Shih Tzu Double Colors

Overview

There are many possible two-color combinations seen with the Shih Tzu breed. All are standard colors, as indicated by the 'S' in the AKC color code. They are:

Black and white (S 019)
Blue and white (S 045) - The skin points (nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads will be blue (diluted black). The coat itself can be a variety of colors, but there will be blue hairs (diluted black) to some extent.
Brindle and white (S 059) - Brindle is a pattern of stripes. These can be in the gray family (whites, silvers, black) or the brown family (creams, tans, browns). The brindling can be light or heavy and thin or thick.
Gold and white (S 092)
Liver and white (S 125) - The skin points (nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads will be liver colored (a type of brown that ranges from very light sometimes with a pink sheen to a deep rich chocolate brown). The coat itself can be a variety of colors, but there will be liver hairs (ranging from light cream to dark brown) to some extent.
Red and white (S 146)
Silver and white (S 182)

One of the interesting aspects about a double colored Shih Tzu is that colors can change as the dog matures. Light colors can come in darker and deep colors can fade. In some cases, a color can have a complete changeover. For example, a black and white Shih Tzu may mature into a silver and white. A red and white can transition to a gold and white.

A dog will genetically be a certain color, no matter what color you may be seeing.

Another interesting element is that this breed can have markings, and this applies to double colors as well, which means there are actually three colors in the coat. Aside from a black mask (S 004), there are 3 color coat markings: Black markings (S 002) and tan markings (S 012) are standard, and white markings (A 014) is an alternate color.

So, you may wonder what the difference is between a silver and white Shih Tzu (S182) and a silver Shih Tzu (S 176) with white markings (A 014).

This is left to the discretion of the person who is registering the pup. This said, in most cases, a marking is a relatively small patch of color. If the color appears on 30 to 40% of the coat, this often moves the Shih Tzu into the category of a double color.

That said, markings can spread out quite a bit as a Shih Tzu matures, so what may have started as a marking may turn into what is quite clearly a second color. And, large color patches can fade off; so, what started as a second color may turn into what one would dub a marking.

Ahead, we'll look at some of the double colors seen with this breed, courtesy of Member photos.

Examples of Double Colors

This is Bentley, a gorgeous double colored Gold & White Shih Tzu (color code S 092).

Bentley, photo courtesy of Carly K.

This Shih Tzu is a Red & White (color code S 146); as a pup, her red was much brighter. It has faded down somewhat to what may be compared to a dark gold, but she is still technically a red & white.

Dee Dee, photo courtesy of Daphne L.

This is Callebaut (nickname is Bubu), a double colored Silver & White Shih Tzu (color code S 182). It's common for the silver to range in shades from a soft light gray to a deep shiny steel.

photo courtesy of Liza

This is a Black & White Shih Tzu (color code S 019). What a beautiful tail. Every black and white Shih Tzu is going to look completely unique, with their colors falling in endless ways.

Piper, photo courtesy of Karen H.

This cutie-pie is a Brindle & White (AKC color code S 059). Brindle is not actually a color, it is a pattern of stripes and holds many colors. Colors in the brindling are usually gray, black and brown hairs that are intermingled.

Cosmo, photo courtesy of Maria S.

Liver and White Shih Tzu, Before and After

This is a Liver & White Shih Tzu (AKC color code S 125). What makes this Shih Tzu liver is her skin points. You can see her nose is liver, not black. And the smaller inset photo shows her as a young puppy; her double color was very pronounced in her coat and it faded as she matured.

Lacey photo courtesy of Daphne L

gold and white shih tzu, color is now gray

This is a fantastic example of color change for Shih Tzu dogs. This Shih Tzu is registered as a Gold & White, color code S 092, but as he matured the gold transitioned into the gray that you see here.

Huck, at 1 and 1/2 years old, photo courtesy of Kim Robinson

Do you have your book?

If you have a Shih Tzu, you'll want to check out our book: AllShihTzu's GIANT Book of Shih Tzu Care. It's the most comprehensive book of its kind.

Helpful articles:

Shih Tzu Supplies - An organized list of supplies every pet parent should have for their Shih Tzu; this list connects to more detailed articles with tips, advice and specific recommendations. See what your Shih Tzu is missing for optimal health and happiness.

Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines - Answering all of your questions revolving around meals and snacks. Covers feeding schedules, wet vs dry, grain vs grain-free, and much more.

Shih Tzu Grooming Guidelines - A great overview of what is needed to keep your Shih Tzu's skin and coat super healthy, and for your puppy or dog to look as beautiful as he/she was meant to be.