Zuchon or Shichon is a hybrid breed dog or a designer dog. It is cross between Bichon Frisé and Shih Tzu.
The Zuchon is a small designer dog with a height around 12 inches and weighing 12 to 14 pounds. Zuchon is a portmanteau name combining the two breed names and is not accepted as a breed by the AKC or any other major recognised dog breed registry. It is a dog that does not shed but it also requires maintenance with regular grooming. Because it is a hybrid dog from two purebreds, it is known to have hybrid vigor, when they are first generation, could possibly have better health than the purebred dogs. However, if they are not first generation, health problems can exist. The dog breed has a short history beginning only at the turn of the 21st century.
Video Zuchon
Appearance
The Zuchon is also known as a Shichon or, less commonly, a Tzu Frise. They reach an average height of 9-12 inches from the shoulder, and a weight of 8-25 pounds fully grown. 'Dog Breed Info' says the Zuchon is a dog "known for his endearing face, large expressive eyes, and his soft teddy-bear coat."
The Zuchon usually has a longer coat that does not shed very much, if at all. This longer coat may lead to more time for maintenance and grooming.
As hypoallergenic dogs, Zuchons are generally more suitable for homes with allergy problems amongst the inhabitants, although allergic reactions may still occur.
Maps Zuchon
Temperament
This toy dog is said to have a "great" personality, and it is playful, lively and well-mannered. They can be a bit stubborn, but when they are trained well, they are a good family pet. They are easily trained.
The Zuchon is a well-mannered dog known to be social, happy, and gentle. They become devoted to their families but need much attention and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are good therapy dogs. Sometimes the Zuchon may be stubborn and in need of training. The Zuchon will remain active.
They make fairly good watch dogs. When necessary, this dog will bark to alert its family that someone is nearby. This breed is typically good with other pets, especially when socialized at an early age. This dog gets along well with children, but it may be a good idea to socialize this breed at an early age as well as to supervise play time with children to make sure that the dog does not get hurt as a result of its small size.
Health
An important feature with the Zuchon hybrid breed is its longevity. The average life-expectancy of a Zuchon is around 12-15 years. The Zuchon, like many hybrid breeds, is usually healthy without showing the congenital defects that purebreds can have from inbreeding. However, this is only true if the Zuchon is a first generation dog. When a multi-generation Zuchon is born, the possibility of health issues increases. Some possible defects known to designer dogs include canine hip dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy, and liver disease.
History
Americans began breeding designer dogs in the 1990s. The Zuchon is a cross between an oriental Shih Tzu and a Mediterranean Bichon Frisé. Although this breed of dog is relatively new, its popularity and fame is growing quickly. The Zuchon is still not thought of as an official breed of dog, only a cross-breed. This may change as the dog is becoming a popular toy dog being classified with all other toy dog purebreds. Organizations that recognise this breed include the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
References
External links
- Official website
- Zuchon, Petguide.com
- Shichon, Dog Breed Plus
- Teddy Bear Puppies, Teddy Bear Dogs! Facts and Information. the Complete Owner's Guide to the Dogs That Look Like Teddy Bears: Teddy Bear Dogs, Shichons, Zuchons. Buckley, Joseph. October 8, 2014. ISBN 9780990607212.
Source of article : Wikipedia
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