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Color Explanation of the Shih Tzu

Color Overview

Many Shih Tzu owners question the official color of their dog.  A reason being that breeders will refer to a dog as a certain color, when in fact that dog will be recognized by the AKC or other major dog club as technically, a different color.



Understanding the Key of Pigmentation

The question comes into play when one must decide if a Shih Tzu is a dark liver or a light brown.

There is a very easy method to decipher this:
  • On all colors beside liver, the Shih Tzu will have black eye rims, mouth and nose.
  • If a Shih Tzu shows any other pigmentation other than black, that dog is either liver or blue.
    
The Shih Tzu may be a mix of many colors

Explaining a Chocolate Shih Tzu

There has been some confusion among breeders, buyers and other regarding the chocolate colored Shih Tzu.  The most recognized and largest dog club, the American Kennel Club, does not list chocolate as a standard or alternate color of the Shih Tzu.

A dog may be referred to as this color for reason of having a brownish coat, however this dog will official be listed as liver colored both on registration papers and when shown at dog clubs.


What Qualifies a Shih Tzu to be Blue

Blue is a very rare color.  Quite often this hue is misunderstood and for good reason.  A Shih Tzu of just about any color may have a shade of blue on the skin of their body.  This often leads one to assume that under the colorings of the fur is proof that the dog is indeed blue.  However, according to official guidelines, only if blue is present on the nose, will the dog actually be blue. 

AKC Recognized Colors of the Shih Tzu

There are 8 solid colors:
  • Black - A black Shih Tzu will not have any other color fur.  Even a touch of a different shade will move this dog over to a mixed color
  • White - As with the black, no other color will exist in this dog
  • Liver - This is a term used to describe brown, there will be a variance of deepness
  • Blue - Only if the Shih Tzu's nose is blue, will this be the official color of fur
  • Brindle - This is a combination actually, of a base coat of fur with streaking
  • Gold - A tan - yellow, found commonly among Labrador Retrievers
  • Red - A very deep and dark orange
  • Silver - White but with a deep shine

There are also recognized mixtures of 2 colors:
  • White and Black
  • White and Blue
  • White and Brindle
  • White and Gold
  • White and Liver
  • White and Red
  • White and Silver

There are recognized mixtures of 3 colors:
  • Silver, Gold and White
  • Black, Silver and White
  • Black, Gold and White
  • Black, Silver and Gold
Until a future time when more colors may become officially recognized and an owner is able to register their Shih Tzu with the color that they believe their dog is, one must choose from the above list.  Do keep in mind that with all colors, there will be shading and deepness levels; thus any dog can be placed into one of these categories.  When breeding, DNA testing will most likely be done to assist in breeding the desired colored Shit Tzu.  Some dog clubs will adhere to strict rules of requiring DNA from males; this does vary with each club.  There is no coat that is judged to receive higher marks than another; therefore any colored Shih Tzu is strictly a personal choice of the dog owner.



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