Did your Tzu's coat colors change over time? Of course, buying a puppy is only the start of your financial investment and a new Shih Tzu owner should budget around $2,500 for the first year of supplies, medical expenses. 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. The primary requirement for a brindle Shih Tzu is a solid base coat. between the pads allowed to grow and mat? 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. Its even rarer to find a completely white Shih Tzu than a black one, but they do exist. Those coats can be found in a wide array of colors, so each dog looks unique and distinctive. as iron, the stains result because the dog drinks their water from the bowl and This makes the dog look like theyre wearing a cute little shawl. A liver Cane Corso, for instance, is considered to be a genetic liability while a German Shepherd with a liver-colored coat has, according to the AKC, a , there are no particular skin or coat conditions that are seen more in liver Shih Tzu than other colors. Ultimately, a Shih Tzu puppy's colors and markings will become more apparent when they reach adulthood. Genes are made ~ Blue or also known as a Maltese Dilute is a dilute of black and will not have any black hairs or pigmentation. Just like humans get grey hair, so can dogs. Will the paw color change too? It is often In many instances, the third color is often faded and difficult to distinguish but, in a few dogs, you can clearly see black, gold, and silver combining to create a luxurious, multicolored coat. When it comes to color genetics, the Her first grooming she completely lost all of her black hair , Bella my brindle shih tzu girl Not rated yetWhen we first got Bella, she was a dark brindle color and so were her brothers. No, they dont have the same color as the ocean. There are also colors that tend to appear more often in certain bloodlines or parentage. Its not the same as actual silver or gray, however. Although the pure-white Shih Tzu is one of the most eye-catching, its not easy to keep this little guy looking his best. Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. The shape of the eyelids and the presence of Weight of mature Shih Tzu, 9 to 16 pounds. Discover which breeds are often mixed with the Shih Tzu. the water dries over time leaving the hair discolored. Finish off with a conditioner to help reduce tangles. A brindle dog will have a solid base coat thats streaked through with another color. Two distinct genes determine whether a Shih Tzu's coat will lighten or gray over timeand what his ultimate color will be. Blue: The coat of Shih Tzu is not necessarily going to be blue but its skin is. A liver Cane Corso, for instance, is considered to be a genetic liability while a German Shepherd with a liver-colored coat has, according to the AKC, a serious fault.. We love the black Shih Tzu! They come in a variety of colors, such as: You'll often find Shih Tzu's to be multi-colored in appearance. They have a thick, flowing double coat that can be endlessly styled and it comes in just about any color you can imagine. changes in the coat color over time. What color will my puppy be as an adult? It can be easy to confuse a white Shih Tzu with one suffering from albinism and, while white is considered an acceptable color by most kennel clubs, albinism could lead to disqualification. A Shih Tzu puppy will generally have a solid-colored coat when born. This could be due to So, when brown becomes the base color, it is overlain by brown or black stripes. 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. Blue dogs are those with a silvery-gray color to them. Just as genetics can affect what color they are born with; it can also change what color they become as they develop. More often than not, your puppy will be either a double color or even tri colored. Not only do Shih Tzus come in a wide variety of different colors, but they can also have a range of patterns and markings. Shichons are mixed breed dogs. Mask: Darker shades of color that cover the muzzle or the entire head. The diverse markings and colors of the Shih Tzu are just one reason why they're so popular among households. So if you're in the market for this adorable pup, you don't have to worry about not getting a specific color. 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. Make sure to only bathe your dog with ashampoo specifically formulated for Shih Tzus. Liver dogs can have a liver pigmentation in their nose and liver eye rims, and blue have blue eye rims and noses. between the number of chromosomes and the complexity of the organism. Shih Tzu puppy colors are complex and can be a little confusing. Some color schemes available in the breed are white and red, off-white, black, blue, golden, white and silver, gray, white and golden and reddish-brown. Some dogs with longer hair may need to have their hair tied up when they eat to prevent getting the ears and chin chair really messy. Shih Tzu puppies can be found in the following colors: *These are not considered the standard color. individually. Shih Tzu are particularly susceptible to yeast infections that can cause discoloration that may look like their coat is changing. Do Dogs Have Self-Awareness? up to say that her sister was convinced that I was abusing or not taking care Some Shih Tzus are entirely one color, while others are multi-colored. (whiskers and beard) under the eyes, paws or around the groin area. The Shih Tzu has a reputation for having multi-colored patterns and stripes. Almost all Shih Tzu breed dogs will change color at some point during their life, and some will do so more than once. These Shih Tzus look like white ones, but they do have a slight silvery sheen to them. It is very common, and just about expected, for Shih Tzu dogs to change colors as they mature. That doesnt stop some breeders from charging more for these unusually colored pups, however, so, if youre determined to own one, you should look at spending anywhere between $2,200 to $2,700 to secure the puppy of your choice. 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. Magician? you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter. The most crucial thing is to . Tricolored Shih Tzu Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock Greying is a very normal different type of staining. They do need quite a bit of grooming, but their beauty makes all that hard work worthwhile. Youll sometimes hear these called piebald dogs. Finally, they might also have a black base with gold, brindle, silver, or liver markings. Much like how blue coats are to black, Isabella, or often called lavender, coats are a version of a liver coat that results from a diluted gene and can even cause your dog to have hazel eyes! are located about 100,000 genes. Those two colors could be just about anything, so its not uncommon to see all manner of brindle Shih Tzus. With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper. A completely solid dog without any markings is pretty rare, but they do exist. As time But no reputable breeder is going to give any kind of guarantee about color. Sometimes, the coat fades as the dog matures, even transitioning to a more silver-colored coat. Dont worry, though they can get just as dirty as their white counterparts. The MLPH gene is responsible for the dilution of color that creates this lilac hue. Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. "bandit look" over the eyes, a white top knot on the forehead, a white area around the neck, four white paws, and some type of white tip on. Get to Know the Fierce & Powerful American Bandogge, Schnauzer Mixes: 30 Different Schnauzer Crossbreeds, Husky Mixes: 35 Different Siberian Husky Crossbreeds, French Bulldog Colors: The Standard & Rare Frenchie Coat Colors. So whats the difference between a solid dog with a marking and a double colored dog? Please Add a Picture or Two of Your Shih Tzu, Click here to upload more images (optional). However, Shih Tzu can gradually change their coat coloring over the years, or it can also begin to change once they hit their senior years. 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. So you know that the Shih Tzu breed can come in a range of colors, from single to three colors, but what patterns do these colors take on? Technically, the AKC doesnt recognize any brown color at all. The Shih Tzu's coat can change colors from the time they're born until they are a senior. Blue is usually darker than silver or gray, and blue dogs will be born almost black. Featured Image Credit: TerriAnneAllen, Pixabay, My Dog Ate Chocolate! The AKC lists 7 different double color combinations in its registration codes: Each of these dogs features its own unique combination of colors and patterns, which often change as the individual matures. No, the dogs arent purple. If your dog's tummy turned black and used to be white or pink, the cause could be trauma from constant licking, biting or scratching. The white will continually spread to the back as the Shih Tzu grows up. Most Shih Tzu dogs coats have multiple colors and markings, although less often, they may come in rare solid colors. But that doesnt mean that dogs dont come in other colors. Its a good thing, too, as they went extinct in the country after the Communist revolution. 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? 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. One is known as blaze, where a dog has a strip of white going up the middle of their face from the nose and up between the eyes. Using the wrong shampoos can harm the Shih Tzus coat and cause it to lighten or fade. We don't have all the answers about genetics of dogs as of this writing, and I doubt that we ever will. This graying produces a There is one piece scientific knowledge, one piece observation, one piece good record keeping over time, and one piece experience. The double-colored coat appears regularly, suggesting that this is more common than a Shih Tzu with a coat of one single solid color. graying almost immediately and will have a different color by the time but rather a dogs true colors coming through. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? With a round adorable face and soft fluffy coat, it's hard not to fall in love with these cuties every time you see them. It may extend down the neck or even the back, but it will always split their eyes down the middle. Of the of change. 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. Some Isabella Shih Tzus also carry the dilute for liver, which gives them amber or hazel eyes, others may have a lilac tinge to their skins but a particolored coat. gene occupying the same position or locus on a particular chromosome. The color is caused by a recessive gene, so they arent as common. The colorful origins of the diminutive Shih Tzu are reflected in the rainbow colors of its coat. So, it really just depends on your dog! up of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A major reason why their coats change colors is due to genetics. The color usually starts vivid and shiny, but it often fades to a soft yellow as the dog grows up. ------------------------------------------- , My brindle and white Champ Not rated yetWhen I made a decision about my puppy it was because he had a black face and I loved his brindle and white color on his body. (b). Although a blue Shih Tzu may be of such a dark gunmetal gray as to appear black in certain lights, the color of its nose and lips will confirm its true coloration. This is seen in the pups that have a liver or blue coat. The classic markings of a gold and white, black and white, brindle and white, liver and white, and blue and white Shih Tzu are, a dark colored. A blue Shih Tzu wont necessarily have a steel grey or blue coat as the term refers to the skin color rather than the color of the coat. Table of Contents The Nine Solid Colors #1 Black #2 Blue #3 White #4 Gold #5 Red #6 Liver #7 Silver Although the AKC only lists registration codes for these seven solid colors of Shih Tzu, its possible to get lavender or Isabella colored puppies, as well as albino ones, so lets take a look at how those colors present themselves. Although the AKC doesn't recognize it, this color of Shih Tzu is defined by a pale brown color. 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