Shichon

The Shichon is a hybrid between Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu breeds. Intelligent and affectionate, they make ideal companions.

They are known for their hypoallergenic coats and are perfect for families with mild allergies.

Shichon Breed overview

Shichons are an affectionate and adaptable small breed that make great family pets. They are friendly and patient with children, as well as other dogs, making them a great choice for those looking for a companion dog. Shichons have moderate exercise needs and can do well in apartments or smaller living spaces, but they do require daily exercise and playtime. While they can be prone to certain health issues, they are overall a healthy breed that does not require a high level of maintenance or grooming.

Height:
9-12 inches
Weight:
9-15 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-18 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Shichon

Training

Shichons are intelligent dogs and enjoy learning new things. Positive reinforcement training is recommended for best results.

They respond well to praise and rewards and tend to be sensitive to harsh words or punishment.

Early training and socialization will help them to become well-behaved adult dogs.

Nutrition

Shichons require a well-balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for their size and activity level.

High-quality dog food that meets their dietary requirements is recommended.

Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent obesity.

Grooming

Shichons need regular grooming to keep their curly and fluffy coats in good condition.

Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and tangling, and regular trimming is required to keep their coats looking neat and tidy.

They need regular bathing, but too frequent bathing can cause dry skin and irritations.

Health

Shichons are generally healthy dogs and tend to have fewer health problems compared to their parent breeds.

However, they may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and respiratory problems.

Exercise

Shichons are moderately active and require daily exercise to keep them healthy and fit.

A daily walk, playtime in the yard, or indoor exercise will keep them happy and healthy.

Since they are small in size, they can get exercise even in a small apartment or a small yard.

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Shichon Traits & Characteristics

There is no official breed standard for the Shichon due to their hybrid nature. However, they are bred to meet certain characteristics such as their small size, hypoallergenic coat, and friendly temperament.

Their coats require regular grooming, including brushing and trimming to prevent matting and tangling.

Shichons tend to love human company and thrive on attention, therefore should not be left alone for long periods.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Shichons are well-known for their affectionate and loving nature. They love to cuddle and spend time with their family, making them a great choice for those looking for a companion dog.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Because of their small size and friendly, playful nature, Shichons are great with children. They are patient and gentle, making them an excellent addition to any family with young kids.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Shichons are very social and friendly dogs, making them great with other dogs. They love to play and interact with other dogs, although early socialization is necessary to ensure they are well-behaved around other animals.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Shichons tend to be wary of strangers at first, but they warm up quickly when introduced properly. Early socialization and training is recommended to ensure they are well behaved around unfamiliar people.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Shichons are playful and energetic dogs that love to play with their owners. While they are not as high energy as some breeds, they do require daily exercise and playtime.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Shichons are reasonably alert and aware of their surroundings. They are not typically used as guard dogs or for tasks that require a high level of vigilance, but they are aware and attentive to their owner's needs.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Shichons are very adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of living situations. They can thrive in apartments or smaller living spaces, but they also do well with a yard or outdoor space to play in.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Shichons have a low shedding coat, which makes them a great choice for those with allergies. However, their coat does require regular grooming to keep it healthy and clean.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

While Shichons have a low shedding coat, they do require regular grooming to keep it healthy and free of tangles or mats. This can be done at home, but many owners choose to bring their Shichon to a professional groomer.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Shichons do not drool excessively, making them a great choice for those who prefer a clean, tidy dog. They do not require any special care for drooling or slobbering.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Shichons are a small breed, typically weighing between 7 and 15 pounds. They are a great size for those who live in smaller homes or apartments.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Shichons have a moderate energy level and require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They do not require as much exercise as some larger breeds, but they do still need a reasonable amount of activity each day.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Shichons require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They do not require as much exercise as some larger breeds, but they do still need a reasonable amount of activity each day. Short walks and indoor playtime can be sufficient to meet their needs.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Shichons are not typically used as working dogs or for tasks that require specialized training or skills.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Shichons are not typically used as hunting dogs or for tasks that require specialized training or skills.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Shichons have a moderate level of vigor and endurance. They can maintain an active lifestyle with daily exercise and playtime, but they are not as high-energy as some more athletic breeds.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Shichons are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues. These can include allergies, dental problems, and respiratory issues, among others. Regular vet checkups and proper care can help prevent these issues from occurring.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Shichons can be prone to weight gain if they are not given enough exercise or if they are overfed. It's important to monitor their food intake and provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise and play.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Shichons are not well suited to cold weather conditions due to their small size and low body fat. They should always be kept warm and dry in cold weather, and may benefit from a coat or sweater when outside.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Shichons can tolerate warm weather conditions, but they should still be monitored closely to prevent overheating. They should always have access to plenty of fresh water and shade when outside.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Shichons are great for apartment living due to their small size and moderate energy level. They do not require a large amount of space and can be happy and healthy in smaller living areas.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Shichons can be prone to wandering or roaming if they are not properly supervised or trained. They should always be kept on a leash when outside or in unfamiliar areas.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Shichons are not overly sensitive dogs, but they can become anxious or stressed if they are not properly socialized or if they feel threatened in any way. Early socialization and training is key to ensuring that they are comfortable in a variety of situations.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Shichons can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They prefer to be with their owners at all times, so it's important to provide them with plenty of exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Shichons are not excessive barkers, but they do enjoy vocalizing and may bark to alert their owners to potential dangers or strangers in the area.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Shichons require moderate mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are intelligent dogs that benefit from puzzles, games, and activities that challenge their minds. However, they do not require as much mental stimulation as some highly intelligent breeds.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Shichons are a great choice for novice dog owners due to their friendly, low-maintenance nature. They are adaptable and easy to care for, making them an easy choice for anyone new to dog ownership.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Shichons are intelligent and easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle training methods, and are eager to please their owners. However, they do have a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge at times.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Shichons are well-known for their affectionate and loving nature. They love to cuddle and spend time with their family, making them a great choice for those looking for a companion dog.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Because of their small size and friendly, playful nature, Shichons are great with children. They are patient and gentle, making them an excellent addition to any family with young kids.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Shichons are very social and friendly dogs, making them great with other dogs. They love to play and interact with other dogs, although early socialization is necessary to ensure they are well-behaved around other animals.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Shichons tend to be wary of strangers at first, but they warm up quickly when introduced properly. Early socialization and training is recommended to ensure they are well behaved around unfamiliar people.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Shichons are playful and energetic dogs that love to play with their owners. While they are not as high energy as some breeds, they do require daily exercise and playtime.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Shichons are reasonably alert and aware of their surroundings. They are not typically used as guard dogs or for tasks that require a high level of vigilance, but they are aware and attentive to their owner's needs.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Shichons are very adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of living situations. They can thrive in apartments or smaller living spaces, but they also do well with a yard or outdoor space to play in.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Shichons have a low shedding coat, which makes them a great choice for those with allergies. However, their coat does require regular grooming to keep it healthy and clean.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

While Shichons have a low shedding coat, they do require regular grooming to keep it healthy and free of tangles or mats. This can be done at home, but many owners choose to bring their Shichon to a professional groomer.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Shichons do not drool excessively, making them a great choice for those who prefer a clean, tidy dog. They do not require any special care for drooling or slobbering.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Shichons are a small breed, typically weighing between 7 and 15 pounds. They are a great size for those who live in smaller homes or apartments.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Shichons have a moderate energy level and require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They do not require as much exercise as some larger breeds, but they do still need a reasonable amount of activity each day.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Shichons require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They do not require as much exercise as some larger breeds, but they do still need a reasonable amount of activity each day. Short walks and indoor playtime can be sufficient to meet their needs.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Shichons are not typically used as working dogs or for tasks that require specialized training or skills.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Shichons are not typically used as hunting dogs or for tasks that require specialized training or skills.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Shichons have a moderate level of vigor and endurance. They can maintain an active lifestyle with daily exercise and playtime, but they are not as high-energy as some more athletic breeds.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Shichons are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues. These can include allergies, dental problems, and respiratory issues, among others. Regular vet checkups and proper care can help prevent these issues from occurring.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Shichons can be prone to weight gain if they are not given enough exercise or if they are overfed. It's important to monitor their food intake and provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise and play.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Shichons are not well suited to cold weather conditions due to their small size and low body fat. They should always be kept warm and dry in cold weather, and may benefit from a coat or sweater when outside.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Shichons can tolerate warm weather conditions, but they should still be monitored closely to prevent overheating. They should always have access to plenty of fresh water and shade when outside.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Shichons are great for apartment living due to their small size and moderate energy level. They do not require a large amount of space and can be happy and healthy in smaller living areas.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Shichons can be prone to wandering or roaming if they are not properly supervised or trained. They should always be kept on a leash when outside or in unfamiliar areas.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Shichons are not overly sensitive dogs, but they can become anxious or stressed if they are not properly socialized or if they feel threatened in any way. Early socialization and training is key to ensuring that they are comfortable in a variety of situations.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Shichons can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They prefer to be with their owners at all times, so it's important to provide them with plenty of exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Shichons are not excessive barkers, but they do enjoy vocalizing and may bark to alert their owners to potential dangers or strangers in the area.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Shichons require moderate mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are intelligent dogs that benefit from puzzles, games, and activities that challenge their minds. However, they do not require as much mental stimulation as some highly intelligent breeds.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Shichons are a great choice for novice dog owners due to their friendly, low-maintenance nature. They are adaptable and easy to care for, making them an easy choice for anyone new to dog ownership.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Shichons are intelligent and easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle training methods, and are eager to please their owners. However, they do have a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge at times.

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History of the Shichon

The Shichon was first bred in the United States in the late 1990s.

The aim was to create a small, cute and hypoallergenic dog that would make an ideal family pet.

Shichon Puppies

Shichon puppies are a joy to be around and can adapt to a variety of living situations.

They tend to be social and outgoing and can get along well with children and other pets.

The average life expectancy for Shichons is 12-15 years.