Shichon Dog Information

Shichon dogs are a hybrid which is a combination of two different pure-breeds. It's a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. The best way to understand what type of dog your Shichon will be is to read both of its ancestors descriptions and understand that any combination of characteristics could be present in your pet. Some Shichon dog breeders are breeding multi generation shichon dogs. Here are the examples

Shih Tzu Bred to Bichon = F1----the most common

Shih Tzu Bred to Shichon = F1B--second most common

Bichon Bred to Shichon = F1B

Shichon bred to Shichon= F2

General Description

The Shichon takes its appearance from both breeds. For the most part, the Shichon will have a double coat that has an outer coat which is loosely curled and fluffy and an undercoat that is fine, soft and silky. The undercoat of this breed will usually be between three and four inches in length. For the most part, this breed is considered to be hypo-allergenic because it does not shed much, they have hair and not fur. The colors of the Shichon will vary based on the colors of the parents. But many of them do lose their color as they get bigger, especially the first generations F1. .  Many turn almost white like the Bichon Frise, but they may look like the shih tzu as a puppy and change as they mature. 

Here is an example:

Character

The Shichon is known for inheriting some of the best qualities from both parent breeds. They tend to be spunky and alert and love to play. They are also very affectionate and crave being with people. They become devoted to their families and do not do well when separated for long periods of time. They want to be with their people as much as possible. We have had SEVEN of them become certified therapy dogs. This breed is typically good with other pets, especially when socialized at an early age. This dog gets along well enough with children, but it may be a good idea to socialize this breed at an early age as well as to supervise play time with children to make sure that the dog does not get hurt as a result of its small size.

Owners should be aware that the Shichon tend to be intelligent and is also independent and bold. They are easy to live with and are typically easy to train. They get along with practically everyone, although they do make fairly good watch dogs. When necessary, this dog will bark to alert its family that someone is nearby, but this dog is not one that will usually bark excessively.

Size

Most shichons will be in the 9-12in range, but they may be a little bigger or a little smaller depending on the history behind their parents. You need to look at 5 generations behind them to determine their true size, and sometimes they will fool you, by getting bigger then you thought and bigger then mom or dad, then on the other hand they might stay smaller then their parents. That is why it is very important to know the history behind their mom and dad.

Weight

The full grown weight of the shichon dog can be any where from about 8lbs to 25lbs. depending on the the genetics behind the parents. Again you need to look at 5 generation behind the parents to determine the size they can be. Most of our shichons tend to be in the 12-14lb range our smallest being 6lbs our biggest being 22lbs.

General Health

The average life expectancy of the Shichon tends to be about 15 years, provided that it is given good care and receives regular check-ups. The Shichon can suffer from any health issue that is known in the Shih Tzu breed or the Bichon breed. But because the Shih Tzu and Bichon do NOT share the same health concerns you are most likely to have fewer health issues. If one of the parents have a health issue the puppy is mostly to inherit it. If a prospective owner is concerned about possible health problems, it is a good idea to check the parentage of the dog to determine whether there may be serious health problems possible.

History

Shichon puppies were bred specifically to bring out the best of both of the parent breeds. The Shichon as a designer breed has become popular in the last few years and is valued as a family and companion dog.

Maintenance

The Shichon does not have a lot of significant maintenance issues. For the most part, this dog will manage to take care of its exercise needs on its own. That said, this breed of dog will enjoy being taken out on walks and will enjoy playing out in the open, provided that it is given appropriate supervision. The coat of the Shichon will require regular brushing and the dog will need to be bathed when necessary to keep the coat healthy and clean. Generally, the Shichon is not a heavy shedder, so there are usually not any concerns in that regard, which is one reason why this dog is so popular with families with allergies

Ideal Environment

The best environment for the Shichon will be one in which it can live indoors with its family and have playtime on occasion outside. This is not a dog that will do well on the outside. It is well suited for apartment life considering that it is small, can get sufficient exercise on its own and does not bark excessively. It gets along well with children as well as with other dogs. Training may be a good idea for this breed, not because of poor behavior, but because the dog is intelligent and loves to learn and please its owners. Due to the fact that this dog enjoys being with humans so much and craves affection, this is not a dog that will do well in an environment where it will be left alone for long periods of time.

Shichon Photos

This website was created By www.fuzzywuzzypups.com on 2/28/2011

LOOKING FOR A SHIH TZU BICHON MIX? Check out the links and information below