A Brindle Shih Tzu Duke Gives His Calmest, Most Thoughtful Look

Round, dark eyes look out from a brindle Shih Tzu's soft, dark face, and a pair of fluffy ears frame it like a velvet hood. He wears a deep green velvet coat with big gold buttons, gold trim at the collar, and a white lace cravat at his neck. The background is a warm brown darkness, with just enough light to make the velvet shimmer and the stitching sparkle. Tiny bits of paint crackle across the canvas, giving the whole scene the charm of an heirloom.

Brindle coats, with their streaky mix of dark and lighter hairs, are one of the many colors Shih Tzus can have. These small dogs are generally friendly, adaptable and good at apartment life, but they still enjoy a daily stroll and some playtime. Because their eyes are large and slightly prominent, keep an eye out for redness or squinting and check with your vet if you notice anything unusual.

The duke has a gentle, slightly serious expression, as if he were about to give a very short speech on the importance of afternoon naps. The portrait is mostly dark, which makes his face the brightest thing in view, and the tiny curls in his fur look soft enough to touch. It is a calm, thoughtful picture, and the green coat suits him beautifully.

A duke of this temperament would be well loved by his tenants, particularly the ones carrying biscuits. His polite, quiet stare suggests he has a great many thoughts and has decided to keep most of them to himself.