white shih tzy

Question
QUESTION: My mom has just purchased a  white shih tzu puppy for my daughter for christmas.I have never seen a solid white shih tzu and we have had shih tzus our entire lives. The puppy is only 3 wks old right now so its hard to tell and the puppy is in Memphis so I cannot phyiscally see it. Is there such a thing as an all white shih tzu or will she develope more markings as she matures a little?

ANSWER: Yes, there is such a thing as a white shih tzu.  Please be careful and make sure that the breeder you have purchased the puppy from is reputable, does not over charge you and tell you that because it is RARE it is worth more (bull) it is actually worth less it may have health issues that will cost you later down the road.  It is not a color that is good for a breeding program and is best to have spayed/neutered and as a pet only.  Be sure the parents are healthy and take the puppy to the vet within 48 hours or whatever the contract stipulates to have it evaluated for (hearing, vision, heart defect, kidney function, thyroid function, and hypoglycemia) You will have to make sure the puppy is on a special diet and not fed food with dyes or the coat will stain and turn yellow, red or a rusty color.  It is possible that the puppy could have some creme in its coat but if it has NO color now it will not develop any color later.  I would find out if it is a blue or liver pigment.  If it is a white/blue then I will tell you that it is as dilute as you can get in the gene pool and as you say you have had shih tzu all your lives then I need say no more.  Hope this helps.

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QUESTION: Yes we have had shih tzus all our lives but we have always been a pet only type family. I really don't know much about the types of markings and gene pools etc. I the info on the health issue but if she is a blue/white does that mean the same types of issues? Sorry for my ignorance but I want to be prepared as much as possible. thanks agains for your help.

Answer
Please go to this website and read it this lady has some information pertaining to genetics and especially the whites and the blues.  I would be worried about owning one and not having it thouroughly tested (especially they eyes) also it is important to know about the parentage.  http://www.gloryridge.com/genetics.htm
Hope this helps.