Ideal Pet Parents
The Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix dogs are excellent with pet owners of all ages. They even do great in families with small kids. Shih Tzus are especially loving with young children, so there is a huge chance your Zuchon would show this trait and be a good playmate for even the youngest members of your family.
Although they could already get enough exercise at home, the Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix would still love regular trips to the dog park or daily walks to help them use up all of their energy.
Training a Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix
Your Zuchon’s best quality is likewise what makes them very easy and convenient to train—they just want to keep you (pet owner) happy!
Positive reinforcement is what works best for this sensitive toy dog breed. They would react well to treats and praises, but using harsh methods or strict discipline might have the opposite effect.
The Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix dogs are innately social animals, but you have to begin socializing them early at a young age to ensure that they can live up to their skills in this regard. Train them to walk on leashes, work on their etiquette, and take them to social settings like doggy parks.
Moreover, since the Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix dogs become overly attached to their pet parents and families, they are more prone to suffer from canine separation anxiety. This anxiety problem about being left alone at home isn’t only unhealthy for your pup, but it is also destructive for your home.
Train your Zuchon to be alone at an early age, leaving them alone at home for short periods. It might also be advantageous to crate train your Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix.
Breed Health
Although it is impossible to assess whether a Zuchon pup would grow into a generally healthy adult dog, the chances are pretty high. While this is fantastic news, it is important to know and understand that Zuchons are still at risk for any disorder or disease that is common in their parent breeds.
Both the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise are prone to dislocated knee caps and different eye disorders. Meanwhile, Shih Tzus may be vulnerable to hip dysplasia, although good dog breeders should be able to screen for this. Also, the Bichon Frise also sometimes contracts bladder infections and skin allergies.
Getting a Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix Dog
Anyone who has ever taken home a new pup (and even those who have not) understand that getting a new pup is not a decision to take lightly.
It is crucial to assess your lifestyle and household and decide not only if you are ready for a pet dog but also what breed of dog is the right match for you and your personality.
