The Shih Tzu is your friendly neighborhood dog that was initially bred in the remote land of Tibet. They are a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso dog breeds.
For the most part, black and white Shih Tzus are black with a little pocket of white on their chest. They can also be white with a few patches of black hair. These appear in their ears, faces, back, or at the base of their tail.
The placement of both these groups with the black category with white spots is genetic. No matter if they look white with black spots. A black and white Shih Tzu is part of the standard coat colors that exist.
It means they qualify to enter the confirmation shows. The ones where the dogs’ assessment is the extent to which their physical appearance aligns with the ideal characteristics of their breed.
The Black and White Shih Tzu
The genetic traits of Shih Tzus have led them to develop long hair trails that reach the floor, making them a high-maintenance breed. This adorable dog comes in a lot of shapes and sizes. The exceptionally charming colors you would see on a Shih Tzu are black and white.
You can also call a black and white Shih Tzu a Parti-piebald. It is about 50% black and 50% white. An interesting fact about the Shih Tzu is that it is actually a black dog with white markings. However, it appears as if black is its secondary color.
Although the most common percentage of Shih Tzu exhibit brown hair, the American Kennel Club (AKC) identifies the coat colors as black and white in this breed.
Among all Shih Tzu colors, the Black & White one has a higher probability of existing. It is an authentic act regardless of the proportion of color distribution. It holds true whether there is 5% black or 95% black. In a wide variety of aspects, all Shih Tzu are the same regardless of their color.
Just like the distinct pure white Shih Tzu, these part Shih Tzu also present quite a unique outlook. It will be surprising for you to know that the Shih Tzu is popularly known for their habit of altering its color.
It applies explicitly to dark colors that can lighten to less prominent ones. As the puppy grows up, the darker color tends to fade. Furthermore, the shape and the spread of black and white markings can also change as the dog matures.
This shift is basically the outcome of the skin stretching to fit the size of the growing dog. The mini rock-like structures on your Shih Tzu could potentially seem a bit lengthier as the puppy grows up.
Genetics Of The Black and White Shih Tzu
Regarding genetics, black is usually the dominant coat color in dogs. What this means is that the majority of dogs who carry the gene or the black pigment are bound to showcase. They will have black fur as a symbol.
The white spotting gene is the cause of the white markings on the dogs. They are a little more tricky to explain. To break it down:
- Without the white spotting gene – The Shih Tzu will be completely black
- Inherited one copy of the white spotting gene – The Shih Tzu will have some white patches
- Shih Tzu puppies who inherit two copies of the white spotting gene – Shih Tzu will have larger areas of white fur
There is some discourse around an “extreme white spotting gene”. The speculation is that it operates as a white spotting gene and will give a visible effect. It seems to be better clarification of how the white marking expands gradually. However, there is no verification of the presence of this gene.
Facts About Black And White Shih Tzu
As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your pet and ensure that they are always comfortable.
The breed possesses an intrinsic inclination towards being in human company. It has been the motivation behind breeding this dog.
There is an entirely opposite side to this people-oriented nature of the dog. Shih Tzus have exhibited the behavior of suffering from separation anxiety.
For decades, they have been training to build human intimacy. It is solely why it is extremely hard for them to withdraw from that inherent tendency for hours.
Shih Tzus have exhibited temperamental attributes. However, the temper issues have yet to become linked with the color of their coats. Black and White Shih Tzus will become inclined towards exhibiting similar behavior as their cousins in every other color category.
A few factors that have become evident over time to affect the personality of a Shih Tzu include:
- Age
- Sex
- Neuter status
- Early socialization
- Training
- The extent of exercise they receive
The main concern for a Shih Tzu’s health that exists is the risk that is present for them to become deaf. The personality of a Shih Tzu might become affected relative to the color of their coat if they are deaf.
It is an indirect link between the Shih Tzu and their coat colors. A deaf dog is more susceptible to becoming frightened or surprised.
These character traits can make the Shih Tzu anxious and easily startled. The deafness will also make it more challenging to train them than other dogs who can hear.
A detailed relative only to black and white dogs is that these dogs with vast areas of white fur have a greater chance of becoming diagnosed with deafness—a fact about black and white dogs that we must pay heed to.
Full Grown Shih Tzu Black And White
Shih Tzus are well-known for being easily trainable. However, many Shih Tzu owners have expressed concern about mitigating the effects of their training efforts. Shih Tzu puppies are quite smart, and their intelligence makes it simple to train them.
Their inclination is towards being a part of a reward-based training system. Although these sessions are force-free, the owners have expressed how they succumb to the cuteness of the breed. People usually forgive their bad acts and behaviors, which establishes conflicting standards.
A Shih Tzu is famous amongst fan lovers as an essentially people-loving dog. The dog has an enhanced risk of becoming deaf due to its hereditary condition. Dogs that possess one or two copies of the white spotting gene will have a higher probability of being diagnosed with congenital deafness.
The precise reason for this hereditary issue has yet to become evident. There is a tall likelihood of two black and white Shih Tzus berating puppies with hearing loss. Shih Tzus are also prone to a few other health issues; these comprise the following:
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome – BOAS (having an exceptionally flat (brachycephalic) muzzle)
- Dental problems
- Eye injuries
- Juvenile renal dysplasia (an inherited kidney disease)
As a potential dog owner, do your homework whenever you adopt or purchase a puppy. Particularly when it comes to black and white Shih Tzus.
Check with the breeder if the black and white puppies’ parents had had their hearing checked. The test needs to be in place to determine the decision for mating.
How much does a black and white Shih Tzu cost?
Even though a black and white Shih Tzu can be available in the market pretty easily, the cost to buy one is quite steep. The normal price range in which you can purchase a Shih Tzu depends on the dog’s age.
The general price range in which the Shih Tzu Black and White puppy falls ranges from $1000 to $1800. It can be quite heavy on the pocket. However, if you are willing to adopt a trained adult dog, you can get it at a cheaper rate.
A black and white Shih Tzu from this age group can be present for purchase within the cost bracket of $800 to $1,200.
Even if a dog buyer is willing to extend their price range beyond this capacity, the maximum price at which a black and white Shih Tzu might be available is between $2,000 and $4,000.
Although, it is too simplistic to quote a dog’s price. It is because the price tag of any dog is dependent on multiple factors combined, such as:
- Age
- Sex
- Color,
- The breeder’s reputation
A Shih Tzu that falls in an even older age bracket might even be available for adoption. This option also might cost less money. The ultimate price will depend on multiple other factors, including their health, color, age, and temperament.
The Rarity Of A Black And White Shih Tzu?
Even though it seems like an unusual existence, a black and white Shih Tzu is one of the most common. It is because the background color and white spots are genetically dominant.
For this form of color combination to present itself, the puppies must get the gene from their parents. They should adopt each from one parent.
It automatically increases the probability of black and white puppies from random mating sessions. They can also be simple to manufacture with intent.
The color trajectory of black, white, and red is a relatively common characteristic found in Shih Tzus. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. It is highly likely you may come across a Shih Tzu with a combination of all three colors.
The Shih Tzu may come with spots on their bodies and certain splashes of colors. These can be present almost anywhere on their coats.
How To Groom A Black And White Shih Tzu?
The form of grooming tasks that you perform on your dog. The frequency of this grooming technique is dependent on a few factors. These aspects will have a profound effect on the outlook of your Shih Tzu puppy dog.
Furthermore, good grooming habits are also important to stay ahead of the game. It is specifically important for the health of your dog’s skin, nose, coat, paws, and other parts.
Although some parts of the Black and White Shih Tzu may require more intense grooming, overall, it is not a complicated process.
The rule of thumb is to determine precisely what needs to be done and why. The timings of every task are also important as the quality of the tools used.
The ideal way to follow would be to create a schedule. It will lead to your Black and White Shih Tzu looking as gorgeous as this was meant to be.
The grooming tasks that need to be done on a regular basis include the following:
Wiping the face and the eyes – Every day
Brushing (dependent on the length of the coat) – After every 1 -3 days
Baths – After every three weeks
Cutting of nails – After every six weeks
Trimming the coat – As per the requirement
Nose and Paw care – As per the requirement
There may be some grooming needs that come up with time. Use quality paw wax to keep the paws of your Black and White Shih Tzu clean. This assists in giving traction and provides a breathable layer that acts as protection when the dog walks.
As a dog owner, you will see physical changes when you fall into a rhythm with the grooming habits. You Black and White Shih Tzu will appear in good shape and will obviously smell amazing.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Shih Tzu Happy
Yes, a Shih Tzu can be a particularly challenging dog to train. However, it is also a dog that easily reaches out to people and becomes their companion for life. Numerous dog people worldwide categorize this particular breed as the “warm, affectionate, loyal” kind.
These traits make the Shih Tzu the perfect pet for all facets of life, whether as a house pet, for training, or as a therapy dog. Just be sure to get a lot of toys for the playful little champ, as no collection will ever be sufficient.
Giving a Shih Tzu dog shelter in their home can be one of the most fulfilling things a person does in their life. This stubborn dog is also one of the friendliest breeds.
They have proven to be some of the most extroverted and outgoing dogs around the globe and are an ideal partner. Shih Tzu’s can be your best partner throughout.
