Shichon

This American crossbreed is fast gaining popularity in the past decade. Another name commonly used for Shichon crossbreed is Zuchon. It is a small jolly fellow with flowing and enthusiasm that captures the best of every moment.

The success of finding a fit for a family dog is one that is retold over and over again. This breed is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise.

This write-up gives a little peek into the world of a Shichon. Let’s dive in.

Looks

Shichons have a beautiful coat with long soft silky hair. They are found to have coats of the following colors:

Apricot
Black
Cream
Grey
Red
Silver
White
Tan
Reddish Black
Chocolate

As they mature, puppies sometimes change coat color. Usually becoming a darker or lighter shade of the previous one.

Fine coat, fine grooming

These loving creatures don’t need professional grooming services to get by. Shichons barely shed, making it suitable for individuals with allergies. Brush the hair once every few days to avoid dirty cling-on and snarls. Always use a wet towel when cleaning its eyes.

Behavior

Specifics vary with each dog, but it traces to similar traits seen in parent breeds. They coexist fluently with other pets and are very adaptive. Most Shichons (Zuchons) are intelligent, bold, active, and extroverted. Shichons need, more or less, constant companionship. They are not good an idea if you expect your pet to fend for itself for extended periods.

The Shichon is the type of dog who will follow you around the house from room to room. It is devoted and loving – you are its whole world.

Training and exercise needs

This breed tends to grow fat. Aside from that, they are very flexible. This makes them the ideal partner for a walk in a park. Having a wide range of activities to indulge in. They only need walking about 5 miles a week, approximately 45 minutes a day.

Please be aware that they are prone to injuries. During playtime, watch your dog over small children. It is a tiny dog after all with the looks of a toy. #

Shichons are smart and sensitive dogs that can quickly understand instructions. However, housebreaking may take some time. The breed is known to be resistant to training. Patience is the key to success here, as owners would need to be consistent.

Shichon Diet

Unlike other mixed breeds, Shichons can’t eat wet foods. Wet foods are dangerous to their health and should be treated as such. Dry kibble for tiny dogs is still the preferred choice of food. For an energetic happy dog, serve one and a half cups of food, between two meals a day.

Health and lifespans

A healthy dog is a happy dog, this is the governing theme of owning a Shichon. A conscious effort must be made to protect this fragile cute dog from health complications.

In certain cases, this hybrid inherits disease or complications from its parent breeds. It’s paramount that prospective owners carry out checks on their Shichons to detect any of these health issues. A few of these issues are: