Shichon a.k.a Zuchon is a designer dog breed which is cross between Bichon Frisé and Shih Tzu.
This small dog is often called a “teddy bear dog” with its sweet round eyes and fluffy, often textured coat. Beyond being cute, this breed makes an excellent companion for any type of household provided he/she gets the nearly constant companionship that is necessary.
The Shih Tzu Bichon Mix breed has gained popularity over the last couple of decades due to its companionable qualities and adorable “teddy bear” appearance.
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Appearance of Shichons
Shichons are often called fluffy little “teddy bears” due to their beyond cute appearance. They are small sized 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 button eyes that can be golden, hazel and different shades of brown.
Shichons (Zuchons) are often white like the Bichon but may be various other colors and combinations of colors. White, black, tan, apricot, red, grey, silver, cream, and chocolate are several colors that can be inherited from the Shih-Tzu lineage or a combination color like black and white and more.
Mixes and Variants
- The Shichon Poo is a much sought-after mixed breed (cross) between the Shichon and the toy poodle.
- The Teacup Shichon is a smaller version, which is even smaller in size than the general size of this little dog.
Shichon (Zuchon) Pictures
Quick Information/Description of Shichon (Shih Tzu Bichon Mix)
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Shichon |
| Other Names | Zuchon, Tzu Frise |
| Color | White, Black, Brown, Aprcot,or any combinations of above. |
| Coat | Long, Fluffy,Dense, Curly, Silky., |
| Breed Type | Crossbreed |
| Breed Group | Toy, Non-Sporting, Designer |
| Size | Small Sized |
| Hieght | 9 – 12 inches (Avg) |
| Weight | 7 – 15 pounds |
| Life Span/Life Expentancy | 12-15 Years |
| Temperament | Playful, Active, Affectionate, Social, Gentle, Friendly. |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Barking Level | Moderate |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Competitive Registration/Qualification Information | ACHC, DDKC, DRA, IDCR, DBR |
Temperament & Behavior of Shichons
With a lively and spunky personality, Zuchons are known to be well-mannered, affectionate, loving and are great with children of all ages and other pets. The temperament of the Shichon is usually described as happy-go-lucky; they are calm yet playful as well as cuddly and lovable.
Playing and hogging attention is high on their list of priorities, so make sure your dog gets plenty of both and they don’t like to be left alone for longer periods. But this breed isn’t all about just fun and games – he will also serve as a watchdog, letting you know when someone is at the door.
Care ~ Exercise, Grooming, Health Issues
Exercise: These Bichon Frise Shih Tzu crosses have plenty of playful energy and they usually prefer to do whatever you are doing and do not have stringent exercise requirements. They are known to enjoy playing with toys and, ideally, owners will have time to give them a bit of daily outdoor playtime. A few walks or outdoor trips daily to the park is recommended.
Grooming: The easy-to-groom Shichon need regular care including hair-combing with soft-bristle brushes, as also trimming the coat once bimonthly for cleanliness and to avoid hair from getting entangled. Bath them very rarely, when actually necessary for hygiene and remove any foul odor. Regular care, timely brush their teeth and check for ear redness and infections.
Health Problems: This dog breed is generally healthy, free from many of the health issues that can affect purebred dogs The average life expectancy of a Zuchon is around 12–15 years. Some possible defects known to designer dogs include canine hip dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy, and liver disease. Routine visits to your veterinarian can also help monitor for and even prevent certain health conditions.
Training Requirements
Intelligent and eager to please, the Shichons are easy to train because he is so easy going. Use positive training techniques and be consistent with training lessons – you’ll see the best results when employing these methods.
Stay away from physical or other harsh training methods, as they won’t work. Offer treats and praise for a job well done. This helps your dog stay interested while training.
Feeding/Diet
Be sure to feed your Zuchon high quality, dry kibble, specifically designed for small and active dogs. You can also bake them a turkey meatloaf mixed with parsley, oats, apples, and eggs.
Avoid wet and canned foods, as this could lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, and bad breath.
Shichon Puppies
It’s hard to resist a Zuchon puppy. They are so small and furry, it’ll be easy to let them get away with anything. But it’s important to remember that training starts as soon as you bring a puppy home. You’ll need to train and socialize your Zuchon puppy right from the beginning, and keep at it as he grows older.
Zuchon/Shichon Puppies Pictures
Shichon Teddy Bear Tricks (Video)
Interesting Shichon Facts
- They rarely bark and are indoor dogs.
- Shichons have long, fluffy coats that are non-shedding and hypoallergenic.
- Owing to its companionable qualities and adorable cute looks its often called ‘Teddy Bear’ or the ‘Shichon-Teddy Bear’