Explaining color genetics is like cutting pieces of a pie. This can be hard to see in a grown-out coat, as . Great! clogged tear ducts which could be opened surgically by your veterinarian. 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. The S Locus, a fancy word to describe the gene in charge of the "white spots" on a dog, controls the white that you see on dogs. I declined to see his parents , Shih Tzu or Chameleon, The Many Color Changes of the BreedNot rated yetCoCo was a little black mop of a puppy with an under And, there can even be a forth color (for example, Silver, Gold and White with Tan markings or Black markings). you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter. In a few instances, you may find a Shih Tzu puppy with tan markings. Tricolored Shih Tzu Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock White Shih Tzus are the result of an extreme dilution of the red or yellow pigment, pheomelanin, which is caused by the piebald gene. His name is Yoshi. While technically considered red, these Shih Tzus actually look orange in most light. The diverse markings and colors of the Shih Tzu are just one reason why they're so popular among households. Because Shih Tzus change color as they develop, identifying a Shih Tzus correct color at birth can be extremely challenging, leading to some dogs being misregistered. The color combinations dont stop there. Red, in particular, tends to lighten with age and a red puppy may eventually look golden when they are older. hair irritating the eye can also cause staining to occur. A black mask is one of the most common markings, while white markings are more common than tan ones. One theory holds that they resulted from crossing Lhasa Apsos with Pekingese. Shih Tzu hair color changes over time. You might see lighter colored eyes, like light brown, golden, or even blue eyes on dogs with liver or blue pigmentation. Find out about the free gift you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter. the This may be a normal process or may be due to a serious disease. Greying is a very normal Getting Through Teething, Shih Tzu Allergies:12 Best Dog Foods forAllergies. process if the correct set of genes are inherited. Here are the common colors youll see, whether theyre recognized as official coat colors or not. Don't forget to add some pictures. 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. 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. 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. This distinctive coat is caused by a dilute gene variation. So not only can the Shih Tzu puppy's hair color change, but often you'll see their noses or eyes change colors too. There are many genetic tests available for dogs, so if you're interested in knowing more about your dog's coat, that might be an option to consider. The colors can be just about any color, like black, blue, brown, gray, gold, cream, and white and in any of their shades too. 2013-2022 By Janice Jones Miracle Shih Tzu All Rights Reserved. The final type of color change occurs in Shih Tzu due to 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. some dog foods will not cause tear staining. Regardless of where they first came from, they became favorites of the Chinese royal family toward the end of the 17th century. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. It is very common, and just about expected, for Shih Tzu dogs to change colors as they mature. There are also colors that tend to appear more often in certain bloodlines or parentage. Dark hairs remain on his ears, but his main body now has red patches. Liver dogs might range from creamy to dark, deep chocolate, but the thing that makes them technically liver-colored is that they have liver pigmentation to their skin, including lips, eyes, paw pads, and noses. Most Shih Tzu dogs coats have multiple colors and markings, although less often, they may come in rare solid colors. The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a big personality. Who knows, the possibilities are endless when it comes to this magnificent breed. Whether it's the rare entirely black coats or the more common multi-colored coat, from solids to tri-color, it could have tuxedo markings or even have a dark mask along its coat. Besides, how many people can claim they have a dog that changes color? 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. Its even rarer to find a completely white Shih Tzu than a black one, but they do exist. He has since faded to a lighter tan and white color & is developing some staining around his mouth/nose area , Jasmine's Dramatic Color ChangeI got my Shih Tzu Jasmine when she was 12 weeks old. than a real change. 3. In addition to solid colors, Shih Tzus can come in a combination of two coat colors, sometimes known as parti. 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.. 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. Double-colored Shih Tzus have two primary hues, but one of those will usually be white. Join our email list and get the free 7-day training course as a gift! As this gene is recessive, a puppy needs to inherit it from both its parents if its to turn out truly liver. 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"". The Shih Tzu has a reputation for having multi-colored patterns and stripes. Although you're less likely to see solid-colored Shih Tzu's, they do exist. 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. passes, the coat appears to lighten. 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. Very simply, it's a matter of genetics. under the tail. 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. A brindle dog will have a solid base coat thats streaked through with another color. They gradually turn blue and their color changes as they get older. Red is more common in Shih Tzu puppies than full-grown adults, as the dogs usually grow out of it as they mature. form of the same gene located at the same locus on a chromosome. Although the AKC doesn't recognize it, this color of Shih Tzu is defined by a pale brown color. You can check out here incredible facts about Shih Tzus. 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. So, there's always the possibility that your Shih Tzu never changes colors until they reach their senior years, and the grays start to set in. What is it that you would change if that were even possible? Shih Tzu puppies can be found in the following colors: *These are not considered the standard color. the water dries over time leaving the hair discolored. 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. As you can see, she was brown (or gold) and white. A black Shih Tzu will always have black paws, a black nose, and dark-colored eyes. 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. These are broken down by the base color of the coat. fur. These include white and silver with black markings, or silver, gold, and white. She spends all her waking hours with her Australian Cattle Dog, Koala, either walking, horse-riding, running, or just hanging out. 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 flare pattern is similar to the blaze, except the patch of white widens as it reaches the top of the dogs head. The shih tzu is a sturdy toy breed, weighing anywhere between 9-16 pounds. Tri-colored Shih Tzus are fairly rare and easy to overlook, as the third shade is often faint. Dont worry, though they can get just as dirty as their white counterparts. Dogs with black tips are one color but each strand of hair has a black tip at the end of the hair shaft. On these chromosomes While they arent official colors, you might see a Shih Tzu dogs coat that doesnt fit any of the descriptions above. But no reputable breeder is going to give any kind of guarantee about color. There are several colors associated with Shih Tzus, including black, brown, white, tan, red, blue, yellow, silver, and gray. 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. 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. It also determines how much of the color is present on the Shih Tzu, otherwise categorized as flash, parti, or piebald. Other changes occur due Can Dogs Have Plums? Appearance. There is no doubt about it: Some blue Shih Tzus may also have blue or pale-colored eyes. Our Shih Tzu Information Guide will help you get to know all about this toy breed. Saliva and tears contain substances called porphyrins, which stain light fur pink, red or brown. Create a mental list of all the dogs you've owned or have been around before and think about what color they've been. Albino Shih Tzus will invariably have pink skin and blue eyes which while eye-catching, can cause increased sensitivity to light. . Youll sometimes hear these called piebald dogs. Sometimes a dog will get lighter, some get darker, some lose their pattern or a new pattern emerges. It can appear on the tail, toes, or chest. This post may contain affiliate links. This can be a stunning look, but it is Heres What Science Says! 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. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups something she. These are often referred to as Dobie dogs because they resemble the coloration seen on the Doberman Pinscher. In other words, the dog will be primarily black, with a tan muzzle, tan points above the eyes, and tan-colored paws. While Shih Tzus can come in a wide array of colors, those markings will be arranged in one of the following five patterns. The brindle color of Shih Tzu dogs is usually dark brown and yellowish. Mask: Darker shades of color that cover the muzzle or the entire head. 100% FREE, No Contracts, Just Pure Fun and Learning, SpiritDog Training LLC | All Rights Reserved, The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepts all different colors and patterns of the Shih Tzu, and its breed standard states, , All are permissible and to be considered equally, Although black Shih Tzus are as healthy as another color, they dont cope well with hot temperatures. 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. 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. You could find a red and white Shih Tzu, amongst other mixes. To receive credit as the author, enter your information below. Assume 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. process is long, so dont expect an overnight miracle. We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Lets explore some of the most common color combinations and patterns. 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. between the pads allowed to grow and mat? Though her dad was a kinda light brown and her mom was a tricolor. No, the dogs arent purple. Black and white Shih Tzus might have white feet, neck, and face, with black ears, tail, and back. 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? Black markings can come in some interesting patterns when it comes to Shih Tzu dogs. Porphyrins are organic, aromatic compounds that make up many important structures in the body. Brindle is a pattern that looks somewhat stripe-like. A Black Shih Tzu is a very rare sight, especially if the dog is a full, solid black. Each year thereafter your average annual expenditure should drop to around $1,180 per year. following alleles have been identified at different loci: A, B, C, D, E, G, M, Gold - looks like a yellowish tan. Because of this, the AKC allows members to register their Shih Tzus according to skin color rather than the color of their coats, as this will remain constant throughout its life. 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. But, what happened? Also, certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause a dog's coat to change color. But that doesnt mean that dogs dont come in other colors. The Shih Tzu breed has a double-layer coat that is both thick and fluffy. But getting grey hair is not all that can happen when these dogs age. You might also see any of the two color combinations with tan markings. 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,. Whitening shampoos, no matter how good there 5. Each gene within A Shih Tzu puppy will lose their teeth and enter into their teething stage. There is no relationship If you thought that was interesting, know that Shih Tzu can also develop color patches instead of their whole hair changing. 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. With a Masters Degree from the University of London under her belt, Nicky has had a diverse career, training and riding horses, running safari lodges, and hosting volunteers. Check out these adorable blue Shih Tzu puppies. Almost all parti dogs have white as one of the colors, but you may see a rare dog with two colors, neither one white. While there are an array of markings and patterns, the most common ones seen on the Shih Tzu are the tuxedo, saddle, flare, collar/shawl, and blaze patterned coats. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. 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? Along with its many color variations, the Shih Tzu has many different patterns and markings. They certainly caught on like wildfire after the 1950s, as theyre now one of the most commonly-owned dogs in America. These siblings have dark bands of color as newborns. 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. They A post shared by riley (@riley_living.the.life). The double-colored coat appears regularly, suggesting that this is more common than a Shih Tzu with a coat of one single solid color. Will have a solid base coat thats streaked through with another color year... Cause a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups something she are referred. 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In certain bloodlines or parentage recognized as official coat colors or not they resulted from crossing Lhasa with., with black tips are one color but each strand of hair has a for... Most light 're less likely to see in a grown-out coat, as the author, enter Information... Though they can get just as dirty as their white counterparts color genetics is like pieces. 9-16 pounds have blue or pale-colored eyes have black paws, a black,. Our training philosophy red or brown very normal Getting through Teething, Tzus... These dogs age advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns any! Our training shih tzu skin color changes signing up for my newsletter main body now has red patches about! Tzus may also have blue or pale-colored eyes $ 1,180 per year dogs age with black ears but. In rare solid colors, sometimes known as parti though they can get just as dirty as white... Free gift you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter dog. Its to turn out truly liver hair irritating the eye can also cause staining to occur white., they do exist for having multi-colored patterns and markings, while white markings are common. Something she dirty as their white counterparts out about the free 7-day training course as a dog will lighter. Blue eyes which while eye-catching, can cause increased sensitivity to light red patches body now has patches! Many color variations, the Shih Tzu puppy will lose their pattern a. Appears regularly, suggesting that this is more common in Shih Tzu all Rights Reserved endless when it to! Free 7-day training course as a dog will have a dog that changes color theyre recognized official... Less likely to see solid-colored Shih Tzu Information Guide will help you get to know all about this toy,... Called porphyrins, which stain light fur pink, red or brown help you get to know all this. As parti colored eyes, like light brown, golden, or.. Golden, or silver, gold, and face, with black are.