More info about the Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix aka the Zuchon

Shih Tzu Bichon Frise MixThe Zuchon dog is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. Other common names used amongst breeders are Shichon, the Tzu Frise, or sometimes even the Teddy Bear dog.

Many breeders and dog specialists believe that this is one of the best designer dog breeds available. This is a small dog with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

This fluffy dog’s coat has a variety of colors, most of which are lighter shades. Its coat is thick and is made up of other finer inner hair with a thicker curlier outer coat, which is how it earned its nickname, the ‘Teddy Bear’ dog.

This dog doesn’t shed its hair very much, which makes it an ideal dog for those suffering from allergies.

With its sweet temperament, people of all ages find it difficult to resist this dog’s charm.

Shichon History

To truly understand the history of the Shichon, you need to first learn about the history of the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. The Shih Tzu is considered royal and kept secret by Emperors in ancient China. 

They were considered lapdogs for the royal families and were not known to the rest of the world until the 1930s. Later the breed got recognized into the American Kennel Club in 1969. Today the breed is extremely popular for its long beautiful hair. This breed can also be quite expensive amount breeders.

The Bichon Frise originally originated from Tenerife and was brought to new places by boat. This breed started to gain popularity with royals in Italy, France, and even Spain.

This breed has lived with many royal people as well as nobles. When the French Revolution started, many people lost their homes and dogs, and this breed became popular with the traveling circus crowd.

Later the breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1971. 

The Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix did not start getting bred together until the 1990s. This was a chance to create a new tiny designer breed.

Zuchon Infographic

Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix Appearance

The Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise actually look similar in their appearance. When you mix both of these breeds together, It can be hard to distinguish with the parent who gave the puppy most of its genes.

Either way, you will most likely you will have an adorable dog that looks like a teddy bear. Have fun snuggling that adorable pup.

Zuchon Coat

The coat of the Zuchon can come in many different colors that you can see below. Some can even have more than one color on their coat. Both parents of this mixed breed have long coats, so this mixed option also has a naturally long coat. If it is not trimmed, it can well reach the floor.

This breed also has a double layer coat, so this will keep your dog warm during the cold winter months. The coat does not shed very much as long as your bush it often and keep it free from dirt and tangles. 

People who suffer from mild allergies typically won’t get irritated from this breed because they do not shed as much as other dog breeds. 

What Colors Do They Come In?

This breed can come in a variety of different colors as well as two color combinations, they are:

  • Tan
  • White
  • Silver
  • black
  • Grey
  • Cream Colors
  • Brindle

Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix Temperament

This dog has a mixture of its parents’ traits. Most Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mixed dogs are extremely intelligent but at the same time, they can show signs of stubbornness which makes them a little bit more difficult to housebreak.

They are outgoing dogs that have a lot of energy despite their small size, and they constantly need mental stimulation and human interaction.

They are loyal but wary of strangers; therefore they also make good guard dogs.

Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix Size

Shih Tzu Bichon Frise MixThis small dog measures about 9-12 inches (23-30cm) in height and weighs between 10-15lbs (4.5-6.8kg).

Shichon Health Problems

While the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu both suffer from health problems very few are passed on to the Shichon and your dog will likely enjoy a robust health as long as you look after it properly and have regular visits with the vet.

The most likely conditions that this mixed dog would inherit from its parents are breathing difficulties and faulty tear ducts from the Shih Tzu side and skin irritations from the Bichon Frise.

Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix Life Span

Both parent breeds of this mixed breed have a long life span with the Shih Tzu Living between 10 and 18 years and the Bichon Frise living between 14 and 15 years.

This mixed breed will fall into this number range, and you can rest assured that this mixed breed will live quite a long time. 

Living Conditions

This dog needs to be kept indoors due to its small size and fragile state, and it is a perfect sized dog for apartments and small condos.

They adapt very quickly and could live almost anywhere as long as there is constant human contact.Bichon Frise Shih Tzu Mix

Zuchon Exercise

This dog does not have any specific needs when it comes to exercise. It can quite easily get its fill of exercise just by following its owners from room to room of the house.

About thirty minutes a day of exercise will be plenty for this dog breed. This can be accomplished with a walk around the neighborhood, a game of fetch, or even toy playtime!

Shichon feeding

This is considered a small breed mixed dog, meaning you should feed this dog a high quality dry or wet food made for small dogs. Since this breed is so small it won’t need a whole lot of food per day. 

You can give your Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix around one cup to one and a half cups of food per day. Remember to break up the food into smaller meals throughout the day and not giving your dog the entire amount in one sitting.

Also, make sure that you do not overfeed your dog because small dogs can get obese easily. Try to feed your dog the best quality food possible to keep their bodies healthy and happy.

Shih Tzu Bichon Frise MixShih Tzu Bichon Frise Grooming

These dogs do not shed very much, but because of their long curly hair getting trapped in its fur, they do need daily brushing.

It is also advised to take them for a trim at a groomer’s every eight weeks to make their hair more manageable.

Zuchon Training

All dogs are naturally intelligent enough to learn a few tricks and training commands. This breed is smart enough to learn some great tricks.

Start with teaching your dog how to be housebroken and to use the bathroom outside. If you are consistent with this, just like with any dog breed, you will eventually teach your dog how to use the bathroom outside.

This breed can be stubborn, so you will want to nip that in the butt right away to ensure that you get a properly potty trained dog.

Also, start teaching your dog how to socialize with other people, children, and even other pets. This helps keep the aggression at bay as well as it teaches your dog not be afraid around people. 

Make sure you take the time to properly train your dog with patience and love. Training can take months and sometimes even a year based on what your dog is trying to learn. Do not give up and make sure you reward positive behavior with treats. 

Shichon Puppies

The Shichon has two very expensive purebred parents, the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. So naturally, when you breed these two breeds together, you are going have to spend more than the average mixed breed.

Some breeders may charge an affordable $400, while others can charge over $1,200. Depending on the breeder’s parent breeds and if they come from champion bloodlines will really determine if that price is higher. 

Some breeders also include vaccinations or dewormings, microchips and even sometimes supplies. This can also influence the price to go higher. If you are concerned about not being able to afford a new puppy you can always check local shelters that usually have mixed breed dogs.

Shichon

Shichon Litter Size

A Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix mother can have around four or five puppies in one litter. Sometimes there can be more and sometimes there can be less it really depends. 

Suitability

This is a low maintenance dog and it is also the perfect companion for somebody who lives alone.

While they do make great family dogs parents need to take care of small children who could play roughly with them as they are delicate and their bones could fracture easily from rough and tumble play.

Close Relatives of the Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix

There are a few breeds that help make up this mixed breed as well as they are closely similar, they re:



2 thoughts on “More info about the Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix aka the Zuchon”

  1. Skin probs. a few bumps we had vet remove – paid a bundle. Now itchy flakey dandruff. We use oatmeal content shampoo (vet recommended). I think anti dandruff a better bet just to try.. like people do except of course designed for dogs. to try Before further big bucks paid to vet for steroids & special foods???
    we suffer to help our dog – well I do because dandruff is not a vet prob. I mean WE dont go to doc for dandruff!!
    My husb seems to be vet drone – yikes!
    Advice?
    Bumps treated. Done. Dandruff thing NOT a food allergy. FGS the dandruff cd be caused by this ??? modified food. Which costs 50 bucks small bag.
    Aargh – dandruff!!! anti-dandruff shampoo
    I have no faith in vet at this point. Ideas please????

    Reply
  2. Hi. I hope this helps. If I remember it right, i was watching this episode from dr harry’s show. You might have some plants that may have caused some irritation on your dog like ivies? Have you tried tea tree oil? Just a few drops in your dog’s rinse water might help. Gets rid of the smell too.

    Reply

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