Highlight on a Dog Breed: Zuchon (Shichon)

The Zuchon, also commonly known as a Shichon, is not strictly a breed of dog; it is a mix of two popular small purebreds. The Zuchon is a result of the cross-breeding (hybrid) of a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. It has a relatively short history, but the Zuchon is becoming a more and more popular dog because of its cute Teddy bear looks and friendly disposition as well as being hypo-allergenic and non-shedding.

Benefits or Disadvantages of a Hybrid Dog like the Zuchon

Hybrid vigor is a term describing the breeding of a genetically superior offspring by combining the benefits and not the disadvantages of the parents. All crossbred animals are not necessarily superior to their parents, but happily the Zuchon hybrid is superior to both the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu.

Purebreds commonly have genetic disorders, disadvantages caused by years of inbreeding. The Bichon Frise has been bred since the 14^th century in Spain and was a cross between a Barbet Water Spaniel and a Poodle. The Shih-Tzu comes from China and is known to date back at least to the sixteenth century. Cross-breeding the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu results in the Zuchon, which has less chance of inheriting the genetic disadvantages of either parent.

The Bichon Frise will commonly have skin allergies while the Shih Tzu commonly has breathing problems and eye problems. While it is possible for the Zuchon to inherit any mix of these traits, it is more likely to suffer from none of these traits. The Zuchon is less likely to have skin allergies than the Bichon Frise. Because the Zuchon inherits a longer nose than the Shih Tzu it is less likely to have breathing problems, and since the Zuchon inherits tear ducts from the Bichon Frise that the Shih Tzu does not have, the Zuchon has a reduced chance of having eye problems.

Physical Characteristics of the Zuchon

The Zuchon is a non-shedding hypo-allergenic dog and will normally have more loosely curled hair than its Bichon Frise parent, whose coat is tightly curled, somewhat like a poodle. The hair of the Zuchon will be three to four inches long. Although the Zuchon can have a white coat like the Bichon Frise it is more likely to inherit the colors of the Shih Tzu. The coloration of the Zuchon can be a mix of black and white, light brown, grey or a combination of these colors.

The female Zuchon will be nine to eleven inches in height. The male may be slightly taller. The Zuchon will weigh anywhere from seven to fourteen pounds.

Temperament

The Zuchon is very good with children. The Zuchon is intelligent, affectionate and lively. The Zuchon is sociable, loving people and loving to please, generally making the Zuchon easy to train. They love to play and love attention. The Zuchon is alert and will serve as a watchdog, and although the Zuchon will bark, it is generally quiet inside the house. The Zuchon is an excellent indoor dog, however, it does enjoy going outside for a walk.

Life Span

The Zuchon, like most hybrids, tends to outlive its parent breeds. The Zuchon can be expected to live 15 years or more.