The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed known for its small size and big personality. They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall.
Their beautiful black and white coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Shih Tzus are known to be outgoing and friendly dogs, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
Their short, compact body and flat face make them a popular choice for apartment dwellers and those with limited space.
Physical Characteristics
The Shih Tzu's physical characteristics are truly one-of-a-kind. Their black and white coat color variety is captivating, with a striking contrast that accentuates their adorable facial features.
The Shih Tzu's coat is generally long, flowing, and silky, requiring regular grooming to maintain its beauty.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your black and white Shih Tzu looking its best, daily grooming is a must. Regular brushing prevents matting and tangling, while cleaning the eyes, ears, and teeth keeps them healthy.
Their luxurious coat requires frequent bathing to stay clean and free from dirt and debris. This helps maintain its elegant appearance.
Regular grooming sessions also offer a chance to check for any skin issues or abnormalities, making it a great opportunity to catch any potential problems early on.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of caring for a black and white Shih Tzu, requiring regular maintenance to keep their coat looking its best. Daily grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their long, dense, and flowing coat.
To keep their coat clean and free from dirt and debris, frequent bathing is required. Black and white Shih Tzus often benefit from professional grooming to maintain their coat's length and overall appearance.
A professional groomer can provide services such as trimming, shaping, and styling the coat to enhance the dog's natural beauty. Regular grooming sessions also offer an opportunity to check for any skin issues or abnormalities.
Regular Veterinary Care
Regular veterinary care is crucial for your black and white Shih Tzu's overall well-being.
Routine vaccinations are essential to protect your dog from diseases and infections. Regular check-ups also help prevent parasites from taking hold.
Dental examinations should be part of your dog's healthcare regimen to prevent dental issues from developing.
Regular monitoring of your dog's eyes, ears, and overall physical condition is necessary to detect any potential health issues early on.
Average Price Range
When considering the cost of owning a black and white Shih Tzu, it's essential to factor in the average price range.
The average price range for black and white Shih Tzu puppies is between $1,500 and $3,500.
You can expect to pay more for puppies from exceptional bloodlines, show-quality puppies, or those from renowned breeders, which can drive the price up significantly.
Prices can vary depending on the factors mentioned, such as the breeder's reputation and the puppy's quality.
It's crucial to research and understand the costs involved before bringing a new furry friend home.
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Popularity and Recognition
The Black and White Shih Tzu's popularity skyrocketed once introduced, and today it's one of the Top 25 dog breeds in the U.S. every year.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Shih Tzu as its own breed in 1969, and numerous Shih Tzu organizations around the world also recognize these wonderful dogs.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has recognized the Black & White Shih Tzu on a definitive basis since December 1957, showing its widespread acceptance.
Gained Popularity
Chinese emperors would have Shih Tzus bred to give as gifts to other royals, usually for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. This practice helped spread the breed's popularity within the country.
The first breeding pair of Shih Tzus was exported to England in 1930, marking the breed's introduction to the Western world. This move paved the way for the breed's global recognition.
Shih Tzus weren't introduced outside the palace walls until the later 1920s. The breed's popularity began to soar once it was introduced to the Western world.
The breed took North America by storm two decades after its introduction to England. Today, the Shih Tzu is typically one of the Top 25 dog breeds in the U.S. every year.
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Formal Recognition
The American Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu as its own breed in 1969.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the Black & White Shih Tzu on a definitive basis since December 1957.
Numerous Shih Tzu organizations around the world also recognize these wonderful dogs.
Unique Facts and Traits
Shih Tzus are known for their distinctive black and white coats, but did you know that some of them can also have a third color, gray? This is due to the breed's genetic diversity.
Shih Tzus have a unique facial structure that can make them appear slightly different from other breeds. Their flat face and short muzzle are characteristics that are often seen in brachycephalic breeds.
One of the most interesting traits of Shih Tzus is their loyalty to their owners. They have been known to form strong bonds with their family members and can become protective of them.
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Playful Disposition
Shih Tzus are known for their playful and lively disposition, bringing joy to their families with their spirited and energetic nature.
Their love for interactive play sessions makes them entertaining companions, always up for a fun game or activity.
Black and white Shih Tzus are particularly playful, engaging in lively antics that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Despite their small size, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
They can adapt well to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive the right amount of attention and care.
The Rarest Color
The rarest color of Shih Tzu is black with no markings. This is a true rarity in the Shih Tzu world.
Black & White Shih Tzus are sometimes referred to as Piebald, thanks to a gene that makes them black and white. This term is often used to describe a Shih Tzu that's 50% black and 50% white.
Black & White Shih Tzus are always black dogs with white markings, regardless of the percentage of white on their coat. This is a key fact to remember when looking at these adorable dogs.
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Owning a Shih Tzu
Owning a Shih Tzu requires regular grooming to keep their beautiful coat looking its best. Daily brushing is a must to prevent matting, and professional grooming sessions every few weeks can help maintain the coat's length and overall appearance.
Shih Tzus are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but they do need daily attention. They thrive in a warm and loving environment where they feel secure and part of the family. Providing a comfortable bed or designated sleeping area is essential for their well-being.
A nutritious and well-balanced diet is vital for the health and longevity of your Shih Tzu. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level, and consult with your veterinarian to determine the right portion sizes and feeding schedule.
Here are some essential grooming tasks to keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy:
- Trim the hair around the eyes and ears regularly
- Keep their nails trimmed
- Brush their teeth regularly
- Clean their ears regularly
Remember, Shih Tzus are social animals that thrive on attention and interaction. Spend quality time with your Shih Tzu indoors, and provide them with toys and mental stimulation to keep them happy and engaged.
Owning a Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their loving and affectionate nature, thriving on human companionship and attention. They form strong bonds with their owners and are often happiest when snuggled up on their laps or by their side.
These dogs require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. Daily brushing is essential, and professional grooming sessions every few weeks can help maintain the coat's length and overall appearance.
A nutritious and well-balanced diet is vital for the health and longevity of your Shih Tzu. Provide them with high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please their owners, responding well to positive reinforcement training methods. Consistency, patience, and gentle guidance are key when training these affectionate dogs.
Here are some essential grooming tips to keep your Shih Tzu looking and feeling its best:
- Trim the hair around the eyes and ears for hygiene and to prevent discomfort.
- Regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning are necessary for their well-being.
To create a safe and loving environment for your Shih Tzu, provide them with a comfortable bed or designated sleeping area and ensure they have access to fresh water and toys for mental stimulation.
Factors Affecting Pricing
Breed quality and standards significantly impact the pricing of black and white Shih Tzus, with dogs that closely match the breed standard being more expensive.
Investing time, effort, and resources into selective breeding can result in higher-priced puppies.
A dog's lineage and pedigree can also influence pricing, with champion bloodlines or notable ancestry commanding higher prices.
Pedigree documentation provides information about the dog's lineage, including titles, achievements, and the reputation of their ancestors.
Health clearances from reputable organizations can increase the price of a black and white Shih Tzu, ensuring the dog has been screened for common health issues.
Certifications like those from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) assure buyers about the dog's health status.
The geographical location of the breeder can impact pricing, with higher costs of living or high demand for the breed resulting in higher prices.
Transportation costs may be added if you're purchasing a puppy from a breeder in a different region or country.
The reputation and experience of the breeder play a significant role in determining the price of black and white Shih Tzus, with established and reputable breeders charging higher prices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of black and white female Shih Tzu?
In India, a black and white female Shih Tzu typically costs between ₹30,000 to ₹35,000. Prices may vary depending on the puppy's quality and breeder.
What is a black and white Shih Tzu called?
A black and white Shih Tzu is called a Parti-piebald, characterized by 50% black and 50% white coat, or an Irish Mark Piebald, with more black than white and distinctive markings.
Sources
- Shih Tzu - Dog Breeds - American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- http://www.allshihtzu.com/black-and-white-shih-tzu (allshihtzu.com)
- Shih Tzu Black and White: Combined Charm and Elegance (tryfi.com)
- A post shared by Tuukka Bear (@tuukka_themaine_shihtzu) (instagram.com)
- Shih Tzu Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
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