Shih Tzu Atigrado: Origins, Genetics, and Colors Explained

The Shih Tzu Atigrado's origins are tied to the traditional Shih Tzu, which originated in Tibet and was later bred in China as a palace dog. The Atigrado, on the other hand, is a relatively new breed developed in Peru.

One of the most distinctive features of the Shih Tzu Atigrado is its coat, which can come in a variety of colors including fawn, white, and black. The breed's genetics play a significant role in determining the color and pattern of its coat.

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The Shih Tzu atigrado, with its striking brindle pattern, is a breed that has a rich history. The Shih Tzu breed dates back to 1000 B.C. in China, where they were bred as lap dogs for emperors.

They were first bred in the imperial palace, where they were cherished for their unique lion-like features. The breed's popularity spread globally after the first Shih Tzus were sent to England in the 1930s.

In the 17th century, the Shih Tzu was created in the Forbidden City in China through the cross between the Lhasa Apso and a primitive Pekinese. This breed was kept hidden from the Western world until the 20th century, when the Kennel Club of Beijing was formed.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The earliest records of the breed date back to 1000 B.C. in China.

These adorable dogs originated in China and were bred as lap dogs for emperors, especially due to their unique lion-like features. The Chinese valued them so much that they were kept within the imperial palace.

The breed was first sent to England in the 1930s, where it quickly gained popularity and spread across the globe. Shih Tzus arrived in the U.S.A. in 1940 and have been a beloved companion ever since.

The formal recognition of the Shih Tzu breed varies per geographic location, with some countries recognizing it as a distinct breed over 700 years ago. The breed's unique appearance and likable behavior made it a favorite among people worldwide.

The Shih Tzu's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed to have originated in Tibet, possibly from the cross between a Lhasa Apso and a primitive Pekingese. This theory is still up for debate.

The breed was kept hidden from the Western world until the 20th century, when it was first exhibited at the Kennel Club of Beijing. It wasn't until the 1930s that the Shih Tzu was introduced to England, where it was exhibited alongside the Lhasa Apso.

The Brindle Shih Tzu breed dates back to around 1000 B.C., originating in China where they were bred as lap dogs for emperors.

Their distinctive lion-like features made them a favorite among the Chinese royalty, who valued their unique appearance. People outside of China had never seen them until they were introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and the U.S.A.

The breed gained popularity in the 1930s when the first Shih Tzus were sent to England, and they quickly spread across the globe. In the U.S.A., they gained extreme popularity that remains to this day.

Brindle stands out as one of the most beautiful patterns on a Shih Tzu, and it's no wonder why people love them. The formal recognition of the breed varies per geographic location.

The Ming and Manchu dynasty accepted Shih Tzus over 700 years ago, but it wasn't until the 1940s that the breed gained recognition in other parts of the world. Brindle Shih Tzus were recognized in Britain in 1946 and by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Their unique coat pattern, often referred to as 'tiger stripes', is one of the most recognizable features of the Brindle Shih Tzu. Many pups are born with a gold or tan base color, with black or dark brown stripes.

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Shih Tzus are quite rare, especially the tricolor variety, which can be easy to miss since the third tone is often subtle. They usually come in a combination of white, black, and golden colors.

The Llamarada pattern is a unique and fascinating aspect of the breed's history. This pattern gets its name from its resemblance to a flame, with a white blaze that widens as it reaches the top of the dog's head.

In the Llamarada pattern, the white blaze can extend to parts of the neck and back. The overall effect is a striking and eye-catching appearance that's sure to turn heads.

The Shih Tzu is often described as a companion dog, but it's actually more suited for a single person or a quiet family. They prefer a peaceful environment and can thrive in households with older, more mature children.

While they can get along with families, it's essential to remember that every dog and child needs to learn how to interact with each other safely. This requires supervision and proper training to ensure a harmonious household.

A Shih Tzu's calm nature makes them a great fit for families who value a relaxed atmosphere, but it's crucial to avoid leaving them alone with young children.

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Shih Tzus are a diverse breed with a wide range of colors and patterns, and it's all thanks to their unique genetics.

The color of a Shih Tzu's coat is determined by two types of melanin: eumelanin (black pigment) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow/cream pigment). These two pigments interact with each other and with other genes to produce the various colors and patterns we see in Shih Tzus.

The E-locus gene, also known as the Extension gene, controls the production of both eumelanin and phaeomelanin. Other genes, such as the B-locus gene, also play a role in modifying the color of a Shih Tzu's coat.

The B-locus gene, also known as the Brown gene, dilutes the black pigment to create a brown color. The Agouti gene, also known as the A-Locus gene, controls the distribution of the black and red/yellow/cream pigments.

The Diluted gene, also known as the D-Locus gene, dilutes both the black and red/yellow/cream pigments. The Beta-defensin gene, also known as the K-Locus gene, is responsible for the dominant black color.

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Here's a breakdown of the main genes involved in determining a Shih Tzu's coat color:

As you can see, the genetics of a Shih Tzu's coat color are complex, but understanding how these genes interact can help us appreciate the beauty and diversity of this breed.

The shih tzu atigrado is a small dog that can thrive in a small living space, but it does love having its own yard to run around in.

To keep your shih tzu atigrado cool in the summer, it's essential to have air conditioning or good ventilation in your home. This will help prevent heatstroke, which is a common issue for dogs with double coats like the shih tzu.

A shih tzu atigrado's diet is critical, and they need to eat small, frequent meals to keep their metabolism going. This means you'll need to feed them high-quality, small-grained dog food specifically designed for small breeds.

Daily grooming is a must for the shih tzu atigrado, as its long, soft coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting.

A Shih Tzu can thrive in a small apartment or house as long as it has access to the outdoors for regular walks and bathroom breaks.

They adore having their own yard, but a small outdoor space will suffice.

Because of their double coat, Shih Tzus are prone to heatstroke, so air conditioning or frequent ventilation is a must during the hot summer months.

This will help them stay cool and comfortable in their living space.

The shih tzu's diet is a crucial aspect of their care, and it's essential to understand their unique nutritional needs. Their small stomach means they must eat frequently, but in small amounts.

A high metabolism means they burn energy quickly, so it's not uncommon for them to be hungry often. With a well-balanced diet, you can help them stay healthy and thrive.

Shih tzus have a small jaw and face, which can make eating uncomfortable if the food is too large or hard to chew. Look for dog food specifically designed for small breeds, with smaller kibbles and the right balance of nutrients.

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Eating small, frequent meals can help prevent digestive issues and keep their energy levels stable. You can also try adding some healthy snacks, like carrots or green beans, to their diet.

A balanced diet can help your shih tzu live a long and happy life, with some living up to 16 years or more with proper care.

The Hygiene of the Shih Tzu is crucial to maintaining its beautiful, long coat. Daily brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling.

The Shih Tzu's coat needs to be washed frequently, sometimes even once a week. After a bath, it's essential to dry it thoroughly.

You'll need to wash the face daily, as food particles and other debris can get stuck in the fur. This is especially true for Shih Tzus with long, flowing coats.

If the coat becomes too long, it can be cut short for easier maintenance. Consult a breeder or professional dog groomer for advice on the best style for your Shih Tzu.

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The shih tzu is an intelligent breed that will enjoy learning tricks and games, and should be taught to walk on a leash and respond to calls.

With patience and consistency, your shih tzu can become surprisingly obedient.

It's essential to socialize your shih tzu early to establish trust with people and other dogs.

This breed can be surprisingly clever, even if they don't always want to admit it, and may even develop a knack for catching small prey like squirrels or your neighbor's cat.

Despite their independent nature, shih tzus are highly trainable and will thrive with positive reinforcement.

Shih Tzus are prone to eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, which can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Their small size can make them prone to obesity, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial to maintaining a healthy weight.

Shih Tzus are generally good with children, but they can be wary of strangers, making socialization essential from an early age.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are still necessary to prevent health issues.

Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them a great companion for many families.

The Shih Tzu's liver color is often mistaken for a chocolate coat, but it's actually a reference to the color of the dog's skin in its points, such as the nose, lips, and paw pads.

Liver Shih Tzus typically have brown coats with white markings on the chest and possibly other areas.

This unique coloration is distinct from the dog's overall coat color, which can be a combination of brown, black, and white.

Choosing a puppy by color can be a recipe for disappointment. The color of a Shih Tzu puppy can change dramatically as it grows, making it difficult to predict the adult coat color.

The intensity of a Shih Tzu's coat color can fade over time, especially if the puppy is exposed to the elements. This means that a puppy's coat color may not be the same as an adult's.

The subpelo between two and four months is often the final color that a Shih Tzu will have as an adult. However, this is not always the case.

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Dark colors like black tend to hold up well over time, but the color that changes the most is the marrón. It can shift from dorado to ocre, hígado to atigrado, and even change to a range of other colors.

The sun can also cause changes in a puppy's coat color, turning white to yellow and black to red. This means that even a puppy's coat color can be affected by external factors.

Ultimately, choosing a puppy based on color alone can be a gamble. It's better to consider other factors when selecting a furry friend.

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