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:

Bladder problems,
patellar luxation,
kidney problems,
eye problems,
allergies,
hip dysplasia,
Snuffles and reverse sneezing.

Shichons ideal as “therapy” dogs. They likewise do well as watchdogs too.

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.