The Shichon, also called the Teddy Bear Dog, is a hybrid of two popular dog breeds-the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu. They are considered ideal companion pets due to their small size and easy nature.

These dogs are quite petite, with a height of 9-12 inches and a weight of 9-15 pounds. They live between 12-16 years on average and have coats ranging in colors from black, red, cream, blue, gold, or brown–with combinations available in bicolor or tricolor.

The coat itself is medium to long with a soft texture and often has a slight curl to it as well; it’s also hypoallergenic, so those with sensitivities need not worry! Though daily brushing may help reduce stray hairs on their furniture or flooring, these dogs don’t shed much at all, which lessens cleaning significantly.

All in all, the Teddy Bear Shichon is an excellent choice for someone looking for an affectionate companion without having to deal with heavy shedding.

Shichon Generations

If you’re considering bringing a Shichon into your home, it’s important to understand the different generations and how they affect the breed.

F1 Generation 

A first-generation (F1) Shichon is bred by crossing two purebreds—a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu—together. These puppies have genes that are 50% Bichon Frise and 50% Shih Tzu. This combination creates an incredibly beautiful and loving dog that is very intelligent and easy to train.

F1b Generation 

The next generation is called an F1b (first backcross), produced by breeding an F1 generation puppy back to either parent stock (Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise). The genetics of these puppies can range anywhere from 25% Bichon Frise and 75% Shih Tzu to 75% Bichon Frise and 25% Shih Tzu; this variation will depend on which parent was used in the breeding process.

F2 Generation 

The third generation of Shichons is called an F2 (second filial) puppy, produced when two F1 or two F1b puppies are bred together. These puppies will have anywhere from 12 ½ % – 87 ½ % genetic contribution from both parents, depending on which parents were used in the breeding process.

History

The relatively new breed of Shichon has experienced an exponential rise in popularity over the past couple of decades. A cross between a Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu, these lovable companions are often referred to as a “Zuchon” or “Teddy Bear Dog.” Highly intelligent and loyal, they make excellent family dogs because they thrive on human contact.

With a long and interesting history, the Teddy Bear Shichon Dog lineage dates back centuries to when small breeds were used in China as royal lapdogs. As the breed began to spread across Europe, it continued to popularize until American breeders began actively developing what we know today as the Shichon.

It is currently considered one of the most intelligent hybrid breeds in existence and is prized for its unique softness, gentleness, and cute appearance!

Appearance

Teddy Bear Shichons tend to have a very eye-catching look with distinct features, including floppy ears, a black nose, expressive brown button eyes, short legs, and a tail that curls over their back, giving them an endearing charm.

Coat

These incredibly fluffy pups have a medium-long coat that can either be long and silky or curly – or even a combination of both. What’s more, it is hypoallergenic and sheds little, making the Shichon an excellent pick for people sensitive to pet hair.

As if all these features weren’t enough, this furry pup also comes in multiple colors – black, red, cream, blue, gold, or brown – plus combinations of bicolor or tricolor!

Size

The average Shichon is suitable for any living situation due to their size. They measure 9-12 inches tall at the shoulder and have a weight range of 9-15 pounds. 

Lifespan

These little dogs live for about twelve to sixteen years on average, making them great companion pets for people who would like to have a pup that will be around for quite some time.

Taking proper care of these furry friends goes quite far in terms of longevity, so it is essential to ensure they are fed a healthy diet and taken on regular walks or jogs.

Environment

The Shichon breed is an excellent family pet and apartment-dweller as they are very easy to care for. They thrive with owners who spend a lot of time at home, as frequent human interaction makes them happy, but they also can do well with those who are gone for part of the day.

The small size and low exercise requirements make them ideal for seniors, while their playful nature and adaptability make them perfect companions in busy households. However, these little dogs are not well-suited for extreme climates – too cold or too hot can be dangerous. Ultimately, if your life is suited to the breed’s needs, it’s a great fit.

Temperament

The Shichon is an intelligent and loyal dog breed, making them perfect companions for people of all ages. They tend to be very friendly, developing a strong bond with their family. In addition, due to their playful nature, these dogs can make great additions to households with children who can keep up with the energy levels of this active breed.

With proper socialization from an early age, Shichons can be taught to get along with other animals in the house, making them a great fit for multi-pet homes. All in all, Shichons are one of the most ideal temperaments out there and are sure to bring loads of joy and fun into your life.

Grooming

Like any other breed of dog, they need regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of Shichon grooming so you can keep your pup looking their best. 

Brushing

Brushing your Shichon’s fur is an integral part of their grooming routine. Regular brushing will help keep your pup’s coat free of tangles and mats. You should brush your dog at least three times weekly with a soft-bristle brush.

It is also important to make sure that you brush your pup’s belly and legs as well as their back and sides. This will also help prevent tangles or mats from developing in these areas.  

Bathing

Bathing is another important aspect of caring for your Shichon’s coat. You should bathe your pet about once a month using a shampoo designed specifically for dogs with sensitive skin, such as those found in the Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu breeds. Avoid over-bathing as this can strip essential oils from their skin and coat, leading to dryness and irritation. 

Ears

Cleaning your pup’s ears is also essential for preventing wax buildup or infection in the ear canal. Use a cotton ball dipped in warm water to clean out the inside of each ear flap weekly or biweekly, depending on how dirty they get. Be careful not to insert anything into the ear canal itself, as this could damage delicate tissue or cause an infection if done improperly. 

Nails

Trimming your pup’s nails regularly is another crucial part of their health care routine. Keeping them trimmed prevents any tearing or splitting, which can cause pain and discomfort when walking on hard surfaces like tile floors or pavement. It’s best to trim your pup’s nails every 3-4 weeks with either canine nail clippers (available at most pet stores) or grinders (available at groomers).  

Teeth

Lastly, brushing your pup’s teeth daily is key for preventing dental disease down the road. Your vet can recommend specific toothpaste designed for use on dogs, but there are several good options available online too!

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for dogs (never human toothbrushes) twice daily for best results but be sure not to brush too hard – just enough pressure so that you don’t hurt them but still get all the plaque off their teeth!  

Nutrition

Generally speaking, an adult Shichon should be given approximately half a cup of high-quality kibble twice daily. However, to maximize their specific nutritional requirements, the diet should also be changed periodically once your pup is older than six months; puppies will require meals more frequently and, in some cases, with different nutrient levels.

It’s important not to underestimate the importance of good nutrition for these dogs, as it can affect them in numerous ways, such as development, coat condition, energy levels, and behaviour.

Therefore, it can pay off to put extra effort into researching what foods are right for your pup to guarantee their long-term wellbeing.

Training

Training a Shichon can be pretty challenging – these intelligent little pups are quite strong-willed and therefore require an experienced hand. However, that is not to say they’re completely unyielding – far from it!

These amusing little canines are known to pick up doggy habits with great rapidity, and unlike some of their furry counterparts, they have a penchant for following instructions. Plus, regular opportunities to engage with activity and stimulation will help a Shichon stay focused on the task at hand.

All in all, training your new pup may take time and patience (and possibly some treats!), but it’s worth it when you see the progress they make.

Exercise

Exercising is essential for protecting your health, which goes double for Shichons. This puffball of a dog may look small and cuddly, but they need exercise too. In fact, experts recommend at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity daily for both adult and puppy Shichons.

To keep them fit, consider taking them on a brisk walk or even enrolling in activities like agility or Flyball (for the more energetic ones). Intense playtime is also a great option, although it should be kept to short spurts, as Shichons can burn out quickly from overexertion.

With the proper routine, your pup will stay healthy and thrilled with activity.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an affectionate companion who won’t take up too much space or require tons of exercise every day, then a Shichon may be the perfect pet for you! These lovable little pups have plenty of personality but don’t require too much maintenance—just lots of love!

Just remember that it’s important to start training early so that your pup knows what behavior is expected of them; with consistent training and plenty of love, owning a Shinchon can be an incredibly rewarding experience!