Shichon Dog Breed Information:
The Shichon is a mixed breed dog a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise dog breeds. Affectionate, intelligent, and outgoing, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents. Shichons go by a few other names including the Shih Tzu-Bichon mix, Zuchon, and Teddy Bear dog.
Shichon Dog Group: Mixed Breed Dogs.
Shichon Height: 9 to 12 inches.
Shichon Weight: 9 to 15 pounds.
Shichon Life Span: 12 to 18 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Shichons are an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies, as these are considered very low shedders. Daily brushing to avoid matting of the hair is important. Due to their intuitive and gentle natures, Shichons make very popular therapy and emotional support animals. The most common Shichon colors include cream, silver, black and white, brown and white, and chocolate, as well as any mixture of any of those colors. The coat can be solid or have patches throughout. Shichons are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise parents.
Shichon History:
The Shichon dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders are said to have started intentionally mixing the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise about 20 to 30 years ago, likely in the United States.
Shichon Size:
Most weigh in at nine to 15 pounds and range in height from nine to twelve inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger in size, depending on their parents.
Shichon Personality:
Many Shichon owners describe their pup's personality as naturally extroverted and intelligent. Fortunately, they are not particularly yappy dogs, despite being a small breed dog. They are very energetic pups who will love a couple of laps around the yard and then be ready to come inside to snuggle up to their owner.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Shichon Health:
The Shichon is a fairly healthy mixed breed but did inherit a few of the common health issues carried by their Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise parents. Some of the most common of health issues that affect the Shichon include:
Cataracts.
Cushing's Disease.
Gum Disease.
Sensitive skin/allergies.
Chronic dry eye.
Patellar Luxation.
Shichon Care:
As with all dogs, the Shichon must regularly have vet checkups to make sure any health issues are detected early on. Shichons have energy levels on the higher end, so it's important to make sure that your pup gets the right amount of exercise since this mix can be prone to obesity. Small breed dogs, in general, are notorious for having dental problems, and the same applies to the Shichon.
Shichon Feeding:
An ideal Shichon diet should be formulated for a small breed with high energy. The Shichon can have a tendency to overeat, and although they have a high energy level, you should stick to a regular feeding schedule to avoid obesity. Limiting their amount of treats will also help.
Shichon Coat Color And Grooming:
The most common colors include cream, silver, black and white, brown and white, and chocolate, as well as any mixture of any of those colors. The coat can be solid or have patches throughout. Even though the coats of the Shichon can grow out, these are still small breed dogs and are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Shichon with Children And Other Pets:
The Shichon loves children and should be socialized with them as puppies, but it's very important that there is constant adult supervision and children are taught how to properly handle these pets. The Shichon is a small dog with no prey drive, so they will get along wonderfully with any other household pets.