Black and White Shih Tzu: Everything You Need to Know

The Black and White Shih Tzu is a unique and charming breed that's sure to capture your heart.

Their distinctive black and white coat is one of their most recognizable features.

They're a small dog breed, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall.

Their small size makes them a great choice for city living or for families with small children.

Black and White Shih Tzus are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities.

They're highly social dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their owners.

In fact, they're often described as "velcro dogs" because of their tendency to stick close by their owners at all times.

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Black and white shih tzus are very affectionate dogs, and they love spending time with their family and friends. They're social butterflies who thrive on attention, so be prepared to give them plenty of love and interaction.

One thing to note is that black and white shih tzus can be a bit stubborn at times, so be patient and consistent when training them. They're intelligent dogs, but they can be resistant to training if they don't want to be.

Despite their small size, black and white shih tzus have big personalities and are known for their playful and bubbly nature. They're perfect companions for anyone who wants a loyal and loving friend by their side.

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Shih tzus are very affectionate dogs who love to be around people and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

They have a bubbly and friendly personality, which makes them great companions.

Shih tzus can be a bit stubborn at times, but most of the time they are easy-going and loving.

They love to be the center of attention, which is why they're often described as outgoing and social dogs.

Despite their small size, Black Shih Tzus have a big personality that demands attention and affection.

They're intelligent and curious, which makes them fun to be around, but they can also be a bit difficult to train.

Shih tzus are not the best with children and other pets, as they can get triggered and snap at times.

Overall, Shih tzus are loving and loyal companions who bring joy and affection to their owners' lives.

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Shih tzus are small dogs that are classified as a toy breed. They are known for being friendly and outgoing, making them great companions.

Their double coat can make them look extremely fluffy, especially if they have a puppy cut. This full coat also requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Shih tzus are adaptable to living in small spaces, making them a great choice for city dwellers. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise needs.

They can have a wide range of colors, including black, tan, and white, and may also have markings such as a black mask.

If you're considering bringing a black and white Shih Tzu into your family, you'll want to think about the costs involved. The adoption fee can range from $50 to $6,000.

The first year will be the most expensive, with food costs ranging from $50 to $130. Vaccines and routine care can add up to $385 to $1,095.

You can expect to spend around $660 to $1,950 in the first year. In subsequent years, food costs will be around $45 to $135, and vaccines and routine care will cost between $280 and $645.

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Shih tzus are sweet, affectionate lap dogs that fit in well with all sorts of families. They come in a variety of coat styles, from long and elegant to fluffy puppy cuts.

Their physical characteristics include a range of coat lengths, but the article doesn't mention any specific differences between black and white shih tzus. Blue-eyed shih tzus can be descended from purebred dogs or impure, but the reason for their blue eyes is a genetic weakness.

Shih tzus need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, but the article doesn't mention any specific exercise needs for black and white shih tzus. They also require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Their noses are usually black, but blue-eyed shih tzus have lighter noses due to the lack of black pigmentation in their eyes.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that spans over 1,000 years, originating in Tibet and China. They were bred to be small, affectionate dogs for Chinese emperors.

Research on the Shih Tzu began in China during the Manchu Dynasty, with the goal of creating a loyal and playful companion dog. The breed was selectively bred to meet this goal.

The Shih Tzu was known as the "little lion dog" and was bred with other Chinese dogs in the Dowager Empress T'zu Hsi's kennels. This resulted in the creation of the Shih Tzu breed as we know it today.

In the late 19th century, the Black Shih Tzu became a popular breed among Chinese royalty and was often given as a gift to foreign dignitaries.

The Shih Tzu breed was developed through selective breeding in China during the Manchu Dynasty. The goal was to create a small, affectionate dog that was both loyal and playful to please the emperors in their palaces.

Research on the Shih Tzu began in China, where they were bred with other Chinese dogs, including the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. This breeding process took place over 1,000 years ago.

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The Shih Tzu was known as the "little lion dog" and was often given as a gift to foreign dignitaries. In the 19th century, the Black Shih Tzu became a popular breed among Chinese royalty.

The breed almost went extinct in 1950 after the Chinese invasion of the Tibetan capital, but a few Shih Tzus were brought to Europe and North America by travelers. Today, the Black Shih Tzu is recognized as an official color variation of the Shih Tzu breed by most major kennel clubs.

The Shih Tzu breed's friendly and affectionate nature has made it a beloved companion dog for many.

Chinese emperors would have Shih Tzus bred to give as gifts to other royals, usually for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. This tradition was a key factor in the breed's popularity.

At one time, there was even a successful Shih Tzu breeding program in the country. This further contributed to the breed's widespread appeal.

The Black & White Shih Tzu's popularity, not surprisingly, skyrocketed once introduced.

As a responsible dog owner, you want to ensure your black and white Shih Tzu stays healthy and happy. Regular eye check-ups are crucial to prevent and detect eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness.

Shih Tzus are prone to Brachycephalic Syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties, especially during exercise or in hot weather. This is because their short snout can make it hard for them to breathe properly.

To keep your Shih Tzu's eyes healthy, make sure to clean their eyes regularly and provide plenty of fresh water to prevent dry eye. Dry eye occurs when the tear gland doesn't produce enough tears to keep the eye wet, and can be treated with simple, lifelong care.

Dental problems are also common in Shih Tzus, particularly gum disease and tooth decay, due to their small snout. Regular dental check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent these issues.

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Here's a list of some common health issues that can affect your black and white Shih Tzu:

By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent or detect them early, and keep your black and white Shih Tzu happy and healthy for years to come.

Training a black and white Shih Tzu requires patience and consistency. Early socialization is necessary for all dogs, even the loving Shih Tzu, so introduce them to new places, people, and dogs.

They should be housetrained and learn commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. These commands will not only help with obedience but also with their overall behavior. Positive reinforcement is an effective method for training, involving rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or affection.

Black Shih Tzus can be prone to separation anxiety and may not do well in new environments or with new people. Exposing them to different situations and people at a young age allows them to adapt and become more comfortable in various settings.

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Shih tzus are very sweet dogs who could spend all day with you if you were available.

They love to snuggle and show affection, often through kisses. Their bubbly and friendly personality makes them a joy to be around.

These Tibetan dogs can be pretty resilient, but they can be stubborn if they want to be. You'll need to hold your ground against their begging, soulful eyes.

Black Shih Tzus are intelligent and curious, enjoying exploration of their surroundings. They're well-adjusted and outgoing, loving to be the center of attention.

Their social nature means they thrive on spending time with family and friends. They're just as happy to play with you as they are to cuddle up on the couch.

However, Black Shih Tzus can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. This means you'll need to be patient and consistent in your training approach.

Their small size belies a big personality, making them a great companion for those who appreciate their unique spirit.

Early socialization is key to a well-behaved dog, and this includes introducing your Shih Tzu to new places, people, and dogs.

Shih Tzus can be stubborn and prone to begging, but with positive reinforcement and consistency, they can learn basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.

Teaching your Shih Tzu these commands is essential for their overall behavior and can be made fun with games and treats involved.

Positive reinforcement is an effective method for training a Shih Tzu, involving rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or affection.

Consistency is crucial when using positive reinforcement, and avoiding punishment can prevent fear and aggression in your dog.

Socialization is vital for Black Shih Tzus, who can be prone to separation anxiety and may not do well in new environments or with new people.

Exposing your Black Shih Tzu to different situations and people at a young age can help them adapt and become more comfortable in various settings.

Teaching the "quiet" command can help address barking in your Shih Tzu, using a firm voice to say "quiet" when they bark and rewarding them when they stop.

Providing your Shih Tzu with appropriate toys can help redirect their attention away from negative behaviors like biting and chewing.

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