Shichon, teddy bear, Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix,or Zuchon is a crossbreed between pure breed Shi Tzu and a Bichon Frise. These puppies are loving, bright, and outgoing, inheriting some of the greatest traits from both of their parents.
If you intend to add a Shi Tzu and Bichon mix to your family, scroll on to find its history, temperament, size and appearance, grooming requirements, and puppy price. Whether Shichons are hypoallergenic or they make good therapy dog is an issue that one needs to be informed about.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Origin
This hybrid designer breed’s precise ancestry is uncertain, however, it is thought to have originally arisen in the US 20–30 years ago. The Bichon Shih Tzu is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise, two breeds that were originally bred as companion animals.
Both parent breeds were adored by the nobility, with the Shih Tzu holding a special place in the hearts and palaces of Chinese emperors while the Bichon Frise became more and more prevalent in the 16th-century European royal courts.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Size and Appearance
There aren’t many size guidelines for the Shichon because it’s a relatively recent mixed breed. Having said that, you can anticipate this dog to be on the smaller side because it is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise.
Most are between nine and fifteen pounds in weight and nine to twelve inches tall at the shoulder. However, depending on their parents, some can be smaller or larger.
Shichons have a height of 9-11 inches and a weight of 10-18 pounds when fully grown. Their coats can be black, red, gray, chocolate, apricot, tan, silver, and cream.
They have long coats and rather short snouts. They’ll be soft and cuddly and light, yet fairly well built.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Temperament
A Shichon is generally an outgoing, affectionate, and friendly dog. Shih Tzus are outgoing, sociable dogs who enjoy spending time with kids. Your Shichon will want to participate in whatever the family is doing, and they have the energy and intellect to do so. They tend to be relaxed, which makes them ideal for apartment living. They can be lively and loving despite their laid-back attitude.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix As Therapy Dogs
The benefit of these puppies being so close to their owners is that they are such wise individuals, they make wonderful therapy and emotional support animals. They never leave your side, especially when you need them the most, and are the ideal companions for individuals who are ill due to their loving and caring nature.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Hypoallergenic
Despite having a lot of hair, they are hypoallergenic. They just seldom need to groom their coats, which are low maintenance.
I suggest brushing them at least once a week to prevent matting. This dog doesn’t shed much, making it ideal for owners who don’t want to or don’t have time to put up with a lot of mess.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Grooming
Despite having a low shedding feature, Shichon dogs need a lot of brushing to prevent their fur from matting because their coats are constantly growing. Depending on their parents, their coat texture may differ, but regular brushing and trim sessions are still necessary.
Because of their low maintenance, you can groom them without the assistance of a professional groomer. That time can be used to bond with your Shichon.
Shichon
Being a designer dog the Shichon is relatively healthy. Nevertheless, they can still be affected by diseases that affect Shi Tzus and Bichon Frise. These diseases are:
- Patellar Luxation
- HypothyroidismObesity
- Allergies
- Portosystemic shunt
- Weight issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Tear stain
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Life span
A Shichon should live for about ten to fifteen years. Shih Tzu dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 18 years. Dogs of the breed have a 14–15 year lifespan on average.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Puppies Price
Although a Shichon puppy typically costs less than $1000, you will pay significantly more if you want a canine with a long pedigree. Due to their family or lineage, some Shichon puppies fetch prices of well over $3,000. You may spend a lot of money on a Shichon puppy, depending on what’s important to you in a purchase.
Shih Tzu And Bichon Mix Full Grown?
Shih Tzu Bichons, like the majority of tiny dogs, often achieve their peak height by the time they are six to eight months old, although they will continue to fill out and put on weight for a few more months after that.
Although some Shih Tzus continue to grow until fifteen months and small weight gains can be made up to age two years, the Bichon Frise normally reaches its peak size around 12 months.
More Shih Tzu mixes;
ARE BICHON SHIH TZU GOOD DOGS?
Shi Tzu and Bichon Frise make a good family dogs, relate well with other pets, and are good for apartment living.
They hate being left alone and they make great therapy dogs and emotional dogs. If you plan on bringing one home, make sure you will be available as they suffer from separation anxiety when left for long.