Shih Tzu Dog Black and White: The Complete Breed Guide

The Black and White Shih Tzu: A Toy Breed With a Big Personality

If you've been searching for a Shih Tzu dog black and white in color, you're looking at one of the most striking coat variations within this ancient toy breed. The black-and-white Shih Tzu carries the same regal bearing, affectionate temperament, and compact build that has made the breed a favorite for over a thousand years — but with a bold, tuxedo-like contrast that turns heads at every dog park.

The Shih Tzu (pronounced "SHEED-zoo") translates roughly to "lion dog" in Mandarin, a nod to the breed's historical association with Buddhist mythology and Chinese imperial courts. Today, these small companion dogs rank consistently among the American Kennel Club's top 20 most popular breeds, prized for their outgoing charm and apartment-friendly size.

Before you bring one home, here's a comprehensive snapshot of what you're signing up for.

Shih Tzu Breed Quick Facts

Size Class	Toy
Adult Weight	9–16 lb (4–7.3 kg)
Adult Height	8–11 inches (20–28 cm) at the withers
Lifespan	10–18 years (median ~13 years)
Coat Type	Long, flowing double coat; hair-like texture
Color Variants	All colors accepted by AKC; black & white is a recognized parti-color pattern
Energy Level	Low to moderate
Grooming Needs	High — daily brushing for long coats, professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
Family Fit	Excellent for families with older children, seniors, apartment dwellers

Origin and History: From Imperial Palaces to Your Living Room

The Shih Tzu's story stretches back to at least the 7th century in Tibet, where monks bred small lion-like dogs as companions and temple guardians. These dogs were gifted to Chinese emperors, and during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the Shih Tzu became a treasured palace pet. Empress Dowager Cixi (1835–1908) maintained a dedicated Shih Tzu breeding program in the Forbidden City, and many modern pedigrees trace back to her kennel lines.

After the Chinese Revolution of 1949, the breed nearly vanished in its homeland. A small number of dogs had already been exported to England and Scandinavia in the 1930s, and these foundation stock — along with a handful of Pekingese outcrosses — rebuilt the breed globally. The AKC recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969.

The black-and-white color pattern isn't a separate breed or variety — it's simply one of many accepted coat color combinations governed by the piebald gene (S-locus). A black-and-white Shih Tzu can be produced from two solid-colored parents if both carry the recessive piebald allele. According to the AKC breed standard, all coat colors and patterns are equally acceptable in the show ring.

Physical Characteristics: What a Black and White Shih Tzu Looks Like

A Shih Tzu dog black and white in coloring typically displays a predominantly white base coat with distinct black patches or a black "saddle" across the back. Some have a mostly black body with white markings on the chest, paws, and blaze (stripe down the face). The black pigment should be deep and true — not faded or brownish — though sun exposure can cause slight reddish tinges over time.

Build and proportions: The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline, broad chest, and a high-set tail that curves over the back. The head is round and broad with a short, square muzzle — a classic brachycephalic (short-skulled) structure. Large, dark, round eyes and long, heavily coated drop ears give the breed its signature "chrysanthemum" face.

Coat specifics: The double coat consists of a fine, dense undercoat beneath a longer, slightly wavy outer coat. The hair texture is more like human hair than typical dog fur, which means Shih Tzus shed minimally but require significant grooming. Black-and-white coats may show dust and debris more visibly than darker colors, especially around the white muzzle and legs.

Temperament and Personality: 5 Core Traits That Define the Breed

The Shih Tzu wasn't bred to herd, hunt, or guard — it was bred to sit on laps and charm royalty. That singular purpose shaped a temperament unlike most other breeds.

1. Affectionate and velcro-like. Shih Tzus form intense bonds with their primary people. Expect your dog to follow you room to room, curl up against your legs while you cook, and insist on sleeping under the covers. Separation anxiety is a real concern if left alone for more than 4–6 hours regularly.

2. Outgoing with strangers. Unlike many toy breeds that are suspicious of newcomers, a well-socialized Shih Tzu typically greets visitors with a wagging tail and a wiggle. They are notoriously poor watchdogs — they'll alert you with a bark, then immediately request belly rubs from the "intruder."

3. Playfully stubborn. Shih Tzus have a clownish side and love short play sessions, but they also have a mind of their own. Ask a Shih Tzu to sit and you may get a head tilt followed by a deliberate decision to lie down instead. This isn't a lack of intelligence — it's a breed that was never asked to take orders.

4. Adaptable to routine. Whether your lifestyle involves morning hikes or evening Netflix marathons, a Shih Tzu adjusts. They thrive on predictability and do best with consistent feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules.

5. Gentle with familiar children and pets. Shih Tzus generally coexist peacefully with other dogs, cats, and older children who understand how to handle a small dog. They are not built for rough play — their short muzzles and compact spines are easily injured by toddlers who squeeze or drop them.

Exercise and Activity: How Much Does a Shih Tzu Need Daily?

Despite their low-key reputation, Shih Tzus still need structured daily activity to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom-related behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Daily target: 30–45 minutes of total activity, split into two or three sessions.

Recommended Daily Activity Plan

Session	Duration	Activity Type	Notes
Morning walk	15–20 min	Leashed neighborhood walk at a relaxed pace	Avoid asphalt over 85°F (29°C) — brachycephalic dogs overheat fast
Midday play	10–15 min	Indoor fetch, tug, or puzzle toy session	Snuffle mats and Kong toys work well for mental stimulation
Evening outing	10–15 min	Short walk or supervised yard time	Great for potty routine reinforcement

Activities to avoid: Long-distance running, agility at competitive intensity, swimming without a life vest (their short legs and heavy coats make them poor natural swimmers), and any outdoor exercise when temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C) with high humidity.

Common Health Issues: What the Black and White Shih Tzu Is Prone To

The Shih Tzu's compact anatomy — particularly its brachycephalic skull, long back, and prominent eyes — creates specific health vulnerabilities. Consult your veterinarian about a screening schedule tailored to your dog. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the following conditions are overrepresented in the breed:

Breed-Specific Health Conditions in Shih Tzus

Condition	Description	Estimated Prevalence	Screening / Prevention
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, and hypoplastic trachea restrict airflow. Symptoms include snoring, exercise intolerance, and heat sensitivity.	~50–60% of brachycephalic breeds show some degree of BOAS	Choose a breeder who selects for wider nostrils; avoid overheating; surgical correction available for severe cases ($2,500–$5,000)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Herniated or ruptured discs in the spine, causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. Shih Tzus are chondrodystrophic (predisposed to early disc degeneration).	Estimated 3–5% lifetime risk in the breed	Avoid jumping from furniture; use ramps; maintain lean body weight; early MRI if neurological signs appear
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)	Inadequate tear production leads to corneal irritation, ulcers, and potential vision loss. Prominent eyes are more exposed to injury.	Affects ~10–15% of Shih Tzus	Schirmer tear test at annual exams; lifelong cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops if diagnosed (~$30–$60/month)
Hip Dysplasia	Malformation of the hip joint causing arthritis and lameness, typically appearing between 1–3 years of age.	~6–8% of Shih Tzus scored by OFA show dysplastic hips	OFA or PennHIP screening of breeding parents; weight management; joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin)
Renal Dysplasia	Hereditary malformation of kidney tissue leading to chronic kidney failure, often diagnosed in dogs under 5 years old.	Rare but serious — estimated <2% but higher in certain lines	Ask breeders about kidney screening in lineage; baseline bloodwork at 1 year; increased thirst/urination is a red flag

Grooming the Black and White Shih Tzu Coat

The black-and-white coat adds a specific grooming challenge: white areas show everything — tear stains, dirt, urine discoloration, and environmental allergens. Here's a realistic grooming schedule:

Daily (5–10 minutes):

• Brush the full coat with a stainless steel pin brush or slicker brush to prevent mats, paying extra attention behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area
• Wipe the face with a damp cloth or canine eye wipe to remove tear discharge — white hair around the eyes will stain reddish-brown without regular cleaning
• Check for debris caught in the coat after outdoor walks

Weekly (15–20 minutes):

• Bathe with a whitening or color-enhancing shampoo formulated for dogs (look for optical brighteners, not bleach-based formulas) — brands like Chris Christensen White on White or BioSilk are popular among Shih Tzu owners
• Trim hair around the paw pads and sanitary areas
• Clean ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner — drop-ear breeds are prone to yeast infections
• Brush teeth with enzymatic dog toothpaste — Shih Tzus are highly prone to periodontal disease due to tooth crowding in their short jaws

Every 4–6 weeks:

• Professional grooming session: full bath, blow-dry, haircut (puppy clip, teddy bear clip, or show-length trim), nail trim, and ear cleaning. Expect to pay $50–$90 per session depending on your region and coat condition.

Tool kit essentials: Slicker brush (e.g., Chris Christensen Big G), stainless steel comb with fine and coarse teeth, mat splitter, rounded-tip grooming scissors, canine tear stain remover, and a high-velocity dryer for at-home bath days.

Training and Intelligence: Working With the Shih Tzu Mind

On the Stanley Coren intelligence scale, the Shih Tzu ranks in the "fair working intelligence" category — meaning they can learn new commands in 25–40 repetitions and obey known commands about 50% of the time. This isn't stupidity; it's independence. The breed was never selected for working obedience.

Trainability rating: 3/5 — capable but unmotivated by repetition.

Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement exclusively. Use high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken, or commercial training treats like Zuke's Mini Naturals), keep sessions to 5–8 minutes maximum, and end on a success. Force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods work best. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls — these damage trust and can trigger fear-based aggression in a sensitive toy breed.

Priority training goals:

1. Housebreaking: Shih Tzus are notoriously slow to potty train — 4–8 months is typical. Use crate training, a consistent outdoor schedule (every 1–2 hours for puppies), and reward immediately after elimination.
2. Recall: Their independent streak makes "come" the hardest command. Practice on a long line in fenced areas before attempting off-leash.
3. Handling desensitization: Get your puppy accustomed to paw handling, ear cleaning, and face wiping from day one — this makes grooming sessions far less stressful.
4. Socialization: Expose to diverse people, surfaces, sounds, and other dogs between 8–16 weeks of age. Puppy kindergarten classes (post-second DHPP vaccine) are ideal.

Family Suitability: Kids, Pets, and Apartment Living

Children: Shih Tzus do best with children age 8 and up who can be taught to pick up the dog properly (supporting the chest and hindquarters simultaneously) and to avoid poking at the prominent eyes. Toddlers and preschoolers often handle small dogs too roughly, and a Shih Tzu dropped from a child's arms can suffer a spinal injury or fractured leg.

Other dogs: Generally excellent. Shih Tzus tend to be social and non-confrontational with other dogs. Introduce gradually and supervise initial interactions, but most Shih Tzus enjoy canine company.

Cats: Usually peaceful coexistence, especially when raised together. A Shih Tzu is unlikely to chase a cat with predatory intent, though individual prey drive varies.

Apartment living: One of the best breeds for apartments. Their small size, low exercise needs, and quiet nature (they bark at the door but rarely sustain nuisance barking) make them ideal for condos, townhomes, and rental properties. The main apartment challenge is potty training — without a yard, you'll need to commit to frequent outdoor trips or train to use indoor pee pads as a backup.

Cost of Ownership: Buying and Maintaining a Shih Tzu

Here's a realistic financial breakdown for a Shih Tzu dog black and white or any other color variant:

Shih Tzu Cost Breakdown

Expense	Cost Range	Frequency
Puppy from a responsible breeder (AKC-registered, health-tested parents)	$1,200–$3,500	One-time
Adoption from breed-specific rescue	$300–$600	One-time
Initial supplies (crate, bed, leash/harness, bowls, grooming tools)	$200–$400	One-time
First-year veterinary (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, baseline bloodwork)	$800–$1,500	Year 1
Annual wellness exams + vaccines	$400–$700	Yearly
Professional grooming	$50–$90 per session × 8–12 sessions/year	$400–$1,080/year
High-quality food (small-breed kibble or balanced fresh food)	$30–$60/month	$360–$720/year
Pet insurance (accident + illness)	$25–$55/month	$300–$660/year
Dental cleaning under anesthesia	$500–$1,200	Every 1–3 years

Estimated first-year total: $3,000–$7,500 (including puppy purchase). Ongoing annual cost: $1,500–$3,200 depending on grooming frequency, health needs, and whether you carry pet insurance.

Given the breed's predisposition to IVDD, eye conditions, and dental disease, a pet insurance policy with an annual maximum of at least $10,000 is a sound investment. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Nationwide offer breed-specific plans worth comparing.

Frequently Asked Questions