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.
What Makes a Shih Tzu’s Color Unique?
Shih Tzus don’t just vary in coat color — their points (nose, lips, eye rims, paw pads) and markings also play a huge role in how their color is classified.
When I evaluate a puppy’s coloring, I’m looking at three things
cOAT COLOR
PIGMENT COLOR
MARKINGS
Types of Color Traits in Shih Tzus
Here’s how I break down color traits — listed in general order of rarity and demand.
1. Coat Markings
- Tan “Dobie” Markings (Extremely Rare)
- Solid Color with No Markings
- Multi-Color with Symmetrical Markings
- Multi-Color with Asymmetrical Markings
2. Point Color (Nose, Lips, Eye Rims, Paw Pads)
- Blue
- Lavender / Isabella
- Liver (often with green/hazel eyes)
- Black
- One Blue Eye
- Pink or Partially Pigmented Points
3. Coat Color (Solids Are Typically More Rare)
- Blue
- Lavender (Isabella)
- Dark Chocolate
- Liver (Lighter Chocolate)
- White (Solid)
- Cream
- Brindle
- Red
- Black
- Silver
- Gold
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.
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.
Every puppy I raise is:
AKC registered
Vet-checked and microchipped
Raised using a structured curriculum
Temperament tested at 9 weeks
From health-tested, AKC-inspected parents
Delivered nationwide with a trusted flight nanny
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.
Liver - Dobie Markęd
Liver White And Gold
Blue
Liver Brindle
Lavender
Liver White
Liver Chocolate
Liver Chocolate And White
Solid Black
Liver RED
Brindle Black Mask
Black And White
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.