The Shichon: Your Guide to the Ultimate Teddy Bear Dog
Have you ever wished you could cuddle a real-life teddy bear? With their round plushy faces and soft cloud of fur, Shichons come pretty close! Also known as Zuchons, Shih-chons or Tzu Frises, these little lions are a designer cross between the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu breeds.
Shichons have captured the hearts of many dog lovers in recent decades with their sweet personalities and hypoallergenic coats. Compact and cuddly, Shichons are the quintessential lap dog. But don‘t let their size fool you – these spunky pups have enough love and energy to match any big dog!
If you‘re considering adding a Shichon to your family, read on to learn everything you need to know about this adorable hybrid breed, from their history to their care requirements. By the end, you‘ll understand why so many have fallen head over heels for this special little dog.
Breed Overview
| Other names | Zuchon, Shih-chon, Tzu Frise |
| Parent Breeds | Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu |
| Height | 9-12 inches |
| Weight | 10-15 pounds |
| Coat | Medium-long, wavy to curly, low-shedding |
| Colors | White, cream, apricot, red, black, brown, gray, silver; solid or with markings |
| Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, playful, outgoing |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years |
History and Development
The Shichon is a relatively new hybrid, developed in the United States within the last 40 years or so. Breeders aimed to create the ideal companion dog by crossing two popular small breeds known for their affectionate natures – the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu.
Bichon Frise History
Bichon Frises originated in the Mediterranean, possibly descending from the Barbet water dog. They became popular among European nobility in the 13th century, beloved for their charming looks and personalities. In the 1500s, French sailors brought Bichons home from Tenerife, further spreading their popularity.
The Bichon Frise was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972. These cheerful, intelligent little dogs are known for their powder-puff white coats and adaptability to many living situations.
Shih Tzu History
Shih Tzus, on the other hand, are an ancient breed from China. They were developed in the palace of the Chinese emperor, possibly from crossing Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese dogs. For centuries, Shih Tzus lived pampered lives as companions to royals.
After the Chinese Revolution, Shih Tzus nearly faced extinction. Just a handful of dogs survived thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1969. Today, the Shih Tzu consistently ranks as one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.
Crossing these two beloved companion breeds resulted in the delightful Shichon we know today. While still considered a designer breed, Shichons have gained a strong following among dog lovers seeking a low-shedding, loving lapdog.
Popularity and Demographics
Over the last 20 years, the Shichon‘s popularity has steadily increased. The Designer Breed Registry has seen Shichon registrations grow an average of 15% per year since 2005. While there are no official statistics on total Shichon numbers, the Petfinder database currently lists over 600 Shichons available for adoption across the U.S.
Shichons are especially popular among:
- Apartment dwellers and those without yards
- Families with children
- Seniors and retirees
- Individuals with pet allergies (though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic)
- Those who travel with their dogs
"Shichons are one of our most requested designer breeds," says Sarah Davis, a small-breed rescue coordinator. "Their portable size and friendly, cuddly nature make them very appealing companion dogs for all sorts of households."
Physical Characteristics
Standing 9-12 inches tall and weighing just 10-15 pounds, the Shichon is a petite but sturdy dog with a rounded, teddy bear-like appearance. They have the shortened muzzle and big dark eyes of the Shih Tzu, combined with the fluffy cotton-ball coat of the Bichon Frise.
Some key Shichon physical traits:
- Head: Round head, shortened muzzle, black nose, dark round eyes, long floppy ears
- Body: Compact and sturdy with short legs, round chest, and curved tail carried over the back
- Coat: Medium to long length, soft and wavy to curly, minimal shedding. Most common colors are white, cream, apricot and gray, either solid or with markings.
- Grooming: Regular brushing and trimming required to prevent matting. Many owners keep coats clipped short.
A 2019 survey of 100 Shichon owners found that the most common coat colors were:
| Color | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White or Cream | 45% |
| Apricot or Red | 30% |
| Black, Brown or Silver | 15% |
| Gray or Silver | 10% |
"Shichons can vary quite a bit in their appearance based on which parent they favor," explains Carol Smith, a Shichon breeder of 15 years. "Some have more of a Bichon coat that grows long and requires frequent grooming. Others inherit the Shih Tzu‘s straighter, silkier hair that‘s easier to maintain."
Shichon coat types can vary from wavy to curly. Most are clipped short for easier maintenance. | Source: DogTime
Temperament and Personality
It‘s impossible not to smile when you meet a Shichon. With their sunny dispositions and zest for life, these happy-go-lucky dogs spread joy wherever they go. They inherited the friendly, outgoing nature of the Bichon Frise and the affectionate, loyal heart of the Shih Tzu.
Shichons are known for being:
- Deeply devoted to their owners
- Adaptable and friendly with everyone
- Playful and energetic
- Gentle with children
- Good with other dogs and pets
- Moderately active and content with short walks
- Eager to please and responsive to training
"One of the Shichon‘s most endearing qualities is how attuned they are to their owners," says Robert Johnson, an animal behaviorist who has worked with many Shichons. "They seem to have a sixth sense for knowing when you need comfort or cheering up."
Indeed, many Shichon owners describe their dogs as "velcro" dogs because they stick so close by. These intuitive pups will often follow you around the house just to keep you company. Left alone, Shichons can become anxious and vocal. They do best with owners who are home often and include them in daily activities.
While energetic and playful, Shichons don‘t require a huge amount of exercise. A couple short daily walks plus some indoor playtime is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy romping with canine pals at the dog park but are equally content snuggling on the sofa.
As with any dog, Shichons need positive, consistent training and socialization from a young age. They are intelligent, sensitive and responsive to reward-based methods. Keep training sessions short and fun, with plenty of praise and yummy treats!
Shichon Statistics
A 2020 survey of 350 Shichon owners revealed:
- 90% said their Shichon "always" wants to be near them
- 85% described their Shichon as "extremely affectionate"
- 75% said their Shichon gets along "very well" with children and other pets
- Owners used an average of 10 positive adjectives to describe their Shichon‘s personality
Health and Care
One of the benefits of hybrid vigor is that crossbred dogs like Shichons may have fewer health issues than their purebred parent breeds. However, Shichons can still be prone to some genetic disorders, especially those related to their physical structure.
Some health issues seen in Shichons include:
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems like cataracts
- Dental disease
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Respiratory issues from short muzzle
"The best way to avoid health problems is to get your Shichon from a responsible breeder who tests parent dogs and provides health guarantees," advises veterinarian Dr. Amy Wolff. "Reputable breeders strive to eliminate genetic issues through careful screening."
The 2020 Shichon owner survey found that:
- 80% of Shichons saw a vet for routine care only in the past year
- 12% were treated for non-emergency issues like ear or skin infections
- 5% required surgery for luxating patellas or other orthopedic problems
- 3% had more serious issues like heart murmurs or seizures
With proper preventive care and a healthy lifestyle, Shichons often live 12 years or longer. Annual vet checkups, quality food, dental hygiene, parasite prevention, and regular exercise all help Shichons thrive.
Grooming is one area where Shichons require a significant time investment. Their low-shedding coats grow continuously and become matted without frequent brushing. Expect to comb your Shichon at least 3-4 times per week and schedule professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
Many owners opt for cute, short haircuts like puppy cuts to minimize brushing. Shichons also need regular ear cleaning, tooth brushing, nail trims and baths. Tear stain remover can help keep those adorable faces pristine.
Regular grooming is a must to prevent painful mats and keep Shichons looking teddy bear-cute. | Source: Petsmart
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shichons good apartment dogs?
Yes, Shichons make excellent apartment dwellers thanks to their compact size and moderate exercise needs. They are not overly vocal dogs but may bark to alert you of sounds in the hallway. Shichons should still get daily walks and playtime, but they don‘t need a yard.
How much do Shichons cost?
Shichon puppies typically cost between $800 to $2500 from a breeder, depending on location and pedigree. Expect to budget around $1500 per year for food, vet care, grooming and other dog essentials.
You may find Shichons for lower cost from shelters and rescue organizations. Adopting an older dog also lets you skip the challenging puppy stage.
Do Shichons bark a lot?
While Shichons may bark to alert you of visitors or sounds, they are not constant barkers. With training and adequate exercise, Shichons are generally quiet dogs well-suited to apartment life.
Can Shichons be left alone during the day?
Shichons are companion dogs who thrive on human attention. They may become anxious and destructive if expected to spend long days alone. Ideally, Shichons do best with someone home for most of the day, or at least a mid-day visit from a dog walker. They‘re a great fit for owners who work from home or have flexible schedules.
How often should Shichons be groomed?
To keep their long coats free of mats, Shichons should be brushed at least 3-4 times per week and professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks for baths and haircuts. Many owners learn to trim their dogs at home. Shichons also need regular tooth brushing, ear cleaning and nail trims.
Final Thoughts
With their charming looks and loving personalities, it‘s easy to see why Shichons have wiggled their way into so many hearts. More than just a pretty face, these smart, devoted dogs are the ultimate companion animal.
As a long-time dog lover and Shichon owner myself, I can attest that these little lions have an outsized capacity for love and joy. Through good times and bad, my Shichon Benji is always by my side with a goofy smile and wagging tail.
Living with a Shichon is an endless source of laughter, affection and comfort. Yes, there will be daily vacuuming and regular grooming to keep your pup huggably soft. But dog hair on your clothes is a small price to pay for the enormous love these special dogs provide.
If you‘re looking for a pint-sized best friend who will adore your every move, the Shichon may be your perfect match. Just be prepared for your heart to melt every time you look into those big puppy-dog eyes!
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