Zuchons / Shichons – The Complete Breed Guide

Welcome to our guide to the Zuchon/Shichon dog which is a mix of two different purebreeds. It is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu.

The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Shichon breed of dog.

Why Choose a Zuchon / Shichon?

Chris Webb: “We have had our Zuchon (called Bramble) for about a year. We chose our Zuchon because we wanted a small breed like a Shih Tzu but we were aware of some of the health problems that Shih Tzus can have with their squashed faces. Our Bramble is such a sweet and friendly little dog with lots of personality. Very playful and loves attention. She can also be very mischievous, and loves chewing socks and ripping bits of tissues into a million tiny pieces ?. She’s also great with other dogs and just wants to play with them, but she can sometimes bark in fear when she sees other dogs whilst out on walks. She was quite easy to house train, but is also quite stubborn and it hasn’t been easy to train her to do tricks/obedience etc. She was very good on the lead right from the beginning. She barks quite a lot, but usually just at the TV when she sees other animals ?. She’s never once shown any signs of aggression towards people and it great with kids – she has never even nibbled on our fingers. They make a great little family dog.”

Charlie-Lee Trueland: “Haven’t found anything we don’t like. Our Dusty is 4 years old, little girl. Easiest dog we have ever had to train….most loveable and loyal little girl…”

Klare Knowles: “My Peggy is 6 months old. She is my first puppy, she is the most loveable, cute & mischievous little thing! She has been easy to train & is always learning new tricks! She loves nothing more than getting dirty! If I’m not paying her direct attention (like if am watching tv!) she steals something and sits in front of me with it. They are the best breed of dog & I haven’t found anything that I don’t like!”

Jackie Crackle: “No hair shedding, very friendly breed. Cuddly teddy bears & so good looking.”

Pat Everest: “I love the breed, they are so loving and gentle. Don’t shed, mischievous and cheeky, don’t bark much and yes they look like teddy bears!”

Joyce Brezina TeBockhorst: “Sweet and gentle..don’t snap or growl and doesn’t shed.”

Marie MacKenzie: “We weren’t specifically looking for a Shichon when we got our Moki. We just got lucky! We had recently lost our ShihTzu/Maltese and totally lucked out in Moki. He was a rehome from a neglect situation and he has the best personality ever. He loves everyone and especially every dog! He is non-shedding, quiet, very smart and was really easy to train. I can’t think of even one down side to owning a Shichon. In fact, we are currently looking for a Shichon puppy as a companion to our two year old furbaby!”

Jan Henry: “I lost my husband Dave suddenly 2 years ago, and I pondered on getting a dog, but didn’t feel ready emotionally.

I had already decided that when I was ready, that I would like a Zuchon, as they are small. Non-shedding, friendly and affectionate.

The decision in September 2016 that I was finally ready came in the same week I adopted a rescue cat!

My Garvey has a beautiful temperament and nature. He loves people, especially children, and loves being with other doggies.

He goes to Paws Outdoors twice a week, where he runs free on the beach or the woods with between 4 and 6 doggies, and they have become his buddies. They are all much larger than him and his little legs have a job keeping up!

Mabel my cat and Garvey both sleep with me, and it is comforting to have two living , breathing beings in my bed.

The two negatives were the nightmare of house training, which took almost 7 months, and he was as pleased as I was when he finally cracked it! But not before ruining my carpet! And the fact that he is a very fussy eater. I do chicken thighs in the slow cooker as it seems to suit his sensitive tum. He also eats some kibble…when he fancies it!

But the positives have made it all worthwhile. He has really changed my life for the better.

He is named after Guy Garvey, lead singer of Elbow, Dave’s favourite band, and wears a ‘friendly’ collar and lead, and he is, to everyone.

Getting Garvey was the best decision I ever made.”

Karly Honeybone: “I’ve always had German Shepherds and Labradors. Poppy is my first little dog. What a wee sweetie. So gentle, quiet and loving. Such a good girl. A real life Teddy Bear!

Zuchons are companion dogs and love being with you. She’s my wee buddy.”

Caroline Grady: “My hubby died a few years ago and so i decided i needed a little friend….. i researched for a long time what sort of dog i wanted and a shichon was ideal… non shedding… small but with plenty of character …i picked up my Rozy a year to the day i buried my hubby……life has been so much better since….rozy loves going on trains… buses ( i can’t drive)…..still miss hubby but i’m a lot happier now….”

Ailsa Bull: “I always wanted a dog and then I came across my dog – Freddie, by accident. But I have to say he had been the most amazing dog. Such good company, very loving, wants to be everyone’s friend, always pleased to see you, will walk as far as you want too & doesn’t shed hair. ??? x”

The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Shichon breed of dog.

You can also help too!

If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.

We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your Zuchon / Shichon you would like to email us.

What type of owners buy a Zuchon/Shichon?

What in your opinion are the best things about the Zuchon/Shichon breed?

Why do you think the Zuchon/Shichon is special?

What are your favourite things about the Zuchon/Shichon?

Are you glad you choose to buy a Zuchon/Shichon and not another breed?

How would you describe the Zuchon/Shichon temperament?

What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a Zuchon/Shichon over other breeds?

History & Origins

What are the history and origins of the Zuchon/Shichon?

About The Breed

What colors of Zuchon/Shichon are most popular?

What does the Zuchon/Shichon look like?

What are the pros/cons of the Zuchon/Shichon breed?

What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the Zuchon/Shichon and other breeds?

Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?

What type of typical personality does the Zuchon/Shichon have?

Is it possible to describe a fairly typical Zuchon/Shichon?

What is the breed standard/description for the Zuchon/Shichon?

Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?

Are there any downsides to owning a Zuchon/Shichon that prospective owners should be aware of?

Is the Zuchon/Shichon breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?

Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the Zuchon/Shichon?

What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?

Is the Zuchon/Shichon breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?

Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the Zuchon/Shichon match up to that role?

Are there myths about the Zuchon/Shichon – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?

We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of Zuchon/Shichon puppies and this is what they said:

What types of questions do you get once owners get their Zuchon/Shichon home?

Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?

What is the typical temperament of a Zuchon/Shichon, so people know what to expect from their new pet?

When fully grown how much on average does a Zuchon/Shichon weigh?

When the Zuchon/Shichon is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?

Is the Zuchon/Shichon ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?

Does the Zuchon/Shichon smell or drool a lot?

Do you have a Zuchon/Shichon growth chart?

What breed group does the Zuchon/Shichon come under?

What type of coat do they have?

Can they swim?

What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?

Suitability

Are there some types of people that you can suggest the Zuchon/Shichon is not suitable for, perhaps families?

How is the Zuchon/Shichon with children?

Do you think the Zuchon/Shichon is suitable for families with young children?

How does the Zuchon/Shichon get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new Zuchon/Shichon owners in terms of successful integration?

Is it better to buy one Zuchon/Shichon or two?

Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?

Would the Zuchon/Shichon be suitable as a guard dog?

Can I leave my Zuchon/Shichon during the day while I go to work?

Lifespan

What is the expected average lifespan of the Zuchon/Shichon?

In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the Zuchon/Shichon breed live to?

Food & Diet

Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?

Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?

How to handle the Zuchon/Shichon puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?

What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?

What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc

Do owners need to consider supplements for their Zuchon/Shichon?

How about for older dogs?

Buying – How Much Do They Cost?

How much did your Zuchon/Shichon cost to buy?

Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a Zuchon/Shichon and how much should they spend?

What advice would you offer new Zuchon/Shichon owners?

What types of people are buying the Zuchon/Shichon and why?

Where can I buy Zuchon/Shichon rescue dogs or find a Zuchon/Shichon for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ Zuchon/Shichon can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!

Do I need public liability insurance or a license?

Puppy

How would you describe the Zuchon/Shichon puppy to potential new owners?

What types of owners are best suited to owning a Zuchon/Shichon?

What colors and sizes are most popular?

Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?

What can people expect when they become a new owner?

What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Zuchon/Shichon?

As a Zuchon/Shichon breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?

Are there specific times of the year that you breed?

Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?

How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a Zuchon/Shichon?

When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?

Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?

We invite you to email us your Zuchon/Shichon’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing Zuchon/Shichon puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.

Do they have any nicknames or does the Zuchon/Shichon have popular names?

If my Zuchon/Shichon is pregnant what might the litter size be?

Could the Zuchon/Shichon be dangerous around young children?

Problem Behaviors

How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?

How do you prevent a Zuchon/Shichon biting?

How do you prevent a Zuchon/Shichon chewing?

How do you stop a Zuchon/Shichon jumping up?

Does the Zuchon/Shichon have an issue with excessive digging?

Why does my Zuchon/Shichon keep growling and barking?

Is there a reason my Zuchon/Shichon dog is often scratching excessively?

Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?

Exercise

In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the Zuchon/Shichon and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new Zuchon/Shichon owners?

As a breeder of the Zuchon/Shichon , do you prefer a collar or harness?

As an expert of the Zuchon/Shichon breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?

Can you offer any dog walking tips for Zuchon/Shichon owners?

Playtime & Tricks

What games and toys can you recommend for the Zuchon/Shichon?

Are there toys you suggest avoiding?

How intelligent is the Zuchon/Shichon compared to other dog breeds?

How much can they understand?

Grooming

Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new Zuchon/Shichon owners?

How much time is involved?

What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a Zuchon/Shichon?

Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?

How much do Zuchon/Shichon shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?

How can I prevent or cure ear infections?

Do you have any tips for eye care?

Is the Zuchon/Shichon a hypoallergenic breed?

Bathing

Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your Zuchon/Shichon?

Can you offer new Zuchon/Shichon owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?

Showing

What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the Zuchon/Shichon?

What started your interest in showing the Zuchon/Shichon?

If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their Zuchon/Shichon – where would they begin?

Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?

How would an owner know they have a show-quality Zuchon/Shichon and how would they start off?

Can you give away any of your secrets?!

Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?

What do judges look for in a winner?

Breeding

What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Zuchon/Shichon?

What official organisations are there for the new Zuchon/Shichon owner and what benefits or services do they provide?

In buying a Zuchon/Shichon, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?

How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?

Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remains the same?

How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the Zuchon/Shichon out of all the breeds you could have chosen?

What do you think makes the Zuchon/Shichon special to you?

Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?

As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?

Training

In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a Zuchon/Shichon and do you have any tips or advice for new Zuchon/Shichon owners?

How should new owners approach bringing a new Zuchon/Shichon home, any advice and tips you can give?

Should I allow my Zuchon/Shichon to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?

Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?

Should my Zuchon/Shichon sleep in a kennel or crate?

Health

Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new Zuchon/Shichon owners to be aware of in particular?

Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?

What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?

What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your Zuchon/Shichon?

Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?

What type of health issues can a Zuchon/Shichon have and how do you deal with preventing these?

Why does my Zuchon/Shichon have diarrhea?

Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?

Why is my Zuchon/Shichon vomiting and do I go to the vets?

When should I take my Zuchon/Shichon for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?

How often will my Zuchon/Shichon be in heat?

Should I consider getting my Zuchon/Shichon spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?

My Zuchon/Shichon is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?

Do they suffer from allergies?

Why is my Zuchon/Shichon not eating?

How much does it cost to insure my Zuchon/Shichon?

What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide Zuchon/Shichon dog health insurance?

Old Age

What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ Zuchon/Shichon?

Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?

What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older Zuchon/Shichon?

Do you feed any supplements to an older Zuchon/Shichon – or anything else which helps them as they age?

Are there any health issues particular to a senior Zuchon/Shichon dog?

Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior Zuchon/Shichon or tips you can pass on?

DOG BREEDERS PAGE

Below we list breeders of Zuchon/Shichon dogs.

Most of these breeders are located in the USA, UK and Australia.

Are you a breeder – get listed for free.

Just fill out the form at the bottom of the page.