with the Tibetan breeds Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu resulted in both the latter breeds birthing the occasional "Prapso", The more dominant genes carry or hide the recessive genes; therefore, it is a challenge to wrap your mind around planning the breeding for a specific color. Liver is a recessive gene. Known as the "Tuxedo" pattern in Shih Tzu. One of the best things about them is Shih Tzu coat colors. By the time your dog turns one, he’ll probably sport his final coloring and markings. marking, since there is generally more demand than supply. Brachycephalic ocular syndrome – due to the extremely short head shape and consequences on the shape and position of the eyes – causes several eye conditions that lead to chronic irritation and pain. This pattern is highly prized in the show ring. This will help to bring out the. Silver – From a distance, a silver Shih Tzu my resemble a white one. They are also more dominate in their personalities. Usually present are white feet or toes and a white chest spot. They do not require the grooming of their Non Prapso litter mates, which makes this a pet owners dream. The following summary should give a working understanding of recessive gene genetics. About the Shih Tzu Shih Tzu (pronounced in the West “sheed-zoo” or “sheet-su”; the Chinese say “sher-zer”), weighing between 9 to 16 pounds, and standing between 8 and 11 inches, are surprisingly solid for dogs their size. Testing Tips. These white spots are are formed because melanocytes migrate down from the spinal column during embryo genesis, not all animals complete this process by birth or thereafter. He is a carrier for DM, which does not effect the Shih Tzu breed. Moreover, instead of fur, they have hair, this again flaunts their color really attractively. There are breeders that specialize and breed these Prapso's on purpose. The history of our breed shows that there were many breeds involved in their development. Degenerative Myelopathy is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner in dogs meaning that they must receive two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. Genetically, a Shih Tzu can exhibit both Blue and Liver. I will try to explain this as simplistic as possible. Some have a single color, while others can have two or more. The Black Mask gene has nothing to do with color. It is genetically impossible for a blue dog to have any black in its coat, or for an isabella to have liver. This is the reason why we use the puppy birth color to register our Shih Tzu breed. If not guarantee is void. He is an AKC registered liver (chocolate) genetic sable. A blue or isabella can have any coat pattern, but whatever they have, any black or liver in the coat will be turned to blue or isabella. The tests for those variants have been combined for simplicity in ordering. As the puppy ages, the undercoat will begin to grow out leaving only the cream color. Cotton coats require a ton of daily maintenance, as they can tangle and knot easier then the other two textures. She was born a vibrant red/white with a perfect face mask. Zhu Mei is a great example of the Chinchilla gene. In Shih Tzu, the points (eye rims, nose, lips) are always first controlled by the B series gene. Once you apply, Donna will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. There are two dilution genes that completely inhibit the formation of black pigment anywhere in the body: coat, eyes, and skin: PLEASE NOTE: In the Shih Tzu it is the color of the skin pigmentation of the nose, eye rims, lips and paw pads that determine the color of a Liver or Blue Shih Tzu and not the coat color alone as the coat color can be any color under the rainbow but a True Blue or Liver WILL NOT have black hairs anywhere on them, The B locus (liver pigment) is where the dominant partner of the pair allows the development of black pigment. These coats tend to have the courser textures. The picture perfect show coat. utmx_section("Business Footer"), Gold is a dilute of red. Himalayan/Siamese Pattern. Grizzle is a dominant gene ~, In the Shih Tzu it is the color of the skin, of the nose, eye rims, lips and paw pads that determine the color of a Liver or Blue Shih Tzu and not the coat color alone as the coat color can be any color under the rainbow but a True Blue or Liver, ~ dark shading on the foreface, including the muzzle up to the eye brows, is the pattern of white that is as ‘self with white trim’: white blaze, white collar/shawl, white chest and brisket, white feet and tail tip. ~, ~ Grizzle, also known as Agouti in some animals is an ancient color in the Shih Tzu. ~, ~White or Isabella (cream) white colored Shih Tzu are Extreme Piebalds. The more dominant genes carry or hide the recessive genes; therefore, it is a challenge to wrap your mind around planning the breeding for a specific color. If not guarantee is void. As you can see from this example, her mask has faded off to a beautiful light creamy white. You will notice fading in puppies as young as a month old. There are many colors of Shih Tzu available, but the common color is white. ‘To maintain color, breed dark to dark” (allows for the expression of the Dominant black genes). As you can see by the example above, Autumn's red color of her puppyhood has slowly changed over to a lovely gray as she has aged. He will be CKC registerable, up to date on shots and dewormer, vet checked, and comes with a 1 year health guarantee against life threatening genetic diseases. Spotted or piebald. The ‘self’ dog can carry the other three patterns. A Shih Tzu is considered pure black if it has no other coat color present, so no white tall tips or pews as an example. There are drawbacks though. IntroductionWhen choosing any breed of dog you must be aware ofpotential health concernsAll dogs mixes and pure bred can have health concernsThe more popular breeds and their mixes will have moregenetic problems listed and more likely to have puppieswith problems .Although more serious in dogs under 6 lbs all sizes ofShih … The nose of the dog, though, will be black. The color of a Shih Tzu is determined by the color found on the skin pigmentation of the nose, eye rims, and foot pads. The Shih Tzu’s long coat, unless groomed and regularly trimmed, will impact on his quality of life. It can be found on Blue and Liver dogs as well and should be registered as such. The coat, which comes in many colors, is worth the time you will put into it—few dogs are as beautiful as a well-groomed Shih Tzu. Making the Shih Tzu truly a unique dog breed. These dogs are born without these tiny spots and they appear as the puppy matures. But it isn't the color of its' coat that will give a Shih Tzu its blue eyes. Genetic Disorders Shih Tzu 1. Both parents must carry the gene in order to produce "Dobie Marked" offspring. A Prapso puppy won't only look different from the typical Shih Tzu but it is said to also be more intelligent, as it develops faster then it's Non Prapso litter mates. Canine Color Test Type Ay (Fawn/Sable Allele) aw (Wild Sable Allele) at (Black-and-Tan/Tricolor Allele) a (Recessive Solid Black Allele) A Locus Panel B Locus (Brown, Chocolate) D Locus (Dilute-Blue, Lilac, Champagne) E Locus (Recessive Yellow Allele) Em Locus (Melanistic Mask Allele) H Locus (Harlequin Pattern) K Locus M Locus (Merle) S Locus Parti (Piebald, or Random White Spotting) A-Locus (Fawn, … German Shepherds are among the most social breeds in the canine world. This pattern resembles the spotting on the Dalmatian Dog. Very simply, it's a matter of genetics. But a gray coat doesn’t necessarily mean that a Shih Tzu will have blue eyes, so you need to check the nose to be sure. From birth to a year old Cash has gone through several coat changes in color. However, it is common for dogs that have a liver or blue coat to have a different eye color. Usually white, Saddle ~ A large patch of color over the back., where a blanket or saddle would go. For more information, review Questions to ask a breeder. It leaves the Shih Tzu with the. As you can see from this example, her mask has faded off to a beautiful light creamy white. White Blaze Saddle, Shawl and white tail tip. Hypoglycemia in a small dog must be diagnosed early as it can quickly become fatal if not treated timeously. Major grooming on these coats are only needed a couple of times a year rather then every 6 to 8 weeks required on the cotton or silkie long coats. Some Blue Shih Tzu's are born very dark and may look black to the eye. Champion sired, tiny Imperial Shih Tzu s for sale. Genetic testing of the SOD1 gene in shih tzus will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of degenerative myelopathy. He is clear of 250+ diseases. of a full saddle on the back and a face mask across the eyes. In dogs, it is therefore not uncommon to see white toes on an otherwise black or red dog. Blues, Silvers, Golds, Solids, Multicolor may be available.All puppies are home raised and well socialized. The traditional size for the Shih Tzu is 8-11 inches at the shoulder and 9-16 pounds, but some individuals are smaller, in the 5-9 pound range. That's because the breed is well known for changing coat colors as he enters adulthood. Brindle is a dominant gene. we call this pattern a Parti-color. He was born on Dec.12th and will be ready to go home Feb.7th. Genetic testing of the SOD1 gene in shih tzus will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of degenerative myelopathy. Both parents must carry the gene in order to produce solid white colored offspring. The streaks of color are irregular and usually darker than the base color of the coat,although very dark markings can be seen on a coat that is only slightly lighter. Irish-spotted is the pattern of white that is as ‘self with white trim’: white blaze, white collar/shawl, white chest and brisket, white feet and tail tip. They get the loving personality of the Shih Tzu without all the maintenance that is required. Blue is a recessive gene. ~Silver is a dominant gene. ‘To maintain color, breed dark to dark” (allows for the expression of the Dominant black genes). Anyone who remembers Rin Tin Tin, the canine hero of 1950’s television, recalls that famous German Shepherd’s regal silhouette — head erect, muscular body ready for action and, most notably, ears standing straight up. Beautiful and flowing. The pictures below are all of the same shih tzu. This is caused by the Agouti gene. The pictures below are all of the same shih tzu. By Michele Welton. In other words if you have a color you want to "lock in" breed that color back to the darkest shade of the color you are trying to produce or back to a black or black/white. Two distinct genes determine whether a Shih Tzu's coat will lighten or gray over time—and what his ultimate color will be. It can, the color of there nose is just the color of there skin, but there nose could be white and the rest of them could be grey or black or whatever else.. Black – is a popular color for a Shih Tzu dog and pure black is often seen as being unusual Shih Tzu coat color. Eye Stripes ~ dark shading from the corner of the eyes that resemble an eyebrow. Related terms: brachycephalic ocular disease, exophthalmos, exposure keratopathy, exposure keratopathy syndrome, keratitis syndrome, pigmentary keratisis, macropalpebral fissure syndrome, medial canthus syndrome. If there is, then the dog will fall into another category so keep reading. Blue is a recessive gene. Solid blacks have the most dramatic change before they reach age 1. The third allele allows for extreme dilution resulting in extremely pale red coat color, diluted to near white. I expect him to be in this weight range. Fading will continue until the dog reaches his first birthday. Eumelanin shades include black, lilac, chocolate, and blue while pheomelanin shades are cream to red. If not to help explain a bit to those bewildered puppy parents that don't understand why their precious full blooded Shih Tzu's hair will not grow. Two distinct genes determine whether a Shih Tzu's coat will lighten or gray over time—and what his ultimate color will be. The color of your Shih Tzu’s eyes are not determined by the color of the coat. When problems do occur, be open about them; we cannot remove the genetic problems from our breed without the help of each and every Shih Tzu breeder. These are not genetic and usually close on their own. This pattern is highly prized in the show ring. Self color which is the total or near total absence of white in the coat. It only takes one copy to pass to the offspring. He weighs 10 lbs. Shih Tzu have very shallow eye sockets that result in the eyes not being able to close fully. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a fairly common health problem in small breed dogs like the shih tzu. In fact, by the time your Shih Tzu celebrates his first birthday, he may be a completely different color than he was when you brought him home. Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzus. Tuxedo ~ A "self" colored dog with a white patch on the chest (shirt front) and chin, and some white on the feet/toes/ The darker color extends down the legs to resemble the Tuxedo jacket. Coat Color and Pigments of the Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu puppies usually change color as they grow. Gold is recessive ~, Both parents must carry the gene in order to, s when shaved down. The dog will always have eye stripes and dark ear tips, even after cutting. If you are looking for more in depth research into color genetics please read: Genetics of Coat Color and Type in Dogs or Dog Coat Colour Genetics,