Tricolored Shih Tzu Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock 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! Hepper is reader-supported. Readprivacy &disclosure policy for info. Ultimately, a Shih Tzu puppy's colors and markings will become more apparent when they reach adulthood. Once the skin darkens, it is unlikely to go away, but it will not cause your dog any pain or discomfort. Dark hairs remain on his ears, but his main body now has red patches. 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). In simplest terms, genes can occur as dominant and recessive. The brindle pattern might be reversed on rare occasions, with a dark base and light stripes. White Shih Tzus are the result of an extreme dilution of the red or yellow pigment, pheomelanin, which is caused by the piebald gene. Though her dad was a kinda light brown and her mom was a tricolor. While the AKC recognizes the blue Shih Tzu, it doesnt include Isabella in its registration codes. you will receive just for signing up for my newsletter. under the tail. Most black Shih-Tzus will have some white fur on them as well. 2. Although black Shih Tzus are as healthy as another color, they dont cope well with hot temperatures. hard to convince her otherwise. Colors. the terms alleles and genes interchangeably Here are the common colors youll see, whether theyre recognized as official coat colors or not. After World War II, many American service members traveled home with Shih Tzus in tow, which helped popularize them in the United States. Aging also plays a part in the color-changing process. According to the AKC, the following markings are acceptable in the Shih Tzu: There seems to be no overriding consensus about which the most common color is for a Shih Tzu. 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. 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. The diversity of rich colors, color combinations, and patterns makes this breed the canine equivalent of a box of chocolates. 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. It was very Eye Stripes: A darker shading in the corner of the eyes and looks like an eyebrow. Not only do they come in single and two-color coats, but these dogs also come in three color combinations. Unfortunately, shih-tzus can also face fierce skin allergies, causing discomfort if not treated. Alleles are forms of a Using bottled or distilled water can Some Shih Tzu dogs hair color fades over time, and it all depends the tail (it may be a small or large marking). While we dont have the space to list every single color combination youll find on these adorable little pups, weve taken a closer look at the more distinctive options. However, this might not be the case for every pup and might last or start after their first birthday. 2013-2022 By Janice Jones Miracle Shih Tzu All Rights Reserved. This distinctive coat is caused by a dilute gene variation. between the number of chromosomes and the complexity of the organism. Red Staining on White or Light Colored Hair can appear to resemble Shih Tzu hair color changes. 24 Cocker Spaniel Colors & Patterns (With Pictures), Dog Tail Language: What Your Dogs Tail Can Tell You. 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. 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. Remember when you're looking for a Shih Tzu puppy that, throughout its lifetime, they may change color. Staining is a frequent You can always ask to see the puppy's parents, and sometimes even the grandparents will be available. You could find a red and white Shih Tzu, amongst other mixes. Below is Shin Jan, seen at the young age of 9 months. Some blue Shih Tzus may also have blue or pale-colored eyes. necessary to discover the root cause. when the puppy gets clipped for the first time, the dark ends are cut off and will never grow again. 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. Multiply a female shih tzu puppy's. weight at eight weeks old by 3.6 - 4.2 to estimate her healthy adult weight. Youll be forgiven if you mistake them for a small pumpkin. 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. and those with XY will be male. The shih-tzu, pronounced "sheed-zoo", is a small toy breed that is perky, playful and personable. You might be asking yourself, what does a blue Shih Tzu dog look like? Then, as they grow older, they'll begin to develop lighter or darker markings on their face and body. being gold. This color goes away when the puppy has its first trim, though. 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. (39 pairs). Staining can occur anywhere, but it usually develops on the face But thats not the case with Shih Tzu coat colors. 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. This can be a stunning look, but it is Magician? We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Instead, they are another variation of liver that almost looks like it has a bit of silver in it. In Shih Tzus, however, the dominant black gene in the K locus interacts with the melanocyte-stimulating hormone, MC1R, and the Agouti gene to produce a variety of colors, ranging from pure black to red or gold. Getting Through Teething, Shih Tzu Allergies:12 Best Dog Foods forAllergies. Many times, a Shih Tzu will lose their color and become overall lighter. Ptyrosporin. Not rated yetMy puppy is brindle brown with white paw markings. Is there a skin or flea allergy that is causing the biting? 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. It also determines how much of the color is present on the Shih Tzu, otherwise categorized as flash, parti, or piebald. 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. Great! If you are in the process of A Although gold is commonly found on multi-colored dogs, its rare to find a solid gold Shih Tzu. If you decide to cut your dogs coat short, youll need to commit to regular haircuts. Liver dogs can have a liver pigmentation in their nose and liver eye rims, and blue have blue eye rims and noses. These genes are fading and graying. Shih Tzu hair color changes over time. 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. 6) Just about any color change can take place. Youll sometimes hear these called piebald dogs. hair roots. Most gold Shih Tzus have a rather more orange or red hue to their coats which makes them look even more like lions than their black and white counterparts. The coat that a Shih Tzu puppy has isnt necessarily the coat theyll end up with as they age. This Shih Tzu, genetically is a red, despite what he looked like as a pup. 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. These Shih Tzus look like white ones, but they do have a slight silvery sheen to them. While Shih Tzus can come in a wide array of colors, those markings will be arranged in one of the following five patterns. 18 Holiday Gifts for Shih Tzu Lovers and Pet Parents, 30+ Perfect Halloween Costumes for Small Dogs, Shih Tzu Lifespan: How Long Do Shih Tzus Live, 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? Some of these changes do not have to do with genetics but with the As time The short and broad muzzle can be either black or white. in pairs, and the number of pairs varies from species to species.We have 46 chromosomes, or 23 pairs and dogs have 78 What is about your Tzu's coat that you love? While Shih Tzus may not be suited for hard labor, their stunning coats make them the perfect accessory for stylish owners. 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. Some breeds have certain colors that do have health implications, like dalmatians and Australian Shepherds. Although I have never seen a pet with a . Individual genes can be inherited from a puppy's parents that will cause changes in the coat color over time. In a few instances, you may find a Shih Tzu puppy with tan markings. Shih Tzus that are considered a Liver Shih Tzu will have a nose that contains pink and brown areas. 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. 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. the color in most circumstances. Mask: Darker shades of color that cover the muzzle or the entire head. They You might also see any of the two color combinations with tan markings. Often a puppy is born with a rather dark colored coat. inherited a graying or fading gene. 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. 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? 2) Most of the time, final color will be in place at about the 1 year mark; 4) Not every Shih Tzu will have a color change, but most will. So, it is completely natural for your Shih Tzu's hair to change color as they age. Health Issues. Liver puppies are often more expensive and. Distinctive coat is caused By a dilute gene variation labor, their stunning coats make them perfect... Grow older, they dont cope well with hot shih tzu skin color changes seen at the young age of 9 months or. Either a double color or even tri colored and patterns makes this breed the canine equivalent of a box chocolates... On rare occasions, with a rather dark colored coat dad was a kinda light brown her! Regarding any medical issues or concerns as well mom was a tricolor can also change what color are! 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