Shih Tzu Color Change and Its Impact on Health

Shih Tzu color change can be a fascinating topic, especially for dog owners who want to understand what's happening with their furry friends. A Shih Tzu's coat can change color due to various factors, including age and genetics.

As a Shih Tzu matures, its coat can darken or lighten, often resulting in a more even color distribution. This is because the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, slows down with age.

Some Shih Tzus are born with a lighter coat color that darkens as they grow older. This is especially common in Shih Tzus with a black or dark brown coat, which can appear to change from a light brown or golden hue to a deeper, richer color.

Shih Tzus with a white coat may also experience a change in color, but this is often due to the formation of white hairs, rather than a change in the underlying coat color.

A unique perspective: Liver White Shih Tzu

Red Shih Tzus can have coats that vary in shade from bright ginger to dark chocolate, as long as they have black noses and dark eyes.

The gene responsible for the red color in Shih Tzus is also the one that causes gold, cream, and tan colored coats.

It's not uncommon for red Shih Tzus to be born black, and their true color may not show until a few weeks or even months after birth.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Shih Tzu Dark

A blue Shih Tzu won't necessarily have a steel grey or blue coat, but rather a dark gunmetal gray coat that may appear black in certain lights.

The color of its nose and lips will confirm its true coloration, which has a lavender cast to the eye rims, nose, and lips.

This distinctive feature helps distinguish blue Shih Tzus from the black variety.

Some blue Shih Tzus may also have blue or pale-colored eyes.

There's no scientific evidence to suggest that blue Shih Tzus are any less healthy than dogs of other colors.

Intriguing read: All Black Shih Tzu Puppy

However, some breeders believe these dogs are at a higher risk for defects.

Blue Shih Tzus have a gunmetal gray coat due to a recessive gene that dilutes the black color.

This is an extremely rare combination, making blue Shih Tzus quite unique.

Fortunately, most blue Shih Tzus are healthy dogs and CDA is quite rare in the breed.

Blue Shih Tzus commonly have blue eyes, giving them a one-of-a-kind look.

Unfortunately, CDA is connected to hair loss, a genetic disorder that can affect some breeds.

For your interest: Colors of Shih Tzu

Red Shih Tzus have a coat that can vary in shade from bright ginger to dark chocolate. A red Shih Tzu with a black nose is a true red, but one with a brown or red nose is considered liver-colored.

Their true color may not show until their adult coats become more established, and some red Shih Tzus are born black, revealing their true color only after a few weeks or months.

The gene responsible for the red color in Shih Tzus is also the one that causes gold, cream, and tan colored coats, which can be registered as gold or red. This means that a red Shih Tzu can also have a gold or cream-colored coat, depending on the interaction of other genes.

Discover more: Shih Tzu Red

Silver Shih Tzus are relatively rare, even though color combinations like silver and white and black, gold, and silver are common.

Their coats can be difficult to distinguish from white, but they have a silvery sheen that white Shih Tzus lack.

Silver Shih Tzus are pale in appearance, with black pads, eye rims, and lips, as well as a black nose.

Age has a significant impact on a silver dog's coat coloration, with older silver Shih Tzus becoming increasingly grey as they mature.

Some Shih Tzus that are born black can transition to a more silver color coat as they age.

Finding a silver Shih Tzu without any markings can be challenging, just like with other solid Shih Tzu colors.

The exact shade of silver will depend on a dog's age, with older dogs having a darker and more prominent silver color.

A different take: Shih Tzu Older

As Shih Tzus mature, their colors can change in some unique ways. A black and white Shih Tzu, for example, could appear increasingly silver and white as he ages.

Some Shih Tzus have markings on top of their two base coat colors. These markings are not the same as those found on a tricolor Shih Tzu.

Double-colored Shih Tzus can have a wide range of color combinations, including black & white, red & white, blue & white, gold & white, silver & white, brindle & white, and liver & white.

Here are some common double color combinations found in Shih Tzus:

A black and white Shih Tzu with red markings, for example, may only have a red mask or a small spot of red on its chest.

Shih Tzus come in a variety of double color combinations, each with its own unique characteristics.

The AKC lists 7 different double color combinations in its registration codes: black & white, red & white, blue & white, gold & white, silver & white, brindle & white, and liver & white.

Broaden your view: Chocolate and White Shih Tzu

These combinations often change as the dog matures, with some colors becoming more prominent than others. For example, a black and white Shih Tzu may appear increasingly silver and white as it ages.

Some double-colored Shih Tzus have markings on top of their two base coat colors, but these are not the same as the tricolor Shih Tzu, which has three colors equally represented.

Here are the 7 double color combinations recognized by the AKC:

Your Shih Tzu's coat can change color as they mature, but regardless of the color, it's a good indicator of their health. A healthy coat is glossy and pliable.

A healthy coat should be without dandruff, bald spots, or excessive oiliness. This is according to the American Kennel Club, which also notes that some coat changes can be related to disease states.

Maintaining a healthy coat is largely dependent on a good diet and routine veterinary care. Your veterinarian can recommend a nutritious diet that will help keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking its best.

Consider reading: Shih Tzu Diet

Do Shih Tzus change color as they age? Yes, they do. Their coat colors can change significantly as they mature, with some breeds undergoing major color changes.

Shih Tzus are born with a soft, fluffy coat that starts to fade around 6 to 12 months of age, revealing their mature coat colors. This is a normal part of their development, and their colors may darken or lighten depending on their genetic makeup.

Dalmatians, Bedlington Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, and Shih Tzus are among the breeds that may undergo major color changes as they get older. If you're curious about your new puppy's potential color changes, research their breed and genetics.

Some Shih Tzus may carry a G gene, which causes their color to fade as they grow older. Even young puppies can experience graying, so it's essential to be patient and observe their coat changes over time.

Here are some common double-colored combinations found in Shih Tzus:

Keep in mind that Shih Tzus can have markings on top of their base coat colors, which can change as they mature. A black and white Shih Tzu with red markings, for example, may only have a red mask or a small spot of red on its chest.

A healthy coat is a good indicator of a dog's overall health. According to the AKC, a healthy coat is glossy and pliable, without dandruff, bald spots, or excessive oiliness.

Keeping your dog's coat in top condition requires a good diet and routine veterinary care. Dr. Clark advises owners to ensure their pets are regularly examined by their veterinarians and fed a nutritious diet recommended by their veterinarian.

A glossy, pliable coat is a sign that your dog's diet is balanced and nutritious.

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