The Black Shih Tzu | Are black Shih Tzus rare? (With Pictures)

Anyone who loves animals cannot help but be fascinated by the beauty of black dogs.

Yet there is no question that black dogs usually have a bad reputation. A stereotype that has consolidated to the point of having its own definition: ” black dog syndrome “.

Contrary to what one might imagine, in fact, the syndrome is not a canine disease but an entirely human phenomenon that is found in kennels and shelters for dogs in much of the Western world, where dark-coated dogs are never adopted. and, at best, they wait much longer to be.

But that doesn’t mean black dogs have a negative temperament! This bias is more likely to have to do with old superstitions.

Shih Tzu is generally said to have a coat color that is a mixture of white and gold, but did you know that there are also Shih Tzus with a black coat color?

About The Black Shih Tzu

Black Shih-tzu
Image By @reggie_the_scottish_shih_

It is easy to think that a Shih Tzu has only party-colored puppies with a mix of white and gold, but in reality, some puppies have black coat colors.

Unlike dog breeds such as Maltese, this coat color is also found in purebred (not mixed dogs) Shih Tzu.

There are various types of black coat colors, you can find a solid color Shih Tzu that is only black (single color), and party color Shih Tzu that is a combination of black, silver, gray, and white.

Why is a Dog’s, Coat Black?

Black Shih-tzu
Image By @kikiinthecityy

First of all, it must be clarified that each breed of dog is different even if they share the same characteristics of fur as another.

Black is the default color of the eumelanin pigment. This pigment can be modified by various other genes to create colors such as brown or gray. But, if not modified, your dog’s fur will be black! It will completely depend on the genes your dog inherits from his parents.

So, here is a list of some of the dog breeds that can have a completely black or partially black coat!

  • Labrador retriever
  • Shih Tzu
  • Poodle
  • German Shepherd
  • Beagle
  • Chihuahua
  • Pomeranian
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Dalmatian
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Great Dane
  • Dachshund
  • Border collie
  • Siberian husky
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Italian Greyhound
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • Pinscher

There are no equal black dog breeds and the dog’s coat varies according to its genetics and the baggage provided by its parents: black coats can have different lengths and types of fur that need different care and different grooming methods.

Black Shih-tzu
Image By @maxtheblackshihtzu

Features of Black Shih Tzu

The main characteristic of the black is the long and beautiful double coat.

Shih Tzu has a history of being home to Tibet, which is known for being cold, so it is said that Shih Tzu has abundant long hair to protect it from the cold.

Some people think that dogs with a double coat are difficult to maintain such as brushing, but I think that the black Shih Tzu is a dog breed that is easy to keep because it surprisingly sheds little hair.

However, if you leave it alone, the black hair will continue to grow and it will look like a bear.

If the black hair grows too much, it will look a little dirty and it will not feel hygienic, so I think it will be necessary to trim it regularly.

How To Make a Black Coat Shiny and Beautiful

Examine your dog’s diet. -The lack of proteins or some amino acids can cause the appearance of a brittle, dull hair and a slowdown in the growth of the hair itself.

Ideally, your dog’s food should include a protein source such as chicken or beef as the first ingredient, be free from corn and soy products, contain no dyes, sweeteners, or chemical preservatives, and instead include whole-grain fiber, pulp, fruit, or vegetables.

Experts recommend fatty acids, especially omega-6 and omega-3, as possible supplements to improve the shine and general condition of the coat. For this, we recommend that you contact your veterinarian.

If you appreciate the beauty of black dogs and want to preserve it, bathe your dog with a specific shampoo for dark-haired dogs. The pH of the skin of dogs is significantly lower than that of humans and, as such, human shampoo would dry out their skin by degreasing it excessively.

The ingredients of the products used are very important, but keep in mind that Keratin, Vitamins C + E, extracts of Red Vine, Pomegranate, and Hydrolyzed Rice Proteins, all provide excellent benefits for your pet’s skin and coat.

Make sure to distribute a sufficient amount of product on the previously wet hair, massage the skin vigorously and rinse with plenty of water.

How Much Does a Black Shih Tzu Cost?

The price of Shih Tzu varies considerably depending on the coat color, but the price setting depends on the pet shop or breeder that sells it.

However, Shih Tzu, which is basically mixed with black coat color, tends to be more expensive than white-collar or gold-colored.

The price of Shih Tzu puppies is often set at around 1400 to 2000$, but party-colored Shih Tzu with black coat colors often cost more than 3000$ or even higher.

The cost of a Shih Tzu puppy varies widely and depends on many factors. The price of the dog is influenced by the eminence of the breeder, as well as the availability of working and exhibition certificates from the parent couple.

Aside from the puppy’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter.

Black Shih Tzu Personality

Black Shih-tzu
Image By @heidi_van_aartrijk

The black Shih Tzu’s personality tends to be friendly, sociable, and easy to communicate with. Because it has a high IQ and is smart, it is relatively easy to discipline.

As long as the owner can train it correctly, it will learn how to improve barking, potty training, and tricks quickly.

Since it has a gentle personality, you will often see cute scenes on a daily basis, such as sleeping beside the owner or rumbling alone on the sofa.

Many people are attracted to this calm atmosphere and want Shih Tzu as their best friend.

Does a Shih Tzu personality differ depending on the coat color?

Some owners might think that there is a difference in personality depending on the difference in coat color, but this is also a place where opinions differ depending on the pros and cons.

Personally, I think that there is almost no difference in personality between black and white coat colors, but I feel that black Shih Tzus tend to be a bit smarter

Shih tzu

Final Thoughts

Black Shih Tzu has a coat color that is quite rare among Shih Tzu, if you leave the black hair alone, it will grow fast, so you will need to cut it regularly.

The Black Shih Tzu tends to be more expensive than other coat colors, but in some cases, it may be cheaper than white Shih Tzu.

The dog is smart, easy to train, easy to keep and communicate, so it’s a fun dog to spend time with.

Author

  • Amanda Wheatley

    Passionate about animals, Amanda draws her expertise from her training as an educator, pet behaviorist as well as her extensive experience with animal owners. A specialist in dog and cat behavior, Amanda continues to learn about our four-legged companions by studying veterinary reference books but also university research sites (UCD, Utrecht, Cambridge, Cornell, etc..) Why Trust ShelterAPet? At ShelterAPet, our collective is composed of writers, veterinarians, and seasoned animal trainers with a deep passion for pets. Our team of esteemed professionals delves into extensive research to deliver trustworthy insights on a broad spectrum of pet-related subjects. We anchor our evaluations on direct customer experiences, meticulous testing, and comprehensive scrutiny. Our commitment is to uphold transparency and integrity for our cherished community of pet aficionados and prospective pet parents.