Shichon (Shih-Tzu & Bichon Frise Mix): Info, Pictures, Puppies & More
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Height: | 9–12 inches |
Weight: | 10–15 pounds |
Lifespan: | 15–18 years |
Colors: | Gray, silver, chocolate, cream, red, black |
Suitable for: | Families with young children, seniors, small living spaces |
Temperament: | Friendly, Compassionate, Loyal, Outgoing |
If you want a lovable and teddy bear-like dog for your family to swoon over, the Shichon could be a great option. The Shichon is a Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix. Sometimes you will see this dog referred to as a Zuchon or Tzu Frise.
The Shichon has all the best qualities of the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. This is a small dog that packs a ton of personality and loyalty. Shichon is an outgoing breed and will work for your love and affection. There are lots of great things about Shichon. In our guide, we will let you know everything you need to about what it will be like to bring a Shichon into your home.
Shichon Puppies
The average cost of a Shichon puppy is less than you may expect. That being said, you will find that if you want a dog with an extensive pedigree, you will pay quite a bit more. This will be because of their family or bloodlines. Depending on what matters to you when purchasing a Shichon puppy, you could end up paying a significant amount.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Shichon
1. They Love to Be Close
The Shichon loves to be with people. They will always be their happiest when they are with their family. This is what makes them such great dogs for both the elderly and young children. The problem can be when they are left alone for long periods. The Shichon can suffer from separation anxiety. You will have to train your dog how to be left for periods without feeling sick or scared. This should get easier as they get older and see the routine developing.
2. Shichons Can Be Therapy Dogs
A Schichon is a perfect size and weight to be a therapy dog. In addition to their calm demeanor and friendly personality, the Shichon is quite outgoing. The Shichon is a compassionate breed, and they will want to be close and cuddle, and that makes them an excellent choice for a person who may need some extra emotional support.
3. Shichons Are Great Pets for People with Allergies
Although a Shichon is not going to be a completely allergen-free animal, it is perfect for those with slight dog allergies. They are bred to shed only a small amount; some don’t shed at all. Dander is the thing that gives people with allergies the most trouble, and the Shichon does not produce much dander at all. If you have severe pet allergies, you are very likely going to have a problem with the Shichon as well; however, if you have mild allergies, this could be a perfect puppy for you.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Shichon 🧠
The Shichon dog breed is quite intelligent. If they are taught at a young age, your dog should pick up on proper training procedures quite quickly. Shichons love to be loved, and they will do what they can to please their owners.
The overall temperament of a Shichon is a friendly, affectionate, and outgoing dog. Your Shichon will want to be involved in whatever the family is participating in, and they have the energy and intelligence to do so. This is a dog that will instantly become a playmate for your children and keep your family laughing and smiling.
Shichons are also great pets for the elderly. They can live in a small space and will settle for just one walk a day. They are friendly and happy and can lift the spirits of those who are feeling lonely. They have the perfect mix of intelligence, spunk, and cuteness.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
The Shichon is an excellent dog for families. A Shichon has just the right amount of energy for a family with young kids. Your Shichon will want to go outside and run around, but then come in and cuddle up with someone on the couch.
Since this dog is so small, it does well even in small spaces for exercise. Your Shichon will enjoy playing with your children both inside and outside. Shichons are friendly by nature and will be continually looking for attention and affection from you and your family. Young children should always be taught how to handle a smaller dog. Children sometimes don’t realize their strength, and you would not want to put your Shichon in any danger.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
A Shichon will get along well with other pets and breeds if it is trained from an early age. If you socialize and introduce your dog to other dogs from the time they are a puppy, they will have no trouble learning how to interact. You can see some issues with other dogs if you keep your Shichon isolated and do not allow them to play or interact with other animals. That being said, the Shichon is completely capable of interacting with other dogs.
Things to Know When Owning a Shichon:
Now that you have a basic understanding of the breed, it is time to dig a little deeper into what life with a Shichon would be like in your home. This guide will give you the basic requirements of food, exercise, grooming, and more. It is always best to consult with your vet when you get your Shichon puppy as each dog is going to be slightly different.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
To determine the best possible diet for your Shichon, it is good to contact your vet and put together a plan that will work for both you and your animal. The Shichon is a small breed of dog that does well on dry food. You will want to find a formula that is specifically designed for smaller breeds.
Since small-breed dogs like the Shichon have a decent amount of energy, the small-breed food will help to keep your dog feeling full. Overfeeding is a severe problem when it comes to Shichons. These dogs tend to gain too much weight and become obese. This is a serious problem for their health, and to avoid it, you should be closely monitoring their diet.
If you are feeding your dog according to the instructions on the packaging of your dog food and it doesn’t seem like it’s enough, or your dog seems to be gaining weight at a fast speed, be sure to consult your vet. The numbers given on dog food packaging are estimated ranges, and the specific needs of your pet will likely be different.
Exercise 🐕
The Shichon wants and needs the perfect amount of exercise. You will not need to live on acres of land to make sure that your Shichon gets enough exercise. Each day your dog needs some type of exercise to help control its energy. This can be a simple walk or some playing in the yard.
Your Shichon will love to play fetch with the kids and run around after them in the yard. Especially when your dog is a puppy and has high levels of energy, you will want to make sure you keep them physically active. Physical activity is not just tiring for their body but also mentally as well.
Even as your dog ages, you will want to make sure they are getting plenty of physical exercise. A daily walk is a good thing for both owner and dog and is a great thing to add to your routine.
Training 🦮
It is never truly an easy task to train a dog, but it is always possible. A Shichon is going to be moderately challenging to train. Many owners struggle with housebreaking a Shichon, but if you start at a very young age and establish the principles, you should not have trouble.
The most important thing to remember about training any dog is to remain consistent and positive. Positive reinforcement training is very effective with Shichons. You should start training as soon as you get your puppy. Do not wait for them to grow and then begin implementing the behaviors that you would like to see—you will have made the project much more difficult for yourself.
Since the Shichon is such a friendly animal, they will be happy to please you by learning new tricks. Another critical aspect of training your Shichon is teaching them how to act with other animals. The best way to do this is to expose them to other dogs when they are young. This exposure will help them learn how to socialize, and it will be something you are glad you did down the road.
Grooming ✂️
You will want to bathe your Shichon about once a month. At the time of this bath, make sure to brush the coat and trim nails and clean ears. If you stay on top of these three things, your Schichon will keep its smooth coat.
In between baths, you should also be brushing your dog, daily if possible. Brushing will help not only your dog, but it will help you keep a handle on the dog hair around the house. If you notice hair around your dog’s eyes or nose that will interfere with their senses in any way, you may want to clip it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, it is entirely acceptable to bring your dog to a groomer and have them help.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Even though the Shichon is a mixed breed, it is generally quite healthy. The main issues you will see are a combination of the problems that you may see in a Bichon Frise or a Shih Tzu. The Shichon can live for many years, but as they get older, you will see a definite slowdown. With the approval of your vet, try and keep up with the daily walks so that your Shichon still sees some exercise in their routine.
- Weight issues
- Cataracts
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Male vs. Female
For some breeds, the choice between a male and a female dog is a tough decision. Certain characteristic traits need to be avoided in either the male or the female depending on your family situation, etc. When it comes to this breed, you will be more than fine with either a male or female Shichon. Both the male and female Shichons are equally friendly, outgoing, and energetic.
Final Thoughts
The nickname for the Shichon is the Teddy Bear Puppy. The reason they call this dog a teddy bear is that it is adorable, cuddly, friendly, and makes you happier just being around it. If you are someone who is going to be home often and wants a companion, the Shichon is for you.
The Shichon truly has the perfect mix of characteristics between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. They are a great size, have plenty of energy, and are always interested in what their human friends are doing. If you can give your Shichon the love and attention that it deserves right from the start of its life, you will have a well-trained companion for many years.