Shichon
The Shichon is a hybrid breed created by crossing the Bichon Frise with the Shih Tzu. This designer dog was specifically bred to merge the Shih Tzu's compact stature with the Bichon Frise's affectionate personality. Renowned for their loyalty and loving nature, Shichons are friendly and welcoming, making them excellent companions for both individuals and families, especially those with young children. They adapt seamlessly to various living environments, whether in an apartment or a house, and do not require a fenced yard. Generally, this breed remains small, typically weighing no more than fifteen pounds as adults. Their playful antics are sure to bring joy and entertainment to any household.
Breed Origin
The Shichon, a hybrid dog breed, has uncertain origins. To gain insight into this mix, we can examine the histories of its parent breeds. The Bichon Frise, which originated in France, is believed to be a descendant of the now-extinct Barbet and the Standard Poodle, both of which date back to the 1300s. It is also thought to share ancestry with the Maltese and the Coton de Tulear. This breed is believed to have been brought to France from the Canary Islands, with various accounts suggesting its arrival was facilitated by pirates, sailors, or traders. Regardless of how it came to be in France, the Bichon Frise quickly became a favorite among the French aristocracy. Although its popularity waned in the 1800s, it continued to be a cherished companion throughout Europe. The first Bichon Frise arrived in the United States in 1956, and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1975. In a similar vein, the Shih Tzu was adored by royalty, especially by the Chinese Emperor and his wife, who lovingly called them "little lion dogs." These royal pets were trained to sit up and wave at the empress during her visits to the palace. After the empress passed away in 1908, the royal family sought to breed more Shih Tzus, but this led to some dogs of lesser quality. While some were sold on the streets, the more desirable ones were given as gifts to visiting dignitaries. Lady Brownrigg brought a pair of Shih Tzus back to England, and later, Mrs. Hutchins imported one from China, breeding it with one of Lady Brownrigg's dogs. Philip Price, Lady Brownrigg's nephew, was the first to introduce Shih Tzus to the United States, with the American Kennel Club registering the first Shih Tzu in 1969.
Breed Appearance
The Shichon, endearingly known as the "teddy bear dog," is characterized by its consistently soft and fluffy coat, which can come in a wide array of colors. Generally, the fur is long and silky, with a chance of having a wavy texture. This breed can display various shades, including gray, silver, cream, tan, apricot, reddish-black, chocolate, or combinations of these colors. Reflecting its Shih Tzu heritage, the Shichon remains compact, typically weighing no more than fifteen pounds and often measuring under twelve inches in height. Its plush coat can create an impression of a larger size. The dog has round, dark brown eyes and often sports floppy ears, with some additional fur around the eyes that may require extra grooming. Its medium-length tail curls gracefully over its back and is embellished with feathering.
Care Routine
The Shichon has a moderate grooming requirement. Although this breed boasts a thick coat, it is considered hypoallergenic. To prevent matting, daily brushing is crucial; however, if you prefer a more manageable routine, you can choose to clip the coat, which would then require brushing once a week. Bathing should be done only when necessary. The long hair around the eyes may need to be trimmed every two to three weeks. For dental care, it's advisable to brush his teeth two to three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and bad breath, though daily brushing is optimal for avoiding tooth decay. Nail trimming should be performed every two weeks unless he naturally wears them down, as broken or torn nails can be quite painful and should be avoided.
Behavior & Temperament
The Shichon is a highly intelligent breed, but it may present more challenges when it comes to housebreaking compared to other dogs or mixed breeds. Experts recommend initiating training as early as possible, highlighting the need for consistency and determination. Utilizing positive reinforcement, such as treats and verbal praise, is essential, as the Shichon responds far better to encouragement than to negative reactions or punishment. While patience is necessary during the housebreaking journey, the rewards of your efforts will be significant. This breed is celebrated for its friendly and loving disposition, thriving on quality interactions with family members. The Shichon is excellent with both children and adults, exhibiting a lively and playful spirit. If your family leads an active lifestyle, the Shichon will eagerly participate in the fun. Moreover, this breed generally gets along well with a variety of pets, including other dogs and cats.
Play & Exercise
The Shichon is an energetic and playful small breed that thrives on companionship and activity. He enjoys engaging in extended play sessions, making it essential to offer him opportunities for physical exercise, such as taking brisk walks in the neighborhood. If there’s a dog park nearby, he will delight in the chance to interact with other dogs. Providing him with toys that cater to his chewing instincts while also promoting mental engagement is highly beneficial. He enjoys spending time outdoors in the yard with you, but if he’s exercising in a fenced area, he will need some supervision. He prefers your company during playtime rather than entertaining himself alone. While he doesn’t need excessive daily exercise, regular play will enhance his overall happiness and well-being. The Shichon can adapt well to apartment living, as long as he receives ample fresh air and daily physical activity.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.0 Cups
Daily Activity
45 Minutes
Average Lifespan
17 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Wavy
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Height & Weight
Weight
13 lbs (6 kg)Male: 13 lbs (6 kg) , Female: 13 lbs (6 kg)
Height
11 inches (28 sm)Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 11 inches (28 sm)
6 Months
6 lbs ( m 6 lbs, f 6 lbs )
4 inches ( m 4 inches, f 4 inches )
12 Months
8 lbs ( m 8 lbs, f 8 lbs )
6 inches ( m 6 inches, f 6 inches )
18 Months
9 lbs ( m 9 lbs, f 9 lbs )
9 inches ( m 9 inches, f 9 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Cream
Red
Brown
Silver
Gray
Black
