Understanding Coats, Pigment, and Rare Markings
shih tzu colors
One of the most common questions I get is, “What color is this puppy considered?”
And I get it — with all the different coat colors, pigment variations, and markings in the Shih Tzu breed, it can get a little confusing. The American Kennel Club makes it clear:
“All Shih Tzu coat colors are permissible.”
But when it comes to rarity, demand, and how each color is expressed, there’s a lot more to understand. So I’ve put together this page to help you learn how Shih Tzu colors work — and why certain ones are considered rare, unique, or extra special.
At Divine Pups, I take pride in producing not just healthy, well-socialized Shih Tzus — but also some of the rarest and most stunning colors available.
THE BASICS
HOW shih tzu color ACTUALLY WORKS
A Shih Tzu’s color isn’t just about what you see on the surface. Three factors work together to determine how a dog is classified.
coat color
The base color of the fur itself — things like black, gold, cream, red, or chocolate. This is what you see at a glance, but it’s only part of the story.
pigment
The color of the nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads. This is actually the primary factor in classifying a Shih Tzu — not the coat. A gold dog with a liver nose is a liver Shih Tzu.
markings
Patterns like white on the chest or muzzle, symmetrical vs. asymmetrical patches, or rare tan “Dobie” points. Markings add another layer of uniqueness and rarity.
The Exotic + Rare Shih Tzu Colors
Some colors are incredibly rare, and I’m proud to occasionally produce puppies in these highly prized combinations.
Liver Shih Tzus
Liver is considered an exotic color because it’s based on brown pigmentation. If the nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads are liver (brown), the dog is classified as liver — no matter what coat color they have. To be true liver, there can’t be a single strand of black.
Blue Shih Tzus
Blue is one of the rarest Shih Tzu pigmentations. The nose and points appear gray, steel, or purplish depending on lighting. Some blue Shih Tzus even have a slight blue tint to their skin. A blue coat doesn’t automatically make the dog a blue — always go by the nose color in natural light.
Lavender Shih Tzus
This is a double recessive color that results from both liver and dilution genes. Lavender Shih Tzus have a soft grayish-brown tone that’s incredibly unique and hard to come by. These are also called Isabella or Lilac, and they are one of the most requested colors I get.
Dobie Marked Shih Tzus
Dobie markings (tan points above the eyes, on the muzzle, legs, and under the tail) are extremely rare and highly sought after. These can occur with black, liver, or blue pigment. I’ve even had liver and blue Dobies — which are nearly impossible to find anywhere else.
browse the color
gallery
LIVER + CHOCOLATE
Liver Chocolate And White
Liver Chocolate
Liver White And Gold
Liver Brindle
Liver White
Liver RED
Rare & Exotic
Blue
Lavender
Liver - Dobie Markęd
Other Colors
Solid Black
Black And White
Brindle Black Mask
it’s not just about looks
Color matters — but so does everything else. At Divine Pups, I never compromise health or temperament just to produce a rare color.
health first
Every puppy is vet-checked, microchipped, and from health-tested, AKC-inspected parents.
Temperament Tested
Every puppy is evaluated at 9 weeks using a structured temperament testing process.
puppy curriculum
Puppies are raised with a consistent, intentional program — not just fed and loved.
nationwide delivery
Puppies are delivered safely across the country with a trusted flight nanny.
ESA + Service Ready
Many Divine Pups graduates go on to become emotional support and working service dogs.
AKC Registered
Full AKC registration on every puppy — paperwork included, no guessing.
I’ve placed puppies in homes as beloved companions, emotional support animals, and even working service dogs
I believe in raising puppies for who they are, not just what they look like.
what are the most frequently
asked Questions
What are the rarest Shih Tzu colors?
Some of the rarest Shih Tzu colors include lavender (Isabella), blue, and liver with Dobie markings. These colors are produced by specific recessive genes and are difficult to find, especially in well-bred, health-tested puppies.
How can I tell if my Shih Tzu is liver or chocolate?
It’s all about the pigment, not the coat color. A liver Shih Tzu will have brown (not black) pigment on their nose, paw pads, eye rims, and lips — even if their coat appears gold or cream.
What does "blue" mean in Shih Tzu?
In Shih Tzus, “blue” refers to a diluted black pigment, not a blue-colored coat. Blue Shih Tzus typically have gray or purplish noses and points. You may also notice a soft blue hue to their skin in certain lighting.
Are Dobie markings common in Shih Tzus?
No — Dobie markings (tan points above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and under the tail) are extremely rare in Shih Tzus. When these markings occur with liver or blue pigment, they are even more unique and highly sought after.
Does color affect temperament or health?
Color itself does not affect temperament or health — but responsible breeding does. At Divine Pups, I prioritize health, structure, and temperament first. Color is the bonus.
Can a black Shih Tzu have blue or liver puppies?
Only if both parents carry the recessive genes for blue or liver. Color genetics can be complex, and I use genetic health testing to make informed breeding decisions.
Do rare Shih Tzus cost more?
Yes, rare colors like lavender, blue, liver, and Dobie marked Shih Tzus often have higher adoption fees due to their rarity and the genetics required to produce them responsibly.
Do you offer Shih Tzus with rare colors for emotional support or service dog work?
Absolutely. Many of my puppies — including rare color Shih Tzus — have gone on to become emotional support animals (ESAs), facility dogs, and working service dogs. I temperament test every puppy to ensure the best match.