La-Chon -- Lhassa Apso X Bichon frise

		La-Chon
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Tibet <> France / Belgium -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the La-Chon

The La-Chon is a hybrid breed in which the Bichon frise is crossed with the Lhassa Apso. Hybrid dogs are small, weighing between 3.5 and 9 kilos and generally intelligent. The La-Chon can be stubborn yet loving towards its humans. Typically cheerful and energetic, the La-Chon will also love to cuddle. Although the La-Chon doesn't shed much, moderate maintenance is necessary as its fur tends to mat and tangle. Regular brushing will prevent this from becoming a problem for your La-Chon.

History of the La-Chon

The hybrid known as the La-Chon is a new breed of dog with no detailed history, although the two breeds that combine to create the breed have a long history.

	A little of the Lhassa Apso
	Buddhist monks living in the Tibetan mountains developed the Lhassa Apso as sentinels for temples and monasteries. Some believe the dogs are descended from Tibetan Terriers, while others think the breed may have been influenced by dogs from the North. After studying the breed's DNA, it seems that one of the Lhassa Apso's ancestors could be a type of mountain wolf. The breed was developed to withstand cold temperatures, and their judgment helped them determine whether someone approaching was friend or foe. Dogs of the breed were never sold, although the Dalai Lamas occasionally gave a pair to imperial families and visiting dignitaries. In 1933, the breed arrived in the United States when the 13th Dalai Lama presented a group of small dogs to Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting. The beginning of the breed in the USA came from these dogs, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

	Standard of the Lhassa Apso
	A little of the Bichon frise
	There are many different beliefs about the history of the Bichon frise. While some believe the breed has existed since before the time of Christ, others believe the breed is descended from the Maltese, while still others refer to stories that indicate the breed is descended from the Barbet, the Water Spaniel and perhaps the Poodle. Bichons, all thought to originate from the Mediterranean region, have been divided into four categories: the Bolognese Bichon, the Havanese Bichon, the Maltese Bichon and the Tenerife Bichon. According to history, the breed's dogs were traded by sailors. Popular in Spain, it is thought that Spanish sailors were responsible for introducing the breed to Tenerife, an island in the Canary Islands. Italian sailors rediscovered the dogs in the 1300s, and the breed became popular with the Italian nobility. The breed was also popular in France during the Renaissance, reaching increasing popularity under Henri III. The breed's popularity waned in the late 1800s when the dogs were used at fairs and in the circus. In 1933, the President of the Fédération Canine Internationale recommended that the breed be called the Bichon frise. The first Bichon frise was born in the United States in 1956.

	Standard of the Bichon frise

Appearance of the La-Chon

The La-Chon is a hybrid of the Bichon frise and the Lhassa Apso. Hybrid dogs are small, weighing between 3.5 and 9 kilos and measuring between 25.5 and 46 centimeters. The dog's head will be round, with a short muzzle and floppy ears. The eyes will be almond-shaped and generally brown, like those of its parent breeds. Like the Bichon frise and Lhassa Apso, the La-Chon will have a black nose and a medium to long coat that can be white, black, cream or brown. Hybrid dogs will appear cute and ready to cuddle.

Temperament of the La-Chon

The La-Chon will be an intelligent dog that can be stubborn and very affectionate. Typically, a hybrid dog will have lots of energy and an outgoing personality. The La-Chon is eager to please and will enjoy learning to perform tricks and absorbing the attention it receives by showing them off. Even with his energy, the La-Chon will love to cuddle his humans. The La-Chon may bark at strangers and may struggle with other dogs or pets unless socialized early.

Needs and activities of the La-Chon

The La-Chon is not very active, but will probably have plenty of energy. It will benefit from a few walks each day, as well as some playtime with its humans. Because of its small size, the La-Chon will do well in an apartment, but would like a fenced yard where it can play. Hybrid dogs can chase other animals, so he must be kept on a leash when out walking. The dog park is a good place to socialize your La-Chon, plus this hybrid will thrive on the challenge of obedience class, which will also help him make friends with other dogs.

Maintenance of the La-Chon

A moderate amount of grooming and maintenance will be required for the La-Chon. The hybrid doesn't shed much, but because it has long hair, its fur can become matted and tangled. Brushing at least a few times a week will be important to prevent this from happening. Professional trimming every few months will also help to keep the La-Chon's hair under control. The hybrid should be bathed if necessary, and its ears checked weekly for infection and wiped clean. If you notice long hairs in his ears, they should be plucked. We recommend brushing the La-Chon's teeth several times a week, and trimming its nails if necessary.