What You Need to Know About Blue Eyed Shih Tzus

Blue Eyed Shih Tzus are a rare and stunning variation of the Shih Tzu breed. They owe their striking blue eyes to a genetic variation that affects the production of melanin.

Their coat comes in a variety of colors, but the blue eyes are a unique trait that sets them apart. In fact, the blue eye color is a result of the dilution of the black pigment in the iris.

Shih Tzus are known for being friendly and outgoing, and blue eyed Shih Tzus are no exception. They make great family pets and are often described as gentle and affectionate.

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Blue eyes in Shih Tzus can be a striking feature, but it's essential to understand the potential causes.

Genetic factors play a significant role in blue eyes in dogs, just like most physical traits.

Some Shih Tzus may have blue eyes due to a lack of pigment around their eyes, which can be a result of their white fur.

This is because the fur can't produce pigment in those areas, affecting the nose, skin, and eyes as well.

In breeds like Boxers, Collies, and Boston Terriers, white fur on the face can also lead to blue eyes.

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Blue eyed dogs are relatively rare, and one reason for this is that blue eyes in dogs occur for one of the following four reasons.

Brown is the most common color for a dog’s eyes. Blue eyes in dogs are caused by genetics, and it's not related to eye problems or health issues.

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The presence of white fur around a dog's face can result in blue eyes due to a lack of pigment in those areas.

Some dog breeds prone to this include Boxers, Collies, and Boston Terriers.

A dog's nose, skin, and eyes can be affected if they have significant patches of white fur on their face.

This is because the fur can't produce pigment in those areas, leading to unusual eye colors.

Boxers, for example, may produce dogs with blue eyes due to their white fur around the face.

Collies and Boston Terriers are also susceptible to this phenomenon.

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Blue eyed Shih Tzu are born with their distinctive appearance and will always have a distinguishable blue color to their noses and other body parts.

Their eyes are typically amber-colored, unlike the dark brown eyes found in traditional Shih Tzu.

This unique eye color is a result of a genetic mutation that sets blue eyed Shih Tzu apart from their black counterparts.

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Dogs with Different-Colored Coats can be quite striking.

Some dogs, like cats and horses, can even have heterochromia, where one eye is blue and the other is a different color.

Shih Tzus come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including black and white and red and white.

They can also have spots and splashes of color almost anywhere on their coat.

In some cases, Shih Tzus can even combine three different colors.

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Blue Shih Tzus are born with a distinct appearance to their noses and other body parts.

Their color is a result of a mutation that sets them apart from traditional Shih Tzus.

In dogs with this mutation, the eyes tend to be amber-colored, unlike the dark brown eyes of traditional Shih Tzus.

This unique trait is a defining characteristic of the Blue Eyed Shih Tzu breed.

Their "blue" appearance is a result of the same mutation that affects their eye color.

Unlike black Shih Tzus, Blue Shih Tzus do not fade into a lighter shade of black over time.

Their distinct appearance is a key factor in identifying a Blue Eyed Shih Tzu.

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Blue Shih Tzus are definitely not the norm when it comes to Shih Tzus. They are the product of a diluted recessive gene, which makes them less likely to be produced in a litter. Their skin tone is the product of a diluted black. Blue Shih Tzus are not as common as other types of Shih Tzu.

Blue Eyed Shih Tzu Genetics is a fascinating topic. The genetic factor is the most common cause of blue eyes in dogs, just like most other physical traits.

Some dog breeds, such as Boxers, Collies, and Boston Terriers, have a history of producing dogs with blue eyes due to white fur on their faces. This is because the fur can't produce pigment around those areas, affecting the nose, skin, and eyes.

If a Shih Tzu has significant patches of white fur on its face, it may also produce dogs with blue eyes. This is because the lack of pigment in the fur can have a ripple effect on other areas of the body.

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Blue eyed Shih Tzus are prone to eye problems, so regular eye exams are crucial to detect any issues early on.

Their eyes are particularly sensitive to dust and debris, so keep their living space clean and dust-free.

To prevent eye problems, clean their eyes daily with a damp cloth and keep their ears free from wax and debris.

Brushing their coat 2-3 times a week can help prevent matting and tangling, which can cause skin irritation and lead to eye problems.

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Puppyhood is a magical time for any new pet owner. All puppies are born with blue or bluish eyes.

Their eyes will stay that way from the time they first open them to around 16 weeks. It's around their third week when they begin to open their eyes and reveal those baby blues.

For the first couple of weeks of a puppy's life, their eyes will be closed. This is a normal part of their development.

Their eye color will slowly begin changing to a darker hue when they are a few weeks old. This is a sign that their permanent eye color is on its way.

It's when they are about 10 to 12 weeks old that their eyes will change into their permanent eye color, usually dark brown or black. Although some puppies may take up to 16 weeks old for this to happen.

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You'll want to consider the cost of owning a Blue Eyed Shih Tzu. Reputable breeders usually charge between $500 and $1000 for a puppy.

The initial cost of a Shih Tzu puppy can vary depending on the color, with liver puppies being the most expensive. They can cost as much as $3,500.

Adopting from a rescue center or animal shelter is a more affordable option, with adoption fees typically ranging from $300.

A new Shih Tzu owner should budget around $2,500 for the first year of supplies, medical expenses, grooming and haircut costs, license registration, food, and training.

Annual expenses thereafter should drop to around $1,180 per year.