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The world of designer dog breeds has given us some truly fanciful names, such as the Dorkie, Whoodle, Chiweenie, Schnoodle, and Cockapoo. Demand for these specialty pups has boomed in the past decade, and many of these new breeds have unique names you’ve likely never heard of before. What is a Shichon? More commonly known as the Zuchon, this cross between the more traditional Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise perfectly embodies the typical charming and lovable designer dog.
The Zuchon is known by a handful of other names including Shih Chons or teddy Bear dogs, with this latter name referencing their round, fluffy faces and button eyes. If you’re interested in learning more about this adorable breed, keep reading!
Zuchon Quick Facts
Name: Zuchon, Shichon, Shih Chon, Tzu Frise, Teddy Bear dog
Origin: United States
Size: approximately 9-11.5 inches tall, 9-18 pounds
Lifespan: 10-18 years
Appearance: small with floppy ears and short black noses
Temperament: mischievous, cuddly, affectionate, playful
Compatibility: better suited for families with older children
Intelligence: moderately intelligent and can be trained
Exercise & Energy: average energy but some may need more frequent exercise
Grooming Needs: daily brushing and professional grooming typically necessary
Training: trainable but may experience difficulty with housetraining
Health: prone to eye and kidney problems
Highlights: playful, sweet, and loyal to their owners
What Makes Zuchons So Great
Small size: If your home is lacking in space, a Zuchon will fit right in thanks to their petite size. They are the perfect pets for apartments and freestanding homes alike!
Hypoallergenic: While no dog is technically hypoallergenic, both the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise are commonly referred to as such because they shed relatively little dander compared to other breeds.
Cuddly: Do you want a lapdog? The Zuchon loves to snuggle and is a faithful friend for life.
Relatively healthy: While no breed is guaranteed to never have health problems, Zuchons have relatively few problems compared to certain others.
Trainable: Owners that consistently train their Zuchon will likely see great improvement. Housetraining can prove to be a learning curve but not impossible by any means.
What Do Zuchons Look Like?
Zuchons can exhibit a range of traits thanks to their colorful heritage. Some may feature the characteristic white fur of the Bichon Frise, but most will have a coat that incorporates shades of brown. Black patches are not uncommon, especially on the ears. This coloring is a nod to their Shih Tzu DNA.
Additionally, it’s quite easy to understand why the breed is occasionally referred to as a type of teddy bear dog. With a short muzzle and round, charming eyes, the Zuchon could easily be mistaken for a stuffed toy!
How Small is a Zuchon?
A Shih Tzu-Bichon mix (full-grown adult) will usually weigh between 10 and 18 pounds. You can expect little variation in their size. In other words, they’re bound to be tiny unless they have ancestry outside the Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise breeds. At full height, the Zuchon stands around 12 inches at the tallest but is often shorter.
What Kind of Coat Does a Zuchon Have?
Like any mixed breed, the Zuchon can inherit a coat influenced by one or both of its parents. Since a Shih Tzu has long, silky hair, there’s a chance your Zuchon will have a similarly straight coat. On the other hand, Bichon Frises sport their characteristic curly hair, so your Zuchon might have significantly wavier hair. And, of course, Zuchons can inherit a mix of the two hair types!
What is a Zuchon’s Temperament Like?
Whether you call them a Zuchon or Shichon, the dog’s temperament will be the same – lovable! These guys are known for being as gentle as they are tiny. Be prepared for a loyal pup who will want to follow you around wherever you go. No one will mistake the Zuchon for an independent canine!
Do Zuchons Have Friendly Personalities?
Both Shih Tzus and Bichon Frises were bred to be companions, and it makes complete sense that Zuchons are just as happy to please their owners. When you bring a member of this breed into your household, you’re bringing in a friend for life. Like many dogs, they will bark when they meet someone new, but the Zuchon warms up especially quickly.
How Are Zuchons Around Kids?
Because Shih Tzus and Bichon Frises are small breeds, the Zuchon is just as compact in size. Tiny bones are delicate bones, so kids who roughhouse might be too boisterous for a Zuchon. On the other hand, these dogs are the perfect match for older folks who are looking for a lap pup that wants to spend the day snoozing.
Do Zuchons Get Along with Other Pets?
For the most part, you can expect a Zuchon to be a social butterfly. From other dogs to felines, this breed is generally a sweetheart to all. Still, one must keep in mind that no dog’s behavior is ever completely predictable. For the best chance of peace amongst your pets, socialize your Zuchon with other animals from an early age.
How Do You Care for a Zuchon?
Zuchons were not bred to live in the great outdoors. Rather, these pups will absolutely need to have a comfortable bed inside the home. They’re not overly energetic so their exercise needs are generally moderate, often satisfied with a short walk around the block a few times a day. Most of an owner’s time will be spent catering to their pet’s desire to be around them 24/7, and, of course, caring for that fluffy coat.
Do Zuchons Need to Be Groomed?
There’s no doubt about it – a Zuchon needs a human that is willing to spend ample amount of time on grooming. Because Zuchons don’t shed much, their coats must be brushed daily to keep them in good health. A neglected coat isn’t just a cosmetic issue, after all. Tangles can harbor bacteria and lead to skin infections. Your pup will also need to be trimmed regularly. If you keep their coat long, you will need to visit the groomer every six weeks or so unless you plan on cutting the hair yourself.
Can a Zuchon Be Trained?
Training your Zuchon from Day 1 will set you both up for success! This breed loves to please its human family, so as long as you are consistent in training, your dog shouldn’t have any major issues with learning basic commands. However, smaller dogs can have a more difficult time controlling their bladders. This is likely due to several reasons, including their high metabolisms and the fact owners sometimes slack on training tiny dogs. One reason for this is that their accidents don’t create as much of a mess as those of larger dogs, so Zuchons get away with problematic behavior that bigger dogs don’t.
How Much Space Does a Zuchon Need?
You don’t need a massive home to own a Zuchon. These little guys are well-suited for apartment living since they can get plenty of exercise in a space-efficient setting. Don’t leave your dog unattended outdoors though, as their minute size puts them at risk around other animals, such as a large neighborhood dog that might wander onto your property.
What Do Zuchons Eat?
Most Zuchons don’t need a special diet beyond a well-balanced dog food. Make sure the dog food you buy is appropriate for their size as large pieces of dry kibble can pose a choking hazard. A premium commercial dog food formulated for small breeds is a great starting point. This ensures that their nutritional needs are met, including protein for muscle development, carbohydrates for energy, and essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Are Zuchons Healthy Dogs?
Zuchon/Shichon health issues exist, but it’s important to remember that many problems are treatable. Although they aren’t known for having a significant number of issues, Zuchons are indeed prone to certain issues due to their ancestry.
What Conditions Affect Zuchons?
Both their Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu sides have health issues. To catch problems early on, familiarize yourself with common Zuchon medical afflictions and learn to identify the symptoms.
Cataracts
Their Bichon Frise heritage makes them prone to developing cataracts, an issue that affects their ocular lens. Most dogs with cataracts have inherited the issue from their family members, but trauma or diabetes can also cause them. The good news is that surgery often mitigates the issue, although there can be a significant price tag associated with this treatment. For instance, removing the cataracts on just one eye could cost up to $5,000.
Corneal dystrophy
Another eye problem Zuchons can exhibit is corneal dystrophy. This occurs when the cornea clouds over, potentially causing pain and even blindness in severe cases. Sometimes, the eye will need to be completely removed, but frequently, removing only a small ulcer is necessary.
Renal dysplasia
Shih Tzus are known for contracting this problem that stems from underdeveloped kidneys. Sadly, there is no cure for renal dysplasia so the focus is on treating the resulting kidney failure. Symptoms can include excessive thirst and frequent urination, so alert your dog’s vet if you notice these signs.
Dental Disease
Small breeds like the Zuchon are particularly prone to dental issues due to their compact jaw structure. Crowded teeth create the perfect breeding ground for plaque and tartar buildup, leading to periodontal disease. This condition can cause pain, tooth loss, and even systemic infections. Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth and professional cleanings, is crucial to maintaining their oral health. Additionally, providing dental chews and avoiding sugary treats can help reduce the risk of dental problems.
Do Zuchons Need Pet Insurance?
Like many smaller dogs, this breed often lives many years. The Zuchon lifespan can extend into the late teens, with some dogs living 18 years or longer. Because they have such long lifespans, dog insurance is a must. Without a robust pet insurance policy, you could end up paying a lot more than necessary at the veterinarian’s office over the next decade and a half. Embrace offers Zuchon insurance and wellness plans that protect your wallet in the event of a pet emergency.
These plans can help offset the cost of unforeseen expenses, allowing you to focus on providing the best possible care for your furry friend. They cover accidents, as well as illnesses and conditions that may be common to Zuchons in particular. Embrace is one of the few pet insurance providers that includes dental coverage in its comprehensive plans, so you don’t have to worry about dental disease draining your savings.
In addition to accident and illness coverage, consider adding on an optional wellness plan that covers routine care, such as annual check-ups and vaccinations, as well as grooming and dental cleanings! This can help you budget for preventive care and avoid unexpected costs, but more importantly, keep your precious pup healthy for years to come.
Where Did Zuchons Come From?
You might think people have been breeding Zuchons for many years, but in fact, they’re a relatively new breed. As is the case with other “designer dogs,” they’re not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official breed, although both the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise are. Most sources suggest the first Zuchon appeared in the United States sometime in the 1990s.
Although Zuchons are new to this world, they’re sure to stay around for many generations since they’ve gained popularity rapidly.
Where Can You Find a Zuchon?
Since the breed only recently came into existence, Zuchon puppies or adults almost certainly will not be found at the local animal shelter or animal rescue. You will need to visit a breeder if you plan to add a Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise mix to your household.
Beware – not all breeders have their dogs’ best interests in mind. Don’t fall for the tactics that unscrupulous breeders use. These include claiming that their dogs will have zero health problems (no breed is guaranteed not to have an issue) and pushing you to buy one of their dogs immediately (putting money over a dog’s well-being). Instead, only buy a Zuchon from a breeder with stellar reviews and a clean, hygienic facility.
Frequently Asked Zuchon Questions
Do Zuchons shed?
There’s a common misconception that some dogs don’t shed at all. The truth is, any canine will shed to some degree. Fortunately, the Zuchon’s parent breeds are both recognized for being minimal shedders, which means there will be fewer tufts of fur floating around your home. Bear in mind that you’ll need to brush your dog daily to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free.
How long do Zuchons live?
Like many small dogs, the Zuchon typically enjoys a fairly long life. The average Zuchon life expectancy is between 10 and 18 years, which means you have plenty of years ahead with your adorable pup!
How big do Zuchons get?
Neither Shih Tzus or Bichon Frises are big dogs. The larger of the two, the Bichon, rarely weighs more than 18 pounds. This means a Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise mix will typically be even tinier, weighing as little as 10 pounds.
Are Zuchons smart?
Zuchons are moderately intelligent. They might not be the brainiest of the canine breeds, but they are indeed trainable, especially when paired with a firm and consistent owner. Your Zuchon will likely have no problem learning the standard commands like “Sit” and “Stay.” Housetraining proves tricky for some smaller dogs, so begin the process immediately.
What are Zuchon dogs like?
Zuchons love to spend time with their humans. The breed’s defining characteristics are docility and agreeability. Their easy-going attitude makes them a natural fit for homes with other dogs or even cats. Busy households should use caution when adopting a Zuchon, however. Their sweet temperament means they require a lot of attention to stay happy.
Can a Zuchon be left alone?
While most Zuchons can be left alone for a short period of time, the breed as a whole is known for being quite attached to its owners. These dogs can be more likely to develop separation anxiety which means they’re better suited for families that can spend significant amounts of time with them.