The Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Shih Tzu Ownership

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Posted Oct 10, 2024

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Photo of Smiling Couple Petting a Shih Tzu While Sitting
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of Smiling Couple Petting a Shih Tzu While Sitting

Owning a Chocolate Shih Tzu can be a delightful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics. Chocolate Shih Tzus are a specific color variation of the Shih Tzu breed, known for their distinctive brown coats.

Their small size, weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them an ideal companion for city dwellers or those with limited space. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, flowing coats.

Chocolate Shih Tzus are outgoing and affectionate dogs, but they can be wary of strangers and may take time to warm up to new people. Socialization from an early age is crucial to help them become confident and friendly adult dogs.

Puppy Basics

Puppies deserve a strong start, and AKC Chocolate Shih Tzus are no exception.

Our approach to puppy development starts with a dynamic blend of socialization, training, and play that lays the foundation for a well-rounded pup.

Credit: youtube.com, 12 Must Have Supplies for a Shih Tzu Puppy

At Divine Pups, we believe in setting the gold standard for puppy development, and it all starts with a commitment to an advanced service dog curriculum.

Fear levels take a back seat and confidence rides shotgun with our innovative approach, where pups are introduced to environmental stimuli from day one.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a program that taps into the incredible plasticity of young pups' minds, nurturing neurological pathways for a lifetime of sharpness and adaptability.

Our puppies thrive on learning, blossoming with each passing week, and are nurtured in an environment where potential knows no bounds.

By introducing our pups to Early Scent Introduction (ESI), we set the stage for them to explore the world through their keen sense of smell, making them curious and confident companions.

Temperament and Testing

Temperament testing is a crucial step in understanding your AKC Chocolate Shih Tzu's unique personality. At 9 weeks of age, our puppies undergo temperament evaluations that provide a sneak peek into their personalities.

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Common Behavioral Problems in Shih Tzu and How to Solve Them

These evaluations encompass a spectrum of 12 traits, each shedding light on the unique blend of adjustable and stable characteristics that define our pups. This helps us create a harmonious bond between our puppies and their forever families.

As a certified Comprehensive Tier 2 Puppy Evaluator, I take this responsibility seriously. Our evaluations are not just about assessing traits, but also about discovering the building blocks of their behavior, preferences, and potential roles in the lives of their future families.

Understanding your pup's temperament helps you cater to their needs and bond even stronger. It's a chance to learn what makes each Divine Pup truly special and find the perfect lifelong match.

Grooming and Genetics

The genetics of a chocolate Shih Tzu's coat color is like a recipe, determined by the DNA of the dog. The standard shades are blacks, golds, and whites, but the liver chocolate coat is created by a specific combination of genes.

Credit: youtube.com, Chocolate puppy will melt your heart!✂️❤️🐶

This unique combination is like a complex puzzle, requiring the right pieces to fit perfectly, which is why liver chocolate Shih Tzus are so rare.

Their rarity makes them all the more special, like stumbling upon a hidden gem. It's no wonder that encountering one is a delightful experience.

A chocolate Shih Tzu's coat requires royal treatment, which is why regular brushing is essential. This helps keep their coat lush and healthy.

Starting grooming early is key, as it helps create a bond built on trust and comfort between the dog and its owner. This is especially true for Divine Pups, who are introduced to grooming from day 3.

For another approach, see: Why Is My Shih Tzu Shaking

Breed Overview

The chocolate Shih Tzu is a beloved breed 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 friendly dogs are suitable for active families, families with kids, and those looking for a low-shedding dog.

Breed Overview

Adult White and Black Shih Tzu Sitting on Grass Field
Credit: pexels.com, Adult White and Black Shih Tzu Sitting on Grass Field

The Shih Tzu is a relatively small dog, weighing between 9–16 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, red, brindle, liver, gold, silver, and brown.

These dogs are perfect for active families or those with kids, as they're friendly and loving. They're also suitable for apartment living due to their adaptable nature.

Shih Tzus are known for being loyal and social, making them great companions. They're also intelligent and easy to train, although they can be a bit stubborn at times.

Their low-shedding coat makes them a great choice for those with allergies or a preference for less dog hair.

6 Unique Facts About

The breed has a unique genetic trait that makes them more resistant to certain diseases.

They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including solid, bi-color, and tri-color.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

This breed is known for their intelligence and trainability, often excelling in dog sports and competitions.

On average, they live between 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Their high energy levels make them perfect for active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise.

Are Puppies Rare?

Credit: youtube.com, Here is the World's Rarest Dog Breed

Chocolate Shih Tzu puppies aren't rare, but their coat color is. More and more breeders have chocolate Shih Tzu puppies for sale nowadays.

A chocolate Shih Tzu puppy's coat color is more rare than traditional coat colors like gold and white. It's usually much easier to find a Shih Tzu puppy with the traditional black pigment than a liver-chocolate Shih Tzu puppy.

Responsible breeders carefully choose breeding stock, prioritizing health and temperament over coat color. A responsible breeder will ensure their puppies have appropriate socialization opportunities and complete temperament testing before being matched with clients.

If you're searching for a specific type of puppy, like a female chocolate Shih Tzu puppy, remember that coat color should come secondary to health and temperament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chocolate Shih Tzus rare?

While chocolate Shih Tzus are not extremely rare, their unique coat color is more uncommon than traditional colors like gold and white. If you're interested in learning more about these adorable puppies, keep reading!

What is the rarest color for Shih Tzu?

The rarest color for Shih Tzu is blue, which is extremely hard to find due to limited breeding. This elusive color can be tricky to determine, with some noses appearing light purpleish blue or dark gunmetal grey.

What is the difference between chocolate and liver Shih Tzu?

Liver and chocolate Shih Tzus differ in coat color, with liver being a brown color with a pink overlay, ranging from light to dark brown, while chocolate is a solid brown color. The key distinction lies in the presence of a pink overlay in liver Shih Tzus.

How do I know if my Shih Tzu has choco liver?

Check your Shih Tzu's skin points (eye rims, nose, lips, and paw pads) for a brown color, which can range from light to dark chocolate brown, to determine if they have liver coloring

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.