The Black and Brown Shih Tzu: A Guide to Their Coat Colors and Characteristics

Their coat is one of the most distinctive features of the Shih Tzu breed, with a wide range of colors to choose from. Black and brown are two of the most common colors found in Shih Tzus.

Black Shih Tzus have a glossy, fine coat that is completely black in color. The black coat can range from a deep, rich black to a lighter, more blue-black tone.

Brown Shih Tzus, on the other hand, have a coat that can range in color from a light golden brown to a dark chocolate brown. Their coat is also fine and glossy, but with a warm, sun-kissed tone.

The black and brown coat colors of the Shih Tzu are a result of the interaction of multiple genes, which can affect the production and distribution of the pigment eumelanin in the coat.

Shih Tzus are known for their beautiful and diverse coat colors. The most common colors include black, white, gold, and various shades of brown.

Many Shih Tzus display a combination of these colors, often seen in patterns such as black and white, or brown and white. These colors can appear in either solid blocks or a more mottled pattern, depending on the specific genetic inheritance of the dog.

The richness and variety in the Shih Tzu's coat make each dog distinct, with some having symmetrical facial markings that add to their appeal. Coat color can change as the dog ages, with many puppies darkening or lightening as they grow into adulthood.

Some Shih Tzus have a solid black coat, which is extremely rare due to the specific genetic combinations required to produce it. A solid black Shih Tzu must inherit the black pigment gene from both parents.

Shih Tzu puppies can change color as they mature, and it's not uncommon for their coats to lighten, darken, or change in pattern. A puppy that appears black at birth might lighten to a dark gray or silver as it ages.

Shih Tzus are known for their beautiful and diverse coat colors, with black, white, gold, and various shades of brown being the most common colors.

As Shih Tzu puppies grow, their coats can change color, lighten, darken, or change in pattern. This can be influenced by genetics, and the final adult color can sometimes be different from what might have been predicted when the puppy was younger.

A Shih Tzu puppy that appears black at birth might lighten to a dark gray or silver as it ages, so it's essential to be patient and observe the color change as they mature.

The rarest kind of Shih Tzu is an entirely black-colored one, and many Shih Tzus that appear solid-colored will often have at least a streak or two of a different color somewhere on their coat.

Shih Tzus can have various patterns and markings, including blaze, saddle, shawl/collar, flare, parti, tuxedo, mask, abstract, eye stripes, and dobie (tan points) markings.

The most common patterns seen on Shih Tzus are the tuxedo, saddle, flare, collar/shawl, and blaze patterned coats, and some Shih Tzus may have a combination of these patterns.

Worth a look: Shih Tzu Puppy Love

The coat color of a Shih Tzu is determined by genetics, specifically the interaction between multiple genes that dictate the distribution and type of pigmentation in the dog's coat.

These genes control whether a Shih Tzu will be solid-colored, have markings, or display a more blended pattern, and some genes even control fading and intensifying of colors, which might change as the dog ages.

A Shih Tzu's coat color can change as the dog matures, with many puppies darkening or lightening as they grow into adulthood.

Some Shih Tzus display a combination of colors, often seen in patterns such as black and white, or brown and white, while others have symmetrical facial markings that add to their appeal.

The final adult color can sometimes be different from what might have been predicted when the puppy was younger, making it essential for breeders to understand these genetic influences.

Genetic testing can be used to predict the color outcomes of litters, and understanding these genetic influences can be complex, but it's crucial for breeders to get it right.

A solid black Shih Tzu, for example, must inherit the black pigment gene from both parents, while liver and blue Shih Tzus result from recessive genes that affect the pigmentation in the coat and skin.

Shih Tzus are known for their beautiful and diverse coat colors. The most common colors include black, white, gold, and various shades of brown. Many Shih Tzus display a combination of these colors, often seen in patterns such as black and white, or brown and white.

Their coat color can change as the dog ages, with many puppies darkening or lightening as they grow into adulthood. Shih Tzu puppies can change color as they mature, and it's not uncommon for their coats to lighten, darken, or change in pattern.

The coat color of a Shih Tzu is determined by genetics, with multiple genes controlling the distribution and type of pigmentation in the dog's coat. Some genes even control fading and intensifying of colors, which might change as the dog ages.

Shih Tzus can have multicolored coats, which are actually quite common in the breed. These can range from simple two-color combinations to more complex patterns featuring three or more colors.

A black Shih Tzu will most always have dark-colored eyes, but it's not impossible for them to have brown eyes that may come across as black or heterochromia. Heterochromia among the Shih Tzu is more prevalent than in other breeds.

Some things to watch for with your black Shih Tzu's eye color include cataracts, which can appear as a cloudy film over the eye that causes extreme discomfort and can result in your dog going blind. If you notice your Shih Tzu's eye color is changing to a blueish-white color, be on the safe side and consult your veterinarian for further treatment.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of heterochromia that can occur in a Shih Tzu:

In order for a Shih Tzu to be considered a black Shih Tzu, it must have black all over its body.

The Shih Tzu breed is a great choice for active families or those with kids, weighing in at 9-16 pounds and coming in a variety of colors including black, blue, red, brindle, liver, gold, silver, and brown.

These friendly dogs are known for being loyal, loving, social, intelligent, and easy to train, making them a great addition to any family.

Shih Tzus are adaptable to both apartment and house environments, and their low-shedding coat makes them a great choice for those with allergies.

The Shih Tzu is a small dog that typically weighs between 9-16 pounds.

They come in a variety of colors including black, blue, red, brindle, liver, gold, silver, and brown.

These dogs are suitable for active families, families with kids, and those looking for a low-shedding dog.

Their loyal and loving nature makes them a great companion for many households.

Shih Tzus are intelligent and easy to train, but they can be a bit stubborn at times.

They get along great with kids and can adapt to both apartment and house environments.

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history, and it's fascinating to learn about its characteristics.

Originally, only Chinese nobility was allowed to own Shih Tzus, and they were bred and cared for in the Forbidden City.

Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi was instrumental in establishing strict breeding and care rules for the Shih Tzu breed.

These rules were so strict that only the Shih Tzu was allowed in certain sacred areas of the Forbidden City, while other small breeds like Pugs were not.

Chocolate Shih Tzus have become a popular variation of the breed, but they're not the only sought-after color - other colored dogs of this breed are just as popular.

Shih Tzus have been popular for a long time, and their popularity has endured even as they've made their way into the Western world.