Zuchons

(Shih Tzu X Bichon)

Other names:

Shichon, Teddy bear Zuchon, Shihchon, Zoochon

Introducing the Zuchon:

The Zuchon is created by the crossing of a non shedding breed (the Bichon Frise) and a very low to non-shedding breed (the ShihTzu) and Zuchons are regarded as a non-shedding breed. While they are a relatively new designer breed in Australia and are quickly becoming popular companions, they have been available in the USA for a much longer time. The most distinctive characteristic of this breed is its teddy bear features, especially as a puppy. The Zuochon is an outgoing and adorable little breed that is suitable for most allergy sufferers including those living in apartments.  Going for a walk without being stopped by strangers who want to cuddle this adorable dog that looks like a teddy bear can be one of the most challenging aspects of owning a Zuchon!

Description of the Zuchon:

The Zuchon is a robust, well-proportioned, and hardy little breed and despite their small stature, they possess a sweet disposition. They are most commonly known for their teddy bear like appearance and is their most distinctive characteristic. The Zuchon has similar facial features to the Poochon with a slightly shorter face than the Bichon while being longer than the flat faced ShihTzu. They have a rounded skull with short to medium length ears. The fur on the face of a Zuchon can be clipped short to give them a quick and easy cut or it can be clipped to look like a fuzzy faced teddy bear.

Temperament of the Zuchon:

Besides its teddy bear features and fuzzy face, the other characteristic of Zuchons are their loyal and outgoing personalities and happy temperament. Affectionate, friendly, and loyal, Zuchons exude a warmth that pleases almost every person they meet. Zuchons are highly adaptable to many different living conditions from apartments to homes with large yards and do best in a home with older, considerate children or with children they have been with from puppyhood. They are suitable for homes with dogs, cats, and other household pets and introduction to these other pets as early as possible will help the other pets accept this walking teddy bear much more quickly. Zuchons will bark to alert their family to visitors or out of the ordinary sounds.

Zuchon Activity level:

The Zuchon is well-suited for city and apartment living. They thrive on family interaction as well as interaction with people they meet while on walks. They do not have a high exercise requirement and a little off-lead play time in a securely fenced yard will normally suffice to wear them out although they will relish a walk to get out and about. They are just as comfortable whether living with a moderately active family or spending time on the couch with the family watching TV.

Zuchon Colours:

The Zuchon can be of any colour including pure white, parti-coloured or even solid colours of cream, apricot and chocolate. They can come in any colour that ShihTzus can be found in and most tend to be white with patches of other colours on their body and particularly around their head and ears.

Grooming your Zuchon:

The amount of grooming required for a Zuchon will depend on the length of its coat. The Zuchon requires grooming of their coat every few days to prevent matting. Clipping their coat every six to eight weeks will keep their coat to a short and easily managed length to prevent matting. Keeping their coat short, like all non-shedding breeds makes them easy to care for. When Zuchons have a clipped coat, they require a quick brush every third or forth day while a longer coat needs to be brushed every day or every second day.

Training your Zuchon:

Both Shih Tzus and Bichon Frise which make up the Zuchon are highly intelligent breeds and the Zuchon is a very quick learner. This coupled with their eager to please nature makes them relatively easy to train, even for the novice owner. Try to make training times short and fun, and change the routine of the training so your puppy does not get bored. The key to successful Zuchon training is to be firm as their teddy bear appearance will help them get away with murder!  Although they are a naturally social breed, early socialization and obedience are recommended for all Zuchons. The crate training method works best to house train Zuchon puppies as they prefer to go toilet away from where they sleep. Zuchons not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods of training and all training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency using reward-based positive reinforcement. 

Zuchon Size:

Zuchons grow to between 25cm to 33cm at the shoulder as adults.

Zuchon Life Span:

14 – 16 years

Finding Zuchon puppies for sale from Zuchon breeders

Zuchons are still classed as being fairly rare at this stage and locating a Zuchon breeder can be a little difficult but one of the best ways is to go through a breeders agent. They will have contact with many different breeders and will usually be informed first of when litters are planned or available. A reputable breeders agent will also be able to provide you with further information on the care of your Zuchon puppy as well as ensuring that the puppy has had the appropriate vaccinations, worming etc and is the right age to go to their new home. We have found Chevromist Kennels to be exemplary in their level of knowledge and service both before and after adopting a puppy and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone wishing to adopt a Zuchon breed puppy. You can visit their website with photos of their beautiful puppies at www.chevromist.com