The Teddy Bear Shichon is a unique and lovable dog breed that makes a great companion for many families.
They are a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu, which is why they often inherit the best traits from both parents.
This breed is known for its low-shedding coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great addition to families with children.
Dog Breed Information
If you're considering bringing a teddy bear shichon into your family, you'll want to know a bit about their temperament. Teddy bear dog breeds, including shichons, are known for their friendly demeanor and love of cuddling and affection.
These breeds are generally sweet and mild-tempered, making them a great match for families with children. In fact, the shichon is often described as a "teddy bear dog" due to its gentle nature.
One thing to keep in mind is that teddy bear dog breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, which may lead to destructive behavior if left alone for too long. Crate training can be a practical solution to this problem.
Exercise is also essential for teddy bear shichons, who require daily walks and playtimes to stay happy and healthy. A short walk around the block can be just as effective as a longer, more energetic romp.
Here are some key characteristics of teddy bear dog breeds:
Overall, teddy bear shichons make wonderful companions for active families who are willing to provide the necessary exercise and attention.
General Information
Teddy bear dog breeds, like the shichon, are known for their friendly demeanor and love of cuddling and affection. They're sweet and mild-tempered, which makes them a great fit for families.
These breeds are intelligent and enjoy learning new things, which means they thrive on mental stimulation and training. They're also easy-to-train, which is a bonus for new pet owners.
One thing to keep in mind is that teddy bear dog breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, so it's essential to crate train them and provide plenty of exercise and playtime. Daily walks and playtimes are a must to keep them healthy and happy.
Teddy bear dog breeds are loyal and loving, and they form strong bonds with their owners. They're particularly smart, which makes them a joy to train and interact with.
Here are some key characteristics of teddy bear dog breeds:
Health
The Teddy Bear Shichon is a generally healthy mixed breed, but like any pet, it's essential to keep up with regular veterinary checkups to catch any potential health issues early on.
Some common health issues that can affect your Shichon include sensitive skin and allergies, chronic dry eye, patellar luxation, cataracts, Cushing's Disease, and gum disease.
Regular vet checkups will help your veterinarian develop a routine to keep your pet as healthy as possible.
Your Shichon needs regular exercise to stay at a healthy body weight, with daily half-hour walks and playtime recommended.
Daily teeth brushing is crucial to prevent dental problems, and your veterinarian can guide you on how to do this properly.
Here are some common health issues that can affect your Shichon:
- Sensitive skin/allergies
- Chronic dry eye
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
- Cushing’s Disease
- Gum Disease
Size and Appearance
The Shichon is a small breed, typically weighing between 9 to 15 pounds.
Their height usually ranges from 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder, making them the perfect lap dog.
Their compact size and cuddly nature give them an undeniably cute appearance.
Shichons have little floppy ears and a black nose, adding to their adorable features.
Their expressive brown button eyes are quite close together, making their face all the more endearing.
They have short stumpy legs and a level back, giving them a sweet and playful look.
Their medium length tail curls over their back, completing their teddy bear-like appearance.
Shichons are the right size to romp around with your children or other larger dogs, but still small enough to snuggle up on your lap.
Recommended read: Small Lap Dogs Breeds
Training
Training a Shichon requires patience and consistency, especially when it comes to housebreaking. It's essential to start training from day one and persevere with a clear plan.
They can be a bit stubborn, so it's crucial to stick to a training plan to develop a well-rounded dog.
Positive reinforcement is the preferred method of training for Shichon dogs, and using treats can be effective, but be careful not to overdo it.
A combination of mental and physical stimulation is also important to reduce unwanted behaviors around the home.
Training a good recall is vital for a Shichon, especially since they're social and love playing with other dogs.
House training can be challenging, but with patience and consistency, it's achievable. They're quick to learn new tricks, but may take a bit longer to master obedience.
Dog Rescue Groups
If you're looking for a teddy bear shichon, you'll want to check out local dog rescues that specialize in this breed. You can also search Petfinder, which lists tens of thousands of animal rescue shelters nationwide.
Local dog rescues are a great place to start your search, as they often have a wide range of breeds and mixes available for adoption. You may not find a purebred teddy bear shichon, but you may find a dog that fits your desired traits.
Consider what's essential to you in a dog, such as energy level or personality type, and look for rescues that specialize in breeds or breed blends that match your needs. For example, if you're interested in a low-energy dog, you may want to look for rescues that specialize in older dogs or breeds known for being laid-back.
You can also try contacting a local animal shelter or rescue group and asking about dogs that match your desired traits. This can be a great way to find a dog that's a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
For your interest: Breeds of Dogs That Look like Teddy Bears
Puppies and Parents
Our Shichonpoo puppies are quarter Shih Tzu, quarter Bichon Frise and half Toy Poodle. This unique combination gives them their fun-loving, outgoing, and cuddly nature.
Their Shichon mom is a mix of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, while their father is our Toy Poodle, Fergie, who passes on his super smarts and sweet hearted personality.
Here's a rough estimate of what you can expect from a Shichon puppy's growth:
Puppy Parents
Shichonpoo puppies have the best of three breeds, with a Shichon mom who's a Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix, making them fun-loving and outgoing. Their father is a Toy Poodle, Fergie, who gives them super smarts and a sweet-hearted personality.
Their Shichonpoo parents are a unique combination of quarter Shih Tzu, quarter Bichon Frise, and half Toy Poodle.
You can get a better feel for what to expect from a Shichonpoo puppy by checking out their grown-up parents on Instagram. One of the grown Shichonpoo puppies, Phebe, is an Instagram star with over 2 thousand followers, sharing her adventures and thoughts on life.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect from a Shichonpoo puppy's growth:
Keep in mind that Shichonpoo puppies will keep growing until around 12 months of age and mentally mature at around 18 months.
Malshi
The Malshi is a social sweetheart that thrives on human interaction. They love being in their guardian's lap and prefer to be near them most of the day.
Malshis are eager to please and easy to love, making them a great addition to most families. They get along with just about anyone.
Their exercise needs are relatively low, requiring only a short amount of physical activity every day. Malshis love indoor play and puzzle games to keep them entertained.
Grooming and Coat
The grooming needs of a teddy bear Shichon are quite specific. They require daily brushing to avoid matting of their hair, which can be a challenge, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Their coats can vary in texture, but they're generally soft and low-shedding, making them a great choice for those with allergies. However, they do need to be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth.
You can expect their coats to change color as they grow, and they may inherit a mix of colors from their Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise parents. Common colors include cream, silver, black and white, brown and white, and chocolate.
Their coats can be solid or have patches throughout, and they may need to wear a sweater in the winter months to stay warm. It's essential to keep an eye on their temperature sensitivity and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
Here are some common colors you can expect to see in a Shichon:
- Apricot
- Cream
- Grey
- Silver
- Tan
- White
Their facial hair can grow quite long and may need to be trimmed every two weeks to prevent eye infections and vision problems. Regular nail clipping is also essential to prevent pain and discomfort.
A good rule of thumb is to brush your Shichon 3-5 times a week, and daily brushing for curlier coat-types to prevent matting. They'll also need regular trips to a professional groomer every six weeks to maintain their signature teddy bear appearance.
Family and Pets
The teddy bear shichon is a wonderful addition to any family, but it's essential to consider their unique needs and characteristics. They are naturally curious and lovable, making them a great fit for families with children.
However, it's crucial to remember that shichons are small dogs with a fragile body frame, so they require constant adult supervision, especially around young children. Even gentle kids can accidentally drop a puppy, which can lead to a fractured limb or worse.
Shichons get along wonderfully with other household pets, but it's still essential to introduce them carefully to larger animals or those that may engage in rough play. Socializing them with other pets while young will help them adapt to living in a multi-pet household.
As a family pet, shichons are perfect for families with older kids (over 8) who know how to handle dogs gently. They are also great for families who don't have a spacious house or backyard, as they don't require a lot of exercise space.
Here are some key characteristics to consider when bringing a teddy bear shichon into your family:
- Friendly demeanor
- Enjoys cuddling and affection
- Sweet and mild-tempered
- Enthusiastic to please
- Easy-to-train
- Low-shedding
- Intelligent
Remember, teddy bear shichons are highly intelligent and need mental stimulation, so provide them with daily walks, playtimes, and training sessions to keep them happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Shichon a good dog?
A Shichon makes a great companion for seniors and families due to its gentle and loyal nature. They're an excellent choice for those seeking a loving and protective pet.
Do Shichon dogs like to cuddle?
Yes, Shichon dogs are known to be affectionate and love to cuddle with their families. They often enjoy being held on one's lap and receiving attention.
Sources
- 17 Teddy Bear Dogs Who Make the Best Companions (dailypaws.com)
- Teddy Bear Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- grooming tools (nbcnews.com)
- Shih Tzus & Furbabies (stfbr.org)
- Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue (bichonrescues.com)
- What is a Shichonpoo? — Bluebell Pup (bluebellpup.com)
- Shichon (Teddy Bear Dog) Breed Information (allthingsdogs.com)
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