Discovering the True Blue Blue Shih Tzu Breed

The Blue Shih Tzu breed is a beloved companion dog known for its small size and outgoing personality. They typically weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their short, fine coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. The Blue Shih Tzu's coat color can vary from a light blue to a dark slate blue, but the breed's name is often associated with the true blue color.

In terms of temperament, the Blue Shih Tzu is a friendly and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for families and singles alike. They are generally quiet and well-behaved, but can be prone to barking if not properly trained.

Blue Shih Tzus are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them a great breed for first-time dog owners. With patience and consistency, they can learn a variety of commands and behaviors.

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A Blue Shih Tzu is a rare and unique breed of dog. It's a result of a genetic dilution that causes the black pigment to turn blue.

They have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Their fur is soft and silky to the touch.

Their small size makes them an ideal companion for city living, but they still need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

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The Blue Shih Tzu is a specific type of dog that has a unique appearance.

They have a predominantly white coat with markings of blue and gray, giving them a distinctive appearance.

This breed is a result of breeding the Shih Tzu with other dogs to create a dog with a blue-gray coat.

The Blue Shih Tzu is a relatively small dog, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds.

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A Blue Shih Tzu is a unique and lovable breed with some distinct characteristics.

They are a small dog breed, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds and standing between 8-11 inches tall.

Their small size makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers or those who want a low-maintenance pet.

They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great fit for families with children or for people who want a social companion.

Their intelligence and trainability also make them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

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The genetics behind the blue color of the Blue Shih Tzu is quite fascinating. It's all about a genetic mutation in the DNA that hosts the D locus, which is connected to the MLPH gene responsible for a dog's color coat.

A Blue Shih Tzu is the result of a genetic mutation that disrupts the black pigment in the D locus. This disruption affects the MLPH gene, making the Shih Tzu blue.

In simpler terms, the D locus represents the black pigment, and when this is disrupted, the MLPH gene is affected. This is what makes the Shih Tzu blue.

For a Shih Tzu to be blue, both parents have to be carriers of the gene, meaning they can be a traditional Shih Tzu but can pass on the blue trait to their offspring.

The alleles for a blue dog are represented by two lowercase d's (d/d), with the lowercase d representing the gene for a blue dog.

If two parents are (D/D), this means that the puppy will not be considered blue. The capital D's represent the non-blue gene.

If both parents are d/d, the dog will have the definite dilute gene, and if both parents are D/d, there is a 50% chance that their puppy will come out as a blue Shih Tzu.

It's worth noting that those who have a mutated D locus are also more susceptible to developing alopecia, which is essentially hair loss that can occur in dogs.

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The Blue Shih Tzu is a unique and beautiful breed, and one of the most striking things about them is the variety of colors they come in. There are four main colors: blue, white, black, and gray.

The Blue Shih Tzu is often confused with the White Shih Tzu, but they have distinct differences in their coat color and pattern. The blue color is actually a dilute form of the black color, which means it's a lighter version of the same pigment.

The White Shih Tzu, on the other hand, has a white coat with no other colors present. In contrast, the Blue Shih Tzu has a blue coat with or without white markings.

A fresh viewpoint: Black Shih Tzus

Blue Shih Tzus differ from black Shih Tzus in their color, as they are born with a distinct blue appearance that won't fade.

Unlike black Shih Tzus, blue Shih Tzus have a mutation that results in their distinctive color, which is linked to their eye color. They tend to have amber-colored eyes.

Their blue appearance is not just limited to their coat, but also shows up on their noses and other body parts.

Blue Shih Tzus are often compared to their white counterparts, but did you know that white Shih Tzus have a slightly higher risk of deafness due to a genetic mutation that affects their hearing?

In contrast, blue Shih Tzus have a unique genetic variation that causes their fur to be a darker shade of blue, but it doesn't affect their overall health.

White Shih Tzus, on the other hand, can be prone to eye problems due to their white coat, which can increase their risk of eye issues like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Blue Shih Tzus are also often compared to their gray counterparts, but gray Shih Tzus tend to be more prone to skin allergies due to their thicker coat.

In terms of temperament, blue Shih Tzus are often said to be just as affectionate and outgoing as their white and gray counterparts, making them a great choice for families.

Blue Shih Tzus are not the norm among Shih Tzus, as they're the result of a diluted recessive gene that makes them less likely to appear in a litter.

They're not as common as other types of Shih Tzus, but you're still more likely to find a blue one than a Shih Tzu with a solid color coat.

Their skin tone is a diluted black, which is another reason they may be considered rare.

Blue Shih Tzu puppies are a popular choice due to their striking color. A blue Shih Tzu can cost more than other colors.

You can expect to pay more for a blue Shih Tzu because of its popularity. Generally, you can expect to pay between $700 and $3,000 for a Shih Tzu puppy, with blue and liver Shih Tzus being at the higher end of this price range. Be wary of very cheap dogs, as they could be a sign of a puppy farm.

The purchase price of a Blue Shih Tzu can vary depending on several factors. Generally, you can expect to pay more for a Blue Shih Tzu due to their popularity.

In areas with a high demand for Shih Tzus, you may be able to find breeders who charge more for their puppies. This is because there are fewer breeders in these areas, creating a higher demand for their dogs.

A Shih Tzu puppy should cost between $700 and $3,000, regardless of the color. However, be wary of very cheap dogs, as they may be a sign of a puppy farm.

Ensure that your breeder is credible and trustworthy to guarantee that your Blue Shih Tzu was treated well and bred from healthy dogs.

Maintenance costs for a Blue Shih Tzu can add up quickly. On average, you can expect to pay around $500 to $700 per year for routine care.

Their small size means they don't require a lot of space, but they still need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. A good groomer can charge anywhere from $30 to $90 per session.

You'll also need to factor in the cost of veterinary care, which can range from $200 to $500 per year, depending on the age and health of your dog.

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