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Your Pet, Our Passion.

Zuchon

The Zuchon is one of the smaller designer crossbreeds, but despite their diminutive stature they are full of energy and personality. While more common in the US, it is slowly growing in popularity around the world due to their affectionate nature that makes them a great companion for both young and old. The breeds that make up the Zuchon are the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise.

The Zuchon can be a first cross (with one Shih Tzu and one Bichon parent), they can be bred back to one of the original breeds or be two Zuchons bred together. This means that there are varieties in size, shape, colours and coat types, but in all cases this is a small companion dog.

Height
The usual height of a Zuchon is between 24-29cms.
Shih Tzu - not exceeding 27cms
Bichon Frise - 23-28cms
Weight
2-7kg
Colours
The colours of a Zuchon can be any mixtures of their parents’ colours with white markings.
Shih Tzu: All colours permissible apart from merle. White blaze on forehead and white tip highly desirable in particolours.
Bichon Frise: White
UK Kennel Club Groups
Toy and Utility
The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Generally healthy breed
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Needs under an hour of walking a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
  • Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
  • Gets along with other pets with training
  • May need additional supervision to live with children
  • Needs a small garden
  • Can happily live in the city
  • Can be left occasionally with training
Generally healthy breed

There is often a degree of variation in the health conditions and issues that crossbreeds are predisposed to. This is because some individuals retain more of the characteristics of one breed over the other. 
The Zuchon crossbreed is likely to have fewer respiratory concerns than a Shih Tzu as the cross with a Bichon Frise means there is less shortening of the muzzle and potentially larger nostrils. 

For more information on the health problems that may affect this crossbreed, visit the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise breed pages.

Personality

Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Zuchon depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared.

The Shih Tzu is an extraverted, confident, affectionate dog who can be quite independent and aloof with strangers. They are, but will often think of training as a chore they would rather not participate in.

The Bichon Frise is an extroverted, lively, playful, friendly little dog. They bond very closely to their owners and will want to accompany them everywhere.

The Zuchon is a small companion dog who will enjoy games and being part of everything their owner does.

The personality of a Zuchon seems to be more consistent when they are first crosses (F1). As a line is successively bred, they can be either bred back to one of the original breeds (and so strengthen either the Shih Tzu or the Bichon personalities) or else be bred to another Zuchon - in which case there is less predictability in temperament (and in-breeding becomes more of a potential issue).

Responsible breeders should be prioritising behaviour as highly as health and so it is important to find a good breeder. A well-bred Zuchon should be outgoing and confident and not nervous, shy or fearful.