Bichon Shih Tzu Mix – Top 10 Facts About Shichon Teddy Bear

I’ll never forget the first Shichon I ever met named Biscuit. She was a chunky 20 pounds of fluff and slobbery kisses! Biscuit’s owner told me she drove 8 hours one way to pick up her new furbaby from her breeder in Wisconsin, where they’re quite the cottage industry.

The Shichon is a designer dog of mixed breed, between Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. This Shih Tzu and Bichon mix breed wavers to the smallish side, most adult Shichons may only weigh up to 15 pounds and measure 9 to 12 inches when standing.

The nickname “teddy bear” obviously resonates with breeders who seek to make a cutesy association with their designer breeds to the popular childhood toy. The Shichon goes by several other names, including Zuchon and the Teddy Bear Zuchon. This breed has spiked in popularity in recent years because of how cute the Shichon puppies look.

In this blog post, we will discuss the breed info and major characteristics of the Bichon Shih Tzu mix. Later we will tell you the top 10 facts about this breed, so stay with us until the end.

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix – Breed Info And Characteristics

The Bichon Shih Tzu mix is a mixed breed puppy that is loving, intelligent, and sociable. The Shichon is adaptable to different environments, and it can be found living in apartments and households with families or single-person homes.

The Shichon is just what you need if you’re looking for an animal companion to keep you company. Their personalities and temperament make them amazing therapy dogs too!

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Temperament & Personality

The Shichon is a perfect family dog, and it gets along well with children. In terms of their temperament, they are friendly, social, playful, energetic, and often clingy. They have a laid-back, relaxed demeanor and are mostly suited for living in an apartment (happily following you around from room to room).

They have a high energy level, so if you’re planning on adopting one into your home, be prepared for plenty of activity that will likely include going out for long walks around the neighborhood or playing games inside instead.

In addition, it’s essential to have a strict set of rules when walking outside because they can express bad behavior such as pulling on the leash during walks or relieving themselves in inappropriate places. 

What is important about this puppy is that you should start training it at a young age, so it doesn’t get out of control and become disobedient later in life. This can help decrease any behavior problems like aggression towards people or other pets, as these types of behaviors are often rooted in a lack of training or socialization. 

By doing so, you help your dog get the attention and exercise they need while also helping them become well-mannered members of society

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Size

The Bichon Shih Tzu mix is a small dog, and it’s important that you understand the size before bringing one into your home. 

They weigh anywhere from 10-18 lbs as adults with an average height of 9-12 inches at their shoulders. 

Be sure to note these measurements if you want to ensure they will be able to live comfortably in whatever environment or space you have available for them! 

If this breed does not fit well within the confines of your lifestyle, then don’t feel pressured into getting one just because everyone else recently has been talking about how great they are!

You can also consult with your local animal shelter or rescue group if you’re still unsure if this puppy is best suited to match what you need and want in a pet! 

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Health

The Bichon Shih Tzu mix is a healthy breed, and it usually doesn’t suffer from any genetic disorders if breeding practices are properly done. 

However, there is a small chance this breed to be prone to certain genetic health problems due to poor breeding practices or parents’ vulnerability to something serious like hip dysplasia, eye problems, or respiratory problems. 

To avoid these and other similar diseases, you need to take note of their general well-being by providing regular exercise, proper grooming, and taking them to the vet regularly (at least once a year) to ensure they are healthy and happy!  

In addition, it’s important not to overfeed your furry friend as obesity in animals is just as dangerous as it is with humans – and can even cause serious health problems down the line, such as heart disease and diabetes. So make sure to limit its treats and encourage regular exercise.

Also, avoid letting them play with small toys without supervision because they can easily swallow these objects down whole, which might cause intestinal blockages or other health problems.

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Lifespan 

The average lifespan of the Bichon Shih Tzu mix is anywhere from 12 to 16 years old – which means they will provide companionship for quite some time.

Having the Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix puppy as a companion will enrich your life by providing love and support during difficult times, whether it be depression or anxiety. 

The Bichon Shih Tzu mix is not only a great companion animal, but it can also help improve your mental and emotional health as well. 

Remember that they require plenty of attention and care like any other pet, so be prepared to fully dedicate yourself to the new furry friend you bring home! 

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Care & Grooming

In terms of grooming, regular brushing is necessary as the Bichon Shih Tzu teddy bear has a long coat that can become tangled. Also, because of the long har, you need to check their ears and eyes daily for possible debris. During the inspection, also check for any mats in their fur that might need to be gently removed by hand if they get caught up too badly.

Make sure to brush their teeth at least once or twice a week so that oral hygiene and dental problems don’t become an issue later in life! Their nails and hair need regular grooming too.

In addition, you should always keep your vet’s number easily accessible in case of emergencies such as infections, allergies, injuries, etc., just like with any other type of pet. 

When taking care of them, also put attention if sometimes they seem lethargic or uninterested in playing around because it could be indicative of another medical problem. Noticing these changes early enough before anything serious happens can save you hundreds if not thousands over time in vet bills.

Don’t forget that grooming this breed should always be done regularly whether you opt for professional groomers or do-it-yourself at home kits so that hair doesn’t contribute towards allergies later on either. 

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Feeding & Nutrition

Commercially prepared dog foods and dry kibble make for a great staple diet to provide the Shichon with all of their daily nutrients while adding in some healthy treats, too! 

You should give your Shichon anywhere between one and a half and two cups of food each day, divided into two meals that are designed to match their energy levels.

Serve your Shichon 1 ½ to 2 cups of food every day, which should be divided into two meals that are suited to match their energy levels.

However, as we mentioned previously, it’s important not to overfeed your furry puppy as obesity can lead to many other health problems such as heart disease. Since they are small dogs you’ll want to keep an eye on their weight – and adjust accordingly if need be by cutting back or increasing exercise levels through playtime outside each day. 

It’s important to mention that this breed is known for having poor teeth and gums, so try to avoid hard chews that could potentially damage them further.

In terms of treats, you can definitely give your Shichon some extra special titbits every now and then – but make sure to stay within the allocated daily allowance of calories, or else it could cause digestive problems later on.   

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Training

Most mixed breeds dogs tend to fit into the smart and trainable category as they have a high level of intelligence. However, this doesn’t mean you should skip out on training.     

To start off, make sure not to use harsh or physical punishment towards your Shichon teddy bear as this can impact their behavior negatively for life. So only use positive and reward-based training so you can end up with a trick-performing superstar of a puppy.

This breed is known to jump up onto furniture, so keeping little ones away from those surfaces makes everyone safer in general. That being said though, patience and consistency over time will help ensure these puppies turn into well-behaved dogs.

Note that you should be especially careful with small children around them if they aren’t appropriately trained yet either! Since they are tiny toy dogs, the young kids might injure them while playing, so it’s best to pay extra attention and always keep them both safe.

In addition, make sure not to let them off-leash in an unknown or busy area as they might get distracted and run into the road without proper supervision! 

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix History

This breed dates back to the late eighties or early nineties in America and was originally a designer mix between a Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. 

There aren’t well-documented histories about the origins of this puppy mix, but we can all agree that it really doesn’t matter since they are lovable companions that bring joy to every family.

Top 10 Facts About Shih Tzu Bichon Mix

If you’re planning to get a Teddy Bear canine for your family, there are facts that you need to know in order to make sure that your dog receives the love that it deserves. 

puppy kissing a girl

Fact #1: It Is A Toy Dog/Designer Dog

As a dog of its size, the Shichon mix pup is considered a toy dog or designer dog. In fact, they are usually considered as part of the accessories of some famous celebrities. They love being all dolled up, complete with accessories and clothes.

Fact #2: Not Really A Teddy Bear

While this dog looks a lot like a teddy bear, it’s actually not. While considering that this is a mixed-breed dog, it is quite impossible to consistently predict how a pup would look like. 

However, one thing is sure, a pup will have a fluffy and big coat, which is one of the main reasons why it was given the nickname teddy bear. Since both parent dogs are known for their long and soft coats, you can also expect that their pup will also have this kind of coat. They may have wavy, silky, or curly hair. 

Fact #3: Not Much Effort In Grooming

In contrast to what you might expect from a toy dog, a Shichon dog will not require much effort. Brush their fur every few days to avoid matting and unsightly overgrowth and discourage developing tangles and knots in their coats. 

You don’t even have to brush as often when you request your groomer to keep your pet’s hair short, shaved close to the skin. One of the most popular grooming styles for Shichons is a teddy bear cut, which is a short, tight cut. You’ll go home from the groomer’s with what looks like a replica teddy bear in your arms, this one allowed by law to be domesticated! This type of cut proves effective in reducing, even eliminating the need for constant brushing. 

Fact #4: Big Personality In A Small Body

Despite being tiny in size, these Shichon dogs are actually known for their big personalities. This comes from their Bichon Frise line, making them very charming and smart. They can easily use these adorable qualities to suit them well. 

Bichon Shih Tzu mix pups are very social creatures, making them really great in the presence of people, and even other animals. They are very happy to please their owners and love grabbing the attention of the people around them. They are known for their seemingly endless energy and love for play. However, when it’s time for them to rest, they can also turn out to be relaxed and laid back. 

Fact #5: They Are Amazing Watchdogs

Despite being small in size, Shichons are amazing watchdogs. They are known for their alertness against new people or intruders in their area. In fact, being around strangers is the only time when you will hear them bark because it is not their personality to bark around. 

Fact #6: They Do Not Require Too Much Living Space

Since these dogs are small, they can definitely enjoy doing exercise even at home. This can be done by chasing a ball around or trailing their favorite humans around the house. They may even love a little tug-of-war game. As such, they can thrive really well even in smaller spaces, such as that of an apartment. 

On the other hand, if your property has a yard, it is recommended that your yard be fenced. These dogs are smart, and can easily find their way out should they want to. As such, these dogs should never be left unattended. 

Fact #7: They Can Thrive Well With Small Children

Shichons can really thrive well in the presence of people, regardless of age. In fact, they can do well in families with smaller children. Since one of their parent breeds, the Shih Tzu, is known to be close and loving with children, it is possible that your Shichon pup will also exhibit this quality, thus making for a wonderful playmate even for children. 

Just make sure to train them well around your kids and keep a very close eye on both your kids and the puppy to not injure themselves while playing.

Fact #8: They Are Easy To Train

Shichon dogs are very easy to train. In order to handle them well, positive reinforcement is very important for this sensitive breed. They can easily react with treats and praises. On the other hand, using discipline and other harsh methods may only have the opposite effect. 

Fact #9: They Are Social Animals

This breed is known to be very social. However, you need to start socializing your dogs at a very young age in order to make sure that they can live up to their maximum abilities. 

One way to do so is by taking them to social settings, working on their etiquette, and teaching them to walk on their leashes. Also, note that this dog breed could become attached to their families, thus they are prone to separation anxiety when left alone. 

Fact #10: They Are Less Likely To Be Prone To Genetic Disorders

As a mixed-breed dog, the Shichon have more likelihood to grow into a healthy dog, rather than falling victim to different genetic disorders. This is according to the explanation set by the Institute of Canine Biology, making them better than their purebred friends.

Still, there is no single way to predict whether your puppy will indeed grow into a healthy one, but you can always follow our Shichon health tips to prevent common health issues.

Shih Tzu and Bichon Mix – Pros & Cons Of Having This Teddy Bear Dog

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix PROS

  • Long average lifespan of 12-16 years
  • Intelligent and easy to train
  • Outgoing, social, and loving temperament
  • Doesn’t shed a lot (come with a fairly non-shedding coat)
  • Suited to apartment living (even with small kids)

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix CONS

  • Prone to obesity, hip, respiratory, and eye issues
  • Sometimes tend to be stubborn and may want to have their own way
  • Clingy and prone to separation anxiety
  • Needs regular daily grooming because of the long hair
  • Can get easily distracted or bored

Positives Of The Shichon Mix

They are affectionate, intelligent, and outgoing pups that are adaptable and fit for apartment living, households with families, or single-person homes. In addition, they have a gentle nature, so they make great pets for seniors! 

They’re also known to be good therapy dogs which is always a bonus if you need some extra support from your furry friend during hard times. Plus, they maintain their playfulness constant as they age – so this breed is the perfect companion animal, in general, no matter what stage of life you find yourself at currently! 

Negatives Of The Shichon Mix

They can sometimes be snappy towards other animals since they tend to get territorial over space.    

Additionally, they are also known to be a bit difficult and stubborn when it comes to training as their intelligence can make them bored and distracted if you don’t keep things interesting for them. 

However, with the right methods of positive reinforcement – and lots of patience this shouldn’t become an issue!   

Bichon Shih Tzu Mix FAQs

How Much Does A Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Cost?

The cost to adopt a Bichon Shih Tzu can range greatly depending on the size, age, temperament, and location. However, on average, it will cost about $800 – $3000 for both adoption costs from a registered breeder and initial costs, including things like food and accessories to get your furry friend settled in.

How Big Will A Bichon Shih Tzu Mix Get?

The adult Shichon can go up to 18 pounds in weight and up to 12 inches in size. However, make sure to avoid over-feeding it, which can lead to obesity.

How Long Does It Take For A Bichon Shih Tzu Mix To Be Fully Grown?

A full Grown Shichon will generally reach its adult stage at about five months old—however, they won’t stop growing until around one year old! 

Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and some dogs might mature faster while others could be slower to develop depending on genetics, diet, exercise levels, etc.

What Are You Feeding Your Bichon Shih Tzu Mix?

Food is one of the essential things in any animal’s life – and it can certainly be difficult deciding on what to feed your pet. Some people choose to go with the grain-free, raw food diet, which consists of high-quality meats and vegetables that contain natural sources of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. 

However, you can go with other types of foods available. Even kibble options will work well too, especially since Shichons have a generally average metabolism rate. What matters most is making sure they’re getting all necessary nutrients from their food while avoiding ingredients that could cause allergies because these pups are known to be prone to skin problems (like yeast).

If unsure about their nutrition, always consult your veterinarian.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Bichon Frise Shih Tzu Mix?

The Shichon is a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-16 years.

Where To Find Bichon Frise Shih Tzu Mixes For Sale?

The best place to purchase this puppy from reputable sources (not backyard breeders) would be through classified ads, friends and family members who know someone in the industry, or even attending dog shows where you can meet potential breeders.

How Do You Potty Train A Shih Tzu Bichon?

Potty training a Shichon is going to take some time and patience, especially if they’re still young. Also, it can be very challenging because of their small bladders. 

Some helpful things you can do include: 

1. Providing them with plenty of opportunities for bathroom breaks
2. Establishing a consistent potty schedule where they have access outside every couple of hours or so
3. Using an indoor voice control system that allows your pup to tell you when it needs to go out
4. Rewarding positive behavior

If all else fails, don’t be afraid to seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer – it might cost more money upfront, but it will save you both heartache in the future.

What Are Some Important Tips For New Shichon Parents?

It’s always best if you can bring your new pet home during a time that allows them quiet and rest. This will give them the best chance of adjusting to their new environment without any additional stressors like loud noises or unexpected visitors! 

Just provide your pup with lots of love – and don’t forget about giving proper medical treatment, so they stay healthy throughout the transition process too. It may take up to two weeks before they fully settle in, but once it happens, you’ll know because this breed is very trusting, loyal, affectionate, and loving towards its family members. Just make sure not to leave them alone for long periods of time – they tend to get a little antsy.

Do Shichon Dogs Bark A Lot?

Shichon dogs are known for being very vocal, which can be a good thing because it alerts you when there’s something strange going on in your neighborhood.   

However, if they’re excessively barking at things like shadows or leaves that may not necessarily warrant the noise then this behavior might need to be redirected with some positive reinforcement training by using treats and praise!

You should also make sure they’ve had plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day. Don’t leave them cooped up inside all day long otherwise, boredom will set in, causing them to act out and bark inappropriately. This is why Shichons do best living in homes where they have daily access to an outdoor yard, visit dog parks regularly, go on walks around their community, etc.

Final Words About Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Mix

In conclusion, Bichon Shih Tzu mixes are the perfect companion animal for any household, and they will definitely provide you with unconditional love that is truly worth more than anything in this world!

Overall, Bichon Shih Tzu mixes are wonderful pets that will provide love and support for those who deserve it most. They are very affectionate with their families, making them excellent companion animals!   

The Shichons are an inquisitive and intelligent dog breed that loves being around people and thrives in environments where they have plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Just don’t forget about giving proper medical treatment and providing the best care, so your pup stays healthy and happy all the time.

What do you like the most about this Bichon Shih Tzu mix? Share your thoughts about this teddy bear puppy with us.

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

3 thoughts on “Bichon Shih Tzu Mix – Top 10 Facts About Shichon Teddy Bear”

  1. This is a good description of a Shitzu Bichon mix Dog. We had our Bailey for 15 years. Very healthy and loving puppy that was truly a family member and not just a pet. Loved animals and children and us. I was sick and for all those years was my companion and knew when I needed him to comfort me.

    We lost Bailey in January 2021. Heartbreaking. We are now looking for a new puppy the same breed but there are none to be had in our area in BC Canada. Or they are priced out of our ability to buy them on a disability income.

    Just wanted to say this is a very good article.

    Reply
  2. I have an 8&1/2 month old Shichon. He is a wonderful pup! He was a little hard to house real as he was pee pas trained by the breezed and I didn’t get him until he was 12 weeks old . He arrives by van with an ear infection and was very hyper which was difficult..
    It all changed around 6 months and I was very persistent but loving. He is a wonderful, loving, smart dog!!! I couldn’t ask for more, love, love him!!!!

    Reply

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