Black and White Shih Tzu Puppy: Everything You Need to Know

Black and white Shih Tzus are a result of a genetic variation that causes the production of two types of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin, which combine to create the distinctive black and white coat.

Their small size is due to the breed's origins as a companion dog in ancient China, where they were bred to be lap dogs.

Black and white Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their friendly, outgoing personalities make them a great fit for families with children or for people who want a low-maintenance companion.

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The Black and White Shih Tzu breed is a rare and beautiful variation of the popular Shih Tzu.

They have a distinctive coat pattern featuring a predominantly black and white color scheme. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, but the Black and White Shih Tzu may be even more affectionate due to their rare and unique appearance.

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The Black and White Shih Tzu has a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years to Tibet and China. Breeders created the breed by mating the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese.

The Shih Tzu was initially kept hidden from the rest of the world by Chinese emperors, who wanted to keep their adorable dogs exclusive. This secrecy lasted for several hundred years.

The breed was almost driven to extinction by the Communist Revolution in China and World War II, but fortunately, soldiers who fought in the war brought Shih Tzus to the United States.

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The earliest historical records of the Shih Tzu date back over 1,000 years to Tibet and China, where breeders mated the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese to create a special dog for Chinese emperors.

The Shih Tzu breed remained unknown for several hundred years, as the emperors didn't want to share their adorable dogs with the rest of the world.

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The first written records of the Shih Tzu are from ancient times in China, where these dogs were treasured by Chinese royals and nobles for centuries.

The breed was selectively bred for their charming appearance, friendly demeanor, and companionship qualities, making them a beloved companion for centuries.

Several soldiers who fought in World War II brought Shih Tzus to the United States, saving the breed from extinction.

The Shih Tzu was born in the early part of the 19th century, but its history goes back much further, to ancient times in China.

The Black and White Shih Tzu's popularity gained momentum due to its unique appearance. Chinese emperors would have Shih Tzus bred to give as gifts to other royals.

Their strategic breeding as gifts helped spread the breed's popularity. At one time, there was even a successful Shih Tzu breeding program in the country.

The Black & White Shih Tzu's popularity skyrocketed after its introduction. Today the Shih Tzu is typically one of the Top 25 dog breeds in the U.S. every year.

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The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Shih Tzu as its own breed in 1969.

The AKC's recognition of the Shih Tzu breed was a significant milestone, allowing the breed to be officially registered and recognized by the organization.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Black & White Shih Tzu on a definitive basis since December 1957.

Numerous Shih Tzu organizations around the world also recognize these wonderful dogs.

Recognition by these organizations provides a sense of legitimacy and credibility for the breed, and it's great to see the Shih Tzu getting the respect it deserves.

Black and white shih tzu puppies are known for their unique characteristics. They have a distinctive coat pattern that features a mix of black and white colors.

Their small size is another notable characteristic, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a popular choice as family pets.

The Shih Tzu's coat is truly one of its most distinctive features. The black and white coat color variety is particularly striking, with a striking contrast that accentuates the breed's adorable facial features.

The Shih Tzu's coat is generally long, flowing, and silky, requiring regular grooming to maintain its beauty. This means that owners need to commit to regular brushing and grooming sessions to keep their Shih Tzu's coat looking its best.

Shih Tzus come in a wide range of colors and patterns, with the American Kennel Club recognizing 19 different colors and variations. This includes solid colors like black, blue, and gold, as well as more complex patterns like brindle and piebald.

Here are some of the most common colors and patterns found in Shih Tzus:

It's worth noting that while solid black and solid white Shih Tzus are rare, double-colored black and white puppies are not uncommon in litters. This is due to the complex genetics that influence a Shih Tzu's coat color.

The Average Shih Tzu Is Athletic, but don't let their small size fool you. They're surprisingly agile and muscular, making them naturals in athletic and agility competitions.

Their athletic prowess is evident in their ability to excel in competitions, with several Shih Tzus being crowned champions.

The temperament and personality of a black and white Shih Tzu puppy are truly special. They make excellent pets, known for their intelligence, affection, and willingness to befriend almost anyone, including other pets.

One of the standout qualities of a Shih Tzu is their love for children, as long as the kids are taught how to handle and play with them correctly. This makes them a fantastic addition to families with kids.

A Shih Tzu's playful and lively disposition is contagious, bringing joy to their families with their entertaining antics. They love engaging in interactive play sessions and can adapt well to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation.

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Shih Tzus are also known for their affectionate and friendly nature, thriving on human companionship and enjoying being the center of attention. They form strong bonds with their owners and are often happiest when snuggled up on their laps or by their side.

Here are some key personality traits to expect from a black and white Shih Tzu puppy:

While Shih Tzus are generally great pets, they can be a barking fanatic, especially if they don't receive enough attention and exercise. However, with proper training, this can be managed, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers.

To keep your black and white Shih Tzu puppy's coat looking its best, daily grooming is a must. This includes brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Their luxurious coat requires regular maintenance, with a focus on keeping it clean and free from dirt and debris. This means frequent bathing is necessary.

A professional groomer can provide services such as trimming, shaping, and styling the coat to enhance your puppy's natural beauty. Regular grooming sessions also offer an opportunity to check for any skin issues or abnormalities.

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Grooming is a crucial part of a black and white Shih Tzu's care, requiring regular maintenance to keep their coat looking its best.

Their long, dense, and flowing coat needs to be brushed daily to prevent matting and tangling. This is essential to keep their coat in optimal condition.

Regular cleaning of the eyes, ears, and teeth is also necessary to keep them clean and free from dirt and debris. This daily routine is vital for their overall health and well-being.

Black and white Shih Tzus often require professional grooming to maintain their coat's length and overall appearance. A professional groomer can provide services such as trimming, shaping, and styling the coat to enhance their natural beauty.

Regular grooming sessions also offer an opportunity to check for any skin issues or abnormalities, which can help prevent potential health problems.

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Exercise is essential for your Shih Tzu's physical and mental well-being. Daily walks are a great way to provide them with the exercise they need.

Interactive play sessions are also a must, as they help to stimulate your dog's mind and keep them engaged. Puzzle toys are another excellent option, providing mental stimulation and challenge.

Daily walks can be as simple as a short stroll around the block, but they're crucial for maintaining your Shih Tzu's physical health.

Regular veterinary care is essential to ensure the well-being of your black and white Shih Tzu.

Routine vaccinations should be part of their healthcare regimen to protect them from serious diseases. Dental examinations are also crucial to prevent dental problems.

Regular monitoring of their eyes, ears, and overall physical condition is necessary to detect any potential health issues early on.

Health clearances and certifications from reputable organizations can significantly impact the price of a black and white Shih Tzu. Dogs with health clearances may command higher prices due to the assurance they provide about the dog's overall health.

Certifications from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) are particularly important, as they ensure the dog has been screened for common health issues. This added peace of mind can justify a higher price for a puppy.

Health clearances and certifications are essential for breeders who strive to produce healthy and well-socialized puppies, which can contribute to a higher price tag.

Shih Tzus are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can lead to breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.

This condition is often caused by their flat face structure and can be exacerbated by exercise, heat, and humidity.

Eye problems are common in Shih Tzus, including corneal ulcers and progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause vision loss and blindness.

Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your Shih Tzu's vision.

Dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, are also prevalent in Shih Tzus, often due to poor oral hygiene and genetics.

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Brushing your Shih Tzu's teeth daily can help prevent these issues and keep their mouth healthy.

Luxating patella, or knee dislocation, is a common health concern in Shih Tzus, which can cause pain, arthritis, and mobility issues.

Respiratory problems are another issue that Shih Tzus may face, often related to their brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Allergies and skin irritations can cause discomfort, itching, and skin infections in Shih Tzus, requiring prompt veterinary attention.

The price of a black and white Shih Tzu can vary significantly based on several factors.

The quality and adherence to breed standards significantly impact the pricing of black and white Shih Tzus, with dogs closely matching the breed standard being more expensive.

Dogs with champion bloodlines or a notable ancestry may command higher prices due to their lineage and pedigree.

Health clearances and certifications from reputable organizations, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), can also increase the price of a black and white Shih Tzu.

The geographical location where the breeder is located can impact the pricing of black and white Shih Tzus, with prices being higher in areas with higher costs of living or where demand for the breed is high.

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