The Shichon, a delightful hybrid dog, is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise breeds. This charming mix combines the best traits of both parent breeds, resulting in an affectionate and playful companion. Shichons are known for their endearing appearances, characterised by fluffy coats and expressive eyes, which easily capture the hearts of everyone they meet. Their gentle nature and sociable temperament make them excellent family pets and companions.
When considering bringing a Shichon into your home, it's essential to be aware of both the benefits and the challenges associated with this delightful breed. Here are some factors to take into account:
Grooming Needs: Shichons typically have a soft, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming. Their hair can mat easily, so brushing several times a week, if not daily, is generally recommended to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free.
Size and Space: Shichons are small dogs, making them suitable for apartments or smaller homes. However, they still need adequate space to move around and play. Ensure your living situation can accommodate their needs.
Temperament: Shichons are known for their friendly and loving nature. They generally get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
The Shichon, also known as the Zuchon, is a designer dog breed that emerged in the United States during the late 20th century. It is a hybrid breed, the result of crossing the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. This combination was intended to create a small, affectionate companion dog that enjoys the best traits of both parent breeds: the loving nature of the Shih Tzu and the playful energy of the Bichon Frise.
The Shichon, a delightful crossbreed between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise, boasts a charming and endearing appearance that reflects traits from both parent breeds. They are small in size, often with a luscious coat that ranges from wavy to curly, giving them a fluffy and soft texture.
Shichons typically stand around 25 to 30 cm tall at the shoulder, making them a compact and suitable size for various living situations, including apartments.
These little dogs generally weigh between 5 to 10 kg, which can vary depending on their genetics and diet.
Shichons come in a variety of colours, often featuring combinations of white, cream, brown, and black. Their coats can exhibit various markings, resulting in unique and striking appearances.
The Shichon, also known as the Zuchon, is a crossbreed dog that results from mixing a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. This breed is popular for its affectionate nature and charming personality.
Shichons are not known for their guarding abilities. They tend to be friendly with strangers and are more likely to greet an intruder than to act defensively. However, they will alert their owners with a bark if they sense something unusual.
Shichons can be vocal, but they do not typically bark excessively. Their barking is usually related to excitement, play, or a desire for attention. Early training can help manage and curb any unwanted barking behaviours.
Shichons are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work well with this breed. Consistent training will yield the best results.
Shichons typically have a life expectancy of around 12 to 16 years, depending on their overall health and care.
Shichons are moderately active and require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Regular walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
Shichons can be prone to several common health issues, including:
Allergies;
Hip dysplasia;
Eye problems, such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy;
Patellar luxation;
Dental problems, due to small jaw size;
Heart issues, such as mitral valve disease.
Shichons need moderate daily exercise, ideally 30 to 60 minutes of walks and play.
Shichons have a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. It's advisable to brush their coat at least two to three times a week. Regular grooming sessions not only keep their coat looking its best but also help to check for any skin issues or parasites. Additionally, regular trips to a professional groomer can help maintain their coat and hygiene.
Training a Shichon can be a rewarding experience as they are generally intelligent and eager to please. Start with basic obedience commands and positive reinforcement techniques. Consistency is key; using treats and praise will encourage good behaviour. Socialisation is also important, so exposing them to different people, pets, and environments during their early development can aid in producing a well-rounded pet.
As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: roughly £700-£1,200 for a well-bred Shichon puppy
Other costs (Vet, Food, etc.): average to £80-£120 per month
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your Shichon puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
Dog Academy: https://dogacademy.org/breeds/shichon
Dog Time: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/shichon
