Shih Tzu Eye Color: What You Need to Know

Shih Tzus are known for their adorable big eyes, but did you know that their eye color can vary greatly? They can have blue, brown, or even a combination of both. In fact, about 70% of Shih Tzus have blue eyes.

The color of a Shih Tzu's eyes is determined by genetics, specifically the interaction between two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. This is why some Shih Tzus have a brown or black ring around their blue eyes. This ring is actually a result of the eumelanin pigment.

Shih Tzus with blue eyes are often referred to as "blue-eyed" Shih Tzus, but technically, their eyes may be a shade of blue or gray. In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes blue eyes in Shih Tzus as a normal variation of the breed.

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Eye color in Shih Tzus is determined by the iris, the colored membrane surrounding the pupil. The iris contains pigment granules and a mesh of fibers, blood vessels, and nerves.

The iris reacts to different amounts of light and can contract or dilate to control the diameter of the pupil. This is a universal characteristic of dog eyes, just like humans.

A dog's pupil, including a Shih Tzu's, is always round in shape. This is a fundamental aspect of eye anatomy.

Eye color is a polygenic trait, meaning it's influenced by many genetic factors. This makes predicting eye color in Shih Tzus a complex task.

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Eye color is a polygenic trait, which means it's influenced by multiple genes. This is why we see such a wide range of eye colors in dogs.

The iris, the colored membrane surrounding the pupil, contains pigment granules and a mesh of fibers, blood vessels, and nerves. The iris can contract or dilate to control the diameter of the pupil, a hole located in the center of the iris.

A dog's pupil, like ours, always has a round shape. This shape helps direct light to the retina at the back of the eye through the lens.

The iris tissue reacts to different amounts of light, which affects the overall appearance of a dog's eye color.

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Shih Tzus can have a variety of eye colors, but black is a rare color in this breed. Most black Shih Tzus have white markings somewhere on them.

Black Shih Tzus will always have black paws, a black nose, and dark-colored eyes. Their coat may fade to a more silver color as they mature, but their black points will remain pure.

Dogs with blue eyes have a lack of pigment in the iris, and Shih Tzus with blue eyes can range in color from whitish blue to deep blue.

Structural color is responsible for the blue or pale green eye colors in dogs, not due to pigment molecules but rather how light interacts with eye tissue.

This phenomenon is called the Tyndall effect, where blue light is scattered back outside into the open air more easily than other wavelengths, giving the impression of a blue eye.

A partial or complete lack of pigment creates eye colors like blue, pale green, or yellowish-green hazel eyes.

Even dogs with no pigment in their iris, like albinos, rarely have a completely translucent membrane, and their eyes often appear whitish or icy blue.

In many dog breeds, dark eyes are preferred and selected for, and lighter eyes are tolerated if not avoidable.

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Albino Shih Tzus have a genetic condition that causes a lack of pigmentation in their skin, hair, eyes, and blood vessels. This results in pink skin and blue eyes.

Dogs with albinism like Shih Tzus will have eyes that are whitish or pale blue, and the pupil will shine red. This is because the iris is translucent, allowing the light to pass through and give the appearance of red eyes.

Albinism is a genetic condition, and some breeders believe that true albino Shih Tzus rarely survive due to a weakened immune system. This makes it difficult for them to fight off infectious diseases.

Dogs with albinism, including Shih Tzus, can be sensitive to light due to their lack of pigmentation in the eyes. This can be a challenge for owners, who need to take extra precautions to protect their pets from the sun.

Here's a list of characteristics of albino Shih Tzus:

As you welcome a new Shih Tzu puppy into your family, you might notice their eyes are a cloudy blue color, also known as puppy blue.

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This color is normal in puppies and will likely change as they grow.

Puppy eye color change can take weeks or months, and it's not uncommon for the color to shift from blue to green and yellow before settling into a darker amber or brown.

Some puppies may retain their blue eyes permanently, but it's essential to distinguish between temporary and permanent colors.

Dogs with blue eyes already have their truly blue eyes at birth, making them relatively easy to identify.

In puppies with marbled eyes, the pigmented segments will also change color over time, appearing as darker spots growing in an otherwise blue iris.

Black Shih Tzus are relatively rare, and their black coats often have shades of blue or chocolate mixed in.

Most black Shih Tzus have white markings somewhere on their bodies, although pure black pups do exist.

A black Shih Tzu's coat will fade to a more silver color as it matures, but its black points will remain pure.

Black Shih Tzus have black paws, a black nose, and dark-colored eyes.

They're not the best fit for hot temperatures, so owners need to be mindful of that when exercising their pets.

Black Shih Tzus are as healthy as Shih Tzus of other colors, so health shouldn't be a concern for owners.

Heterochromia in dogs is a condition where a dog's eyes have two different colors, and it's more common in certain breeds like the Shih Tzu. Heterochromia can occur in any dog breed, but it's often seen in breeds where ocular color dilution is found.

In Shih Tzus, heterochromia can manifest in different ways, including complete heterochromia, where each eye is a different color, or sectional heterochromia, where only a segment of the eye is a different color. Central heterochromia is also possible, where the center of one or both eyes is a different color than the outer parts.

Some common causes of heterochromia in dogs include hereditary factors related to coat color and pattern, and acquired factors such as eye conditions or injuries to the eyes and head. In most cases, heterochromia is a benign condition that doesn't cause discomfort to the dog or pose health risks, but it's essential to determine the underlying cause to ensure the dog's health and well-being.

Dogs with black pigment and a high pigment density have very dark eyes, while those with lighter pigment, like brown or blue, and a very low pigment density will have very pale eye colors.

Brown eyes can range from light brown to dark brown or almost black, and some dogs can even have orangey-brown eyes.

The more eumelanin there is and the denser it is packed, the darker the eye will look, creating many different nuances.

Dogs with lighter pigment, such as yellow, can have a color that's like honey or amber, or even be very pale with a greenish hue.

Pigment density plays a big role in determining eye color, with denser pigment resulting in darker eyes and less dense pigment resulting in lighter eyes.

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Heterochromia in dogs is a fascinating condition where a dog has two different colors in one or both eyes. It's a relatively rare condition, but it can occur in any dog breed.

Dogs with heterochromia may have brown eyes with blue segments, blue eyes with brown segments, or even marbled eyes. Some breeds are more prone to heterochromia, including the Shih Tzu, Malamute, Old English Sheepdog, Siberian Husky, American FoxHound, American Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian, and Australian Shepherd.

In Dalmatians, heterochromia is more common in female dogs, but this isn't necessarily true in other breeds. If you notice a sudden or gradual change in your dog's eye color, it's essential to consult a veterinarian.

There are three main types of heterochromia: complete, sectional, and central. Complete heterochromia is where each eye is a different color, while sectional heterochromia occurs when only a segment of the eye is a different color. Central heterochromia occurs when the center of one or both eyes is a different color than the outer parts of the eyes.

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Heterochromia is usually caused by a lack of melanin in the eyes, which can be inherited or acquired due to external factors. In some cases, eye conditions like uveitis can cause a dog's eye color to change, but these conditions often come with other symptoms like swollen or red eyes.

Most dogs with heterochromia live long, healthy lives, but it's essential to determine the underlying cause of the condition. If heterochromia is solely a cosmetic trait, there's usually no concern, but problems can develop if it's caused by an underlying medical disorder.

Here are some common causes of heterochromia in dogs:

If you're concerned about your dog's eye health or notice sudden changes in their eye color, it's always best to consult a veterinarian for an evaluation.

Canine Genetics plays a significant role in determining a Shih Tzu's eye color. Genetics is the most common underlying factor in the development of heterochromia in dogs, and certain genetic mutations can result in the manifestation of two different eye colors.

In Shih Tzus, genetics can influence how heterochromia appears, making it more common in dogs with piebald or merle patterns. This is especially true for females, who are more likely to develop heterochromia than males in certain breeds.

Some health conditions can also influence eye color in Shih Tzus, such as uveitis or glaucoma, which can cause the eye to alter its iris pigmentation. In some instances, the change in eye color is temporary, but in other cases, it can be permanent.

Here are some eye conditions associated with genetics that you should be aware of:

Genetics is the most common underlying factor in the development of heterochromia in dogs, which can result in two different eye colors.

Certain genetic mutations can cause this condition in dogs, and it's more likely to occur if one of its parents has it.

Dogs with piebald or merle patterns are more susceptible to heterochromia, which affects how it appears.

Heterochromia is also more prevalent in females than males in certain breeds, such as Dalmatians.

Genetic mutations can be passed down from parents, increasing the likelihood of heterochromia in offspring.

Health issues can affect a dog's eye color, and it's essential to be aware of these potential changes. Some pre-existing conditions can cause the eye to alter its iris pigmentation, such as uveitis or glaucoma.

Cataracts are a common health issue that can cause vision loss if left untreated. They can happen in dogs of all age groups and should be closely monitored.

Iris atrophy is another health issue that can cause a misshapen pupil. This condition occurs when the muscle of the iris starts to thin.

In some cases, health issues can cause a temporary change in eye color. However, depending on the underlying health problem or its severity, the change could be permanent.

Here are some examples of health issues that can affect a dog's eye color:

Rare dog colors are often associated with rare eye colors.

The rarest eye colors in dogs are commonly those associated with rare coat colors.

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Dogs with diluted black pigment, also known as blue, often have pale amber or yellow eyes.

Brown eumelanin is a recessive trait associated with amber eyes, but very few brown dogs keep their very pale puppy eyes with a shade of green.

Dogs with both liver pigment and color dilution have diluted brown eumelanin, resulting in some of the palest natural dog eye colors, often described as green-blue, sky blue or green-yellow.

Blue eyes are often associated with traits that cause some loss of pigment, like white spotting or merle.

Heterochromia occurs mostly in dogs with a strong enough merle allele.

Rare coat colors are often bred on purpose, occur more often in certain breeds, and eye color can be selected for to some degree.

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