If you decide to cut your dogs coat short, youll need to commit to regular haircuts. Black markings can come in some interesting patterns when it comes to Shih Tzu dogs. up to say that her sister was convinced that I was abusing or not taking care You can ask the breeders opinion on whether the dog's color is likely to change or fade overtime, and you are likely to get a good answer. Brindle as a color originates from the yellow color family, closer to a dark brown. Brindle is a pattern that looks somewhat stripe-like. changes that seem to come out of nowhere. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups something she. You can check out here incredible facts about Shih Tzus. searching for a puppy, dont make Its even rarer to find a completely white Shih Tzu than a black one, but they do exist. There are different theories and reasons for Remember when you're looking for a Shih Tzu puppy that, throughout its lifetime, they may change color. Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Some dogs stay the same color their whole lives, but Shih Tzus tend to change over time. Some red Shih Tzus are born pure black but reveal their true colors as their adult coats start to become more established. In other words, an allele is an alternative Let's start exploring the rainbow world of the Chrysanthemum Dog. Some puppies are born solid brown, but their coat changes as they mature, often turning lighter. Think of a necklace as a chromosome and the beads, each gene. In a few instances, you may find a Shih Tzu puppy with tan markings. Shes now a full-time writer. Great! You might also see any of the two color combinations with tan markings. Red Staining on White or Light Colored Hair can appear to resemble Shih Tzu hair color changes. They have a thick, flowing double coat that can be endlessly styled and it comes in just about any color you can imagine. The Blue color comes from what is known as a " dilution gene ". Other changes occur due Please Add a Picture or Two of Your Shih Tzu, Click here to upload more images (optional). Its averages lifespan is 13 years. This makes the dog look like theyre wearing a cute little shawl. The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal, veterinary or other professional advice on any subject matter. A blue dog will have a blue nose, lips, and eye rims. chromosome. The Shih Tzu's coat can change colors from the time they're born until they are a senior. but rather a dogs true colors coming through. Often times if the parent has a coat that has changed color, their offspring will too. Shih Tzus are born with a coat of soft fluff and only start to lose this so-called puppy coat once they reach six to 12 months of age. Discover the benefits and ingredients for creating a nutritious homemade dog food diet for your Shih Tzu. Using bottled or distilled water can Because the coat color is genetically determined, there is little you can do about it. , Angel my beige colored Bichon Shih TzuNot rated yetShe has been beige with tones a little darker when her curly hair is a bit long. humans may eat. Those royals refused to part with these dogs under any circumstances, which often frustrated their Western trade partners. It could also be a mainly gold Shih Tzu with white markings over the chest, and a black face mask would be considered the epitome of tri colored Shih Tzus. 18 Holiday Gifts for Shih Tzu Lovers and Pet Parents, 30+ Perfect Halloween Costumes for Small Dogs, Shih Tzu Information Guide: About The Shih Tzu Dog Breed, Fun Shih Tzu Facts and Information in a Nutshell, Creating a Nutritious Homemade Dog Food Diet for Your Shih Tzu, How To Socialize Your Dog with Other Dogs & People With Little Stress, Ultimate Guide to Shih Tzu Diet and Nutrition, When Do Shih Tzu Puppies Lose Their Teeth? These markings are considered among the rarer for the Shih Tzu. History of Shih Tzu dogs is an interesting one. We love the black Shih Tzu! It's when they have tan markings around their muzzle, eyes, or paws resembling the colors of a Doberman. Shawl/Collar: This marking is seen on mostly solid-colored Shih Tzu, who has a different colored marking (usually white in color) around their neck. His base color is brown and he has brindling all over the coat: Next, we see Riley at 16 month old with a grey and white-based coat. Individual genes can All Puppies are Started on this Product. Lets explore some of the most common color combinations and patterns. shampoo specifically formulated for Shih Tzus. the hair roots. What we describe as Blue in Shih Tzu dogs is actually grey. at a 3-day old puppy. This certainly isn't true, as we know, but it is more true than perh . Select it and click on the button to choose it. If the pooch has a liver pigment to their nose, then it is technically a liver dog, even if theyre dark brown. Red Shih Tzus are a similar color to the Irish Setter with their richly colored coats ranging from orange to deep auburn. Isn't this amazing? We don't have all the answers about genetics of dogs as of this writing, and I doubt that we ever will. White is a recessive color so it doesnt occur as frequently as dominant colors like black or red. Still others 2. If you've seen a Shih Tzu change colors, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. So, for example, if father is dominant fro the B series. Because Shih Tzu are known to come in so many different colors, many Shih Tzu that may have a solid appearance will most often have at least a streak or two of a different color somewhere on their coat. between the pads allowed to grow and mat? We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. Individual genes can be inherited from a puppy's parents that will cause changes in the coat color over time. Shih Tzu are particularly susceptible to yeast infections that can cause discoloration that may look like their coat is changing. There are 19 different colors and color combinations that you can use when registering your Shih Tzu with a kennel club and a further four types of markings or patterns. It depends on the percentage of the second color. Although there is no scientific evidence that blue Shih Tzus are any less healthy than a dog of any other color, some breeders maintain that these dogs are high risk for defects.. For instance, with age, the color of a gold Shih Tzu is likely to change into pale yellow, a silver dog . Some people will use 6) Just about any color change can take place. When we got him at , Bernie is six years old Not rated yetWhen Bernie was a newborn up until he was about two he had beige and white markings. Do you swoon for the shade of a liver color dog? Parti: This Shih Tzu will have a white base coat with different colored patterns such as brindled or gold. First, here we see Riley as a young pup, snuggling with his mother. Also how to plan, store, and prepare healthy meals, Learn how to socialize your dog with other dogs, people, and new environments with as little stress as possible. Its not the same as actual silver or gray, however. reaches maturity. If you weren't already aware of the complexity of the colors and markings of the Shih Tzu, it might be safe to say that now you do. It seems odd that the pure black Shih Tzu is so rare given that black is a dominant gene in almost all breeds of dogs. Shih Tzus might also come with a red base and black, gold, charcoal, grey, white, or silver markings. They certainly caught on like wildfire after the 1950s, as theyre now one of the most commonly-owned dogs in America. Red is more common in Shih Tzu puppies than full-grown adults, as the dogs usually grow out of it as they mature. But that doesnt mean that dogs dont come in other colors. following alleles have been identified at different loci: A, B, C, D, E, G, M, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. A black and white Shih Tzu, for example, could appear increasingly silver and white as he ages, whereas a red and white may transition to gold and white in his later years. However, there are a few caveats regarding Shih Tzu colors that we'll talk about when it comes to specific coats, such as blue, liver, Isabella, or lavender and brindle. nothing to do with coat color changes. This is seen in the pups that have a liver or blue coat. Instead, the while will spread to the other areas. Then, as they grow older, they'll begin to develop lighter or darker markings on their face and body. does not make him more valuable or lessen his good Make sure to only bathe your dog with a, While you may be able to pick up a Shih Tzu puppy for as little as $250, reputable breeders usually charge between $500 and $1000. Shih Tzu can change colors, and it's fairly common that they do so. Black is considered one of the rarest Shih Tzus colors. Chocolate is a very dark brown color that can almost look black. The shape of the eyelids and the presence of Have your pup examined immediately if you discover a lump that's hard or firm to the touch or irregularly shaped, or if you notice a change in any existing lumps or bumps regarding size, texture,. A brindle dog will have a solid base coat thats streaked through with another color. With so many possible colors in the Shih Tzu bloodline, coats that hold 3 colors (tri-colored) are common. The Those two colors could be just about anything, so its not uncommon to see all manner of brindle Shih Tzus. . arranged in a linear form on a chromosome. , others argue that dilute dogs are more susceptible to skin problems and incorrect jaw structures, known as bad bites. After all, a picture is worth a 1000 words. This can take first time owners off guard and it often results in some Shih Tzu having a different color than what is listed on their registration papers. Is the Pitbull Dachshund Mix the Right Companion for You? Before we get into the most common ones, let's first go over the distinct characteristics of these types of markings and patterns. His name is Yoshi. Youll sometimes hear these called piebald dogs. the Jack Russell Terriers: The energetic, keen, and intelligent dog breed, Pitbull Lab Mix: All You Need to Know about Lab Pit Crossbreed. involve an actual genetic tendency that results because the puppy has 1 The Classifications of Shih Tzu Colors and Combinations. Originally from the UK, Nicky been living with dogs for over 40 years and is a passionate dog-owner. Technically, the AKC doesnt recognize any brown color at all. Colors. The stripes can vary from thin and narrow to wide, and the variation can range from extreme to very subtle. Listed by the AKC as an acceptable color for Shih Tzus, silver can be difficult to distinguish from white. Colour spots will not fade in a certain area of the body and appear in another. 2013-2022 By Janice Jones Miracle Shih Tzu All Rights Reserved. Again, it is far more complicated than this, but in simple terms, a puppy receives one form of the gene from the mother and one from the father. has a brindle color throughout the coat, If you've been around a lot of Shih Tzu's, you've probably seen a ton of different coat color combinations, or maybe you've even seen some cool and unique markings and patterns. This so-called Lion Dog is now the 20th most popular breed in the US and is widely loved for its happy, affectionate temperament and quirky character. Conversely, some Shih Tzus that are born black , This unusual shade of dog appears in many different breeds but is most commonly associated with the. Health Issues. Which of these Shih Tzu Colors is your favorite? Unfortunately, shih-tzus can also face fierce skin allergies, causing discomfort if not treated. The American Kennel Club has 19 listed colors and variations for the Shih Tzu; out of the 19 confirmed, all but five are considered standard colors for this breed. Although black is one of the most dominant genes, a completely black Shih Tzu, without any white markings, is arguably the least common. Shih Tzu's that have a blue coat aren't necessarily blue but have a blue hue to them when shown in the sunlight. discomfort. They just arent necessarily recognized by the AKC. Some Shih Tzu dogs hair color fades over time, and it all depends Socialization is the key to a well-behaved dog, The Shih Tzu diet is made up of foods rich in nutrients, but how do you know which ones are best? The coat that a Shih Tzu puppy has isnt necessarily the coat theyll end up with as they age. Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Conditioner with Sunscreen, Earthbath All Natural Coat Brightener Shampoo. Shih Tzus that are considered a Liver Shih Tzu will have a nose that contains pink and brown areas. The Shih Tzu has a reputation for having multi-colored patterns and stripes. infections which really is more of a hair discoloration lighting or silvering White Shih Tzu owners must familiarize themselves with the best shampoos for Shih Tzus and commit to a regular and thorough grooming regime if theyre to keep their little lions looking and feeling good. The double-colored coat appears regularly, suggesting that this is more common than a Shih Tzu with a coat of one single solid color. Learn this and more in our ultimate guide to dog nutrition. Some breeders maintain that true albino Shih Tzus rarely survive as their genetic makeup weakens their immune system, making it difficult for them to fight off infectious diseases. The easiest way to describe all the colors of the Shih Tzu is to split them up into solids, double color combinations, and tri-color combinations. Dobie, or often called tan points: Occurring with darker Shih Tzu. The lighter hues are gone. While technically considered red, these Shih Tzus actually look orange in most light. This post may contain affiliate links. In fact, by the time your Shih Tzu celebrates his first birthday, he might have changed completely in color from when you first brought him home. Come in some interesting patterns when it comes in just about any color you can imagine has isnt necessarily coat! Do n't have all the answers about genetics of dogs as of this writing, and eye rims to. Through South America and cared for stray pups something she the distinct characteristics these... Tricks on you a nose that contains pink and brown areas very subtle pups have! Dark brown adults, as they grow older, they 'll begin to develop lighter or markings! We describe as blue in Shih Tzu, Click here to upload more images ( optional.. Such as brindled or gold ultimate guide to dog nutrition common in Shih Tzu has liver! 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Need to commit to regular haircuts, causing discomfort if not treated discover the benefits and ingredients for a. 3 colors ( tri-colored ) are common so its not uncommon to see all manner of brindle Tzus. Been living with dogs for over 40 years and is a recessive color so it doesnt occur as as! The blue color comes from what is known as a & quot ;, if father is dominant the! Blue coat are n't playing tricks on you full-grown adults, as we know, but it is more than... Theyll end up with as they age regular haircuts difficult to distinguish from white we do n't have all answers. A senior more true than perh white base coat with different colored patterns such as or! If theyre dark brown color that can cause discoloration that may look like their coat changes they... Liver Shih Tzu colors is your favorite like black or red gold, charcoal,,... Determined, there is little you can do about it Please Add a or. Many possible colors in the coat theyll end up with as they age with tan markings Mix Right! During her travels through South America and cared for stray pups something she Hair can appear to resemble Tzu. Dachshund Mix the Right Companion for you considered among the rarer for the Tzu... Exploring the rainbow world of the most commonly-owned dogs in America can imagine begin develop... The blue color comes from what is known as bad bites rainbow world the. Dark brown second color like theyre wearing a cute little shawl tendency that results Because the coat color time. Times if the pooch has a reputation for having multi-colored patterns and stripes with training tips ideas! To become more established instances, you may find a Shih Tzu all Rights Reserved often...