These solid dogs can be all black, all white, all silver, all gold, all blue, all liver, all red, or completely brindle. Flare: This pattern is similar to the blaze pattern but differs in that the streak goes farther down on the head and down the back. Liver dogs can have a liver pigmentation in their nose and liver eye rims, and blue have blue eye rims and noses. The only question that remains is whether youre comfortable having a dog that will upstage you at every opportunity. Red, in particular, tends to lighten with age and a red puppy may eventually look golden when they are older. Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? The unique color-changing that can occur within the Shih Tzu breed is surprisingly common and pretty neat. Those coats can be found in a wide array of colors, so each dog looks unique and distinctive. light. Each year thereafter your average annual expenditure should drop to around $1,180 per year. Red Staining on White or Light Colored Hair can appear to resemble Shih Tzu hair color changes. Generally, a brindle Shih Tzu has a light base color with stripes of a combination of different dark colors. Here are the common colors youll see, whether theyre recognized as official coat colors or not. Each gene within While it is true that some Shih Tzus do lighten in color as they age, several other factors can cause a change in coat color. But no reputable breeder is going to give any kind of guarantee about color. Dark hairs remain on his ears, but his main body now has red patches. 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. Do you swoon for the shade of a liver color dog? The eyes are dark, and their small nose is pig-like and upturned. Black is considered one of the rarest Shih Tzus colors. 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. Ticking: Mostly seen in maturing Shih Tzus, this is the appearance of spots in the white fur found more on the skin of the belly. Blue: The coat of Shih Tzu is not necessarily going to be blue but its skin is. The liver color is produced when the eumelanin or black pigment is diluted by the B locus. 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. 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.. You wont see a lot of tricolor Shih Tzus around, as this color combination is comparatively rare. The white will continually spread to the back as the Shih Tzu grows up. 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. This may be a normal process or may be due to a serious disease. When it comes to color genetics, the They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise parents. 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. Pros & Cons of Raw Dog Food (2023 Guide With Facts), How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of Brick (5 Proven Methods), The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? Black. be inherited from a puppys parents that will cause ~ Blue or also known as a Maltese Dilute is a dilute of black and will not have any black hairs or pigmentation. Age also has a significant impact on a silver dogs coat coloration, with older silver Shih Tzus becoming increasingly grey as they mature. Using the wrong shampoos can harm the Shih Tzus coat and cause it to lighten or fade. The most dramatic change occurs from the time the puppy is born until he Now that we've gone over some color changing facts, let's take a look at some adorable examples of how a Shih Tzu's coat can change over time. has deliberately dyed the ends of their hair dark. begin to mature, their hair continues to grow. This is why a true brown Shih Tzu will always have a brown (or liver, which is visually a lighter brown color) nose, brown eye rims and brown foot pads. To receive credit as the author, enter your information below. Although youll usually have to pay an adoption fee of around $300, this is a cheaper and more ethical way of introducing a little bundle of joy into your life. When Shih Tzu Hair Color Changes are a Result of Genetics The final type of color change occurs in Shih Tzu due to their genetic inheritance. Although the history of this ancient breed can be traced back some 2000 years, the Shih Tzu only started to gain widespread popularity after it was formally recognized by the AKC in 1969. The coat that a Shih Tzu puppy has isnt necessarily the coat theyll end up with as they age. reaches maturity. Solid dogs can actually have a marking of another color. 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"". 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. 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. Is there something stuck Appearance. 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. If the water has a high mineral content, such as iron, the stains result because the dog drinks their water from the bowl and than a real change. different look than their puppy. Although the pure-white Shih Tzu is one of the most eye-catching, its not easy to keep this little guy looking his best. 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. There is also a flare, which happens when the blaze widens out like a fan across the dogs forehead. This is seen in the pups that have a liver or blue coat. A Shih Tzu puppy will lose their teeth and enter into their teething stage. Quick change artist? Most of the brindling has grown off. Staining is a frequent Certain colors, like blue, are a lot less common than others. This can be a tricky question. The Shih Tzu has coat colors of brown, white, gold, black, brindle, grey, or a combination of these. Great! This makes the dog look like theyre wearing a cute little shawl. A solid black dog is an extremely rare color and you dont see them too often. on them, but it does take time. Start here to find answers to FAQ's about traits, health, grooming and more, Discover 25 interesting and fun Shih Tzu facts and information in our list about this small companion dogs history, appearance and more that may enlighten you. Dobie markings are tan marks on a dark coat. It is interesting to note that, although solid black and solid white colored Shih Tzu puppies are rare, double-colored black and white puppies are not that uncommon in litters. Tri-colored Shih Tzus are fairly rare and easy to overlook, as the third shade is often faint. Depending on their parents and other factors, your Shih Tzu puppy's coloring may be a little different from another dog of the same breed. The Classifications of Shih Tzu Colors and Combinations. Very simply, it's a matter of genetics. If you're unfamiliar with brindle as a color, it's because it's actually considered a pattern that can consist of many colors. Double-colored Shih Tzus have two primary hues, but one of those will usually be white. 7) There is nothing that can be done to stop a color change, 8) Aside from natural color changes with this breed, there are also other elements that can cause the coat to become tinted differently. gene occupying the same position or locus on a particular chromosome. 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. dyes and colors. Theyre known for their glorious, flowing coat, which comes in a huge range of colors. hair. For instance, a Shih Tzu can have a base of a white coat with black, red, grey, charcoal, gold, brindle, blue, liver, or silver markings. Some are just rarer than others. In the second photo, Kierks is a new dog! Entirely solid white Shih Tzu's are very hard to come by due to the many color combinations with white that are present on their coats and because white is a recessive gene in many dog breeds. they are Meet, Hanna our red-gold Mama as she grows. This is usually white, but it can be another color. has a brindle color throughout the coat, Finally, you may see pooches with what is known as a saddle pattern. their genetic inheritance. Not only do Shih Tzus come in a wide variety of different colors, but they can also have a range of patterns and markings. A Shih Tzu puppy will generally have a solid-colored coat when born. Learn this and more in our ultimate guide to dog nutrition. There is a marking called the black mask, which might make you think of burglars or raccoons. The stripes can vary from thin and narrow to wide, and the variation can range from extreme to very subtle. Is the Corgi Alaskan Malamute mix the best hybrid for you? Black isnt a particularly common color among Shih Tzus, and many of those that appear completely black will have shades of blue or chocolate in their coats. Another twist to this is the black tipping that occasionally occurs in Shih Tzu puppies. Dobie, or often called tan points: Occurring with darker Shih Tzu. In most cases, this would be the end of the color change. There are lots of Shih Tzus looking for loving homes, including rare pure black ones. 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. In other cases, color changes due to infections aren't permanent to your Shih Tzu's coat but may require the intervention of your veterinarian to clear up. Shih Tzus may have been designed as lap dogs, but that doesnt mean they dont enjoy exploring the outdoor world and getting rather grubby in the process. The double-colored coat appears regularly, suggesting that this is more common than a Shih Tzu with a coat of one single solid color. If staining occurs on the beard or mustache, the cause could Saddle: It's called a saddle pattern because it is a marking that covers their lower backside, kind of how a saddle is on a horse. Red - this is another solid color that looks like a dark orange. One of the most striking things about these dogs is their gorgeous coats. Whether you have a liver Shih Tzu or a black, red & white pup, the care is all the same. 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. Great! Select it and click on the button to choose it.Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. A brindle dog will have a solid base coat thats streaked through with another color. the terms alleles and genes interchangeably Some Shih Tzu dogs hair color fades over time, and it all depends Because of their vibrant batch of colors, many people begin to wonder if any of them are rarer than others, especially white Shih Tzu. Advertising onMiracle Shih Tzu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com This site receives a small commission from all affiliate links and third-party advertising. Enter Your Title (Example: Cooper my tricolor Shih Tzu Boy). 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. The nose will still be black on a white Shih Tzu, though, and it will stick out like a little lump of charcoal on a snowman. In fact, in many dogs, the coat is contrasted by another color, usually white. What is about your Tzu's coat that you love? 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. For instance, a puppy with gold hair at birth might turn orange, and one with blue hair at birth might turn gray by his first birthday. Despite that, there are plenty of images of albino Shih Tzus that suggest otherwise. In simplest terms, genes can occur as dominant and recessive. A black mask is one of the most common markings, while white markings are more common than tan ones. Like the white variety, the silver also has black pads, eye rims, and lips, as well as a black nose. often results because the dog is licking or biting at their legs. The Shih Tzu's coat can change colors from the time they're born until they are a senior. It can then take over parts of the neck and back. 5) Color changes can take place during the newborn phase. Assume Create a mental list of all the dogs you've owned or have been around before and think about what color they've been. graying almost immediately and will have a different color by the time For instance, some dogs have chocolate coats or chocolate markings. Before we get into the most common ones, let's first go over the distinct characteristics of these types of markings and patterns. changes in the coat color over time. 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. Is the Pitbull Dachshund Mix the Right Companion for You? Whether your Shih Tzu hair color changes over time or not Once they are a senior dog, they might start to turn gray as well. the color in most circumstances. For example, a puppy that Red is more common in Shih Tzu puppies than full-grown adults, as the dogs usually grow out of it as they mature. If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. up to say that her sister was convinced that I was abusing or not taking care This discoloration might look like a darkish gray, black, or brown color on the skin. a red yeast infection or As you can see, she was brown (or gold) and white. Shih Tzu hair color changes over time. It can appear on the tail, toes, or chest. Find out about the free gift you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter. Instead, they are another variation of liver that almost looks like it has a bit of silver in it. A Shih Tzu is still considered white, even if it's just mostly, but not entirely. 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. On the other hand, you will usually see mostly black dogs, with a small splotch of color somewhere else. Black and white Shih Tzus might have white feet, neck, and face, with black ears, tail, and back. Shih Tzu mixes are a cross between two purebred dogs that can result in a variety of desirable traits. Along with its many color variations, the Shih Tzu has many different patterns and markings. 3. A white dog with a brown nose will be considered liver rather than white, and a true white Shih Tzu should have dark eyes, black eye rims, and a black nose. Many white Shih Tzus are not purebred but have been crossed with the Maltese in an effort to perfect the snowy white appearance. Entering your story is easy to do. Tricolored Shih Tzu Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock There are also dogs with dobie markings, though this is very rare. They gradually turn blue and their color changes as they get older. Lighter haired dogs end up with dark As we mentioned earlier in our discussion of the double and tricolor coat combinations, Shih Tzus can have a few different markings in addition to their base coat colors and patterns. Join us as we discuss the most common Shih Tzu colors. However, youll typically see mostly black dogs, with small splotches of color elsewhere. The most crucial thing is to . You'd be surprised just how colorful the Shih Tzu is. What is Your Question,Comment, Concern or Contribution, (You can preview and edit on the next page). Some Shih Tzus are entirely one color, while others are multi-colored. to understand what happens, you need just a little background. Thats because all those black ends are cut off and they dont come back. Blue is usually darker than silver or gray, and blue dogs will be born almost black. and commit to a regular and thorough grooming regime if theyre to keep their little lions looking and feeling good. Finally, they might also have a black base with gold, brindle, silver, or liver markings. Breeders will first look at the area on the dog Saddle markings look like a patch of color, usually white, that sits on top of the dogs back like a horses saddle. By These dogs have a streak of white that runs right between their eyes. A blue dog will have a blue nose, lips, and eye rims. Almost all Shih Tzu breed dogs will change color at some point during their life, and some will do so more than once. Behavior is the result of other genes and the dogs experiences. Colour spots will not fade in a certain area of the body and appear in another. Individual genes can be inherited from a puppy's parents that will cause changes in the coat color over time. Select it and click on the button to choose it. This Shih Tzu, genetically is a red, despite what he looked like as a pup. color your number one priority. The blue color is actually just a diluted black, and it occurs when the pup has something known as the dilution gene., A post shared by Lentil + Echo (@lentil_and_echo). Most black Shih-Tzus will have some white fur on them as well. The coat is now a lovely light gold and even his liver (brown) nose has lightened. The result is a dog that looks like they have a tuxedo on! In Chinese, shih-tzu translates to "lion-dog", which is fitting for their mane-like coat and fierce (but sweet) personalities. A gold Shih Tzu puppy will usually have a vivid coat at birth, but this may fade to a pale yellow as he matures. Table of Contents The Nine Solid Colors #1 Black #2 Blue #3 White #4 Gold #5 Red #6 Liver #7 Silver Shih Tzus that are considered a Liver Shih Tzu will have a nose that contains pink and brown areas. 24 Cocker Spaniel Colors & Patterns (With Pictures), Dog Tail Language: What Your Dogs Tail Can Tell You. You will most likely see these changes during the first year, so it may be safe to say that by the time they have reached the end of that first year, and they're still the same color, there is a higher chance of them staying that color. Of the It also determines how much of the color is present on the Shih Tzu, otherwise categorized as flash, parti, or piebald. All blue colored Shih Tzu's must have a blue/gunmetal color nose, lips, eye rims and paw pads. the normal red color found in beets It may extend down the neck or even the back, but it will always split their eyes down the middle. Shih Tzu puppy colors are complex and can be a little confusing. Although the gold color is dominant to liver, its recessive to black. K9 Web contains opinions and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or give medical guidance. 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. His once black patches are gone. White is almost always included as one of the colors in the combination, but black and gold are frequently seen as well. 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. If there is a difference between what is showing at the Present color is brindle like dark brown . Isn't it amazing how many different markings and colors Shih Tzu comes in? A Shih Tzu dog is considered to have a liver color if the points are either liver or brown. Often referred to as being chocolate-colored, liver Shih Tzus have a uniquely polished look about them which is probably why people find them so appealing. As with blue, the term liver refers to the color of the dogs skin rather than its coat, and liver Shih Tzus will always have brown noses. The term locus or loci 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. Their coats can come in one, two, or even three different colors, and theyre found in a variety of patterns as well. All text and images are protected by copyright laws. 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. Even then, if you do have the chance to own a rare Shih Tzu like this, you may find your pup's hair color changing within the first year or so. Dog looks unique and distinctive expenditure should drop to around $ 1,180 per year even if it just... There is also a flare, which comes in extreme to very subtle just little. Give medical guidance little lions looking and feeling good you want to upload up 3! As you can preview and edit on the link if you want to upload up 3... 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Will have a blue dog will have a solid base coat thats streaked through with another color you to. Dobie, or liver markings is your shih tzu skin color changes, Comment, Concern or Contribution, ( you can preview edit. All blue Colored Shih Tzu hair color changes black pads, eye rims, and eye rims and pads! Select it and click on the button to choose it point during their life, and the variation range..., ( you can preview and edit on the button to choose it small nose pig-like! Black pads, eye rims and recessive called tan points: Occurring with Shih... S must have a liver pigmentation in their nose and liver eye rims and paw pads with stripes of combination. Join us as we discuss the most common ones, let 's first go the!