Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds
Purebred dogs have been recognized for years, particularly by The American Kennel Club (AKC), which holds competitions for and celebrates pure breeds. Pure breeds are defined as “of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations.” Examples of purebred dogs include the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. In addition to being two of the oldest breeds, these types of dogs have established lineage and documentation of their ancestry.
These hybrids, or “designer dogs” can participate in competitions sponsored by the American Canine Hybrid Club, which recognizes over 100 different mixed breeds. Hybrid dogs usually have parents with a documented ancestry.
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 Shih Tzu, often called Zuchon or Shichon, are a mixture of the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. These hybrids may any of the qualities- good or bad- of both breeds. Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise are two of the oldest dog breeds in the world. While they are both known for having many attractive traits, these two breeds are most likely bred to retain to intelligence of the Shih Tzu and the hypoallergenic coat of the Bichon Frise. Hybrids are also thought to have fewer health problems and other defects than pure breeds due to the fact that hybrids are not the result of inbreeding.
The hybrid of the Bichon and Shih Tzu has the benefit of both breeds. Bichon Shih Tzudogs have a long and documented history on both sides of their family tree. The Shih Tzu originated as far back as 1 A.D. The breed is thought to have descended from cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu breeds were revered by Tibetan monks and honored and presented as gifts by Chinese emperors.
The Shih Tzu most likely is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Though this may have occurred as much as 2000 years ago, the Shih Tzu probably began as a hybrid and is recognized as a pure breed today.
The ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back further, to 600 B.C. The Barbichon were Mediterranean dogs. Later, descendants of the breed went to sea with Spanish sailors and the name was shortened to Bichon. They migrated to Europe and the French added “Frise” to the name to reference the breed’s curly fur. The Bichon Frise dog was recognized as a breed by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1973.