About the Shichon Dog Breed

Appearance

• Shichons may not be an exact 50 percent purebred to 50 percent purebred cross, as it can be common for breeders to breed multigeneration crosses. The shichon hair is typically more loosely curled than the bichon frise's tightly curled hair. Shichons have a double coat that includes an outer coat of loosely curled and fluffy hair and an undercoat of fine, soft hair. The hair length is 3 to 4 in. long. It can have either a white coat like the bichon frise or colors similar to that of a shih tzu, with a mixture of black and white, light brown or gray. A female shichon ranges from 9 to 11 in. tall, while a male dog can be a bit taller. The average weight of a shichon ranges from 7 to 14 lbs.

Temperament

• Shichons have a friendly temperament and are intelligent, energetic and loving companions. For these reasons, the animal can be good for families with children. This breed of dog is sociable and eager to please. Shichons grow attached to their families and do not fare well when separated from their family for a lengthy amount of time. They can be very adaptive with other pets in the family, and this dog is easy to train. Shichons enjoy attention and like to play. They are also highly alert and can act as a watchdog. Because of its relatively small size, the Shichon can be a good indoor pet, but it also will enjoy walks outside.

General Health and Maintenance

• The shichon has been bred to be hypoallergenic and non-shedding, so it is ideal for family members with allergies. Like many hybrids, the shichon often has a longer lifespan than its parents and can outlive the parent breeds. The average lifespan of a shichon is 15 years or longer. Not a lot of maintenance is required for a shichon. The dog will mostly exercise on its own. To keep the coat healthy and clean, regular bathing and brushing are required.

Breed Advantages

• Purebreds often have genetic disorders, which are caused by generations of inbreeding. The shichon's parent, the bichon frise, usually has skin allergies. The shichon's other parent, the shih tzu, will most likely have breathing and eye problems. It is possible that the shichon can inherit these parent traits, but more often than not it will be free of them. Since the shichon has a longer nose than the shih tzu, it will be less likely to inherit any breathing problems. The shichon inherits tear ducts from the bichon frise parent, which reduces the dog's chance of having eye complications. However, that being said, there is always the possibility that your pet can have progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), ear infections, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, renal dysplasia, abnormal thyroid functioning or hypersensitivity.

Living Environment

• An indoor environment with a family is best for the shichon. Having a small home base for the dog is good, as its small, short legs will often tire after outdoor playtime. The shichon can live comfortably in an apartment setting since it is small and not very vocal. Because the shichon craves attention and a family setting, it is not well suited to empty homes or for busy people that travel, since the dog does not do well when left alone.