Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds
Hybrid dogs, or “designer dogs,” result from the mix of two or more pure breeds. Though the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize cross breeds or allow mixed breeds to participate in competition, The American Canine Hybrid Club has been formed in support of hybrids. There are now over a one hundred recognized hybrid dogs.
Though purebred dogs are still popular, hybrid dogs, or mixtures of one or more breeds, are also gaining attention. Hybrids often have resulting cute-sounding names in addition to being cute-looking new versions of dogs. Examples of hybrids are: the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog). Hybrids have characteristics of both parents and this may add to the overall health and beauty of the end result.
Thus, this breed is often utilized in the hopes of retaining its non-allergy causing genetics. The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, is one example of a Bichon hybrid. It is important to note that hybrids are not pure breeds. They are a mix of one of more breeds. Mixed breeds are usually referred to as “mutts,” but hybrids are different than mutts because both parents have documented ancestry.
The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, has resulting traits of both the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu breeds. The Bichon is known for its white, “powder puff” fur and its happy temperament as well as its hypoallergenic qualities. The Shih Tzu is known for being intelligent, alert and also very stubborn. It has a double coat of long, silky fur. Both breeds are two of the oldest breeds known. Offspring of the two usually have a soft, curly hypoallergenic coat (in any color), with the Bichon’s temperament and the Shi Tzu’s intelligence. Bichon Shih Tzu mixes are believed to have fewer health problems than their purebred parents.
Bichon Frise dogs are white, fluffy “powder puffs” with cotton ball-like fur, black eyes and noses, excitable, happy temperaments. Their fur does not shed and they are hypoallergenic. Bichon have health problems such as anemia, dental problems and severe allergies though they themselves are hypoallergenic. Bichon Shi Tzu mixes are usually born with soft, curly and hypoallergenic coats, which are a mixture of both parents. Like the Bichon, they have happy temperaments, and like the Shih Tzu, they are intelligent, alert, and stubborn. They are thought to have fewer health problems then their purebred parents.
Bichon Shih Tzudogs are the hybrid of two breeds with a long and documented history. It is no surprise that there are fans of both breeds that may wish to have the qualities of both in one dog. The Shih Tzu is thought to have descended from cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. The dogs of Tibetan monks, Shih Tzu originated in China and may date back 2000 years.
The Bichon Frise can be traced back to 600 B.C. Descended from dogs called Barbichon in the Mediterranean. Spanish sailors took the ‘Bichon’ out to sea because of the breed’s happy temperament. The breed made its way to Europe and the French added “Frise” to the name to reference the breed’s curly fur. The Bichon was recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1973.
The hybrid puppies of these two remarkable breeds are thought to have many of the good traits of their parents. Just as the Shih Tzu originally descended from a mix of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, it is possible that one day the Bichon Shih Tzu, Beabull, Shi-Poo and even Cock-A-Chon may also be known as pure breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association.
