Shichon Breeder Guide for First-Time Owners

As a first-time Shichon breeder, it's essential to understand the basics of this wonderful breed. Shichons are a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu, and they require a lot of love and attention.

They are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times. This means you'll need to be patient and consistent in your training methods.

Shichons are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great family pets. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing.

On average, Shichons weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand between 9-10 inches tall. This makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with small living spaces.

Worth a look: Great Pyrenees Breeder

Regular vet checkups are a must to detect any health issues early on. Your vet can help you develop a routine to keep your pet as healthy as possible.

Shichons have high energy levels, so they need regular exercise to stay healthy. A daily half hour walk and some playtime should do the trick. To prevent obesity, it's essential to stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit treats.

Daily teeth brushing is crucial to prevent dental problems, which are common in small breed dogs like Shichons. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to do this properly.

Shichons are small dogs, typically weighing between 9 and 15 pounds, and standing between 9 and 12 inches tall.

Their small size means they don't need a lot of space to run around, making them a great choice for city living or apartments.

They can be prone to being overweight if overfed, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get plenty of exercise.

A short walk or playtime each day can help keep them happy and healthy.

Shichons have a low-shedding coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Brushing their coat 2-3 times a week can help keep them looking their best.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help prevent health issues and ensure they stay healthy.

With proper care and attention, Shichons can live a long and happy life, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years.

Their small size and adaptable nature make them a great companion for many families.

Feeding your Shichon requires careful consideration of their high energy level and tendency to overeat. Limit their treats to avoid obesity.

A regular feeding schedule is essential to maintain a healthy weight. Stick to it, even if your Shichon seems to have plenty of energy.

Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and then into their senior years. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Shichons have varying needs due to differences in weight, energy, and health among individual dogs. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to their diet.

Shichons need regular vet checkups to catch any health issues early on. Your vet can help you develop a routine to keep your pet as healthy as possible.

Shichons have high energy levels, so they need plenty of exercise to stay at a healthy body weight. A daily half hour walk, a game of fetch, and a bit of playtime with the kids will help keep them in shape.

Daily teeth brushing is a must for Shichons, as they're prone to dental problems. Your veterinarian can show you how to do this properly.

Shichons have long hair, which needs regular grooming. Check their eyes and ears daily for debris, and create a grooming schedule with your vet and groomer to keep their coat and nails in good shape.

A 30-45 minute walk every day is plenty for most Shichons, but they also enjoy playing indoors and burning off energy. They'll eagerly accept any opportunity to go out, sniff, and explore.

Shichons are fast learners and love training sessions, as long as they're fun and rewarding. Bring plenty of treats, praise them, and keep the sessions short and productive.

Related reading: Shichon Grooming

Shichons are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence and love for their people, making positive reinforcement techniques very effective.

They can learn impressive tricks and enjoy dog sports like agility, but may struggle with housetraining, requiring patience and consistent reward for doing their business outdoors.

Shichons are naturally extroverted and intelligent, but not yappy dogs, and are highly protective of their family and household, making excellent watchdogs.

However, they can be a bit clingy and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone frequently or for extended periods, so early crate training and possibly doggy daycare are recommended.

Their intelligence and loving nature also make them excellent therapy and emotional support animals, perfect for those suffering from illnesses.

Shichons are generally good with other pets, including cats and dogs, as long as they are socialized with them from a young age.

Suggestion: Returned Dogs

Shichons are naturally extroverted and intelligent, making them a joy to be around. They're not big barkers, but they're highly protective of their family and household, making them excellent watchdogs.

These small breed dogs love their families so much that they can be a bit clingy and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone frequently or for extended periods of time. This is why crate training is essential, especially for young Shichons.

Shichons are extremely intuitive creatures, which makes them perfect companions for people with illnesses. They have a loving and caring nature, and they'll never leave your side when you need them most.

Their high level of intelligence can sometimes make housetraining a bit of a challenge, especially with their stubborn streak. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your Shichon to do their business outside.

Shichons are diplomatic dogs that get along well with most other pets, including cats and fellow dogs, as long as they've been socialized with them from a young age. This makes them a great addition to families with multiple pets.

Their people-loving nature makes them a great fit for families with children, but it's essential to supervise interactions and teach kids how to properly play with small animals. With proper training and socialization, Shichons can thrive in families with kids.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Breeders of Hypoallergenic Dogs

Shichons are not excessive barkers, but they will bark when they sense something unusual, such as a stranger approaching the house.

Like most dogs, shichons bark at the doorbell or when they hear an unfamiliar noise.

You can train your shichon not to bark, and this training can be effective at any age.

However, starting training when your shichon is a puppy may make it even more effective.

Living with a Shichon is a joy, and they'll keep your lap warm and your spirits high during those work-from-home Zoom calls. They thrive on quality time with their humans, so be prepared for a constant companion.

They do best with a family that's home quite a bit, but they can also be an ideal pet for older adults due to their relatively low exercise needs. Shichons are small and don't need a lot of space, making them a great choice for apartment living.

Shichons are loving and playful, but they're not an all-weather sporty breed, so they'll happily lay down and relax when you're having some downtime. They enjoy playing outside in short bursts, but be cautious of heat stroke due to their thick coat and flat face.

Living with a Shichon means considering the needs of both your new furry friend and your family. Shichons are loving companions that thrive in households with children, but it's essential to socialize them properly from an early age.

Adult supervision is crucial when children interact with Shichon puppies to prevent accidental drops that can lead to fractures.

Shichons are naturally curious and gentle, making them a great match for families with kids. However, it's still important to teach children how to handle them carefully.

Housebreaking may be a challenge for new owners, but with patience and consistency, Shichons can learn to go potty outside.

Rewarding your Shichon with treats and praise every time they eliminate outside is a great way to encourage good behavior.

If your Shichon does have an accident indoors, don't punish them, as this can make the problem worse. Instead, use an enzyme cleaner to remove the odor and prevent further accidents in the same spot.

Shichons get along well with other household pets, but introducing them to larger animals or rough-play animals requires caution due to their small size.

Living with a Shichon in an apartment can be a great idea. Shichons are small and don't need a lot of space, making them a great choice for apartment living.

They're not super high energy, so they're happy to chill out on the couch. This makes them perfect for a relaxing evening at home.

Shichons enjoy playing outside, but in short bursts, so a quick game of fetch or a short walk is all they need. They're not an all-weather sporty breed, so it's best to play indoors when it's hot outside.

They're also happy to lounge around the house and don't require a yard. This makes them an ideal pet for older adults or those who live in apartments without a yard.

Living with a Shichon can be a wonderful experience, and one of the benefits is that they can make fantastic support animals. They are easily trainable, which is a huge plus.

Their friendly and loving nature makes them a great fit for tasks that don't require a large dog. In fact, they can excel as psychiatric service dogs and emotional support animals.

Their small size might limit them to certain types of service tasks, but it's not a deal-breaker. They can still provide comfort and companionship to those who need it most.

Overall, Shichons have a lot to offer as support animals, and with the right training, they can thrive in this role.

The Shichon is a relatively healthy mixed breed, but like any pet, they can inherit health issues from their parents. Sensitive skin and allergies are common in Shichons, as well as chronic dry eye, patellar luxation, cataracts, Cushing's Disease, and gum disease.

Regular veterinary checkups are essential to maintaining your Shichon's health. Shichons are also prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye health problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

To prevent dental problems, brush your Shichon's teeth daily and follow your vet's recommendation for professional cleanings. Most veterinarians recommend yearly dental cleanings for Shichons.

Here are some common health issues that affect Shichons:

Shichons have a variety of coat textures and colors, and they require regular grooming to prevent matting. Daily brushing is necessary for long coats, while shorter coats may only need weekly or biweekly brushing.

Shichons have a variety of coat textures, ranging from long straight hair to wavy or curly coats, as they inherit traits from their Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise parents.

Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting, especially for long coats that need to be brushed daily. Regular grooming appointments are also crucial to keep their coats looking their best.

Shichons are low shedders, making them an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Their soft coats will continue to grow until trimmed.

Shichons are sensitive to extreme temperatures and may need to wear a sweater in the winter months. They should not spend extended periods of time in the cold or heat.

Regular grooming appointments are necessary to prevent matting and keep their coats looking their best. Some owners prefer to have their Shichons professionally groomed every two months.

Shichons need to be brushed more frequently as their coat grows out, as matting can make it difficult to give them a nice trim.

The Shichon is a relatively healthy mixed breed, but like any pet, it's essential to maintain good health care and keep up with regular veterinary checkups. Some common health issues that can affect Shichons include sensitive skin and allergies, chronic dry eye, and patellar luxation.

Shichons are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the joint doesn't develop as it should and becomes loose, which can cause pain, mobility issues, and osteoarthritis. They may also inherit eye health problems such as cataracts from their Shih Tzu side.

Cushing's Disease and gum disease are also potential health issues that can affect Shichons. Regular veterinary checkups can help identify these issues early on and prevent more severe problems from developing.

To increase the chances of getting a healthy Shichon, it's essential to purchase from a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock for relevant diseases prior to mating. This can help prevent the passing of genetic disorders to their puppies.

Here are some common health risks that Shichons may face:

Regular dental care is crucial for Shichons to prevent tooth loss due to gum infection. Brushing their teeth daily and following your vet's recommendation for professional cleanings can help keep their teeth healthy.

If you're looking for a reputable Shichon breeder, there are a few key questions to ask. These questions will ensure you're getting a healthy puppy from a trustworthy source.

A good breeder should be able to provide health certifications and necessary vet checks for their puppies. This is crucial in ensuring your Teddy Bear puppy comes from a lineage of well-cared-for dogs.

To find a reputable breeder, you can start by asking about their credentials, such as how long they've been in business and how familiar they are with Shichons. You should also ask to see health tests for the parent animals and meet the parent dogs to get a sense of their temperaments.

Here are some questions to ask a potential breeder:

You can start by using Google to find breeders in your area. However, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy from a reputable source.

A reputable breeder should be happy to share their credentials with you, including how long they've been in business and their experience with Shichons.

You should also ask about health testing for the parent animals and request to see the test results.

A respectable breeder should be willing to show you where the dogs are kept, giving you a sense of their living conditions.

Meeting the parent dogs can also give you insight into their temperaments and the potential temperaments of the puppies.

Some breeders prioritize socialization, which is crucial for puppies to become friendly and confident.

A health guarantee with a contract can provide peace of mind and protection for your puppy's well-being.

Be prepared for breeders to ask you questions about your experience as a dog owner and your home environment.

Here are some essential questions to ask a breeder:

If you're considering bringing a Shichon into your family, it's essential to think about whether this breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.

The Shichon is a great option for people with allergies, as they are relatively low-shedding.

You'll want to consider whether you're prepared to spend extra time on housebreaking, as Shichons can be a bit stubborn at times.

If you have young children, a Shichon can make a wonderful companion, as they are generally good with kids.

However, if you're looking for a dog that can join you for strenuous exercise, the Shichon may not be the best choice.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a playful but not demanding dog, the Shichon is a great option.

You'll also need to consider the grooming needs of a Shichon, as they require regular coat trimming and brushing.

Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a Shichon is right for you: