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Shih Tzus have been warming the hearts of 10s of thousands of dog owners for years. Their small size, fun personality, and incredibly soft coat make them hard not to love.
A black and white Shih Tzu is one of the more common coat colors that people all over North America have welcomed into their homes.
But what makes these dogs so special? Why do you see so many black and white Shih Tzus?
In this post, we cover everything you need to know about them. Their history, rarity, temperament, common health issues & lifespan, as well as many other frequently asked questions about these dogs.
So continue reading to discover everything you need to know about black and white Shih Tzus before inviting one into your home.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
Brief Shih Tzu History
Although they are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, Shih Tzus have a fascinating history.
According to legend, the breed was developed in Tibet by Buddhist monks, who used them as companions and also as watchdogs for their temples.
The breed eventually made its way to China, where they became a favored companion of the Imperial Court. In fact, Shih Tzus were so beloved by the Chinese nobility that they were known as “the royal dogs of China.”
During the early 20th century, Shih Tzus were brought to Europe and America, where they quickly became popular as companion animals. Thanks to their friendly nature and lively personalities, Shih Tzus quickly won the hearts of dog lovers around the world.
Today, these devoted little dogs are still cherished as loyal companions and beloved family members.
Are Black And White Shih Tzus Rare?
One of the most common questions people ask about black and white Shih Tzus is whether they are rare.
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While black and white Shih Tzus are not technically considered “rare,” they are not as common as other color variations of the breed.
For example, the most common coloration for Shih Tzus is white and tan/brown. However, you can also find Shih Tzus in a wide variety of other colors, including brown, red, cream, gold, and even blue.
So, while black and white Shih Tzus are not rare, they are less common than other colors of the breed. Unfortunately, this can make them a little more difficult to find.
What Type Of Shih Tzu Is Black And White?
Any Shih Tzu can have a black and white coat. What determines their coat color is a gene that they inherit from their parents.
There are two different types of black and white Shih Tzus: those with a “parti” coat and those with a “solid” coat.
The difference between these two types is the distribution of color on the dog’s body.
Parti Shih Tzus have patches of color on their bodies, usually with white as the base color. Solid Shih Tzus, on the other hand, have a solid black coat with white markings on their face, chest, and paws.
Do Black And White Shih Tzu Change Color?
Another common question about black and white Shih Tzus is whether their coat color will change as they age.
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Black and white Shih Tzus can change color as they age, but it doesn’t happen to every dog.
There are a few factors that can affect a black and white Shih Tzu’s coat color, including diet, environment, and health.
For example, if a black and white Shih Tzu is not getting enough nutrition, their coat may become lighter in color. Similarly, if they are exposed to too much sunlight, their coat may also become lighter.
Furthermore, if a black and white Shih Tzu has any health problems, this can also affect their coat color. This is because their coat is a reflection of the health of their skin and overall wellbeing.
Something else that can affect their color is how clean they are as well. Because parts of their coat are white, if they get and stay dirty, their coat can become stained and become more of an off-white.
So, while black and white Shih Tzus can maintain their coat color as they age, there’s also the possibility for it to change. Only gradual shade differences, though.
They won’t become entirely black or cream-colored one day.
Is a Black And White Shih Tzu Male Or Female Better?
There is no definitive answer to this question since every dog is different and has their own unique personality.
That being said, some people believe that black and white females Shih Tzu are better than males because they tend to be more affectionate and easier to train.
On the other hand, male black and white Shih Tzus are often seen as more independent and stubborn.
Of course, this is not always the case, and there are many exceptions to these generalizations. The best way to know which black and white Shih Tzu is right for you is to meet them in person and see which one you connect with the most.
No matter which you choose, they are sure to bring joy into your life.
Black And White Shih Tzu Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
Black and white Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. They are also around 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
This makes them a small-sized breed, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular.
Their small size also makes them easy to carry around, and they can easily live in apartments or other small spaces.
Coat Markings & Texture
The markings on a black and white Shih Tzu are unique to each dog. Some may have more white than black, while others may be the reverse.
There are also some black and white Shih Tzus with an equal amount of both colors on their coat.
What’s special is that no two multi-colored Shih Tzus are ever the exact same.
The texture of a black and white Shih Tzu’s coat can also vary. Some have straight coats, while others have curly or wavy coats.
The coat of a black and white Shih Tzu is also usually very soft and silky to the touch.
Shedding & Grooming
Black and white Shih Tzus are considered to be a low-shedding breed, which is good news for people who don’t want dog hair all over their house.
This doesn’t mean they don’t shed at all, but they definitely shed less than most other breeds.
Their coat also doesn’t require a lot of grooming. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
Of course, if you want your black and white Shih Tzu to look their best, you may need to brush them more often.
The other aspects of grooming, like bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning, are about the same as other dogs.
A bath every 8-12 weeks, nails trimmed about once a month, and their teeth should be cleaned/brushed a few times per week.
Where they do require a little more maintenance in with their ears. All dogs with big floppy ears need to have them cleaned more often to ensure they don’t get an infection.
Are Black And White Shih Tzus Hypoallergenic?
No, black and white Shih Tzus are not hypoallergenic. However, they produce less dander than most other breeds, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
Dander is the main cause of allergies in people, so if you’re allergic to dogs but still want one, a black and white Shih Tzu may be a good option for you.
Just keep in mind that there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. So even with a Shih Tzu, you may still experience some allergy symptoms.
Ears & Tail
One of the most distinguishing features of a black and white Shih Tzu is their long, flowing ears.
Their ears are one of the things that make them so unique and give them such an adorable appearance.
Another feature that sets black and white Shih Tzus apart from other dogs is their tail. Unlike most other breeds, Shih Tzus do not have a tail that sticks straight out.
Instead, their tail is curled up over their back and is usually about half the length of their body.
Eye Color
The eyes of a black and white Shih Tzu are large and round, and their color can range from dark brown to light amber.
In some cases, one eye may be a different color than the other. This is called “heterochromia” and is considered to be very rare in black and white Shih Tzus.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a black and white Shih Tzu is between 10 and 16 years.
This is a pretty long life expectancy for a dog, especially when you compare it to other breeds that only live an average of 12 years or less.
Common Health Issues
Like all breeds, black and white Shih Tzus are susceptible to certain health problems.
Some of the more common health issues that affect this breed include respiratory problems, eye infections/disorders, joint issues, and teeth/gum disease.
Respiratory problems are unfortunately common in Shih Tzus. They can be caused by several factors, including genetics, sensitivities to environmental irritants, and infection.
The most common respiratory problem in Shih Tzus is brachycephalic syndrome, which is characterized by a shortened muzzle and small nostrils. Treating brachycephalic syndrome typically involves surgery to improve the airflow through the nose and mouth.
Other respiratory problems that can affect Shih Tzus include allergies, tracheal collapse, and laryngeal paralysis.
Eye infections and disorders are also relatively common in black and white Shih Tzus. Some of the most common eye problems that affect this breed include dry eye, entropion, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Black and white Shih Tzus are also prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia is when their hip doesn’t fit properly in their hip socket, which causes pain, stiffness, and even lameness. Patellar luxation is the dislocation of the knee cap, which causes the knee joint to dislocate frequently, causing pain.
Teeth and gum disease are more common in all dogs than people realize. In fact, 90% of dogs develop some form of periodontal (gum) disease by age 2. But it’s even more common in smaller dogs because they have less room in their mouth with the same number of teeth.
This makes it easier for plaque and tartar to build up, which leads to inflammation in their mouth and eventually infection and even disease.
Fortunately, most of these health problems can be prevented with proper care and regular vet check-ups.
Trainability & Intelligence
Black and white Shih Tzus are fairly intelligent dogs. They’re not among the smartest dogs (according to this study) and will need anywhere between 80-100 repetitions to learn a new trick/behavior.
This means they require a little more attention and patience when it comes to training.
They do best with positive reinforcement training. Praise, treats, and toys are all great rewards for a job well done for these dogs.
Consistency with your commands is also crucial for these dogs. You want to ensure you’re using the same words and tone of voice when asking them to perform certain tasks.
Also, refrain from using force when training. While training may get frustrating at times, it’ll only negatively affect your relationship with them and likely make them even more strong-headed/stubborn.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Because of their small size, black and white Shih Tzus don’t need too much daily physical activity. They’re content with 2, 10-15 minute walks per day with a couple play sessions.
Of course, some will enjoy more, but the majority of Shih Tzus are okay with a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day.
They also do better when they have some form of mental stimulation each day. Whether it’s learning new tricks/behaviors, puzzle toys, or other creative games where they have to use their mind.
If they have too much pent-up energy, they can become bored and destructive. This can show up by destroying items in your home or excessive barking/whining.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Black And White Shih Tzus Bark A Lot?
No, black and white Shih Tzus aren’t known for being overly vocal or barking a lot. While they will make their presence known when they want something or if someone’s at the door, they typically don’t bark excessively.
And if they do bark a lot (because every dog is a little different), they can always learn how to be quieter with the right guidance.
Do Black And White Shih Tzus Like To Cuddle?
Black and white Shih Tzus are definitely one of the more cuddly dog breeds. They love to be close and be held by their loved ones.
They’ve always been companion dogs and really enjoy this type of closeness. Not only is the attention great for them, but it also keeps them warm as their small size makes them get cold quite quickly.
Are Black And White Shih Tzus Good With Kids?
Yes, black and white Shih Tzus can be great with kids. They’re typically patient and well-behaved around little ones.
It’s important to show your kids how to play nice with a Shih Tzu, though. Because of their small size, some kids who don’t know their strength quite yet may handle them too roughly.
The earlier on in life that a black and white Shih Tzu and kids get to know one another, the better.
Are Black And White Shih Tzus Good With Other Dogs?
Black and white Shih Tzus can be good with other dogs. If they grow up in a home with other dogs where they don’t know life with isolated attention, they’ll be great with other dogs.
However, if they’re isolated and don’t meet other dogs when they’re young, they can be reserved and anxious around other dogs. They won’t like sharing your attention and won’t know how to behave around unfamiliar dogs.
That’s why it’s so important to socialize them when they’re young to help them learn how to play nice with other dogs.
Are Black And White Shih Tzus Good With Strangers?
Yes, black and white Shih Tzus can be good with strangers, but it all depends on how well they were socialized as a puppy.
The more unfamiliar people, places, and animals they interact with, the better behaved they’ll be in new situations.
But if the only people they know are their immediate family, they’ll likely have problems around new people. Whether that’s being aggressive or becoming overly clingy/jealous.
Are Black And White Shih Tzus Good Apartment Dogs?
Black and white Shih Tzus are perfect for apartment living. They are a small, compact size and don’t require too much exercise.
While they certainly need some physical activity, they don’t need too much in order to stay happy and healthy.
Black And White Shih Tzu Price
The majority of black and white Shih Tzus will be between $500-$2,000. Though, you may even find some for as much as $4,000.
Their price depends on a variety of factors like coat markings, sex, parent’s pedigree (health), a breeder’s experience and location, etc.
However, be careful if you see a black and white going for unusually low prices.
Always make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder.
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
Where Can You Find a Black And White Shih Tzu For Sale?
Breeder directories are becoming an increasingly popular way of finding a puppy. They give breeders across the nation a place to showcase their recent liters.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean there will always be a puppy available in your state, but breeder directories are a great place to start your search.
A few of the more popular breeder directories are:
Of course, it’s never a bad idea to go to local shelters or rescues to see if they have any black and white Shih Tzus available as well.
Final Thoughts
Black and white Shih Tzus are one of the most adorable puppies around. So it’s no wonder the breed is one of the most popular dog breeds in America.
If you want a cuddly, low-maintenance dog that has a fun personality, a black and white Shih Tzu may be an excellent choice for you.
As with all dogs, they need early socialization to ensure they’re well-behaved in many different situations. If they’re too isolated, this is where problemed behavior can show up.
Also, be sure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder. Make sure you look for the things we’ve listed above to know you’re dealing with someone who’s an experienced and credible breeder.
Other posts you might find interesting:
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