I was wondering if a puppy coat is indicative of the colours and texture of the adult coat?  Reason i am asking is my gold and white shih tzu has the most gorgeous fine line of black markings round her eyes -eye brow level almost like the fur has been dyed here and what i liken to a black feather boa round her tail at the base. It even curled out it was so gorgeous.

I have noticed the tail colour seems to be growing out :0(

Also the coat on her white areas is much silkier than on her gold bits (the texture seems slightly coarser here). The mum was gold with black mask and the dad white with gold areas.

How different is the adult coat and when does it start coming through?

Thanks all

Lots of breeds go through quite a few colour changes.  It certainly happens in Chihuahua Long Coats.  I bred a stunning gunmetal grey lad that turned into a fawn adult with dark mask.

Some pups are really silvery looking, and have a sheen of kitchen tin foil.  They always turn fawn as well.  On parti colours I've had pretty tan blotches on white pups and they have been very pale orange as adults.  So, while I can't give breed specific examples I think it's fair to say that you can't bank on things staying the way they are now.  I always, always ask any prospective puppy owners if they have chosen a pup on colour.  Because I can't sell to anyone who has those expectations.

Thank you for the advice. Thankfully i have taken loads of pictures of her so even if it changes i have some pics.

Tish, if you google Shih Tzu coat colour changes, you'll find plenty of info :-)

My Bedlie's change colour all the time, with their season's, the weather, the time of year...

Sometimes they have dark blue almost black jackets, other times they are lighter.

And of course the pups are born Black and only go Blue as they grow :-)

No matter what colour your little Shih Tzu ends up, it will still be your baby - and the best in the world :-)

Thanks Dill -

i would have loved her Cruella Boa to remain but it goes without saying she is THE most beautiful pup alive ( Lil' was seriously pretty). This one has eye lashes to rival a drag queen!

I recall one of your other threads about Bedlingtons amazing that they change so much even during their season