For a Shih Poo, blue is an extremely rare coat color.
Understanding Rare Shih Poo Coat Colors
While Shih Poos, a charming crossbreed of Shih Tzus and Poodles, come in a delightful spectrum of colors, certain hues are exceptionally uncommon. Among these, the blue coat stands out as a particularly rare and sought-after color.
The Elusive Blue Coat
A blue coat in a Shih Poo is considered to be exceptionally rare, so much so that many dog enthusiasts and even some breeders may never have encountered one. This scarcity is largely attributed to the specific genetic factors involved, which only a limited number of breeders have been successful in cultivating.
Identifying a truly blue Shih Poo can sometimes be challenging due to the subtle variations in its appearance. While some individuals may exhibit an obvious light purplish-blue or light grey nose, others might have a darker, gunmetal grey nose that could easily be mistaken for black. The coat itself is a dilute version of black, appearing as a soft, smoky charcoal or slate grey, which gives it the characteristic "blue" designation.
Why Is Blue So Rare?
The rarity of blue Shih Poos primarily stems from the genetics of coat color inheritance. Blue is a dilute color, meaning it results from a gene that "dilutes" black pigment into a blue-grey shade. For a Shih Poo to express a blue coat, it must inherit two copies of this specific recessive dilute gene—one from each parent. The statistical probability of this genetic combination occurring, coupled with the specialized breeding practices required to consistently produce this trait, contributes significantly to its extreme rarity.
Key Characteristics of a Blue Shih Poo
When trying to identify a blue Shih Poo, look for these defining characteristics:
- Nose Color: This is often the most definitive indicator. A true blue Shih Poo will typically have a nose that is a light purplish-blue, light grey, or even a distinct dark gunmetal grey (which can be confused with black).
- Paw Pads: Similar to the nose, the paw pads may also display a blue-grey tint.
- Coat Shade: The fur will appear as a dilute black or grey, often having a soft, smoky or charcoal-like quality rather than a true solid black.
Rarity Overview
To summarize the rarity of this unique coat color:
| Rarity | Color | Description |
| Extremely Rare | Blue | Blue is exceptionally rare, typically observed only through a select few breeders. Blue is a dilute coat color; sometimes hard to distinguish due to the presence of an obvious light purplish-blue or light grey nose, contrasting with the potential for a real dark gunmetal grey nose that can be mistaken for black. |
Finding a Blue Shih Poo
Given their rarity, locating a blue Shih Poo puppy requires reaching out to highly specialized and reputable breeders who focus on specific coat genetics. It's important to do thorough research and verify the authenticity of any "blue" claims, as some other dilute colors might be misidentified or misrepresented. A genuine blue Shih Poo will display the characteristic nose color and the subtle, dilute black hue in its coat that sets it apart.
Investing in a Unique Companion
Owning a blue Shih Poo means having a truly distinctive and beautiful companion. Their unique coloring, combined with the Shih Poo's well-loved affectionate, intelligent, and playful nature, makes them a highly sought-after and special addition to any family.
