The Bo-Shih Dog Breed Information

Physical Features

• The Bo-Shih will have some characteristics of both parents, but because there are two distinct and disparate gene pools, the resulting puppies may take after one parent more than the other, depending upon the dominant genes of each parent.

  In general, a Bo-Shih has medium to long fur which is often tri-colored. Often, a Bo-Shih will have a face like a Boston Terrier but with long, wiry fur that beards the muzzle and gives the face a shaggy appearance. These Bo-Shihs also have shaggier coats overall, though the fur is usually soft rather than coarse.

  Because a Boston Terrier has short hair that requires very little grooming, and the Shih-Tzu has a long, flowing coat that needs regular brushing, it is virtually impossible to predict what kind of coat the offspring will have. Normally, however, the Bo-Shih's coat is longer than the Boston Terrier's.

  The Bo-Shih has a short, usually "pushed in" snout. The height of the adult Bo-Shih varies greatly, from 12 inches to about 16 inches. The ears often, but not always, stand up straight.

Personality

• The Bo-Shih may have personality traits of either parent, or a combination of both parents' temperament and manner.

  Buyers and adopters can familiarize themselves with the basic characters of the foundation breeds to get an idea of what they may expect from their dog. Much of the animal's character will be formed by its owner's interaction.

  Boston Terriers--which were at one time hybrids themselves--are smart, active and, like all terriers, sometimes stubborn. They are affectionate and loyal. They require exercise and stimulation, such as complicated toys or perhaps agility training.

  Shih-tzus are generally happy little dogs who carry themselves proudly. They were bred by the Chinese to be house pets, and are quite content fulfilling that role.

The Heterosis Effect

• The Heterosis Effect is a theory promoted by hybrid dog breeders and aficionados which says crossing two purebred dogs of different breeds will result in a new breed that enjoys better health.

  This effect is thought to bring to the fore the strongest health characteristics of each dog, resulting in a dog that is less prone to genetic disease and genetic defects and thus more robust and healthy.

Buying or Adopting a Puppy

• While there are often Bo-Shih's in rescue and in animal control shelters, they are usually not listed as such, but rather as Boston Terrier mixes or Shih-Tzu mixes. Because of this, it is usually easier to search pet adoption websites for one breed or the other, and watch for listings that give the secondary breed, for example "Boston Terrier/Shih-tzu mix."

  If buying a puppy, research the breeder carefully to be sure only the finest stock from both breeds have been mated to produce the puppy you are interested in. Puppies at major pet stores come from uncertain origins, including puppy mills, and may harbor latent health issues or be born of parents that are not purebred.

  Check the lineage of the parents and meet both sire and dam. A reputable breeder will be happy to introduce you. Because there are so many variables possible in buying a hybrid puppy, it is up to the potential owner to evaluate the puppies and try to predict which one will mature into an adult that has the coat, color and personality desired.

Breed Registration

• While the Bo-Shih is not recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club), a Bo-Shih can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

  Both organizations provide a certified registration that includes pedigrees. IDCR states it provides services throughout North America and in many other countries.
  Registering the dog helps owners track their dog's lineage and may be crucial if the owner plans to breed and sell the dogs.