Shichon Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Shichon?

The Shichon is a relatively new breed, and since it is a mix of small breed dogs, it is best to look at the origin and history of the parent breeds. The Shih Tzu parent was first bred by imperial breeders in the palace of the Chinese emperor, and they are thought to be a mix of the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso.

The Shih Tzu also lived a life of royalty and spent their days on the laps of nobles.

The Bichon Frise originates from Tenerife and is thought to be a descendant of the Bichon Tenerife; these dogs used to be very popular amongst sailors. Bichon Frise breeds were also very popular with nobles and royalty in Italy, Spain, and France. In addition to their royal reputation, Bichons were also performers and comedians in the past.

With such pampered purebred parents, the Shih Tzu Bichon mix is understandably a popular lap dog!

Who are Shichon dogs best for?

Shichon dogs are well suited for families and children; this small breed dog makes a wonderful companion dog and can be a little human's best friend and playmate. They are also great dogs for the elderly as it isn't an overly active breed.

They will be very happy in an apartment or an even bigger home. They don't necessarily need a garden, so they are the perfect dog for almost anyone living in any type of home. They are easy-going and will adapt to anyone and any environment.

They also love company and being around people, so they do best in homes where they won't be left alone for very long or at all. They will get along well with other dogs and animals if they have been introduced to them and socialized.

Like a lot of small dog breeds, they don't get along very well with bigger dogs. Shichons are small dogs and won't be able to keep up with bigger pups. They also require a good amount of maintenance when it comes to their health and grooming needs, so they are a good fit for an owner who can put time into this.

How much grooming does a Shichon need?

Their fluffy coats need regular grooming. You can give their coat a brush every day and a bath every four weeks or so with dog conditioner and shampoo.

You could also take them to a professional groomer to get a puppy trim; this will keep their coats short and much more manageable. They are prone to ear infections, so check their ears regularly and make sure that they are clean.

With such a fluffy coat, they do shed a little bit, so regular brushing will help remove all of the loose dog hair. Brush their teeth daily; this will avoid any tooth decay and gum disease, and cut their nails when you can see and hear that they have grown too long.

Do Shichon bark much?

Their Shih Tzu parent doesn't bark too much, but their Bichon parent is quite the barker. You may find that your Shichon will bark when left alone; this is because they don't enjoy being on their own and tend to turn to this type of behaviour.

It is best to train them when they are young and slowly get them used to their own company, this way you can try to avoid this type of behaviour. They also bark when greeting people, but this is just them saying hello and being excited to have company!

Do Shichon bite?

Like most dog breeds, your Shichon will likely bite you when they are a puppy. Usually, when playing or teething, it is best to train them and teach them a no command so that they can see that biting is bad.

If they keep biting or nipping into adulthood, then it is best to get help from a personal trainer to stop this bad behaviour immediately. These dogs are not considered aggressive and are not very likely to bite.

What is the temperament & personality of a Shichon?

These little bundles of fluff are full of love and affection. They make the best (softest) cuddle buddy! They are also very playful, lively, and outgoing - they love running around and having fun with their humans.

This little pup is also loyal and friendly, they can get along well with anyone, and nobody is a stranger to them. They can also be very laid-back but are very energetic on the other hand. These pups can be stubborn, spirited, and curious, and like most mixed breeds, can take after one or other of their parents - or a mix of both!

What is the weight & size of a Shichon?

The Shichon is a very small dog. They weigh around 4 to 6.8 kilos and are generally about 22.8 to 30.5 cm in height.

How much training does a Shichon need?

As a hybrid dog, the Shichon could either be pretty easy to train or somewhat challenging, depending on which parent they take after. They may be stubborn and what things their way, or it could be quite simple.

This breed does best with positive reinforcement and reward training. Potty training your pup will likely be the hardest due to their small bladders; this is where puppy training can come in handy!

The Shichon will need loads of training and socialisation while they are little in order to prevent some behavioural issues and anxiety. Socialise your pup by introducing them to positive experiences so that they get used to people, places, and things.

Be firm when training them, but also gentle and patient. Obedience school is also a good idea, especially when they are puppies - they will get socialised here and can make training easier for you!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Shichon?

The Shichon is prone to the same health problems that their parents face. They are prone to intervertebral disc disease, epilepsy, cataracts, Brachycephalic ocular syndrome, tear stains, hip dysplasia, and Patella luxation.

They may also get gum disease, tooth loss, Brachycephaly, Renal dysplasia, Legg-Calve Perthes Disease, and various allergies. They are quite healthy dogs, however, mixed-breed dogs can inherit some issues from their parents.

It's best to take your pup to the vet for regular check-ups, this way, you can catch problems early on and ensure that your pup is healthy as can be.

What is the lifespan of a Shichon?

The average life expectancy of these pups can be between 10-15 years. The healthier and happier your pup is, the longer it will live. Ensure that you feed your furry friend correctly, give them enough exercise and give them loads of love and affection.

How much should you feed a Shichon?

You can feed your Shichon raw food, dry food, or wet food as long as it is of good quality. The type of food your feed your pooch will depend on its age, activity levels, lifestyle, weight, and metabolism.

Avoid foods that have fillers, dyes, additives, and byproducts, as these are not good for your pup. One cup of quality dog food a day is the recommended amount, so don't overfeed them as they are prone to weight gain. Sticking to a good feeding schedule is best and avoid free-feeding them.

What is the price of a Shichon in Australia?

The price of Shichon puppies depends on where you live, the breeder you choose, and how rare the breed is. Ensure that you buy your puppy from a responsible, reputable, and registered breeder

A Shichon puppy could cost you anything between $2200 to $3500. It depends on the breeder and the puppy's bloodline. Some people have even spent around $6000 on the Bichon Frise Shih Tzu mix.