Understanding the Liver Shih Tzu

The Liver Shih Tzu is a unique and charming breed. They have a distinctive coat color that sets them apart from other Shih Tzus.

Their liver-colored coat is a result of a specific genetic combination that affects the production of the pigment eumelanin. This is a result of the interaction between the genes that control coat color.

One of the most striking features of the Liver Shih Tzu is their rich, warm coat color, which can range in intensity from a light golden brown to a deep reddish-brown.

Discover more: Shih Tzu Coat Type

The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that originated in Tibet and was later bred in China as a palace dog for royalty. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Shih Tzus are a toy breed, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds and standing about 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder. Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

This breed is often described as loyal and affectionate, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.

On a similar theme: Info on Shih Tzu Dogs

A Shih Tzu's coat color can be deceiving, but it's not just about how they look - it's about their genetics. A true liver Shih Tzu has brown pigment in their nose, lips, paw pads, and eye rims.

The pigment determines the color, not the coat color itself. This means a dog with a brown coat and black nose is not a liver Shih Tzu, no matter what you might think.

If a Shih Tzu has a brown nose, they should be registered as a liver dog, regardless of their coat color. This is a common mistake many Shih Tzu owners make.

A red Shih Tzu, on the other hand, will have a black nose, not a brown one. This is a key difference between the two colors.

It's also worth noting that a liver Shih Tzu will never have black hairs on them, due to the genetic combination of the two recessive genes that make the liver pigment show.

On a similar theme: Brown Shih Tzu Puppy

A White Tzu is a Shih Tzu with a predominantly white coat, often with markings of another color. The liver and white Shih Tzu is a specific variation that includes a brown nose and paw pads.

This double color combination is listed under the American Kennel Club's official colors for Shih Tzu.

Expand your knowledge: White Shih Tzu Puppy

Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, often described as loyal and affectionate companions.

They are a relatively small breed, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall.

Their long, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Shih Tzus are generally quiet dogs, but they can be prone to barking if they sense something unusual.

Their short snout and flat face can make breathing and eating uncomfortable at times.

Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

They are highly adaptable to living situations, making them suitable for apartment dwellers and families alike.

Liver Shih Tzus are more common than some other rare color variations, but they're still relatively rare compared to multi-colored Shih Tzus.

Liver Shih Tzus with entirely brown coats are even rarer.

It's more likely for a liver Shih Tzu to be born without liver traits than to be born with them, due to the recessive nature of the liver trait.

A fresh viewpoint: Shih Tzu with Brown Nose

Genetics play a crucial role in determining a Shih Tzu's color, specifically the liver gene responsible for the brown pigmentation.

The gene responsible for liver Shih Tzus is called the B locus.

For a liver puppy to be produced, both parents must be carriers of the recessive gene represented by the lowercase b.

The genotype for the liver Shih Tzu is characterized as bb, with both genes being recessive.

Any black pigment is diluted down in a liver Shih Tzu's makeup, causing the nose and other body parts to be brown.

This gene affects the black pigmentation in a dog's coat, also known as eumelanin.

There will never be a strand of black fur on a liver Shih Tzu's body.

Shih Tzus with liver coloring are more rare than those with multi-colored coats. This is because liver coloring is a recessive trait that's less common in the breed.

Liver Shih Tzus with entirely brown coats are particularly rare. This is because brown is also a recessive trait that's passed down from parents to offspring.

There's a higher chance for a dog to be born without liver traits than to be born with them. This is because recessive traits are less likely to be expressed in offspring.

Liver Shih Tzu puppies are available with a variety of coat colors, including tan, red, gold, and dark chocolate.

The liver gene in these puppies determines their pigmentation, resulting in a liver or almost chocolate-colored nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads.

You won't find black puppies in liver Shih Tzu litters, as the liver gene genetically converts all black to brown.

Their coat colors can be solid or multi-colored, but one thing's for sure - liver Shih Tzu puppies are a unique and beautiful addition to any family.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Chocolate Shih Tzu

The Liver Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed that weighs around 9-16 pounds.

They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great companions.

Liver Shih Tzus are known for their calm and gentle nature, which makes them a great choice for families with children.

They are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do need regular exercise to stay healthy.

With proper care and attention, a Liver Shih Tzu can live up to 10-16 years.

Their small size and adaptable nature make them perfect for apartment living.

If your Shih Tzu is experiencing icterus, ascites, and anorexia, it's essential to have their serum biochemistry checked for elevated liver enzyme levels.

A 5-year-old intact female Shih Tzu dog was presented with a 1-year history of these symptoms, and their abdominal radiography revealed microhepatica and decreased serosal detail.

Liver cirrhosis can cause irregular liver margins, multifocal hypoechoic nodules in the liver parenchyma, and ascites, which can be detected through abdominal ultrasonography.

These symptoms are not uncommon in Shih Tzus, and a correct diagnosis is crucial for their treatment and care.

Computed tomography (CT) scans can also help diagnose liver cirrhosis by showing multifocal hypodense nodules with ring-like contrast enhancement.

A liver core biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis by revealing fibrosis, which is a hallmark of cirrhosis.

In the case of the 5-year-old Shih Tzu, cirrhosis was diagnosed based on the results of these imaging tests and biopsy.