Shih Tzu Dark Dogs: History, Rarity, and More

The Shih Tzu dark dog is a unique and beautiful breed. They originated in Tibet, China, and were bred as a palace dog for royalty.

Their name "Shih Tzu" means "lion dog" in Chinese, but they don't have a lion-like appearance. In fact, they're one of the smallest dog breeds.

The Shih Tzu dark dog is a rare color variation of the breed, making up only a small percentage of all Shih Tzus.

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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 were often referred to as "lion dogs" due to their resemblance to lions.

Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Their coats can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and gray.

Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are friendly and outgoing dogs that make great companions for families and individuals alike.

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The Black Shih Tzu is a stunning color variety of the Shih Tzu breed. They have a pushed-in face and are clever, affectionate, friendly, playful, and energetic toy dogs.

Black Shih Tzus typically weigh around 9-16 lbs and grow up to 9-11 inches in height. Their weight and size make them bigger than Teacup Shih Tzus.

Black Shih Tzus are not rare, but finding one can be challenging due to the difficulty of breeding them with a black coat. It's essential to do proper research and find a reputable breeder who follows ethical breeding practices.

With regular brushing and bathing, Black Shih Tzus can have a healthy and shiny coat. They require proper care and attention to thrive as a companion dog.

Expand your knowledge: Shih Tzu Puppies Black

A Shih Tzu is a breed of dog known for its unique appearance and friendly demeanor. They have a compact body and a long coat with soft-textured fur that's likened to silk.

Their physical characteristics include a jaw with a cute overbite and wide, friendly eyes. The breed's physical appearance is quite distinctive.

A Shih Tzu's coat comes in a variety of colors, but the black Shih Tzu has a fully solid color coat. Their coats can also have other colors.

Discover more: Shih Tzu Grey

The Black Shih Tzu breed has a mysterious origin, believed to have originated in Tibet as companion dogs for royal families.

Their long, flowing coat and friendly disposition make them a beloved breed.

The Black Shih Tzu is a variation of the Shih Tzu breed, which is known for its friendly nature.

Solid black Shih Tzus are considered rare compared to other coat colors of this breed.

In fact, it's extremely unusual to have a litter of solid black pups, despite black coats being common in dogs in general.

To be considered solid black and register with the American Kennel Club, a Shih Tzu must have no other color on its coat, including the nose, paws, and eye rims.

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The History of the Black Shih Tzu breed is shrouded in mystery, but they are believed to have originated in Tibet, where they were bred as companion dogs for royal families.

Their friendly disposition is a trait they share with their parent breed, the Shih Tzu, which is known for its long, flowing coat.

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The Black Shih Tzu is a variation of the Shih Tzu breed, making them a unique and special companion dog.

Their origins in Tibet have led to a rich and storied history, one that is still somewhat unknown to this day.

The Shih Tzu breed has a long history of being bred as companion dogs, which is a testament to the affectionate nature of these dogs.

Solid black Shih Tzus are indeed rare, as are any solid color Shih Tzus. The specific genetic combinations required to produce these colors make them uncommon.

The American Kennel Club recognizes solid black as a standard color among the Shih Tzu, but finding an entirely black one is pretty rare. This is because most Shih Tzus have a colored pattern gene somewhere in their familial line.

To be considered solid black and register with the American Kennel Club, a Shih Tzu cannot have any other color presented on them, not even on their nose, paws, or around their eyes. This strict requirement makes it even harder to find a solid black Shih Tzu.

The presence of a colored pattern gene in a Shih Tzu's familial line makes it less likely for the litter to come out with any solid colors, including solid black. This is why solid black Shih Tzus are so rare.

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The Shih Tzu's appearance is truly unique, with a distinctive long, silky coat that's a joy to behold. This breed is known for its compact and sturdy build, short legs, and broad chest.

Their coats can vary in color, with some colors being more rare than others. Solid black, solid liver, and blue Shih Tzus are considered rare due to the specific genetic combinations required to produce them. These colors are often sought after for their unique appearance.

A black Shih Tzu, in particular, has a short snout and round, dark eyes that give them an adorable and charming appearance. They typically weigh 9-16 pounds and stand 9-10 inches tall, making them a perfect lap dog.

A Black Shih Tzu typically has a black coat, a short snout, and round, dark eyes. Their face is adorable and charming.

Their coat is thick and luxurious, with a soft and silky texture. Black Shih Tzus have a compact and sturdy build.

They stand about 9-10 inches tall and weigh 9-16 pounds. This makes them a perfect lap dog.

Their legs are short, but they have a broad chest.

Rare colors in Shih Tzus are indeed a unique find. The rarer colors include solid black, solid liver, and blue, which result from specific genetic combinations.

These rare colors are often sought after for their one-of-a-kind appearance. A solid black Shih Tzu, for example, requires both parents to inherit the black pigment gene.

While these colors are highly prized, it's essential to remember that they don't make the dog any more valuable in terms of personality or health. The price of a Shih Tzu shouldn't be the sole factor in choosing a pet.

Some breeders might charge more for these rare colors, but their scarcity and high demand are the reasons behind the price increase. Breeders might charge more for these colors because they occur less frequently and are in higher demand.

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The Black Shih Tzu's coat is a defining feature of the breed, but it's not always a guarantee that they'll stay black. Many Shih Tzu puppies will change color within their first birthday.

The color change can occur due to the G gene, also known as "fading", which causes the dark pigment in their coat to fade, creating a duller-toned black or even a different color altogether. This fading occurs within the first year of life.

As a Shih Tzu ages, melanin, a pigment that determines the color, stops being produced. This is why you can often distinguish younger dogs from senior dogs by their coat color. The coat will turn gray or even white, usually noticeable around the muzzle and eyebrow area.

Stress has also been linked to the change in the color of their coats. A 2016 study examining 400 young dogs between the ages of 1 and 4 showed that the younger dogs were more likely to develop graying around their muzzle when stressed.

Despite their happy and joyful demeanor, Shih Tzus can become stressed out, potentially changing their shiny black fur.

To keep your Black Shih Tzu happy and healthy, you should brush their coat at least once daily to prevent matting and tangling. This will help keep their long, silky coat looking its best.

Regular bathing is also essential, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can dry out their skin. You should aim to bathe your Black Shih Tzu regularly, but not too frequently.

Trimming their nails regularly with a quality nail clipper is crucial to prevent overgrowth and cracking. This will also help keep your Black Shih Tzu's paws looking neat and tidy.

Cleaning their ears regularly will help prevent infections and keep your Black Shih Tzu's ears healthy and free of irritation.

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Black Shih Tzus are prone to specific health issues, including Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, which can lead to breathing difficulties, especially during exercise or in hot weather.

Regular eye check-ups are crucial to prevent and detect eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers. These issues can cause blindness if left untreated.

On a similar theme: Shih Tzu Eye Issues

To maintain your Black Shih Tzu's health, be aware of the risks of obesity, heat sensitivity, and heart disease. Regular check-ups can help catch these issues early.

Here are some common health concerns in Black Shih Tzus:

Training your Black Shih Tzu requires patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement is an effective method for teaching basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your Black Shih Tzu.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is a common issue in Black Shih Tzus, causing breathing difficulties during exercise or in hot weather.

Regular eye check-ups are crucial to prevent and detect eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers.

Black Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay due to their small snout.

Heat Sensitivity is a significant concern for flat-faced breeds like Black Shih Tzus, making it essential to control the temperatures around them.

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Obesity is a common problem in Black Shih Tzus, caused by overeating and lack of exercise, which can lead to various health issues.

Heart disease, specifically Myxomatous valvular degeneration, is a common type of heart disease that can affect Black Shih Tzus as they age.

Allergies can develop in Black Shih Tzus due to food, grooming products, or environmental factors, leading to skin rashes and discomfort.

Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the bones do not develop properly, causing limping and pain in Black Shih Tzus.

Here's a summary of the common health issues that Black Shih Tzus face:

Training a Black Shih Tzu requires starting with the basics, including teaching them commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.

Consistency is key when using positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or affection.

Punishing bad behavior can lead to fear and aggression in Black Shih Tzus, so it's essential to avoid it.

Socialization is another important aspect of basic training, especially for Black Shih Tzus prone to separation anxiety.

Exposing them to different situations and people at a young age allows them to adapt and become more comfortable in various settings.

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As you return home with your new Shih Tzu, it's essential to establish a routine that suits their playful and affectionate nature. They thrive on interaction and attention, so make sure to spend quality time with your furry friend.

Their glossy coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially for solid black Shih Tzus whose fur can shimmer like silk under the sunlight. This will also help reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting everywhere.

A consistent training schedule is crucial to develop good behavior and prevent unwanted habits. Black Shih Tzus, in particular, can serve as striking contrasts in multi-colored litters and are particularly impressive in the show ring where their gleaming fur can truly stand out.

Their intelligence and adaptability make them responsive to positive reinforcement training methods, which should be used consistently to avoid confusing them. This will help them learn quickly and develop good habits.

In the show ring, their dark coat highlights their expressive eyes, adding an air of mystery and elegance to their appearance. This is a great opportunity to showcase their unique features and personality.

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