Shichon Dog Breed

The Shichon is a hybrid breed that has gained popularity over the last couple decades due to its companionable qualities and adorable "teddy bear" appearance.

Shichon Pros

• Shichons have long, fluffy coats that are non shedding and hypoallergenic.
• Very healthy with few health common health issues
• They require little exercise.
• Members of this breed are excellent for households with children or other pets.
• They rarely bark and are indoor dogs.
• Shichons are highly trainable and enjoy learning tricks, even at a very young age.
• Overall, they are happy, friendly, sweet, playful and simply love to be around their families.

Shichon Cons

• Their coats require regular brushing (daily) and clipping every 3 months or so.
• They are not watch dogs, guard dogs, or an appropriate choice for owners seeking a workout buddy.
• Shichons are companion dogs that must have a lot of daily interaction with people.

The Shichon is a companion that is suitable for any owner that can provide it enough daily interaction. This breed is an excellent choice for households with children, as long as they are taught how to appropriately handle a pet. A Shichon will typically be quiet and non aggressive, making them perfect choices for apartment dwellers and those with other pets or frequent visitors.

Shichons are highly intelligent and easily trainable, even for first time owners. They catch on to things quickly and are known to make eye contact and recognize facial expressions. Members of this breed enjoy learning tricks and performing them in their happy-go-lucky way to please owners and strangers alike. Unfortunately, they are rumored to be a bit more stubborn in regards to housebreaking.

These dogs are loyal, loving, and companionable additions to any household. They are playful and friendly, yet calm and quiet enough for indoor living. Overall, they enjoy doing whatever the owner is doing.

Shichons will play all day if you are willing to play with them, however, they do not have stringent exercise requirements. They will prefer to do whatever you are doing so that may mean going on a few daily walks, lounging in the sun, or relaxing on the couch. These Bichon Frise Shih Tzu crosses are known to enjoy playing with toys and,ideally, owners will have time to give them a bit of daily outdoor playtime.

Shichons are often called fluffy little "teddy bears" due to their beyond cute appearance. They are small dogs with long, fluffy coats that are often wavy or curly. The coats are often white like the Bichon Frise but can be almost any color or combination of colors due to the Shih-Tzu genes. They have sweet, round eyes that can be golden, hazel and different shades of brown.

There are many names for the Shih Tzu / Bichon Frise mix — Shichon, Zuchon, Teddy Bear — but basically only only one size variety-- the tiny Teddy Bear Zuchon puppies that best describes the F1 (first generation) produced by the two purebred parents.

The hybrid vigor (and relative ease) that comes from mating together the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise helps to make the F1 the most prevalent generation. There are some breeders who will breed back a Shichon to either a Shih Tzu or Bichon (F1b), and even fewer that will take a chance with the F2 (as the latter has far less health and temperament stability). If there is anyone pushing ahead toward the first possible generation that can be considered for pure breed status, F7, they apparently aren't making it known.

The temperament of the Shichon is usually described as happy-go-lucky; they are calm yet playful as well as cuddly and lovable. They are true companions that are suitable for all households, from old to very young, and are non aggressive and well mannered around other pets. As dogs that prefer constant interaction, they make exceptional family companions and will play with respectful children all day if allowed. Members of this breed will sleep with you, cuddle on the couch, learn tricks, and play with toys.

These dogs enjoy interacting with people and are highly trainable, whether it be commands or impressive tricks. They make eye contact with humans are are even responsive to facial expressions. That being said, they do not make appropriate watch dogs or guard dogs; Shichons will rarely bark and are often friendly with strangers.

Shichons are adaptable to whatever activity level the owner is capable of as long as they get a large amount of attention daily. Due to their size, they are not the best choice for someone looking for a pet that can keep up on a run or bike ride but they will be more than happy to accompany you on daily outdoor walks. They also enjoy playing with you outdoors or lounging in the sunshine.

The Zuchon is a very healthy breed with few known health issues that affect either of the purebred parents. They live an average of 15 years but are known to live as many as 18! This breed has larger athletic legs with much stronger bones, joints, tendons, and deeper sockets compared to the Bichon and the Shih-Tzu. Still, smaller breeds should be handled gently as a drop or excessive rough play may hurt them.

Owners should familiarize themselves with the possible health concerns of both parent breeds before adopting a new pet. Choosing a Zuchon puppy from a reputable breeder is also of the utmost importance. Routine visits to your veterinarian can also help monitor for and even prevent certain health conditions.