It’s not surprising that Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds in both the US and the UK. Their cute facial expression, various haircut styles, and adorable personality often tickle their owners’ hearts.
While Shih Tzus come in various coat colors, this article specifically focuses on the Black and White Shih Tzu. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about this small, loyal, and affectionate companion.
Keep reading to learn how long do Black and White Shih Tzus live, whether or not they are rare, and find out their full-grown size, how grooming needs, price, and more!
Table of Contents
The Shih Tzu Breed
The Shih Tzu is a toy dog known for its adorable miniature size and fluffy coats. They are often called “the dogs with lion’s manes” because of the ruff around their neck.
The Shih Tzu is a novelty companion dog and often features in designer dog shows. They do well with children and other small pets. The Shih Tzus are among the few breeds that don’t shed and can live comfortably indoors.
Shih Tzus come in solid, two-color, and tricolor coats. Solid colors are somewhat rare, and they often have some white pattern on their fur (like the Black White Shih Tzu).
The AKC recognizes the following colors:
- Black
- Red
- Silver
- Liver (or chocolate)
- Gold
- Blue
- Brindle
- Any of the above colors with white
Shih Tzu history
The Shih Tzu has a long history. The breed was first developed as companion animals in ancient China. The name “Shih Tzu” means “Small Lion.”
There’s a folk story about a Tibetan god who had a Shih Tzus that could transform into a real lion at his command.
The Shih Tzu almost went extinct at one point, but there was so much love for this breed in China that a Chinese dog club decided to work towards preserving the species.
Over time, the breed became very popular and spread to other countries.
Today, the Shih Tzu is among the most common dogs in America.
What is a Black And White Shih Tzu?
A Shih Tzu with a white and black coat is also referred to as a Shih Tzu dog Black And White. The base color on these dogs is black, and white is a pattern on top.
Among all Shih Tzu colors, Black & White is pretty common.
Black And White Shih Tzu puppy
Shih Tzus are pretty small even when they’re full-grown, and a Puppy Black And White Shih Tzu is even smaller!
When they’re this young, they are absolutely adorable. Their Black And White fur is mostly short, but they have a bit of long hair around their ears.
Baby Shih Tzu Black And White are very playful and get into lots of trouble, so make sure to make your house safe and secure for dogs that age.
Black And White Shih Tzu puppies can be a joy to take care of, but it’s important to prepare yourself for the little clowns that these dogs can become!
As far as their physical appearance is concerned, we’ll discuss that next.
Black And White Shih Tzu physical appearance
The Shih Tzu breed has a double-layer coat that is both thick and fluffy.
The short and broad muzzle can be either black or white. The eyes are dark, and their small nose is pig-like and upturned. The ears are large and floppy with lots of hair. The teeth are small, and the feet are tiny.
The Black And White Shih Tzu’s coat is considered black spotted with white. The white of the Shih Tzu is often seen on the torso and stomach, as well as on the face and legs.
Do Black And White Shih Tzu change color?
Shih Tzus are notorious for changing their appearance multiple times in their lives. Don’t be too surprised if you bought a Black And White Shih Tzu that started getting white, darker black, or silver with age.
Their unreliable coat color is why the AKC allows Shih Tzu owners to re-register them under a different color up to three times.
No two Black And White Shih Tzus are the same, and each Shih Tzu has a distinct pattern.
These patterns have different names, too. These are:
- Irish mark piebald: The coat is predominantly black with white patches on the face, neck, and front.
- Parti–piebald: The coat has as much white as black.
- Extreme piebald: There’s very little black, and the coat is almost entirely white.
- Tuxedo: This coat is black on the back and arms; white on the chest, neck, and belly.
Why is my Shih Tzu’s skin turning black?
Your cute little white Shih Tzu puppy might soon grow up to have a darker black fur coat. This color change is normal for the Shih Tzu breed, but it can be worrying when it happens due to a medical reason.
There are some cases in which a Shih Tzu’s fur turns dark due to a medical condition, like hyperpigmentation and hypothyroidism.
Excessive production of melanin in the body is called hyperpigmentation, which causes dark spots to form on the skin. These spots can cause a puppy’s fur to look dark black with each passing day, so if you notice this in your puppy, it’s important to have his or her health checked.
Hypothyroidism occurs when your puppy’s body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This condition can also cause the fur to take on a darker color, usually black or brown.
Visiting the vet will give you peace of mind as they will be able to tell you if your pup’s coat is turning black due to hyperpigmentation, hypothyroidism, or something else.
Are Black And White Shih Tzus rare?
Not quite. When it comes to rare Shih Tzu colors, the black and white combination is pretty generic.
So, are Black Shih Tzus rare?
Black is pretty common among Shih Tzus and is one of their standard colors. Black Shih Tzus usually have some other color on their coat, and pure black is very rare for them.
What about solid Black? Are all Black Shih Tzus Rare?
Yes, all-black is very rare among Shih Tzus and is perhaps the least seen coat color for them.
Are White Shih Tzus Rare?
While white Shih Tzus are quite common, they often have some other color markings on them. However, pure white Shih Tzus are somewhat rare.
What is the rarest color of Shih Tzu?
Although black is a color you’ll often see on Shih Tzus, pure black without any other color is the rarest for these dogs.
Black And White Shih Tzu teddy bear cut
The teddy bear is a haircut that removes the longer hair from the torso and legs while leaving the fluffy fur on top.
A Black And White Shih Tzu with this cut will look like a little stuffed toy, and the teddy bear cut suits them really well.
Black And White short haired Shih Tzu
This haircut is similar to the teddy bear cut, but it removes all of the long hair from a Black And White Shih Tzu. These dogs end up looking like little cats.
This coat is relatively easier to maintain as it doesn’t get tangled easily. However, it won’t provide the Shih Tzu adequate protection in the winter.
This cut isn’t a good choice for dog owners in cold climates who don’t want to deal with sweaters and vests in the winter months.
Black And White Shih Tzu long hair
Long hair on a Black And White Shih Tzu looks adorable, and people who like putting their dogs in beauty contests love letting their Black And White Shih Tzu have long, flowing locks.
However, long hair can be notoriously difficult to care for and often ends up getting tangled and matted.
Black And White Shih Tzu size, height, and weight
The adult Black And White Shih Tzu full grown has a maximum height of 10.5 inches. They don’t get any heavier than 16 pounds, putting them in the toy dog category.
Their small dimensions and weight are the reasons why they’re such popular lap dogs.
The average size and weight of the Black And White Male Shih Tzu are the same as that of a Black And White Female Shih Tzu.
Here’s a chart to help you better understand it:
| Puppy (8 weeks old) | Adult male | Adult female | |
| Height | 2-4 inches | 9-10.5 inches | 9-10.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.5-3.75 pounds | 9-16 pounds | 9-16 pounds |
Black And White Shih Tzu temperament and personality
Black And White Shih Tzus are loyal, gentle, intelligent, active, social, friendly, and affectionate. They are generally easy to train and obedient. They are not aggressive toward people or other dogs at all!
The Black And White Shih Tzu has a unique personality that makes it the perfect companion for the family. It likes to be with you all the time but also wants to rest quietly by your side, especially after having fun with its owners.
The Black And White Shih Tzu is a confident, alert, and loyal dog breed that thrives on attention and interaction. He or she will reward you with his or her undying affection.
Do Black And White Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
Black And White Shih Tzus are friendly, social, highly intelligent, and affectionate with people and other animals. A Shih Tzu that is adequately trained and socialized with other animals is the best family pet that you can have.
Black And White Shih Tzu training
Always make sure that your Shih Tzu is well trained from an early age, as this will make his or her character stable, obedient and confident.
The best method to train a puppy is through positive reinforcement.
It’s best to use patience while training your puppy. The pup will learn faster when you are consistent. Also, don’t use verbal correction or harsh words while training your Black And White Shih Tzu.
Black And White Shih Tzu exercise requirement
It is essential to satisfy the exercise requirement of your canine friend. The best way to keep his mind and body active is to take him for a walk or a jog twice a day. A healthy exercise routine will not only reduce hyperactivity but will also improve his quality of life.
The Shih Tzu is an energetic dog breed, so he or she requires more exercise than most other breeds of its size. These dogs need 70 minutes of exercise a day, and that includes playing.
Black And White Shih Tzu grooming and cleaning
The Shih Tzus are tiny but high-maintenance dogs. Depending on the length of their coat, a Black And White Shih Tzus may need daily to tri-weekly brushing.
Regular brushing helps to prevent mats and tangles, so it is good to brush them on a regular basis.
Shih Tzus also require more frequent baths than other dogs. Washing them every 2 to 3 weeks with lukewarm water and gentle dog shampoo will keep their coats sleek and healthy.
Also, you should brush their teeth every day with a dog-friendly toothpaste to keep their pearls shiny and gums healthy.
It would help to teach your Shih Tzu to behave during grooming sessions as a part of their training routine.
Dogs need to learn to enjoy this activity and not fear it. The more your Shih Tzu likes getting brushed, the easier grooming will be for you and your pooch.
The Black And White Shih Tzu would also need occasional visits to a professional dog groomer to trim his coat and clip his nails.
Pet owners usually keep their Shih Tzu’s hair short for easy maintenance. But if you’d like your dog to look like those stunning beauty pageant-winning Shih Tzus, a professionally groomed Shih Tzu Black And White is the one you want.
Is Black And White Shih Tzu hypoallergenic?
Yes, Black And White Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic breeds don’t cause reactions in people who are allergic to dogs.
The Shih Tzu sheds minimally and produces no dander. However, it still isn’t 100% safe for someone who has an extreme allergy.
Black And White Shih Tzu food and diet
The Black And White Shih Tzu is an average eater. However, you may need to schedule two daily meals because the dog’s stomach can’t hold enough food to last him or her the whole day.
High-quality dog food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates is recommended because they can become obese quickly.
READ NEXT: Can Shih Tzu Eat Chicken? (Bones, Nuggets, Fried, Raw)
Black And White Shih Tzu common health issues
The Shih Tzus is a healthy and robust dog that typically lives 10 to 18 years. Their lifespan puts them right next to Chihuahuas. They both are the longest living dogs.
However, there is a small number of Shih Tzus that suffer from the following health issues.
1. Cancer
Cancer is a fatal disease among Shih Tzus. Black And White Shih Tzu dogs can suffer from various cancers, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma.
2. Kidney issues
Kidney issues rank below cancer as the leading cause of shorter lifespan in Black And White Shih Tzus. These dogs also have narrow urinary tracts, making them susceptible to UTI and bladder stones. Adult male Shih Tzus should drink plenty of clean water and avoid eating food with excessive salt content.
3. Luxating patella
Patellar luxation is a joint disorder in which the knee bone moves out of place from its proper position. The condition is genetic in Black And White Shih Tzus and can cause lameness and arthritis over time.
4. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a joint disease is a prevalent disorder that affects the hip joints of Black And White Shih Tzus. Clinical signs of this disorder include limping, lameness, and pain while trying to move around.
5. Cataracts
This condition causes a cloudy white film to form in front of the lens. If you notice your Black And White Shih Tzu’s eyes changing color, schedule an eye examination.
A veterinarian should examine the dog to determine if cataracts are present before they can start any treatment.
READ ALSO: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
6. Breathing issues
Black And White Shih Tzus can suffer from various respiratory issues, including kennel cough, collapsed trachea, and stenotic nares.
Black And White Shih Tzu lifespan
The average Shih Tzu lifespan is 10 to 18 years. These sturdy little dogs are among the longest-living canines.
Black And White Shih Tzu for adoption
Many families are looking to adopt a dog that is already trained, but sometimes it’s just as rewarding to bring home a pup that you can train from scratch.
If this is the case, consider adopting a Shih Tzu. These dogs are family-friendly, easy to train, and sweet as can be.
The downside of adopting a Black And White Shih Tzu is that you may not know what health issues the dog has.
Some dogs have a history of a bad temper, a poor attitude, behavioral problems, or health issues that you should be ready to deal with.
This is why using a dog DNA and health detection kit is vital, particularly when adopting a Shih Tzu, as it helps reveal breed-specific health conditions and enable proactive care.
These kits decode your pet’s genetic makeup, uncovering potential hereditary diseases. This knowledge empowers owners to provide a tailored, optimum healthcare regime for their adopted Shih Tzu, ensuring a long, healthy life.
Black And White Shih Tzu price
The average Shih Tzu Black And White Price ranges from $1,000 to $1,800 for a puppy or $800 to $1,200 for a trained adult dog.
Older Shih Tzus may be available for adoption for less money, depending on their health, color, age, and temperament.
Black And White Shih Tzu puppies for sale
Black And White Shih Tzu’s are generally inexpensive. They are not the rarest color, and you can find them on various breeders selling them on puppy sites.
To own a dog from a reputable breeder, you should try to look for websites that offer complete transparency.
Make sure that they have all of the legal documents and certifications in order before you decide to purchase a puppy.
Maple Lane Pups (maplelanepups.com), for instance, have some adorable Black And White Shih Tzu Puppies for sale in Michigan.
If you’re looking for Black And White Shih Tzu Puppies for sale in California, California Shih Tzu Pups (californiashihtzupups.com) is worth checking out.
You can also go through reputable breeders who have their dogs registered with various canine registries, such as the American Kennel Club.
Although they’d cost a bit more than puppies from backyard breeders or puppy mills, there’s an identity and pedigree guarantee when you buy one from such a breeder.
The puppies there are usually socialized and have no pre-existing health issues.
Is the Black And White Shih Tzu right for me?
The Black And White Shih Tzu is a very intelligent dog breed that is affectionate, social, and a fun pet. He or she will always want to be close to its owner.
This dog loves playing and going on long walks. It is also a good guard dog that will bark if someone approaches your home.
The Black And White Shih Tzu’s coat can be either short or long, but it requires regular upkeep. That’s why it would be best to have it groomed monthly by a professional groomer.
If you can cater to all those needs, a Black And White Shih Tzu will make a wonderful pet for you.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1481255/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/pets/sns-hypoallergenic-dog-breeds-wont-sneeze
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
