Other Possible Causes of Shih Tzu Hair Color Changes due to Staining:
- Puppy Teething
- Foods that contain artificial dyes and colors
- Contrary to what you might have heard, beet pulp found in some dog foods will not cause tear staining. ...
Why do Shih Tzus'coats change color?
The only coat color that remains true is the black-and-white combination. What accounts for these shifts in shade? Very simply, it's a matter of genetics. Two distinct genes determine whether a Shih Tzu's coat will lighten or gray over time—and what his ultimate color will be.
Why is my Shih Tzu fur turning pink?
Shih Tzus fur can turn pink due to yeast infections, the food they are eating, allergies, and even the water they are drinking. There are some easy fixes for the problem, such as changing their food, addressing what they are allergic to, or providing filtered water.
When do Shih Tzu puppies change colors?
If your Shih Tzu puppy is a certain color on one given day, there's no assurance it'll stay the same the next. Shih Tzu coat changes usually don't occur at random. They typically occur when Shih Tzus are about to become adults -- around 12 months in age.
Why do Shih Tzus turn silver?
Instead, the dog's coat will turn a rich, silver color. While it has not been proven, some breeders think that environmental factors such as climate, stress, and diet can trigger changes in coat color, too. The good news for those who plan to show their Shih Tzu is that any and all colors are equally valued and recognized by the AKC.
Is it normal for Shih Tzu to change color?
Overview. It is very common, and just about expected, for Shih Tzu dogs to change colors as they mature. This can take first time owners off guard and it often results in some Shih Tzu having a different color than what is listed on their registration papers.
Why is my dogs hair changing colors?
Many breeds have coats that change over time. Puppies will generally be a different color than the adult dog. Medications, sunlight, nutritional status and skin disease can all be factors in changing and dog's coat color.
Why is my Shih Tzu hair turning red?
Mustache and Beard that Turns Red If staining occurs on the beard or mustache, the cause could be the water the dog is drinking. If the water has a high mineral content, such as iron, the stains result because the dog drinks their water from the bowl and the water dries over time leaving the hair discolored.
Can dogs fur change color over time?
Fur Color Change Due to Aging The most common cause of color change in dogs is simply the natural aging process. Puppies often do not gain their adult coloration until they reach maturity, so if you're adopting a puppy, you may notice some changes to its coloring as it nears adulthood.
Why is my dog's fur turning lighter?
Vitiligo Sometimes, the reason your dog's fur is turning white is a condition call vitiligo. Vitiligo is a rare skin condition that can cause pigment loss in certain patches of skin and fur. While the causes of vitiligo are unknown, many scientists believe that the condition is hereditary.
Why is my dog's white fur turning brown?
Dogs' white fur turning brown The tear staining is due to a molecule in the tears called porphyrins. Porphyrins contain iron and are produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Molecules containing porphyrins are excreted through tears, saliva, and the pads of the feet.
Why is my dog's fur turning reddish brown?
At the chemical level, red-brown fur staining is caused by a compound called porphyrin. Porphyrins are iron containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. They are removed from the body primarily through faeces. However, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and urine.
Why is my dog's black fur turning red?
Since the sun shines downward, most dark-colored dogs develop red tinges on their backs, ears and tail. Longer hair is more porous because it's older, turning red quicker even when it's not in the sun. During winter months, most dogs' coats will darken again due to limited sun exposure.
What is the rarest color of Shih Tzu?
blackWhat is the rarest color in a Shih Tzu? Although black is one of the most dominant genes, a completely black Shih Tzu, without any white markings, is arguably the least common. Similarly, a pure white Shih Tzu is only seen rarely and a white puppy with black markings is virtually unheard of.
How can you tell if a dog's coat is healthy?
Healthy coat's appearance: A healthy coat will be soft and relatively smooth even on short or wired hair breeds. The coat should be shiny but not greasy, and it should not have a strong odor. Unhealthy coat's appearance: A dog with an unhealthy coat will have dry and brittle hair with lots of loose hair in the coat.
Why is my dog's fur turning orange?
Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. They are removed from the body primarily through feces, but are also in urine, tears and saliva. Brown fur staining is primarily caused by an infection with the yeast Malassezia.
Does dog hair change as they age?
Thinning, Graying Hair Just like humans, senior dogs can start to show gray hair, especially around their eyes and muzzle. Their coat may also become thinner and duller. While this can be a normal part of the aging process, it could also be a sign of nutritional deficiency.
Why is my Shih Tzu's coat changing color?
That's because the breed is well known for changing coat colors as he enters adulthood. 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. For example, a puppy that has gold hair at birth may turn orange and one that is blue at birth can turn gray by his ...
What happens if a dog carries the CH gene?
Graying: If a dog carries the Chinchilla gene (CH series) he is likely to change colors as well, but not in the same way as fading. Instead, the dog's coat will turn a rich, silver color.
Why is my Shih Tzu's coat tinted?
The most common cause is excessive UV rays.
How long does it take for a Shih Tzu to change color?
What you see when a Shih Tzu is a newborn and then a young puppy is not their final genetic color. 2) Most of the time, final color will be in place at about the 1 year mark; though smaller less dramatic changes may still take place over the years. In some rare cases, surprise changes can ...
How old is Shin Jan?
Below is Shin Jan again at 5 years old. His once black patches are gone. Dark hairs remain on his ears, but his main body now has red patches. This Shih Tzu, genetically is a red, despite what he looked like as a pup. Photo of Shin Jan courtesy of Wade Barnes.
Why does my hair turn red?
The most common cause is excessive UV rays. With dark coats, too much sun exposure can cause a 'sun burning' that can cause hairs to take on a red tint. Also, the sun can cause colors to lighten. In some cases, tones will change seasonally, with slight differences seen from winter to summer and back again.
Do Shih Tzu puppies change colors?
Overview. It is very common, and just about expected, for Shih Tzu dogs to change colors as they mature. This can take first time owners off guard and it often results in some Shih Tzu having a different color than what is listed on their registration papers. Let's take a look at some fun facts about how Shih Tzu puppies and dogs change colors ...
Does every Shih Tzu have a color change?
4) Not every Shih Tzu will have a color change, but most will. It can range from very slight such as a patch of color darkening to extremely dramatic such as completely new colors coming in or a certain color or marking fading away to be replaced by another.
Can a dog change color during the newborn phase?
5) Color changes can take place during the newborn phase and for this reason the AKC allows a breeder to make changes to a dog's color listing on his/her AKC registration up to 3 times. 6) Just about any color change can take place. Colors can lighten (many do and in fact even a dark color like black markings can completely fade away), ...
When do Shih Tzus change color?
Shih Tzu coat changes usually don't occur at random. They typically occur when Shih Tzus are about to become adults -- around 12 months in age. It's common for their coats to become paler, and at the same time, it's also common for them to darken.
What color are Shih Tzus?
Some color schemes available in the breed are white and red, off-white, black, blue, golden, white and silver, gray, white and golden and reddish-brown. Certain colors, like blue, are a lot less common than others.
Can a Shih Tzu start out black?
With Shih Tzus, it's helpful to remember refrain from using fur coloring as a determining factor regarding which puppy you want to bring home. Remember, the puppy you select could start out black only to appear a lot more grayish in just a few short months.
Do Shih Tzus stay the same color?
Although most dogs usually have the same color fur for their entire lives, the same cannot necessarily be said about Shih Tzus, the uber-fluffy toy dogs from China. If your Shih Tzu puppy is a certain color on one given day, there's no assurance it'll stay the same the next.
Can Shih Tzus have permanent fur?
With proper grooming and regular maintenance, Shih Tzus often possess lengthy, sumptuous and thick fur, either straight or a little wavy.
Why is my Shih Tzu's hair pink?
There are three main reasons your Shih Tzu’s hair might be turning pink. It can be due to allergies, the food your Shih Tzu eats, or the water they are drinking.
How do Shih Tzus get their hair lighter?
Genetically, Shih Tzus have two genes that will decide if your Shih Tzu’s hair will get lighter as they grow up or stay darker. For example, my Truman was very dark brown when he was a puppy, but as he got older he turned lighter and lighter. Once he was an adult, he became a golden blonde.
What is the most popular Shih Tzu color?
As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the most popular Shih Tzu color seems to be black. While Shih Tzus come in a large variety of colors and color patterns and they are all super cute, a black Shih Tzu still wins the day when it comes to being the most sought after color.
Why does my Shih Tzu's water stain his face?
If your water has a high mineral content, once it dries, it can stain your Shih Tzus face. This is due to the fact that your Shih Tzu gets a lot of the hair around their mouth in the water while they are drinking. Once the water drys, it can stain their fur.
What color is a Shih Tzu's nose?
Shih Tzus that are considered a Liver Shih Tzu will have a nose that contains pink and brown areas. You might also notice that your Shih Tzu has the same coloring on their pads, eye rims, and lips as well.
Why is my dog's licking pink?
The licking can lead to the area turning pink. Your dog can be allergic to chemicals in the dog food you give it, or they could be allergic to something in its environment, or even have seasonal allergies. Dogs can also be allergic to fleas.
Can you give a Shih Tzu water?
Once the water drys, it can stain their fur. To get around this, you can either give your Shih Tzus filtered water, from the tap which is a great option, or teach your Shih Tzu to drink from a water bottle that will keep most of the water off your Shih Tzu’s face. 4. Your Shih Tzu Has an Eye Infection.
The 10 Common Shih Tzu Colors
Any solid color on a Shih Tzu is rare, but black is the most commonly-seen monochromatic option. However, you’ll typically see mostly black dogs, with small splotches of color elsewhere. We love the black Shih Tzu!
What About Shih Tzu Coat Patterns?
While Shih Tzus can come in a wide array of colors, those markings will be arranged in one of the following five patterns.
A Brief History of Shih Tzus
The Shih Tzu originated somewhere in Asia, most likely Tibet, although it’s not known exactly where or when they first showed up. One theory holds that they resulted from crossing Lhasa Apsos with Pekingese.
Glamorous Little Companions: Shih Tzu Colors
While Shih Tzus may not be suited for hard labor, their stunning coats make them the perfect accessory for stylish owners. Those coats can be found in a wide array of colors, so each dog looks unique and distinctive.
