior in which the dog believes he is the boss of the people. This causes varying degrees of behavioral problems, such as B., but not limited to separation anxiety, guarding, growling, snapping and even biting. These dogs can become unreliable around children and sometimes adults as well, as they try to tell people what THEY expect of THEM. They will persistently take a stand and defend their top position in the pack. They can bark obsessively when trying to tell you what they want. These behaviors are NOT Shih Tzu traits, but are behaviors induced by the way they are treated by people around them. Give this dog rules and boundaries about what he can and can’t do. Be his firm, stable, and consistent pack leader. Take it for daily walks to burn mental and physical energy. His temper will improve for the better, and you will bring out the sweet, trustworthy dog ​​in him. Height, Weight Height: Up to 11 inches (28 cm)

Weight: 9 – 16 pounds (4 – 7 kg) Under 9 pounds is often unofficially referred to as an Imperial Shih Tzu or Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu.

Health Issues Prone to herniated knees and discs caused by long back and short legs. Also ear infections, eye problems like cherry eye and early tooth loss. Tends to wheeze and snore and may have breathing problems. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed. Living Conditions The Shih Tzu is good for apartment living. These dogs are quite active indoors and can do without a yard. This breed is sensitive to heat. Exercise The Shih Tzu needs a daily walk. The game will take care of much of his movement needs, but as with all breeds, the game will not fulfill his original running instinct. Dogs that cannot walk daily are more likely to exhibit behavior problems. They will also enjoy running around in a safe, open, off-leash area, such as a large fenced yard. Do not overfeed this breed or they will get fat quickly.

Life expectancy Approximately 15 years or more Litter size Approximately 2 to 6 puppies Grooming These small dogs need a good daily grooming with a bristle brush. When kept in a long coat, a topknot is usually tied to keep the hair out of the dog’s eyes. Some owners prefer to trim them for easier and less time-consuming grooming. Keep the ear canals and the area around the eyes clean. Shih Tzus have sensitive eyes that need to be kept clean. There are special drops that you can purchase to add when needed. Ask your vet what to use on your dog. This breed sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers if their coat is kept well cared for as they shed little dander. Provenance Documents and paintings from the 16th century depict dogs resembling the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu is said to have originated from crossing the Lhasa Apso, or Tibetan Mountain Dog, and a Pekingese in the city of Beijing in the 17th century. The dogs were the favorites of the Chinese royal family and were so prized that the Chinese refused to sell, trade or give away any of the dogs for years. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the first pair were imported to England when they were discovered by English soldiers during World War II. The Shih Tzu was recognized in Britain in 1946. The AKC recognized the breed in 1969. The name “Imperial Shih Tzu” or “Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu” is often used to describe a smaller Shih Tzu that is bred smaller than the written standard.

Group Herding, AKC Toy classified under the Non-Sporting Dogs category Recognition ACA = American Canine Association Inc.

ACR = American Dog Registry

AKC = American Kennel Club

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.

CCR = Canadian Dog Registry

CKC = Canadian Kennel Club

CKC = Continental Kennel Club

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

FCI = Federation Cynologique Internationale

KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

NKC = National Kennel Club

NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club

UKC = United Kennel Club

Shih Tzus, Troy & Tia aged 12 & 11 – “Troy (Beige) and Tia (Black) have been with me since they were both 8 weeks old. Troy is the leader, totally alpha. However, when other dogs are in the mix, Tia is definitely a bully. 🙂 You love people. Troy clamors for attention but Tia quietly sneaks into your heart.” Shih Tzus, Troy & Tia aged 12 & 11

“Shih Tzu brother and sister Tian Mi’s Over The Top aka John J and AM CH Tian Mi’s Isadorable aka Izzy. John J and Izzy are typical Shih Tzus who never meet strangers. They enjoy dog ​​shows or are just couch potatoes.” Fred (black/white) and Red (red/white) the Shih Tzus at age 5 – “Fred and Red are brothers (I’m convinced they’re twins) who were never separated. They’re practically connected at the waist. Friendly, mischievous and always ready to go. They are like puppies and love to show off on the leash in true show dog manner and trot in perfect unison. I keep their fur long and could never imagine they are clipped! I keep getting asked how long does it take to care for her? I’m not exaggerating when I say, ‘I spend more time with her hair than mine…'” “This is my little Shih Tzu. Her name is Foo, meaning Lion Dog of Tibet. I chose her name because it is related to her race. She is only 1 year old in this picture. She rarely barks and loves to play most of the time. I will train her for dog shows because she has a long beautiful coat and all female face.” Foo the Shih Tzu Foo the Shih Tzu Foo the Shih Tzu

The Shi Tzu is a unique and desirable breed of dog. More people including you would love to own this cute adorable pup. And you’re probably wondering whether to bring home a male or female Shih Tzu.

Are there notable differences between the two?

Well, there have been debates about both sexes. But as it turns out, they share an average height, weight, and lifespan. In addition, male and female Shih Tzus are affectionate and loyal.

However, men have proven to be more affectionate, attentive and accepting than women. On the other hand, women are confident, dominant, assertive, and stubborn. But that doesn’t make her any less charming.

How do you know which gender suits you? Read on to find out.

visual differences

At a glance

Male Shih Tzus Average Size (Adult): 9 to 10 inches

9 to 10 inches Average Weight (Adult): 9 to 16 pounds Female Shih Tzus Average Height (Adult): 9 to 10 inches

9 to 10 inches Average Weight (Adult): 9 to 16 pounds

Shih Tzu’s pet breed 101

The Shih Tzu is an ancient dog with evidence that the breed dates back to 8,000 BC. existed. Some believe the dog was bred by Chinese kings, while others speculate by Tibetan monks.

Regardless, the Shi Tzus, also known as lion dogs or chrysanthemum-faced dogs, were prized companions. The Chrysanthemum Dog’s nickname describes how its facial hair grows in all directions to resemble a flower. This pup served as a lap dog and pet in ancient times, traits that endure to this day.

Shi Tzus are happy, friendly, energetic, and very confident pets who get along with people and other pets. They crave to give and receive attention, one reason they make excellent therapy dogs. This dog will sit with you on the couch while you watch TV, take you to the park, wait while you clean your garage, or cuddle while you take a nap.

The breed can bark when strangers call and then jump in to greet them. Thanks to his confident personality, he is also friendly with other dogs, regardless of their size.

The Shih Tzu can live in apartments or on a country farm. The breed gets along with people of all sizes, including children. However, due to its small size, it’s best to supervise any time your pet interacts with children. The dog may accidentally injure itself when playing roughly.

The toy breed has a long, hypoallergenic coat. His silky double coat comes in black, white, gold, gray, tan, silver, liver, brindle, blue, or multicolored. This long flowing hair requires daily brushing and weekly bathing to avoid tangles and skin problems.

This breed does not thrive in intense heat due to their long, double coat, short nose, and flat face. The dog is prone to heat stroke because its lungs don’t cool the air as efficiently as long-nosed breeds. To do this, keep the dog indoors and always leave the fan or air conditioning running.

The Shih Tzus are intelligent and willing to learn new tricks. But they can also be naturally stubborn and assertive during training. That’s why you need to be consistent and positive during training. Positive reinforcements like affection, treats, praise, and extra playtime will also encourage good behavior.

Did you know that the Shih Tzu has an underbite? Well, it has a slightly narrow upper jaw that causes the upper teeth to bite into the lower teeth when it closes its mouth. Other dogs have a wider upper jaw where the teeth bite outside of the lower teeth.

Overview of male Shih Tzus

personality character

Male Shih Tzus are eager to please, observant and live to adore you. They bond quickly with people, children, other pets and love to play. In fact, they are more forgiving, accepting, and less moody. Unfortunately, when men are treated harshly, they become injured and vulnerable fairly easily.

Unneutered males mark their territories by humping and marking their territories. However, if spayed early, they rarely lift a leg or buck when urinating.

Male Shih Tzus will bond better with the woman in the house but share lots of love with the rest of the family.

education

There are myths that female Shih Tzus are easy to train. However, this is mostly wrong. Both male and female Shih Tzus struggle with exercise.

The males are easily distracted during training, which slows down their learning progress. But with patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement, many owners have successfully trained them. If you’re diligent, you can be housetraining and potty training your boy in a couple of weeks.

health care

These puppies are generally healthy and have a lifespan of 10 to 18 years. But like other dog breeds, they are prone to health ailments.

Shih Tzu puppies don’t always lose their baby teeth when the permanent teeth emerge. In this case, you need to visit the veterinarian for tooth extraction.

Your pup may also have misaligned or missing teeth due to the lower jaw. Watch out for sniffles, snores, snorts, and reverse sneezes.

Men are particularly prone to urinary stones. This occurs when a stone is lodged in the narrow urethra and can be life-threatening.

Other health conditions include cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, juvenile renal dysplasia, luxating patella, hernia, and respiratory problems.

breed

Male Shih Tzus are ready to breed at 8 or 9 months. However, it is advisable to wait until the puppy is one year old to ensure a strong sperm. The male can smell a female Shih Tzu up to three miles away in the heat and may become aggressive if he tries to get to her.

advantages

Disadvantages

Overview of female Shih Tzus

personality character

Female Shih Tzus are cute but have a stubborn streak. They will try to trick you and even possess you. Therefore, she will follow you and demand attention. But when she’s done, she’ll go her own way, like she wants to show you that she doesn’t need constant admiration.

Female Shih Tzus control their affection and are more independent than males. The girls prefer to associate with an individual, preferably a man, rather than the whole family.

They are also moody, cunning and will always try to get their way with you. They love to play but get bored faster than males.

Female Shih Tzus can possess dominant traits and are territorial. Because of this, two females are more likely to get into fights than male Shih Tzus. You can prevent these habits through early socialization.

education

It can take just as long to train a female Shih Tzu as a male. With proper care, consistency, and attention, you can housetrain, potty train, and socialize the puppy.

Their independent and strong-willed nature can get in their way, but they find solace in their intelligence and the power of positive reinforcement. They are also bolder and willing to learn new tricks.

health care

With proper care, a female Shih Tzu will live a long, happy life. But like its male counterpart, this gender faces common health issues.

These include skin allergies, liver disease, cataracts, corneal injuries, ear infections, dental disease, respiratory distress syndrome, kidney disease and cancer.

Daily grooming and regular vet checkups can help your pup have many healthy years to come.

breed

A female Shih Tzu may have her first estrus cycle or in heat from 6 to 15 months. The cycle often lasts 2 to 4 weeks, every seven months. Look out for tiredness, increased urination, restlessness, mood swings, and red/pink vulvar discharge.

AKC recommends that the breeding bitch should be 8 months or older. However, a 2-year-old Shih Tzu is preferable as they are physically mature and have youthful flexibility.

You can breed your pet in each heat cycle or give them a break after two cycles. The gestation period is 56 to 63 days with a litter size of four puppies. After the birth, ask the vet to examine your pet to confirm if it will cope with another pregnancy. If she has undergone a cesarean section, it is advisable to stop breeding.

As soon as the bitch is 7 years old and without any health problems, remove her from breeding for health reasons. Most vets recommend spaying the bitch to avoid the added stress of her estrus cycles.

advantages

Disadvantages

Which breed is right for you?

Both male and female Shi Tzus make loving and loyal pets. For over a thousand years, these dogs have perfected their roles as lap and pet companions. They are cheerful, playful and friendly to people of all ages.

But which gender suits you? Well, it depends on your preference. Men are indeed more clingy and eager to please. On the other hand, women are independent, strong-willed, and stubborn.

It would be best to check the puppy’s personality and health issues before worrying about gender. These will prove to be more essential than gender.

Featured image source: Top: Male Shih Tzu (Angel Sallade, Shutterstock), Bottom: Female Shih Tzu (Ihar Halavach, Shutterstock)

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What do people love about the Shih Tzu dog? They regularly make the top ten most popular dog breeds in the UK and US and we know this resonates in other parts of the world. So what makes them so special?

Could it be the adorable puppy dog ​​expression or the cute topknot that keeps her hair from falling over her eyes? Maybe it’s her soft, silky hair? Or the fact that it’s a small dog, just the right size to snuggle up and snooze on your lap?

It could also be that they are such happy, playful dogs. Alert, friendly, and outgoing, they have an intelligent twinkle in their dark eyes. They love to learn, but as their character develops you may notice a stubborn streak showing.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that your Shih Tzu is a loving, loyal companion who will follow you around just to be with you. It’s no surprise these little cuties are so popular with dog lovers everywhere!

If you would like to have one of these wonderful dogs, you may be interested in what colors you can get. You can tell from the title of this article which ones we’re focusing on, but here’s a list of American Kennel Club-recognized colors:

• Black

• Black-and-white

• Blue

• Blue White

• Silver

• Silver White

• Brindle

• Brindle & White

• Liver

• Liver & White

• Gold

• Gold and White

• Red

• Red White

• White

• Black, White and Silver

• Black, Gold and Silver

• Black, Gold and White

These can also have black, brown, or white markings and a black mask.

Anyone familiar with the AKC breed standards will find that this is a longer list than usual! In other breeds, the permissible colors are often strictly limited, especially if the dog participates in shows. The Shih Tzu breed is privileged to have a wide range of color combinations.

Brindle Shih Tzus are also available, but this is more of a pattern than a color.

The black and white Shih Tzu is the most popular of these colors, which is why we decided to feature them here.

So let’s get started.

The Shih Tzu breed

First a few words about the breed.

Shih Tzus were first bred in Tibet over a thousand years ago, where they were used as companion dogs for emperors for many centuries. Their name means little lion or lion dog as they are said to resemble the dragons of classical Chinese mythology.

They were so prized in China that attempts to take them out of the country were resisted until the early 20th century!

The average Shih Tzu weighs between 8 and 16 pounds and measures between 8 and 11 inches. They have a median lifespan of just over thirteen years, although they can live up to 16 or 18 years, much like other small dogs like the Chihuahua. Their popularity has led to a rise in unethical breeders who employ poor breeding practices, resulting in dogs with a variety of health issues.

The most common of these are ear and eye problems, most of which can be resolved with medication. Some persistent eye conditions can cause tear stains, especially in white dogs. These are brown, red, or pink stripes on the fur just below the dog’s eyes.

Aside from these, Shih Tzus are also prone to joint problems like luxating patella and hip dysplasia, two very painful conditions that affect the joints. In severe cases, surgery is sometimes recommended, which is a big risk as general anesthesia is required. It can also get very expensive!

A health problem that affects Shih Tzus more than any other breed is portosystemic shunt, a disease of the liver. Blood, which is normally filtered by the liver, passes it, causing toxins to flood the body. This can cause many different symptoms (such as stunted growth and seizures) and usually requires surgery to fix the problem.

If you want your black and white Shih Tzu to live a long and happy life, your best bet is to choose a reputable breeder!

Black and White Shih Tzu Puppy

Imagine you’ve brought your cute Shih Tzu puppies home and they’re settling in just fine.

Well, you might have thought of that, but have you puppy-proofed your home? Any cupboards or closets within reach must be securely locked unless you want your newcomer to snoop around. Any place where you store harmful chemicals like bleach or sanitizer, or where food is stored (for humans or puppies!) needs to be safe.

Some human foods are toxic to dogs, including certain dried fruits, chocolate, garlic, and onions. Be sure to keep these out of reach. Other human foods such as prunes, blue cheese, jalapenos, bagels, and whipped cream may not be toxic to them but can be dangerous in other ways.

Remove all loose items, such as shoes and slippers, and tuck electrical cords out of the way.

Hope you bought a box? Well, that’s not as spartan as it might sound! Good quality dog ​​crates are comfortable and the perfect “safe place” for dogs to retreat to when they need a break. They also come in handy for crate training when housetraining your pup, which you should start as soon as possible.

But a word of warning, don’t leave your pup in the crate for more than a few hours, and don’t use it to punish them! You will soon form a negative attachment to the box and not want to use it at all.

Remember to stock up on chew toys as these serve to distract the pup from chewing on you or your furniture. This is especially helpful when they start teething. Avoid rawhide and bones as these are potentially dangerous as parts and splinters can be a choking hazard leading to internal fractures or intestinal obstruction.

Establish a good routine, including an hour’s exercise each day, a grooming session, and a set feeding time. Use quality puppy food that provides the nutrients they need to thrive and grow, and never be tempted to feed them leftovers. You may think you’re treating them, but that’s the path to obesity, disease, and bad habits!

Exercise should consist of a few short walks and playtime as these are energetic little dogs! Whether you trim your pup’s coat or not, it needs grooming. This should be done every day for long hair and every two to three days for shaved fur. Although this may seem a bit extreme, her long hair tends to get tangled and matted without a daily brush.

Check their toenails and trim them if necessary. Be careful not to trim too quickly as this will hurt. If you’re not confident enough, call a professional groomer to do the work for you. In fact, it’s a good idea to have them professionally groomed about once a month if possible, just to keep them in good condition.

Always remember to check your pup’s ears and wipe his eyes, and look for signs that his eyelashes have scratched the cornea. You can get eye drops to help with many eye problems, and your vet will advise on other treatments if they are needed.

Speaking of vets, one of your top priorities should be going to a local one you trust to take care of your precious pooch. Register them for their vaccinations and visit them a few times a year for a general health check.

Some websites suggest that it’s okay to let your pup out for up to nine hours a day since we all have busy lifestyles that keep us away from home. This is extremely unfair and completely wrong: no puppy of any breed should be left alone for more than a few hours at a time. If your lifestyle dictates that you have to leave them alone for long distances, then maybe you should reconsider getting a dog and get, say, a stick insect instead?

Dogs are social creatures that crave human company. Of course, there will be times when you will need to leave them, but this should be done gradually and only when they are prepared for it. Even then, you should not leave them alone for too long and it is best to interrupt the time by calling someone you trust.

do you have all this Then your black and white Shih Tzu puppy is in good hands!

Black and white Shih Tzu full grown

An adult black and white Shih Tzu is no different in size and weight from other colors.

The routine you established as a pup should now be in full swing, and your furry friend will be adult size, typically between 8 and 11 inches at the shoulders. This depends on the size of the parent dogs as well as the quality of the food you gave them when they were puppies.

The weight of an adult black and white Shih Tzu is harder to guess as some can weigh as little as 8 pounds and others can weigh twice that. Small dogs are prone to obesity, so you need to keep a close eye on that belly!

By now they will be dependent on adult dog food, which should still be of the highest quality. Advice on packaging can be vague, so speak to your veterinarian to educate yourself on the amount you should be feeding your dog. This should ideally be fed in three separate meals throughout the day.

A black and white Shih Tzu will likely cost you between $2,000 and $4,000.

However, it is difficult to set a price on a dog because so many factors come into play, including age, sex, color and the breeder’s reputation.

For example, females generally cost more because they are considered more valuable due to breeding potential. Also, an additional $1,000 can be added to the price if the pup is AKC registered. While this might give the impression that the pup will be of a high standard of health and pedigree, AKC registration does not guarantee this.

A family tree is just a list of names, and the registry is just a number. Anyone can do this if they pay the fee. Registration does not guarantee that the puppy will be of good quality!

Some private sellers will let you have a puppy for as little as $500, but you would be taking a huge risk buying from them. An established reputable breeder may charge two, three or four times that, but the price includes vaccinations, deworming treatment, a health guarantee and health certificate. The breeder may have also started training your pup, making life a lot easier when you bring him home.

The key to making sure you’re paying a fair price is to do thorough research before you buy. Because black and white Shih Tzus are both rare and popular, you may have to wait a while if you really want that particular color. They cannot be made to order!

Do black and white Shih Tzus change color?

Yes, they do! Almost all Shih Tzus will change color at some point, and some will go through multiple color changes over the course of their lives. Coat color is genetically determined and cannot be changed. Dark coats can get lighter and light coats can get darker.

By the time your pup reaches his first birthday, he’ll likely be a very different color from that tiny ball of fluff you’ve fallen in love with. For this reason, you must not choose your puppy based on its color at birth or even when it is a few weeks old. The AKC allows breeders to change the original color up to three times when registering puppies.

Again, it’s best to go with a good breeder who knows their stuff. You should be able to examine the pup’s hair roots around the tail, which will give an idea of ​​the adult’s coat color.

Although some sources claim that black and white Shih Tzus don’t change color, in reality it’s more likely that they will. However, only the black will be affected, which will be displaced as the white fur spreads.

We know what you’re thinking: but I really want a black and white Shih Tzu!

It’s still possible, but there’s no way to tell how much of each color will be present or what the pattern will look like. To be honest that is part of their appeal as no two dogs will be the same.

For those interested, there are technical terms for some of these patterns:

• Irish Mark Piebald – Black rather than white.

• Partial Check – Black and White are split 50/50.

• Extremely piebald – a predominantly white coat with some black.

• Tuxedo – as the name suggests, it looks like your pooch is wearing a tuxedo!

To end this section, here’s a fascinating fact: black and white Shih Tzus are primarily black dogs with white coloring caused by the s locus gene.

Why is my Shih Tzu’s skin turning black?

This question isn’t specific to black and white Shih Tzus, but it is a cause for concern among Shih Tzu owners and is worth researching here to ease your fears and worries.

The first thing to note is that this is nothing specific to Shih Tzus or the dog’s gender as it can affect all dog breeds and genders.

Second, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

You’ll likely first notice patches of darker skin on the abdomen or groin, as this is where the hair is thinnest. Darkening skin (hyperpigmentation) is very often the result of inflammation as the body produces melanin to protect itself. The main causes are bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasitic infections and allergies.

All of this can trigger inflammation that leads to darkening of the skin. Once the skin darkens, it’s unlikely to go away, but it won’t cause your dog any concern or discomfort. The main thing is to make sure that any infection or allergy is diagnosed and treated.

In some cases, black skin can be caused by hormonal changes, which can be more serious. Two possible causes are hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, both of which have other symptoms that give you a clue that something is wrong. Your dog will definitely gain weight and be lethargic. They will have an unquenchable thirst and a swollen belly, so you probably figured they needed treatment already.

Finally, small patches of hard, black skin could be a sign of melanoma (skin cancer). It’s fortunately rare, but it’s a possibility.

If your beloved pooch suddenly develops black patches on their skin, get them checked out by the vet as soon as possible. Changing their diet or getting antihistamines can be a simple case!

What is the rarest color of Shih Tzu?

Photo by: @asherisawesome

Solid black Shih Tzus are considered the rarest color. If there is even a hint of a different color (usually white) anywhere on the coat, it is a bi-colored dog.

This coloration extends to their noses, paw pads, and lips. A black dog with a brown or liver colored nose will not be accepted as a true black Shih Tzu.

Even if you think you have a pure solid black dog, chances are it will fade to silver as it matures!

Are Black Shih Tzus Rare?

Well, we’ve already answered that question! But it’s worth repeating just in case you skim the article to find a specific question and missed the answer above.

Shih Tzus with mostly black fur are common, but to qualify as an all-black dog, no other color patches or other markings may be present. As we have already noted, their noses, lips and paw pads must also be black.

Are White Shih Tzus Rare?

Photo by: @dinothedisableddog

White Shih Tzu dogs are almost as rare as all-black ones! In fact, all solid colors are quite rare as most dogs have white or black markings somewhere.

White is associated with a recessive gene in Shih Tzus, meaning other colors are often dominant. Because of this, most “whites” will not be white at all; they will be white and brindle or white and liver.

One of the reasons for its rarity is that most breeders don’t aim to breed white Shih Tzus. Instead, they try to create a white base with another color or two on top. So when a pure white shows up, it’s usually by accident.

Black and white Shih Tzu teddy bear cut

Although some people prefer the long, silky coat that flows to the ground, Shih Tzus have unique hair that can be cut, shortened, and trimmed in a number of styles. This isn’t always possible with other dog breeds, as their hair or coat helps regulate their body temperature.

The trick is not to cut your hair too short, which is why the teddy bear cut is ideal. It does exactly what it says on the tin – your perfect pooch will look just like a cute teddy bear! The fur is trimmed to make the face look round but can be combined with a puppy cut on the rest of the body to make an adorable fluffy ball that will melt your heart.

Not only does it look cute, but it is also much easier to maintain, which is why it is such a popular cut.

Black and white Shih Tzu long hair

Whether you’re showing off your black and white Shih Tzu in the conformation ring or just loving those flowing curls, you may plan on keeping their coat long.

That’s great, but you have to commit to keeping it in excellent condition, which takes dedication. Facial hair requires special attention as it grows upwards and needs to be brushed or trimmed regularly, and hair on the top of the head needs to be kept under control. That cute topknot that you often see in photos of Shih Tzus on social media isn’t just for show — it’s there to keep the hair out of the eyes.

This is both to let them see where they are going and to keep the hair from irritating their eyes.

A few final words

The black and white Shih Tzu is popular at the moment it seems. And that’s understandable since they’re super cute. You don’t have to understand the world of dog genes to know that finding the “right” color can be difficult.

But we must remember that all dogs, regardless of color, are precious lives. Whether they’re born in a breeder’s kennel or waiting in a sanctuary, they all deserve a safe, loving home.

Maybe you are looking for the perfect dog and in your eyes that is the black and white Shih Tzu. In that case, good luck in your search! However, please remember that there is no such thing as the “perfect dog”. They all require a lot of effort and dedication, and making sure you are the right owner for them is just as important.

In that sense, the color really doesn’t matter. What matters more could be the name you choose for your dog – and a unique female black and white Shih Tzu could benefit from cheeky girl names, so choose the right one!

We will discuss the price range for a Shih Tzu puppy in the United States; obviously the price will differ in other parts of the world. Factors affecting prices are also generally relevant to puppies in Canada and elsewhere.

It’s important to understand all of the reasons why one pup costs so little compared to another and we’ll talk more about that below. However, to answer the question of cost, the average price of a Shih Tzu puppy in the United States ranges from $750.00 to $3,000.

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a Shih Tzu puppy is its location in the United States. It’s all about supply and demand.

In the southern states, where there are many breeders (both home breeders and large kennels), prices are usually on the lower end. You may be able to find Shih Tzu puppies for as little as $500-$700.

However, in the New England area, where there are very few home growers, prices are generally on the higher end, at least starting at $1,000 and going up from there.

A good rule of thumb when choosing a Shih Tzu puppy is never to base your decision on color. That’s because the breed is known to change coat color as he enters adulthood. In fact, when your Shih Tzu celebrates his first birthday, he may be a very different color than when you brought him home.

For example, a puppy that is born golden hair may turn orange and a puppy that is blue at birth may turn gray by its first birthday – and those born black may become lighter over time. The only true coat color is the black and white combination.

What explains these color shifts? Quite simply, it’s a matter of genetics. Two distinct genes determine whether a Shih Tzu’s coat will lighten or gray over time—and what its final color will be.

Fading: If a Shih Tzu carries the “G” gene, their coat will fade as they age. You will notice fading in puppies as young as a month old. The fading will continue until the dog reaches its first birthday.

Graying: If a dog carries the chinchilla gene (CH series) they are likely to change color as well, but not in the same way as fading. Instead, the dog’s coat takes on a rich, silver color.

Although not proven, some breeders believe that environmental factors such as climate, stress, and diet can also trigger changes in coat color.

The good news for those planning to show their Shih Tzu is that all colors are equally valued and recognized by the AKC. And for those who only have a Shih Tzu as a family pet, the most important thing is that you have a healthy, loving companion—no matter what color they are.

The Shih Tzu is known as the “Lion Dog” because of its beautiful, fluffy, and often brightly colored coat. This ancient Tibetan breed has been a popular pet for thousands of years, beginning in ancient China when they were given to emperors as prized gifts. The Chinese bred the dogs to look like miniature lions, hence the name Shih Tzu, which means “little lion” in Mandarin Chinese.

Friendly in nature and small in stature, the Shih Tzu is an outgoing and happy dog ​​that loves children, making this breed a perfect choice for families. The Shih Tzu is an ideal dog for living in an apartment or condo as a small dog. This little ball of energy is ideal for anyone who wants to add a sweet and cuddly friend to their life. Shih Tzu puppies will keep you constantly entertained with their goofy personalities. Whether they’re playing fetch in the yard, trying new tricks at home, or being perfect lap dogs, Shih Tzus make unforgettable companions.

If you already own one of these amazing dogs, you might be wondering how big Shih Tzus get? As a toy breed, the Shih Tzu often weighs more than its impressive coat might make it appear. There is not much difference between the sexes in terms of adult weight and height; However, there are some slight differences in size. Like the teacup Shih Tzu, smaller Shih Tzus are smaller options for families that want a smaller pup. Strict adherence to dietary requirements, weight, and size will ensure healthy Shih Tzu puppies grow into happy adult dogs.

To ensure your Shih Tzu puppy enjoys a healthy growth and become a healthy adult, you need to know when he’s fully grown. Our Shih Tzu Growth and Weight Chart allows you to track how big and heavy puppies should be at each developmental stage from birth through weeks to adult size.

Do you own a Shih Tzu puppy?

If you own a Shih Tzu or are considering adding one to your family, you may be wondering how much does an adult Shih Tzu weigh? When Do Shih Tzu Puppies Stop Growing? How big do Shih Tzus get? What is the adult size of a Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog ​​breed among small breed dogs that matures faster than other breeds. Some puppies take a full year to reach their full size, but most puppies reach full growth by around ten months of age. The American Kennel Club states that the lifespan of this toy dog ​​breed is around 12 to 15 years with regular care and nutrition.

Six-month-old Shih Tzu puppies weigh between 7 and 12 pounds, with many reaching their adult height of 9 to 10 inches by the 10-month mark. Our Shih Tzu Growth and Weight Charts provide an estimated weight for your pup and the adult weight he should reach.

The growth rate of your Shih Tzu will depend on how old he is, what type of diet he eats, and how much physical activity he gets. If you are concerned with any aspect of your Shih Tzu puppy’s growth, consult an experienced veterinarian who can provide you with an accurate assessment of your puppy’s health. Many breeders can also provide helpful information about your puppy’s weight and adult weight.

Still not sure how much your Shih Tzu should weigh? We have the answers for that too! Check out our Shih Tzu Growth Chart and Puppy Weight Chart below.

Shih Tzu Puppies Growth Patterns: How Much Does a Shih Tzu Breed Weigh?

Shih Tzu puppies grow up fast! Because of this, it’s important to monitor your Shih Tzu’s health, height, and weight to ensure she’s meeting statistical averages for both qualities. If she doesn’t live up to the breed’s expectations, there may be some genetic or environmental conditions affecting the puppy’s growth.

Your Shih Tzu pup has a lot of personality! They are lively, fun and energetic which means you need to choose their diet carefully to keep them healthy for years to come. The best way for your pup to grow up properly and lead a healthy lifestyle is to eat the right amount of nutritious puppy food.

Preventive grooming is a necessity for your pup’s health and well-being. You should have your pup checked by your Shih Tzu’s vet at 6 and 12 months of age. Any potential growth problems that could lead to stunting in puppyhood or obesity in adulthood must be identified early. When getting a Shih Tzu, it’s important to pay attention to its weight. The smaller the breed (less than 20 pounds), the more weight gain you should be aware of. Once the Shih Tzu’s metabolism slows with growth and age, they tend to gain fat quickly, making them prone to obesity. An overweight Shih Tzu is at risk of future illnesses.

A nutritious and balanced dog food diet is best for your Shih Tzu puppy. A careful eye on their exercise, the amount of food they eat and a vigilant attitude towards their growth and weight are also essential to their well-being. Proper nutrition and a healthy diet will keep most puppies at an average weight as they grow. Our puppy growth chart is ideal for watching your young pup grow.

Shih Tzu growth chart from puppy to adult Shih Tzu

There is little difference in growth between the Shih Tzu male and the female Shih Tzu. Unlike many other dog breeds, female Shih Tzus are the same adult height and weight as males. The average height for a Shih Tzu is around 8 to 11 inches or 20 to 28 centimeters. The male and female can weigh anywhere from 9 to 16 pounds as an adult Shih Tzu. Now that you know the importance of taking care of your new pup, here is a chart showing what healthy weight ranges are suitable for Shih Tzu dogs.

Puppy Age Estimated Weight Birth Less than 1 lb 4 weeks 1.25 lbs 8 weeks 2 – 2.5 lbs 3 months 4 lbs 4 months 6 lbs 5 months 8 lbs 6 months 10 lbs 7 months 12 lbs 8 months 12.5 lbs 9 months 12.5 pounds 10 months 12.5 pounds 11 months 12.5 pounds 12 months/1 year 12.5 pounds

When do Shih Tzus stop growing?

When is your Shih Tzu fully grown? Shih Tzus don’t take long to mature, with most dogs reaching their full height or weight by around ten months of age. In some cases, a Shih Tzu may not reach full growth until 12 months of age. Many breeders find that the Shih Tzu’s height and weight often depends on the size of the parents.

Tracking how your puppy is developing during the first year will alert you to any signs that could indicate lifelong health problems. Because of this, monitoring development of milestones is crucial to get an idea of ​​whether there may be underlying issues before it’s too late.

Your puppy will continue to grow and change throughout their first year. Expect it to see a lot of growth during this time. Use the growth and weight chart above to track how much a Shih Tzu puppy is changing or adapting at any given time.

Is Your Shih Tzu Healthy?

Remember, like everyone else, your Shih Tzu is a member of the family. That responsibility means taking them to the vet for regular checkups and making sure their vaccinations stay up to date so you can protect them from disease. Annual physical exams for your pup will help your veterinarian spot early signs of medical problems and treat them before they become debilitating. Research is also giving a better understanding of what causes these symptoms in the Shih Tzu. Here are some common health issues that can affect this breed:

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome refers to breathing problems associated with some Shih Tzus due to their textured faces. A brachycephalic dog will have predominantly shortened noses and upper jaws, which will interfere with normal breathing. Brachycephalic airway syndrome includes various disorders, including tracheal problems, collapsed larynx, elongated soft palate, and stenotic nostrils.

A Shih Tzu with this facial structure will be born with the condition, although breathing may not be affected until the dog is between 1 and 6 months old. Having two or all three conditions present in your Shih Tzu can severely limit the amount of air it can breathe. Treatment includes restricting movement and using a collar rather than a leash. Surgery is often recommended when a Shih Tzu has more than one problem with its breathing.

The Shih Tzu is one of many breeds prone to hip dysplasia. This condition affects the ball joint, causing it to slip out, leading to severe disability, pain, and advanced arthritis. Dysplasia is a condition that affects the hips of dogs. The soft tissues surrounding the hip joint develop abnormally as a puppy grows, causing the bones to separate instead of staying together.

This form of dysplasia is a genetic condition that rarely occurs in young dogs but is more common in older dogs as their bones degenerate. Unfortunately, this condition limits movement, which is painful for dog breeds and often causes dogs to gain weight. Weight gain can cause adult Shih Tzus to become obese.

Although there is no cure for canine dysplasia, treatment options include weight management and controlled exercise. In some cases, it may be necessary to apply heat or take medications that reduce inflammation in the joints. If all else fails, surgery may be an option.

Disc disease occurs in certain breeds, particularly those with longer backs and shorter legs, like the Shih Tzu. IVD occurs when a disc in the back slips, causing it to press on the spinal cord. This disease can occur in Shih Tzus after two years of age, and the pain, cramps, and weakness it causes debilitates the dog.

Without treatment, IVD can ultimately lead to paralysis. Surgery is possible if the dog does not respond well to rest and medication. A vet will usually use muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, or other necessary techniques to relieve the dog.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that limits the rate at which your dog can burn calories. The thyroid controls metabolism, and if it doesn’t produce enough thyroxine, a dog won’t convert food into energy on a regular basis. Although hypothyroidism can affect a Shih Tzu at any age, it is more likely to develop in older dogs. Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, depression, and heart problems. Hypothyroidism can be treated and treated with medication.

One of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs is patellar dislocation, which is where a dog’s kneecap becomes dislocated or dislocated. Patellar luxation is most commonly found in small breeds like the Shih Tzu. Luxating patella is a congenital problem that occurs in a puppy at birth. Still, it can happen at any time in a dog’s life. If the problem is mild and only affects one leg, your pup may not need much treatment. However, if symptoms are severe, the dog may need surgery to realign the kneecap so it stops slipping.

Harderian gland (cherry eye) prolapse is a condition in which the tear ducts of a dog’s third eyelid become detached and settle as an inflamed mass in the corner of the eye. Although this condition can occur at any time, Shih Tzus are more likely to be affected when they are young and affect both eyes together. If your dog is diagnosed early enough, the glands can be massaged back into place by a professional, licensed veterinarian.

Protect your Shih Tzu with pet insurance.

You love your Shih Tzu dog and want to make sure your Shih Tzu’s life is filled with happiness. She needs to be cared for like any other family member. Do you know the potential health risks that come with owning a dog? Some breeds are more likely to develop diseases than others due to genetic or environmental factors. What if your Shih Tzu has a health problem? You might be concerned about the cost of veterinary care and medication. Still, pet insurance helps relieve that stress by covering pre-existing conditions.

With pet health insurance, you can rest assured that veterinarians will take the best care of your dog. Dog owners who purchase coverage from insurance providers can recover up to 90% of veterinary expenses, depending on the policy chosen. We all know how much our Shih Tzus mean to us, so why not take care of themselves and protect them too? Find out more with a free pet insurance quote available today.

Training Exercise your Shih Tzu

To train a Shih Tzu, you must first establish your rules and then stick to them. Consistency and routine is key. Can your dog sleep in your bed or on your couch? Once you have your “rule list,” make sure your dog knows the rules and is consistent.

Bark Busters believes that dogs are born predisposed and hardwired to want to belong to a social group that has a strong leader at its core. It makes them feel safe, secure, and less anxious knowing that their needs are being met.

Because of this, dogs like to form strong bonds with people and other animals. It’s in their DNA to want to be part of a strong social group.

A dog really needs that “holiday spirit” and feeling like they’re always in vacation mode. You know that feeling when you’re on vacation, you don’t have a care in the world, you aren’t free from all your cares. On holiday you have the feeling of having left all your worries at home behind you and can finally relax and enjoy.

This is how your dog should feel all the time. It’s the best attitude for all dogs because it means you’re taking care of things for them and have their backs.

Various types of training methods are available, such as: B. treat training or clicker training, as well as other types that use violence.

Her mother raised her puppies to be dogs. She is not teaching them the way of humans or how humans think and react, for that will come from their new human family.

Bark Busters training uses no force, no pain, just “communication”. We speak to dogs in a language they understand, a language they were taught at birth. It’s “dog talk” and they respond almost immediately. We “train the brain” and look for signs that the dog understands what we are communicating. We look for the dog’s cooperation and understanding that he knows what we are asking of him.

shows and guides

At Bark Busters we believe that there should be no violence involved in training and that hands should only be used for praise. Your dog should never be afraid of being touched by you, he needs to know that your hands mean kindness, not pain.

We teach dog parents how to show and guide their dog to make better decisions. There is never a need to use force.

Using treats as a means of training dogs has become very popular over the last 20 years and seems like the right choice. However, many dogs either come and take the treat and then run away, or ignore the food and not respond.

However, treats have their limitations and this type of training does not provide the complete answer for all dogs to every behavior problem or training need. Many dog ​​parents are happy to hear that Bark Busters training does not rely on the use of treats, as they are tired of carrying bags full of treats to get their dog to do their bidding.

Bark Busters will use treats sparingly when a case calls for it or when a dog’s personality dictates their use, but it is not our primary source of training. We only use treats when required and/or when the need arises.

The core of our training program is “canine communication”. This allows the dog owner to get results quickly as this is the dog’s native language. Talking Dog is learned from her mother and littermates.

Human language is the dog’s second language. You can learn to understand human language, but it takes time and repetition.

Bark Busters training explains how to communicate with your dog in his language, the “dog language”, since he cannot speak English, German or French etc.

Our training is based on building trust, respect and forming a strong bond between dog and human. By using vocal tones and body language, you’ll have a well-behaved dog in no time. Most pet parents see amazing results after the first lesson.

Come when called

The “recall” or “come when called” problem is quite often a case where the dog doesn’t like going to his human because his human grabbed his hands when he approached or made him do it right away has to sit down or take him outside.

This creates a miscommunication in the dog’s mind that it feels awkward when approaching the human, so avoid it and stay away.

Many people think their dog is stubborn or argumentative if they don’t respond to “come” or “sit.” In fact, they’re just practicing avoidance of something they’ve long learned to be uncomfortable with.

If you want your dog to come when called, be sure to always greet them gently and gently, give them lots of praise, and don’t jump right into the action that caused your call. Praise and pet them when they arrive, don’t grab them or put a leash on them right away. Instead, spend some time greeting them. Make them migrate too and repeat the recall again to bring them to you.

We have seen cases where man has sent the wrong messages to his dog just by calling him by name. They generally demand their dog to come back using harsh commands that startle the dog, or they may have previously attacked their dog out of frustration.

As you begin the “Come When Called” (recall) exercise, it is important to remember that your dog may not understand your speech, but can interpret body language. Squat down and raise your voice a few octaves and make encouraging high notes. Never ask your dog to come. That’s not the way to win him over and get him to approach you.

If you want your dog to “come” when called, negative reinforcement won’t work. Your dog needs to feel like they can approach you without fear or worry.

It’s probably not your intention to startle your dog, but rather an unanticipated series of harsh noises. Your dog may think his name is “bad dog.”

When you call your dog, it must first want to be with you, then it must want to stay with you. How you react when your dog approaches depends on whether he wants to stay and spend time.

It is very important to keep the invitation to approach him appealing, with a high-pitched, seductive voice, and to keep his height down. Don’t forget to give a lot of praise when they arrive. You can then take them to the treat jar and treat them, but that must only be after they’ve been praised for coming when called.

Do not grab your dog’s collar or try to hold on to him as this will cause your dog to try to avoid your hands.

Never chase your dog if he refuses to approach you. That will only cause your dog to run away and possibly hide, leading to a bad association. It is better to move backwards and away while lowering your height, or even lying down.

Choosing a show puppy from a litter can have many pitfalls and disappointments, but when everything works out and that puppy becomes a winner, it’s very satisfying.

First, you need to be sure of what exactly you want from a Shih Tzu, but also that they adhere closely to the KC standard. Unfortunately, there is no written standard on the Shih Tzu puppy, only the end result. I have been told that when they are first born it is time to select the best puppies. I prefer to keep my choices until at least 8 weeks, preferably 12-14, and even then there are many pitfalls. At birth you can see which pup has the biggest head (I find it easier looking from behind) and also the best drawings. When a young puppy has feeding problems it is often due to narrowed nostrils and if you are looking to breed for a show career never select this one as it is hereditary. It is fairly common for the nostrils to narrow during teething and this should correct itself after 4-5 months.

As the puppies begin to grow and move around you can see many more dots which will hopefully make this your “star”. The puppy that caught your eye at birth with the widest skull will still have that attribute. It usually follows from this that this one has the widest front face, giving it a good chance of having enough room for six teeth along the lower and upper jaw. At this stage I place a finger on the face across the upper and lower lip and up towards the nose. If the lower jaw pokes into your finger, you will usually find that this pup is going too short. Once the teeth are through, count them. If you have fewer than six teeth between the canines, you will not get six adult teeth.

The nose should sit at the level of the lower rims of the eyes, have a deep stop and open the nostrils. If it’s a very long nose, rest assured it won’t get shorter as you grow up. Tilted noses give a better expression, but sometimes straight noses can give a nice expression as in some lines the skull seems to grow up and around the nose. Very short noses are not advisable as health and well-being should always be considered. I would not consider a puppy with a run down nose as I have never seen this correct itself in adulthood.

Ear set on a puppy is simple, set either high (falsely) or low on the skull and should preferably have large leathers.

Eyes are very important to me as a small or light eye ruins the expression as much as a snub nose. When the head and muzzle are broad, it usually follows that the eyes are wide apart. Sometimes a smaller eye grows with the puppy, but light eyes stay that way and are accompanied by poor pigmentation, which in turn ruins the oriental expression. The whites of the eyes are more complex. If a dog doesn’t show any white when it looks at you, that’s good. When they turn their eyes, they usually show some white around the edges. They rarely show white in solid dogs, but it is more difficult not to show white in dogs with abundant white whiskers and injuries.

When puppies walk around, you can more easily assess balance and conformation. A Shih Tzu is longer than it is tall, but if it appears very long in the back as a pup, it will be a long-backed adult. Everything always grows outwards, never inwards. A solid color puppy needs to appear more compact than a bicolor one, otherwise it will look delicate as an adult without the color breaking off. However, a back that is too short is wrong for several reasons. An adult Shih Tzu that is too short in the back will not move with true breed action. Also as a breed Shih Tzu have always been very successful, easy throwing animals and if we shorten the back we will find that with our large round heads we will have problems similar to Bulldogs, Pekingese and Pugs and caesarean sections will be the norm rather than one to be a rare occurrence.

I like the puppies that when they come to a stop they naturally stand in the position you would like them to show; The conformation of these puppies is always correct. If your pup’s elbows stick out and front legs move in circles when he trots towards you, then don’t consider it. Even if it seems to be going down on the front shoulder, shoulder lameness is likely. Neither of these scenarios will ever correct themselves. If the puppy is just a little loose in movement, this can be corrected with gentle exercise. In this case, it often helps to feed your pup on a raised platform so he doesn’t have to bend down to eat and drink. If the topline isn’t quite perfect after eight weeks (I don’t mean mid-dip or shoulder-dip—a definite no), this can be corrected with careful training.

People regularly ask me about upright shoulders. If a puppy doesn’t seem to have a neck or has a very stuffy throat when walking around, chances are he’s standing up in the shoulder. With 8-week-old puppies, you can feel if they have enough bones in their front and back legs. The front legs should be as straight as possible, but there must be enough room for the chest to drop later. If the tail is flat on the back, it will never become the teapot grip you want. The base of the tail should also be set high – if it is too low as a puppy, it will never give you the contour you want.

A good 8-10 week old puppy should be able to stand easily on the table with their head held high and their tails high over it without you having to pull or push them into shape. If you must do this, look for what is wrong and face it.

Coats in puppies of 8-10 weeks should be thick. A thin sparse puppy coat stays that way. No amount of caging and confinement of the growing pup will give you the coat you need. An enormously thick and heavy puppy coat is also not always the best as it blows a lot when changing puppies and takes a lot of patience and physical effort to deal with.

It’s easy to judge your pup’s movement at 8 weeks old as he doesn’t have long, flowing hair to distract your attention. The puppy should already have proper adult movement – good straight reach forward with width between front legs (no single track), also width behind with legs not crossing and coming well under body. Judge this from the side, just showing the back pads is not enough, each leg needs to reach well under the body to propel it forward. The rear end is the engine room of the movement, the propulsion from the hind legs is what the rear pads show – not some vague dangling.

I hope this was helpful, but remember that nothing is foolproof and all dogs, even champions, have flaws. Enjoy your show and always remember that this charming breed was entrusted to us, the breeders, to care for, keep healthy and follow the guidelines in our Standard as set by the early breeders. This is now more important than ever.

The Shih Tzu (pronounced SHEED zoo) is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. But long before they became popular in America, they were popular in East Asia. Here are some interesting facts about the Shih Tzu:

The Shih Tzu breed is more than 1,000 years old

Documentation of the Shih Tzu dog breed goes back at least 1,000 years. The ancestry of the breed goes back even further. Records show that in China as early as 1,000 B.C. BC there were small, square dogs “under the table”. These short and stout pooches were likely the ancestors of the Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzus came from Tibet

People commonly associate the Shih Tzu with China, but they actually hail from China’s western neighbor Tibet, which was a sovereign nation until the 1950s. Tibet probably sent dogs as gifts to Chinese royalty. The Chinese then bred them with Pekingese or Pugs to create the modern day Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu means “little lion”

The Mandarin expression “Shih Tzu” means “little lion”. The Shih Tzu was likely given this name because of its association with the Tibetan Buddhist god of learning, who, according to legend, traveled with a tiny lion dog that could transform into a full-grown lion.

Shih Tzu are also known as “chrysanthemum-faced dogs”.

Shih Tzu are called “chrysanthemum-faced dogs” because the hair on their faces grows in all directions. Shih Tzu owners who clip their dogs short know all too well that it doesn’t take long for a Shih Tzu’s hair to grow out of their snout and in front of their eyes.

Shih Tzu were nearly wiped out during the communist revolution

When China experienced its communist revolution, the Shih Tzu breed all but disappeared. This may not actually have been caused by Communism; A contributing factor was the death in 1908 of Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who ran a world-renowned Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and Pug breeding program. When she died, the breeding program collapsed and it became almost impossible to get a Shih Tzu.

14 dogs saved the Shih Tzu breed

Since their numbers dwindled to almost nothing in the first half of the 20th century, every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced back to one of 14 dogs – seven males and seven females – used to rebuild the breed.

Military personnel brought Shih Tzu to the United States

After Shih Tzu were imported to England from China, the English exported them to other countries in Europe. American soldiers stationed in European countries took Shih Tzus to the United States in the late 1940s and 1950s.

Many celebrities have owned Shih Tzu

With the Shih Tzu being one of the most popular dog breeds, it’s no surprise that many celebrities have owned them. Famous Shih Tzu owners include Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Colin Farell, Bill Gates and even Queen Elizabeth II.

Shih Tzu are glamorous and sporty

Given the long, flowing coats of Shih Tzu show dogs, we tend to think of this breed as glamorous rather than athletic. But beneath that gorgeous coat lies a muscular body that can perform well in agility. Many Shih Tzu have won agility competitions. In 2014, a Shih Tzu became the first of its breed to win both a championship title and an agility title.

Do you love the Shih Tzu? Find accessories for your Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu breed gear.

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With an amazing lifespan of 10 to 16 years, this Tibetan origin teddy bear is one of the most popular lap dogs these days. Meet the Shih Tzu breed; little dogs with big hearts.

While not as popular as poodles or retrievers, Shih Tzus still enjoy their time in the sun. The Lhasa Apso, or this “lion dog,” comes in a variety of colors, making it difficult for new owners to decide.

Is a White Shih Tzu the Right Dog for You? Would you be interested in a black and white Shih Tzu? You might want to see other colors these pooches come in. Then let us definitely introduce you to a rainbow of Shih Tzu colors!

The color options of the Shih Tzu coat

Shih Tzus are recognizable by their long and silky coat, which is always described as beautiful. Aside from being so pretty, Shih Tzus are also hypoallergenic because of their hair-like coat. They are photoscalers and their shedding of skin scales is little to minimal.

The coat comes in many color variations: black, black and white, gray and white, red and white, etc.

A Shih Tzu with a white tip of the tail and a white blaze on the forehead is very desirable.

Keeping the coat gorgeous and glamorous is quite a demanding task. Daily brushing and combing are necessary to prevent tangles and tangles. Bathing should also be done as often as once a week.

Many Shih Tzu owners choose to enlist the services of a groomer to trim long locks and keep the dog in perfect shape. This is much easier to care for with the long-haired Shih Tzu, because the short coat requires a grooming appointment every six to eight weeks.

If you decide to groom the Shih Tzu all by yourself, you should make the experience as comfortable as possible for both of you. Grooming should begin in early puppyhood to help the dog get used to the process in the future.

Always brush down to the skin. Groomers usually have Shih Tzus lying on their side while they brush the coat in sections. Grooming is so much easier and more enjoyable for the dog.

Photo by: @shihtzus_and_peonies

At the tenth month milestone, the Shih Tzu’s coat changes from puppy down to a silky adult coat. At this stage, the fur will become matted faster than you can brush it. Once the adult coat grows out, brushing becomes much easier.

The most fascinating thing about Shih Tzus is the rainbow of colors. With so many choices, it’s difficult to decide on a Shih Tzu. This goes so far that there are breeders who specialize in breeding specific Shih Tzu colors.

But how real are these colors? Let’s see what the officials say.

“All Shih Tzu coat colors are acceptable,” states the American Kennel Club breed standard.

The Kennel Club in the UK agrees: “All colors are acceptable. White blaze on forehead and white tip to tail are highly desirable in parti-colors.”

The Canadian Kennel Club states: “All colors are acceptable, but black noses, lips and eye rims are a must.”

Also according to the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): “All colors are allowed. A white blaze on the forehead and a white tip to the tail are highly desirable in Parti-Colors.”

Unlike many other dog breeds that come in a variety of coat colors, the Shih Tzu comes in numerous color variations.

With so many color options, it’s only natural to wonder what color combinations and markings are available and recognized.

When a breeder plans to register a Shih Tzu puppy with the AKC, they have a choice of eight solid colors, seven variants with two color combinations, four combinations with three or more colors, and a variety of different types of markings.

Shih Tzu colors can be a bit confusing as colors change over time. However, here is a list of the most common ShihTzu colors:

• Deep black

• Solid white

• Solid red

• Solid blue

• Silver

• Gold

• Liver

• Brindle

• Two-tone

• Tricolor

What are the unofficial Shih Tzu colors?

The unofficial Shih Tzu colors are listed as follows:

• Chocolate

• Lavender

• Isabelle

If you attempted to list any of these colors at the AKC, they would be labeled as liver. Just like many other dog breeds, such colors are the result of breeders trying to make more profit.

Black is the most dominant color option. True Black Shih Tzus don’t have any other hair color. Even if there is the slightest hint of a different color, such a Shih Tzu is classified as a bicolor dog.

Even these black dogs have black noses. There is no such thing as a black Shih Tzu with a brown nose, and a true black Shih Tzu will not have any other color of hair.

Even if there is a small trace of another color, the dog is then considered to be a combination of two colors. All Shih Tzu dogs with black hair also have black noses. You will never see a black Shih Tzu with a brown nose.

Black and White Shih Tzu

Black and white Shih Tzus are not white dogs with black markings. In fact, they are black dogs with white markings, although black appears to be a secondary color.

When the color appears white in a black dog, it is determined by the S locus or spotting gene in all but the extreme whites.

The formation of white spots on the black coat begins in the womb. It starts on specific parts of the body, including the paws, mid-chest, tail, and muzzle. Later it spreads according to genetic determination.

The last place where the white spreads is the saddle or back and top of the head. Because of this, it’s rare to see a black and white Shih Tzu with black only on their paws or on their chest.

Spotting continues as the pup matures. A puppy that once had a familiar black and white pattern could grow into a completely different look. White spots spread all over the body.

Regarding the spread of this white (see point above), the white will continue to spread over the black as the puppy matures. Because of this, the patterns you see will most likely be different if you have a black and white Shih Tzu puppy once they grow up.

White Shih Tzu: Coat Characteristics

A white Shih Tzu is similar to a black Shih Tzu in that it is the different coat color variant with no additional colors in the coat. The nose is always black, except in liver dogs, which have a brown nose.

The American Kennel Club is strict with breeders who breed Shih Tzus that aren’t pure white. Such dogs are more cream, but there is no way to describe cream in the official papers.

White Shih Tzus are fairly rare, just like any other solid color. White is caused by a recessive gene when it comes to coat coloration. A Shih Tzu is classified as white even if they have white markings on most of their body.

Pure white Shih Tzus are extremely rare. It’s much easier to find a predominantly white one. The piebald gene responsible for white markings is recessive.

In order to get an all-white Shih Tzu, a breeder must breed dogs that are mostly white and come from different families.

Even then it’s risky. It’s entirely possible for two pure white Shih Tzus to produce a completely different color pup due to the piebald gene responsible for the white markings.

Most Shih Tzu breeders don’t even aim to breed an all-white Shih Tzu. Combine two factors—the unreliability and the lack of demand—and you’ll understand why these Shih Tzus are rare.

Is a White Shih Tzu Puppy Pure White?

The mostly white Shih Tzus have at least one, but usually two other coat colors. These other colors are primary colors (although they cover most of the body), compared to the secondary color markings, which are white.

Most secondary colors are red, silver, gold, black, brown, or liver.

It is not uncommon for a white Shih Tzu to also have brindle coloring. In fact, white and brindle is the most popular color combination for mostly white Shih Tzus.

Brindle is a striped effect you see on many dogs. It can be found on the head and ears and highlights the face.

Take care of the white coat

It’s always difficult to take care of white things, especially white dogs. It’s so much easier to see dirt, stains, or debris on your white dog than any other color.

It also means that your Shih Tzu can lose its shine fairly quickly if you don’t properly groom its coat.

Always choose the shampoo carefully. A poor quality shampoo will dry out the hair and cause the coat to lose its shine.

It also makes hair brittle and difficult to brush out; Not to mention how much it could dry out your skin.

Do not use shampoos with bleach or harsh chemicals. They do more damage than those with soap and moisturizers.

Harsh chemicals dry out the coat and cause severe skin irritation.

Reach for the high-quality shampoos that keep the moisture in the hair and make the coat shiny and radiant.

Every bath session will dehydrate the hair to a certain point. That’s why it’s so important to keep baths regular but spaced out. There are products that can help you stick to this schedule and maintain your white Shih Tzu’s appearance in between.

Sprays can be used every day. They offer UV protection and keep the moisture locked in the hair. They also repel dirt and deposits and prevent split ends. This is a must-have product for all Shih Tzu owners.

Wipes are very useful. It only takes a few seconds to wipe down your Shih Tzu and remove tiny particles of dirt before they build up.

You can also use them to clean their paws as they are the first part of your Shih Tzu to get dirty so easily.

White Shih Tzu Problem: Tear Stains

The biggest concern with a white Shih Tzu is keeping the coat white and clean of the tear stains that form under the eyes. This is a common problem in all Shih Tzus, especially those with flat eye sockets.

There is a special formula available that will remove stains from the coat, but make sure you always wipe away tear stains at the first opportunity to prevent them from sinking into the coat.

Grooming a white Shih Tzu is more complex and requires more work compared to other Shih Tzus, but it’s totally worth it.

With the right cleaning supplies, a set schedule, and your dedication, your Shih Tzu will always be clean, healthy, and shiny.

A silver colored coat looks like a white coat with a deep shine reminiscent of silver. It’s not grey; it is quite shiny and silky. Silver Shih Tzus have black lips, paw pads, eye rims, and nose.

Red is a solid color that looks like a deep, dark orange. This Shih Tzu has a black nose, eye rims, pads and lips.

A Gold Shih Tzu has a light brown coat, but the shades vary from light brown to deep gold.

What is a brindle Shih Tzu?

Brindle is a combination of one color and the solid stripes of another, ie brindle gold and black.

A brindle coat always looks different because some dogs have thicker or wider stripes while others have very narrow stripes.

If the brindle contains the colors liver or blue, the dog is considered a liver or blue Shih Tzu. A true brindle Shih Tzu has black spots (black eye rims, mouth, and paw pads).

Some puppies are born with brindle patterns, but this coat color may change as the pup grows.

Brindling is a complex response involving multiple genes found at different locations in the gene.

What Does a Liver Shih Tzu Look Like?

The reason we call these Shih Tzus liver is because of their brown pigment on their nose, rims of their eyes, and footpads.

Liver is a confusing option because the color only affects the body parts mentioned and not the actual coat color. Only when these spots are either brown or liver is the dog classified as liver.

Liver Shih Tzus lack the black pigmentation in their skin. Coat color can vary from very light to deep chocolate and everything in between.

Liver Shih Tzus can range in color from bright red, orange, and cream to dark chocolate. This is why you can have a white liver, an off-white liver, a red liver, or a chocolate liver.

Liver staining comes from a recessive gene and both parents must carry it for it to show up in a puppy.

The blue color option is another confusing color for many first-time dog owners. The blue Shih Tzu has a blue nose but can have other hair colors. More charcoal or diluted black, this blue color is difficult to see except in natural light.

If you are thinking of buying a blue Shih Tzu, you should visit the breeder personally. Do not rely on photos posted online as you may come across a dishonest breeder.

The blue color is diluted from a genetic point of view. This dilution occurs when a black or brown pigment is affected by an extra dilution gene. The pigment is clumped together in different ways and distributed irregularly.

If the pigment is black, dilution results in a blue color. If the pigment is brown, the dilution is a silvery color called isabella or lilac. You’ll also hear breeders calling this color “lavender.”

However, the AKC does not recognize the Isabella or Lavender colors as standard colors.

The dilution gene affects the pigment of the nose, the rims of the eyes, and other parts of the body. What it doesn’t affect is coat color.

Shih Tzu Coat Colors: A two-tone combination

There are seven variants of a two-tone combination, and all use white in combination with another solid color. These varieties are:

• Black and white

• Blue and white

• Silver and White

• Red and white

• Gold and White

• Brindle and white

• liver and white

In addition to white, another popular color combination of two colors is red and gold coloring. However, this combination is not recognized by the AKC, although it is very popular.

Two-tone dogs can have all sorts of patterns. That’s why it’s impossible to see two Shih Tzus that look alike.

Symmetry in color combinations is highly desirable but not necessary.

Shih Tzu Coat Colors: Three color combinations

Shih Tzus can also be a combination of three colors. The most common combinations of these are:

• Silver, Gold and White

• Silver, Black and White

• Black, Gold and White

• Black, Silver and Gold

Shih Tzu Coat: Unique Markings

In addition to many Shih Tzu colors, there are many combinations and markings that can occur. Some of the most common, as well as the rarest of all, are listed below.

Black mask

Sometimes Shih Tzus have a black hair coloring on the snout that can extend to the eyes, ears, and even the forehead.

This is called a black mask, and the rest of the body can be any other solid color like gold or red.

Dobie marks

Dobie markings are very rare color markings. They occur when a puppy is born with tan markings on a black or dark colored coat. Tan markings are found above the eyes, on the cheeks, on the lower legs and under the tail.

Breeders who breed such puppies will always sell them as premium Shih Tzus. The reason they call these Dobie markings is because they resemble the coloration of the Doberman Pinscher dog breed.

The marks come from recessive genes, meaning both parents must be carriers of the genes. However, not all puppies in the litter will have these markings.

Black tips

Another interesting mark is black tips. When a pup is born the coat is usually a solid color like red or gold, with black tips at the end of the hair shaft.

This marking is present all over the body and should not be confused with the black color that some Shih Tzu dogs have on their ears.

The black tips unfortunately disappear after the dog’s first trimming, so enjoy while the dog is young or untrimmed.

What happens to the Shih Tzu’s coat colors over time?

A phenomenon characteristic of Shih Tzu coat colors is their tendency to change color over time. Some of them are getting lighter, or in other words their color is fading, while others are turning gray.

It is not uncommon for an 8-week-old puppy to have a color on its AKC certificate that is completely different from the adult’s coat color.

The colors you initially liked may be very different than what your puppy will look like when he grows up.

The reason for these color changes are the genes that the dog carries. Two different genes determine whether a Shih Tzu will have a lighter coat or whether it will gray over time.

Shih Tzu Puppy: When the genetic factors mess with the coat

Fading is one of the natural processes that Shih Tzus are prone to. If a Shih Tzu carries the G gene, their coat will fade with age. Also, you will notice fading even in month-old puppies.

Sometimes Shih Tzu puppies appear all black at birth, but their fur will fade once they are old enough to eat solid dog food. The fading process will continue until the puppy turns one year old.

Graying is another natural process. If a dog carries the chinchilla gene (CH series), they are more likely to change color as well, but not in the same way as fading. The dog’s coat acquires a rich silver color. He doesn’t age too fast, he just changes color.

More interesting colors and patterns of the Shih Tzu coat

There are numerous Shih Tzu coat colors and patterns that you can find on the market. The most interesting marks are:

• Blaze – a strip of white hair just between the eyes

• Flare – when the flame widens as it approaches the top of the skull

• Collar or scarf – a mark around the neck, usually in white

• Saddle – a large patch of white hair across the back where a saddle belongs

• Tuxedo – a small patch of hair on the chest of a solid-colored dog. The color is also found on the chin and feet, resembling a tuxedo

Choosing a Shih Tzu coat color

So how do you choose between so many stunning Shih Tzu colors? The decision depends only on your personal preferences.

If you decide to get a white Shih Tzu dog, you will have to face the fact that your dog will need more bathing and grooming. Also, white coloring on the face, around the muzzle, or under the eyes can discolor easily and requires frequent bathing.

Additionally, Shih Tzus with whites under their eyes can be stained from their tears. You need to constantly use products that get rid of tear stains.

What’s hot now are chocolate Shih Tzus. But still, all Shih Tzus are beautiful. It’s their personality that shines through every coat color.

Can Shih Tzu have blue eyes?

5 APRIL 2019 | WRITTEN BY MOLLY

I recently met someone whose dog had the most beautiful blue eyes and thought of the many Shih Tzus I’ve met over the years, all with beautiful soulful eyes, but none of them were blue.

This got me wondering if a Shih Tzu can have blue eyes, so I did a little research and here’s what I found.

young puppy

On occasion, a Shih Tzu can have blue eyes, although it is very rare. If this breed has blue eyes, it’s because they lack the color gene for black. The result is a diluted pigmentation that gives him that lighter eye color.

You can usually find blue eyes in a newborn puppy when their eyes are still cloudy giving the appearance of blue eyes, but this usually clears up when they grow normally for about a few months.

As for the rare blue dog, however, blue eyes can sometimes be found in an adult Shih Tzu.

blue eyes on a blue shih tzu

Have you ever seen a Shih Tzu dog with blue hair? If so, it was probably dyed that color by its fun, spirited pet parent. I’m sure it was beautiful, but that’s not what I mean by a “blue” dog.

Shih Tzu come in many coat colors. Some have a single color while others can have two or more.

But it’s not the color of his coat that gives a Shih Tzu his blue eyes.

For a Shih Tzu to have blue eyes, you need to pay attention to the pigment of his nose and snout, and not the color of his hair.

You may have heard of the terms “liver” or “blue” used to describe a Shih Tzu. These terms do not refer to the color of their fur, but to the lighter pigmentation of their skin.

The breed standard color of their eyes and nose would normally be solid black. So the lighter pigment is actually a diluted (weak) gene and is considered a genetic error.

Liver Shih Tzu has light brown (or some even say pink) nose, lips, paw pads and eye rims like Max in the picture below. Your eye color will be light brown or even dark golden.

Our Max is a Liver Shih Tzu

While a blue Shih Tzu will often have dark or light gray on the nose, footpads, lips, and rims of the eyes.

The gray color gives them the appearance of a blue tint in certain lighting conditions, which may have given them their “blue” description.

A blue Shih Tzu coat can be any color, but gray is the most common coat color of any given dog. Although a gray coat doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a blue Shih Tzu. You need to check the nose to be sure.

If its nose is solid black, this is not a “blue” dog. However, his nose could be a very dark gray and appear black in dim lighting.

If you place them side by side or in direct sunlight you will clearly see the difference.

However, puppies have a different story when it comes to blue eyes.

Shih Tzu puppies and blue eyes

Did you know that all puppies are born with blue eyes? I didn’t know that until recently. Probably because I don’t see many newborn puppies.

When I see them they are usually several weeks old and have already changed to their permanent darker eye color.

In the first few weeks of a puppy’s life, the eyes are closed. It’s around week three when they start opening them and revealing those baby blues.

When they are a few weeks old, their eye color will slowly begin to change to a shade of their future eye color.

At around 10 to 12 weeks of age, their eyes will take on their permanent eye color, usually dark brown or black. Although some puppies can be as old as 16 weeks before this happens.

There may be some puppies who keep their blue eyes, but this is a rare exception.

The study behind blue eyes in a dog

Embark vets wrote an in-depth article on why some dogs have blue eyes. What they found after studying thousands of dogs was that the “merle” gene may be present in blue-eyed dogs.

According to Wikipedia, “The merle gene produces mottled patches of color in a solid or piebald coat, blue or oddly colored eyes, and affects skin pigment.”

In other words, the merle gene is responsible for the loss of color in the nose, skin, and eyes.

Blue eyes in a Shih Tzu are not always genetic, but can be a health issue.

When are blue eyes a cause for concern?

If your dog’s eyes were previously brown and now suddenly turn blue or cloudy, it may indicate that he may have cataracts or glaucoma.

Corneal ulcers or various forms of inflammation of the clear part of the eye (keratitis) can also cause the eyes to have a bluish tint.

As with any sudden change in your dog, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Your vet should know how to prevent further damage, and in some cases even reverse it, to make the visit worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Blue eyes are truly beautiful in a dog and not uncommon in a very young Shih Tzu puppy.

The bright blue you might see in another breed of dog, like the Australian Cattle Dog, will not be found in a Shih Tzu.

In fact, blue eyes found in a blue dog are not blue at all, but rather a dark or light gray that appears blue in certain lighting conditions.

We will discuss the price range for a Shih Tzu puppy in the United States; obviously the price will differ in other parts of the world. Factors affecting prices are also generally relevant to puppies in Canada and elsewhere.

It’s important to understand all of the reasons why one pup costs so little compared to another and we’ll talk more about that below. However, to answer the question of cost, the average price of a Shih Tzu puppy in the United States ranges from $750.00 to $3,000.

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a Shih Tzu puppy is its location in the United States. It’s all about supply and demand.

In the southern states, where there are many breeders (both home breeders and large kennels), prices are usually on the lower end. You may be able to find Shih Tzu puppies for as little as $500-$700.

However, in the New England area, where there are very few home growers, prices are generally on the higher end, at least starting at $1,000 and going up from there.