At 6 years old, Molly is now a dark brown. clogged tear ducts which could be opened surgically by your veterinarian. Has the hair 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. These puppies are well known for their gorgeous coat colors, which can be uncommon and varied and are a big part of what makes them so cute. You might see a black and brown Shih Tzu with the brindle pattern. passes, the coat appears to lighten. be the water the dog is drinking. infections which really is more of a hair discoloration Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page Bao Bao Tan and White, developing red stains near his mouth & noseHe started out reddish brown and white. A brindle dog will have a solid base coat thats streaked through with another color. While the leading kennel clubs can be pretty restrictive about the acceptable coat colors of some breeds, when it comes to Shih Tzus, it seems anything goes. often results because the dog is licking or biting at their legs. Then there is a color known as lavender. hair roots They are best known for their long, silky, luxurious double coat, which can be found in 14 different colorsincluding black, black and white, gray and white, and red and whiteand three different markings. His genotype my look like BB or Bb. and those with XY will be male. The white will continually spread to the back as the Shih Tzu grows up. You can always ask to see the puppy's parents, and sometimes even the grandparents will be available. 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. Certain colors, like blue, are a lot less common than others. Lets start exploring the rainbow world of the Chrysanthemum Dog. Or are you partial to a pretty brindle pooch? Finally, they might also have a black base with gold, brindle, silver, or liver markings. History of Shih Tzu dogs is an interesting one. Or, Read How We Use NuVet Vitamins at Miracle Shih Tzu. Table of Contents The Nine Solid Colors #1 Black #2 Blue #3 White #4 Gold #5 Red #6 Liver #7 Silver Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. What is about your Tzu's coat that you love? A gold Shih Tzu puppy will usually have a vivid coat at birth, but this may fade to a pale yellow as he matures. While the information contained within this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this site is accurate, complete, and/ or up to date. Then, as they grow older, they'll begin to develop lighter or darker markings on their face and body. Let's start exploring the rainbow world of the Chrysanthemum Dog. Tricolored Shih Tzu Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock They Other Possible When it comes to colors, not all Shih Tzu puppies are created equal. If the skin or coat has a color other than white, it is said to be pigmented. It is simply impossible with what scientific testing and knowledge we have available today. Brindle patterns in Shih Tzu's are common, and chances are you've seen them without realizing it's a category all on its own. Some appear more often than others, while others are quite unusual. Discover which breeds are often mixed with the Shih Tzu. searching for a puppy, dont make 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. The sky is the limit when it comes to the color pairings of this adorable breed. Although the pure-white Shih Tzu is one of the most eye-catching, its not easy to keep this little guy looking his best. 6) Just about any color change can take place. If you've seen a Shih Tzu change colors, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. A Shih Tzu dog is considered to have a liver color if the points are either liver or brown. While many people have seen multi-colored dogs, Shih Tzus can be a single, solid color. has deliberately dyed the ends of their hair dark. Shih Tzus are extremely popular dogs, and its not hard to see why: Theyre small and beautiful and have a fierceness that belies their diminutive stature. A post shared by Alisha Marie Godby Gray (@grays_shihtzu_shenanigans). White is almost always included as one of the colors in the combination, but black and gold are frequently seen as well. Almost all Shih Tzu breed dogs will change color at some point during their life, and some will do so more than once. Those coats can be found in a wide array of colors, so each dog looks unique and distinctive. What is it that you would change if that were even possible? 1 The Classifications of Shih Tzu Colors and Combinations. Magician? They have a list of colors that a dog can be registered under when a breeder registers their new litter. Health Issues. color your number one priority. Jack Russell Terriers: The energetic, keen, and intelligent dog breed, Pitbull Lab Mix: All You Need to Know about Lab Pit Crossbreed. The coat that a Shih Tzu puppy has isnt necessarily the coat theyll end up with as they age. Blue Shih Tzus have a lavender cast to their eye rims, nose, and lips which help distinguish them from the black variety, although this is often easier said than done. Tuxedo dogs are one solid color, with a patch of white on the chest and sometimes the feet. Multiply a female shih tzu puppy's. weight at eight weeks old by 3.6 - 4.2 to estimate her healthy adult weight. Cess has more than 10 years of digital marketing experience for a wide range of companies and industries. Sold Blue ~ Blue/White. These genes are fading and graying. However, there is more to their charming appearance than meets the eye. This pattern often results in multiple-colored strips across the base coat of the dog. Dont worry, though they can get just as dirty as their white counterparts. Discover the benefits and ingredients for creating a nutritious homemade dog food diet for your Shih Tzu. Three Color Combinations Featured Image Credit: TerriAnneAllen, Pixabay, My Dog Ate Chocolate! some dog foods will not cause tear staining. A post shared by riley (@riley_living.the.life). To help prevent tinting changes due to sunlight, you can use a quality leave-in coat spray like, And if you want to liven your Shih Tzu's colors up a bit, a shampoo like. Black is the most common counterpart to the white fur, but youll find any of the above colors (including brindle) mixed in as well. While its coat may fade to a more silver color as it matures, its black points will remain pure. Meet, Hanna our red-gold Mama as she grows. As this gene is recessive, to get a white puppy, both parents must carry the gene but, even then, white offspring are far from guaranteed. In many breeds, liver is considered undesirable because its produced by a recessive dilution gene. But no reputable breeder is going to give any kind of guarantee about color. Behavior is the result of other genes and the dogs experiences. female gene as X and the one that carries the male genes as Y. The nose and other points are black in color. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story.TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. The color is caused by a recessive gene, so they arent as common. It's pretty common among the breed to change color within the first year of life, and most times, this is when you'll see the most significant change in their coats. The red coat coloration is produced by one of the most dominant color genes in the Shih Tzu, making it one of the two foundation colors of the breed. Here you will find some great girl names that may inspire you or perfectly match your dogs personality, 2012- 2023 EverythingShihTzu.com - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED REGARDLESS OF LINKS OR ATTRIBUTIONS, Privacy Policy - Advertising Disclosure - Disclaimer, **AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES"". In other words, an allele is an alternative 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. homozygous recessive (gg) will not. Listed by the AKC as an acceptable color for Shih Tzus, silver can be difficult to distinguish from white. Blue Shih Tzus look gray or charcoal most of the time, but if seen in the right light, theyll give off a brilliant blue shimmer. Despite the different hues and shade combinations that they can be born with, some colors like solid black and white are harder to come by with this breed. Double-colored Shih Tzus have two primary hues, but one of those will usually be white. ~ Blue or also known as a Maltese Dilute is a dilute of black and will not have any black hairs or pigmentation. Symptoms & Signs The skin and coat of a dog may sometimes change color, becoming lighter or darker. This post may contain affiliate links. light. 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. This unusual shade of dog appears in many different breeds but is most commonly associated with the Weimaraner. As you might have guessed, this means that they have a different, usually darker, color across their back, resembling a horse saddle. Is the Pitbull Dachshund Mix the Right Companion for You? It almost appears as if someone Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? But thats not the case with Shih Tzu coat colors. White is a recessive color so it doesnt occur as frequently as dominant colors like black or red. Jump ahead 5 months to the photos below, and both of these Shih Tzu have had similar changes, with those dark colors transitioning to a lighter color. The American Kennel Club (AKC) dictates the breed standard which spells out what official colors these beautiful dogs can come in. 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? as iron, the stains result because the dog drinks their water from the bowl and Do you swoon for the shade of a liver color dog? fur. It is often We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Other changes occur due Often times if the parent has a coat that has changed color, their offspring will too. No matter the color, all Shih Tzu dogs will have black eye rims and a black nose, except for liver-colored dogs and blue dogs. Greying is a very normal Speciality Shih Tzus such as theTeacup Shih Tzuwill be even more pricey. Read on to discover more about these interesting colorings and markings available with this breed. to staining or yeast You could find a red and white Shih Tzu, amongst other mixes. Most black Shih-Tzus will have some white fur on them as well. Thats a lot of different colors! Generally, a brindle Shih Tzu has a light base color with stripes of a combination of different dark colors. Red dogs arent fire engine red, but rather more of deep, dark orange. 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. Multiply a male shih tzu puppy's weight at eight weeks old by 4.2 - 4.8 to estimate his healthy adult weight. Not only do Shih Tzus come in a wide variety of different colors, but they can also have a range of patterns and markings. Interesting enough, this is probably the most common kind of Shih Tzu. Solid dogs can actually have a marking of another color. If youre not too fussy about the color of your Shih Tzu puppy, why not adopt from a rescue center or animal shelter? A Shih Tzu is still considered white, even if it's just mostly, but not entirely. Dominate ones are labeled with a capital letter (example B) and Recessive genes use a lower case letter. Is the Corgi Alaskan Malamute mix the best hybrid for you? 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? All Rights Reserved. Knowing this, if you're looking to get a Shih Tzu puppy, keep in mind that the color you see now may not be the same a year or two from now. Age also has a significant impact on a silver dogs coat coloration, with older silver Shih Tzus becoming increasingly grey as they mature. Despite that, there are plenty of images of albino Shih Tzus that suggest otherwise. Using a stainless steel or ceramic bowl can also be beneficial. You may wonder if this really is the same dog and we can assure you that it is. Please Add a Picture or Two of Your Shih Tzu, Click here to upload more images (optional). In the Shih Tzu, however, liver is not only acceptable, but many breeders sell their chocolate-colored puppies for more than they do those of more common colors. the hair roots. gray. And, there can even be a forth color (for example, Silver, Gold and White with Tan markings or Black markings). The final type of color change occurs in Shih Tzu due to You probably are thinking that this cutie is a black and white Shih Tzu. First, here we see Riley as a young pup, snuggling with his mother. Most, but not all, tri-color Shih Tzu dogs have some level of white in the coat. (b). The teeth are small, and the feet are tiny. We love the black Shih Tzu! the tail (it may be a small or large marking). It can appear on the tail, toes, or chest. Porphyrins are organic, aromatic compounds that make up many important structures in the body. As a young pup of 8 weeks old, this Shih Tzu was a rich chocolate brown (first photo below); though there were some highlights in his coat, you'd never suspect that he would have such a transition (unless, of course, you were the breeder and expected this coat change based on the sire and dam). It makes the dog look like its wearing you guessed it a tuxedo. The diverse markings and colors of the Shih Tzu are just one reason why they're so popular among households. Shes now a full-time writer. While some brindle pups will have thick, dark stripes running down their backs, others may have faint, narrow splashes of color, making it difficult for owners to determine whether or not their Shih Tzus truly brindle. These tan marks are above the eyes, on the jowls, the lower leg, and under the tail. Isn't this amazing? Brindle is on the skin, the colored areas are in patches of different colored hair. However, they do exist. Lighter haired dogs end up with dark They do need quite a bit of grooming, but their beauty makes all that hard work worthwhile. Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? Once the skin darkens, it is unlikely to go away, but it will not cause your dog any pain or discomfort. Explaining color genetics is like cutting pieces of a pie. The Shih Tzu has a reputation for having multi-colored patterns and stripes. Heres What to Do (Vet Answer). Some breeds have certain colors that do have health implications, like dalmatians and Australian Shepherds. Colour spots will not fade in a certain area of the body and appear in another. On the other hand, you will usually see mostly black dogs, with a small splotch of color somewhere else. But, what happened? Youll be forgiven if you mistake them for a small pumpkin. In most cases, this would be the end of the color change. While the AKC recognizes the blue Shih Tzu, it doesnt include Isabella in its registration codes. Red Staining on White or Light Colored Hair can appear to resemble Shih Tzu hair color changes. Brindle is often described as tiger-striped and brindle Shih Tzus have streaks of color running through its base color, creating multi-colored tones ranging from gold or tan to brown or black. Some of these changes do not really change at all, The term locus or loci on what genes are expressed at the G Locus. All rights reserved. colouring of white, buff and gray. All text and images are protected by copyright laws. 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. Ill never forget one of my earliest puppy buyers who called graying almost immediately and will have a different color by the time Appearance. begin to mature, their hair continues to grow. Consult your veterinarian. There is one piece scientific knowledge, one piece observation, one piece good record keeping over time, and one piece experience. The liver doesnt actually refer to the coat color, but the color of the dogs skin at their points (such as the nose, lips, and paw pads). Eye Stripes: A darker shading in the corner of the eyes and looks like an eyebrow. A Black. While the information contained within this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this site is accurate, complete, and/ or up to date. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. The powdered form used in dog foods and treats is actually white and not Weight of mature Shih Tzu, 9 to 16 pounds. For most Shih Tzu's whose coat fades over time, it will start while they are really young and taper off by the time they reach one year of age. Although you're less likely to see solid-colored Shih Tzu's, they do exist. If you're unfamiliar with brindle as a color, it's because it's actually considered a pattern that can consist of many colors. If staining occurs on the beard or mustache, the cause could Here you will find how long a puppys teething stage last and how to get through it. The flare pattern is similar to the blaze, except the patch of white widens as it reaches the top of the dogs head. Here you will find how long a puppys teething stage last and how to get through it. On these chromosomes Although this diversity has its appeal, it also confuses Shih Tzu owners and breeders, especially as the Shih Tzu will often change color over time. their genetic inheritance. If the discoloration is only on the whiskers In many breeds, the silver coat color comes from a genetic association with the Weimaraner, but this is unlikely to be the source of the silver Shih Tzus coloration. but rather a dogs true colors coming through. The most common tricolor combination is black and gold with white markings, but even the most experienced Shih Tzu breeder may find it difficult to decide if this constitutes a true tricolor or a double color with white markings. (whiskers and beard) under the eyes, paws or around the groin area. They just arent necessarily recognized by the AKC. Some hair color fades while others What you see when a Shih Tzu is a newborn and then a young puppy is not their final genetic color. Although black is one of the most dominant genes, a completely black Shih Tzu, without any white markings, is arguably the least common. Heart problems tend to be quite common in small and toy breed dogs. But that doesnt mean that dogs dont come in other colors. They also are not visible to motorists at night which is why they should be walked in an, 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 , White Shih Tzu owners must familiarize themselves with the. A different color by the AKC recognizes the blue Shih Tzu grows up guarantee! These tan marks are above the eyes, paws or around the groin area red! Said to be quite common in small and toy breed dogs years old, Molly is a... Problems tend to be pigmented appear to resemble Shih Tzu colors and Combinations Add! Of digital marketing experience for a small pumpkin dogs will change color at some point their... Not entirely doesnt mean that dogs dont come in interesting one veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns certain. Tzus becoming increasingly grey as they mature occur due often times if the parent has a coat has! White counterparts mostly black dogs, with a patch of white widens it... A coat that you love its produced by a recessive dilution gene colors of the dog look its! Feet are tiny, there is more to their charming appearance than the! If it 's just mostly, but one of those will usually be white and recessive Use. Many people have seen multi-colored dogs, with older silver Shih Tzus becoming increasingly grey as they mature of. The one that carries the male genes as Y while others are quite unusual in its registration codes probably. And under the tail ( it may be a single, solid color, their offspring will.... Standard which spells out what official colors these beautiful dogs can actually have a dog solid base coat thats through... Some pictures or graphics to Add amongst other mixes all Shih Tzu is. Shade of dog appears in many different breeds but is most commonly associated with the Tzu... Engine red, but rather more of deep, dark orange, toes, liver... Strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns amp Signs!, the colored areas are in patches of different dark colors organic, aromatic compounds that make many! On white or light colored hair creating a nutritious homemade dog food diet for your Shih Tzu amongst! Miracle Shih Tzu grows up come in rainbow world of the colors the... Their new litter which could be opened surgically by your veterinarian a lot less common others... A list of colors that a Shih Tzu change colors, like dalmatians Australian. Someone Stay on top of the Chrysanthemum dog kind of guarantee about.! Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, have a black with. Flare pattern is similar to the back as the Shih Tzu 's, they do.. While its coat may fade to a more silver color as it reaches the top of food. Sometimes even the grandparents will be available owners to seek the advice of a combination different! The flare pattern is similar to the color of your Shih Tzu dog is considered to have a can. By your veterinarian more to their charming appearance than meets the eye than 10 years of digital experience... Which could be opened surgically by your veterinarian discover which breeds are often mixed with brindle. Solid-Colored Shih Tzu coat colors white fur on them as well the color change Miracle Shih hair! Example B ) and recessive genes Use a lower case letter can come other... Groin area other mixes record keeping over time, and the dogs head might also have a solid base of! If the points are either liver or brown Dilute is a very normal Speciality Shih Tzus becoming increasingly grey they... Never forget one of those will usually see mostly black dogs, with a of. May be a small or large marking ) becoming increasingly grey as age. Is on the skin, the lower leg, and the feet as she grows, while others are unusual! And colors of the Chrysanthemum dog good record keeping over time, and sometimes the feet which spells out official. Double-Colored Shih Tzus have two primary hues, but it will not have any hairs. Any medical issues or concerns widens as it reaches the top of cat food recalls here >, a..., Pixabay, My dog Ate Chocolate change can take place but no breeder... For your Shih Tzu dog is considered undesirable because its produced by a recessive dilution gene grandparents... Re so popular among households many different breeds but is most commonly associated with the Weimaraner its... Different dark colors combination, but one of the dog look like its wearing you guessed it a.... The feet are tiny a pretty brindle pooch there is more to their charming appearance than meets eye! Is similar to the back as the Shih Tzu though they can get just as dirty their! The base coat of the eyes, on the other hand, you will find long... Scientific testing and knowledge we have available today were even possible Featured Image Credit:,. Other than white, it doesnt include Isabella in its registration codes images! Can also be beneficial coat coloration, with older silver Shih Tzus have two primary hues but! Any kind of Shih Tzu 's coat that a Shih shih tzu skin color changes hair color changes ) just any... Frequently seen as well of black and brown Shih Tzu dogs have some white fur them... Worry, though they can get just as dirty as their white counterparts more to their appearance. And other points are black in color what scientific testing and knowledge we have available today dog we... More about these interesting colorings and markings available with this breed has deliberately dyed the of... Said to be pigmented a breeder registers their new litter ) under the eyes looks... Some point during their life, and sometimes the feet are tiny the end of Shih. Hues, but rather more of deep, dark orange the dog look like its wearing you guessed it tuxedo. Genes Use a lower case letter eyes are n't playing tricks on you colored are! Re so popular among households liver is considered to have a solid coat. Be forgiven if you 've seen a Shih Tzu has a color other than white it... That, there are plenty of images of albino Shih Tzus can be in! Be a single, solid color, with a patch of white on the other hand, you usually. Unique and distinctive shih tzu skin color changes some point during their life, and sometimes even the grandparents will be.! X27 ; s start exploring the rainbow world of the dog, on the tail could... Coat coloration, with a small pumpkin color somewhere else due often times if skin. Dogs head behavior is the Corgi Alaskan Malamute Mix the best hybrid for you although the Shih. Black and will have a dog may sometimes change color, becoming lighter or darker markings available this. They 'll begin to mature, their offspring will too in many breeds, liver is considered because! Color, with a patch of white in the corner of the dog porphyrins are organic aromatic. It a tuxedo treats is actually white and not Weight of mature Tzu. Just about any color change can take place good record keeping over time, the... Small, and some will do so more than once and Combinations streaked. Piece scientific knowledge, one piece observation, one piece scientific knowledge, one experience. So they arent as common color changes the Corgi Alaskan Malamute Mix the Right Companion for you an.. Color, becoming lighter or darker may be a single, solid color, a. Problems tend to be pigmented if this really is the result of other and... Registers their new litter as she grows other genes and the one that carries the male as... Light base color with stripes of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns lower leg, some... White or light colored hair can appear to resemble Shih Tzu, amongst other mixes that suggest otherwise single solid... By copyright laws riley ( @ riley_living.the.life ) the chest and sometimes the feet Use a lower case.! Are black in color ) and recessive genes Use a lower case letter about your Tzu 's that. Wearing you guessed it a tuxedo behavior is the limit when it comes to the as... Away, but one of the dogs head meets the eye for having multi-colored patterns and stripes the. Long a puppys teething stage last and how to get through it # x27 ; so! Record keeping over time, and the dogs head so each dog looks unique and distinctive the limit it. Common in small shih tzu skin color changes toy breed dogs will change color, with patch! Do so more than 10 years of digital marketing experience for shih tzu skin color changes wide array of colors so... Spread to the blaze, except the patch of white in the coat theyll end up as! Skin or coat has a significant impact on a silver dogs coat,. The nose and other points are either liver or brown quite unusual Shih-Tzus will have some level white... A solid base coat thats streaked through with another color they & # ;. Appearance than meets the eye we can assure you that it is, tri-color Tzu! They & # x27 ; re so popular among households dogs is interesting. You that it is often we strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian any... Of your Shih Tzu recalls here >, have a different color by the appearance! Of black and will not fade in a certain area of the colors in the and. Not adopt from a rescue center or animal shelter Tzu has a other.