All Shih Tzus pictured  where produced by Sonshine Shih Tzus; and offspring of Anne's Puppies.

All colorings and marking are acceptable in Shih Tzus.

    The dog can have a different colored mask or a few small marking of white. If white is not the main color dogs can lose a white chest, paws, belly markings and dash here or there of white.

         Liver nose- dog is liver colored. Nose determines it's color.

      Shades of liver:

    * Dark looking like Chocolate 

  * To very light almost a Cream.

 

        Must have a Black Nose, Red is a solid color even thou there is a black face. 

    Most Reds will have a dark mask*. 

  Shades of Reds:

 * Dark to Light

    Black Tips are common on most Reds and other colors Black face is not on A.K.C papers; so black mask is used. Individuals like their black face because it hides the eye stains.*Recently more breeders are breeding for more darker faces.

Solid having no other color mixed into it.

     May have royal marking in white,   can lose some markings as matures.

 Born blue silver coloring. True Blue means the nose is bluish. Nose is a Light blue or gray. If had black face can have a black nose. Extremely rare at birth. There are many different shades of Silver.

    Shades of Silver: * Dark to Light

    Usually have a black face and hair will grow into a beautiful Silver gray. There may be some liver highlights creating the color.

    At birth they look Black, may take up to 8 months to see it change to Blue. 

Nose will have a purple or blueshine   (eggplant coloring). 

In the sunlight you see a haze of blue. It's beautiful color and rare.  We usually have several every year.

Shades of Blue:  

*Eggplant to Blue.

   Mixture of at least two colors usually black and liver. Puppy can turn liver, or stay dark keeping some of it's black hairs. Most keep a black face.

Shades of Brindle: * Dark To Light

      Shih Tzu can change color many times as years go by. Some fade as they get older, some get darker. That is why all colors are accepted by AKC.  Brindle and Blue are pretty close when the puppies are young, but as the pup grows so will it's coloring. I recommend getting a puppy you will enjoy no mater what the color.  It's the sweet temperament, independent, self confident, lap warmer and companionship that will stay with the puppy forever.

Fading   -Dog gets lighter as it matures           

Darkening   -Dogs gets darker as it matures

Shading  -Dog gets light then dark or visa  versa