The first thing that you should know about a black Shih Tzu is the markings on its face. All shih tzus have tear stains on their fur underneath their eyes. The reason for this is the shallow eye sockets of the breed. Because of this, the tears do not go down the tear ducts and are instead absorbed by the fur beneath the eyes.
Black mask markings
The Black Shih Tzu mask is a distinct facial marking that can be found on some individuals. These markings can extend over the eyelids and to the base of the ears. However, the black mask is not a definite characteristic of all Shih Tzus, and there is no genetic test to confirm the presence of this trait.
There are two primary types of black Shih Tzu mask markings: black and white. The first type is black, with the rest of the hair gold or red. The latter is rare, but can be a part of a dog’s coat. Those with a black mask are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Blue mask markings
There are two types of markings on Shih Tzus: black mask markings and blue mask markings. Blue mask markings are uncommon in black Shih Tzus, but they are still a recognized color in AKC standards. These markings are caused by recessive genes that are passed from one parent to another. Generally, black mask markings appear on dogs with black fur, while those with white mask markings are considered albinos.
Colors can range from black to brindle. Black Shih Tzus can be entirely black, or can be brindled or spotted. They may also have a variety of markings, including a unique color changing coat pattern.
Red mask markings
Shih Tzus can have a black mask or gold or red mask markings on their coat. However, the mask marking is rare in Shih Tzus and is usually a result of the brindle gene. It is not associated with any health problems.
A pure white Shih Tzu is an extremely rare breed, though it does exist. A Shih Tzu with pure white markings is considered rare and is almost as rare as a pure black dog. Although it is best to have symmetry between the two colors, it is not necessary.
Black and blue Shih Tzus are also rare, though they are not entirely unheard of. These dogs may have black masked markings, or they can be all black. It is also possible to find a Shih Tzu with a tan or blue coat. Blue Shih Tzus, however, are not sky-blue, but grey or blue-grey. Most black Shih Tzus have white fur.
White mask markings
Shih Tzus have black and white markings that can change as your dog grows. During puppyhood, small socks may become longer, and white fur can turn into a bib. Over time, their skin expands to accommodate their growing body, so the white mask markings will become more pronounced.
Shih Tzus are very loyal and alert, but they can have a stubborn streak if the owner is not careful. Their dark eyes have an intelligent twinkle in them. While they are very loyal and loving, a black Shih Tzu can grow to be a little stubborn.
Shih Tzus can have a solid base fur or have patches of black, gold, or silver. In addition to the standard black, you can also find a tricolor Shih Tzu. The tricolor Shih Tzus are rare but still have white markings all over the body. The color combination is rare, and the white may be mixed with gold, silver, or tan.
Tan mask markings
A black Shih TZU has a black mask and a white base coat. Its muzzle is short and square, and its front is flat. The nose and eyes are blue or black. The muzzle is generally one inch long, but sometimes it is slightly longer. The eyes are large and dark in color. The ears hang down low, and they are covered in a thick layer of hair.
The Shih Tzu comes in a variety of different colors. The coat color is either solid or patterned, depending on the breed and coat type. Black and white markings are the most common, but there are also many other colors. A black Shih Tzu can be entirely black or a mixture of several colors, known as brindle.
Tricolor coat
There are a few ways to recognize a black Shih TZu if you see it in the store. First, look for a tuxedo pattern on the chest. Other markings of a black Shih Tzu are saddle and blaze patterns. In addition, the breed can be entirely black or have a tri-color coat. Other color variations include a mask pattern, which is often present on the face and ear.
The next way to recognize a black Shih TZu is its coat color. The most common color combination is black with gold markings. However, the rarest color combination is solid black. This is a result of the Shih Tzu’s dilution gene, which affects pigmentation. As a result, the coat of a black Shih TZu looks lighter than a white dog.
Tear stains on face
If you notice tear stains on your black Shih TZU’s face, you should clean it daily. To prevent them from recurring, try to eliminate any triggers that may be causing them. Then, use a cleaning solution that does not contain bleach or peroxide.
One method to remove the stains is to shave the area around the eyes. This will prevent excess hair from building up and prevent the face from staining. Alternatively, you can use a solution made of apple cider vinegar or water. These solutions will increase the pH level of the water, thereby fighting microorganisms that cause tear stains. However, some of these solutions contain ingredients that may be harmful to your dog.
Fortunately, removing the stains is a relatively simple process. The most common cause of this problem is runny eyes. If your dog’s eyes are prone to tear stains, you should apply eye drops to prevent further discoloration.
Short muzzle
A Shih Tzu muzzle is essential to protect your dog’s face. Because this breed is notoriously loud, you should purchase a muzzle that offers maximum jaw restraint and will prevent the pooch from opening their mouth. The type of muzzle you choose should also be tailored to fit your dog’s face and its restlessness.
A Shih Tzu muzzle is generally short and square with a flat front. It is only one to two inches long, but it can be slightly longer. While this is uncommon, you should not neglect the shape of your Shih Tzu’s muzzle. A longer muzzle is usually indicative of a mixed breed or another breed.
Shih Tzus were first exported to England, Norway, and North America during the early 1900s. It took a few decades for clubs to recognize differences between the breeds, and a specific standard to define the Shih Tzu’s unique characteristics was not established until 1938. World War II veterans brought the breed back to England and the American Kennel Club recognized it as a toy breed in 1969.
Square muzzle
When purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy, it is important to know the characteristics of this breed. For instance, a black Shih Tzu puppy should have a square muzzle and the bridge of its nose should be a flat black color. It should also have a large and square jaw. Lastly, the eye/nose placement should be open and the muzzle should be perpendicular to the side.
The Shih Tzu square muzzle is one of the most distinguishable features of the breed. The square, short muzzle of the breed has a black tip, and its ears are large and broad. This square shape enables the Shih Tzu to have an excellent scissor bite.