Brindle Shih Tzu

Brindle Shih Tzu

Bred solely to be companions, the Shih Tzu is an affectionate breed who want nothing more than the presence of their masters and to obey them.

They are commonly seen in dog shows and are shown off due to their delicate, petite stature and beautiful coats.

While Shih Tzus can come in a multitude of colours, one that stands out is the brindle colour. It is not a "colour" per say, it is a pattern of multiple colours that varies from one dog to another.

The different colours you may come across are cream, white, brown, grey and black and sometimes gold. It is sometimes described as being "tiger-striped".

These stripes can be loose (far apart) or tight, (close together).

Expressions of Brindle

Brindle isn't a one size fits all. There are multiple ways the brindle pattern is expressed on each pup.

The heavy, tight brindle coat covers the Shih Tzu from the head, down to the paws. The stripes are also close together which is where the 'tight' description comes in.

The grey coloured brindle Shih Tzu is characterized by its greyish striped coat. Senior brindle Shih Tzus, are especially prone to this as grey hairs begin to come in, changing to colour of the coat.

The moderate, tight brindle coat is typically shown on Shih Tzus as covering most of the body, but not entirely, as opposed to the heavy brindle coat.

There tends to be a solid white patch on the belly and the stripes are more spaced out on the front legs.

The loose brindle, on the other hand, is a striping effect where the pattern is dark but the striping effect itself quite loose, allowing for some beautiful bands of white.

It is also important to note that the brindling on the Shih Tzu can change as they mature and their hair grows.

Caring for a Brindle Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus have hair rather than fur, meaning they shed (depending on how short you cut his/her hair). With that being said, regular grooming is essential to keeping their coat looking healthy and clean.

Brindle Shih Tzus with lots of white are especially at risk of looking dirty.

To care for your brindle Shih Tzu, trim his/her hair and brush it regularly to prevent tangles and mats. Split ends on brindle Shih Tzus show more so than other colourings.

It also helps to bathe them once a week with a high-quality soap and conditioner, especially before dog shows. Their hair should be brushed before bathing to prevent a tangled coat.

Part of caring for a Shih Tzu is keeping their nails short, wiping their eyes, and caring for oral hygiene to prevent dental issues in the future.

If you don't want to groom them yourself, you can set up an appointment with a professional.

Brindle Shih Tzu are Great Companions

If you love them enough and care for them right, a Shih Tzu is the perfect companion and a wonderful lapdog.