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ShiChi |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Tibet <> Mexico -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the ShiChi |
| The ShiChi is a design mix between the Chihuahua and the Shih Tzu, both purebreds. This hybrid is popular for its appearance and character. The ShiChi is also known by other names, including Chi-Shi and Chi-Tzu, and is recognized by several breed registries. The Designer Breed Registry and its international counterpart, the International Designer Canine Registry, recognize the ShiChi, as do the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry and the Dog Registry of America. The ShiChi has a big personality in a small body, and is sure to win the hearts of its owners. |
History of the ShiChi |
| The ShiChi is a popular hybrid that has developed in the United States in recent years. However, there isn't much information available concerning the origins or breed programs for the ShiChi despite its popularity as a hybrid. What's more, ShiChi can vary in size, general appearance and temperament, making it difficult to draw up a breed standard at present. Owners wishing to better understand their ShiChi, or those interested in adopting this popular hybrid, can consult the respective histories of the two parent breeds to find out more. |
A little of the Shih Tzu |
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| The Shih Tzu breed is one of the world's oldest surviving dogs, with archaeological evidence dating back 10,000 years to China. The exact origins of the Shih Tzu are shrouded in mystery, as this little companion may have developed in Tibet or China. Regardless of its ancient history, the Shih Tzu was a valuable companion in the region, even if it was kept secret. In the late 1800s, the Shih Tzu's popularity in the Chinese Empire grew due to a shared penchant for the empress. When the Empress died in 1908, several noble families competed to produce the best quality Shih Tzu, and eventually the little dog left China for the West. By the 1960s, the Shih Tzu was being bred and recognized in the United States. The American Kennel Club began accepting Shih Tzu registrations in 1969. Today, this Toy companion enjoys great popularity. | ||
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| Standard of the Shih Tzu |
A little of the Chihuahua |
| The Chihuahua is an ancient American dog. The Chihuahua developed in the region known today as Mexico and is described in historical accounts dating back to the 9th century, when this little companion and vermin hunter was known as the Techichi. The Techichi was highly prized in Aztec and predecessor Toltec culture, and when they died, the dogs were often buried alongside their masters. Techichi were independent but loyal companions and vermin hunters. Unfortunately, the Techichi fell into oblivion with the Spanish conquest of the Americas. However, the fiercely independent and self-reliant Techichi survived on its own and was rediscovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the 1800s, from which the modern dog takes its name. Shortly after its reappearance as the Chihuahua, the breed moved to the United States and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Today, the Chihuahua enjoys great popularity in the United States as a companion and toy dog. |
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| Standard of the Chihuahua |
Appearance of the ShiChi |
| The ShiChi is a toy-sized companion dog, generally weighing between 2 and 5.5 kilos, depending on its parentage. Its head is proportional to its body, with a round face and dark, prominent almond-shaped eyes. ShiChi ears can be erect, like those of the Chihuahua, or folded back, like those of the Shih Tzu. Its muzzle is black and it has a small black nose. ShiChi coats can vary in length, from short to long, depending on which parent the dog most resembles. Long-haired ShiChis have a double coat, and their topcoat is sometimes wavy. |
Temperament of the ShiChi |
| The ShiChi is a ball of energy and shows great affection for its owners. It's an excellent family dog, but much better suited to homes with older children who are unlikely to accidentally hurt the ShiChi or play rough. The parent Chihuahua has a low tolerance for rough play and can be snippy if threatened. ShiChis also need good socialization, otherwise they can develop shy or aggressive behavior towards strangers. Owners should expose their dogs to people, places and other dogs from an early age to help them socialize properly and give them a consistent, gentle upbringing. The Shih Tzu parent makes training easy, while the Chihuahua is independent and stubborn. Every dog is different, but this breed needs a gentle, committed and patient master. |
Needs and activities of the ShiChi |
| The ShiChi's energy level is moderate, and it likes short bursts of energy. However, exercise should not be intense or prolonged. The ShiChi is small enough to perform all its daily activities inside the house, and doesn't need much space to move around. The ShiChi is also more inclined to nap than to run around, but will happily follow its master from room to room to spend time with him. Its size and activity level make the ShiChi perfectly suited to life in apartments and small spaces, and this breed does not tolerate extreme weather conditions. Cold weather is particularly difficult for the ShiChi. |
Maintenance of the ShiChi |
| ShiChi maintenance is easy, especially if the coat resembles that of the parent Chihuahua. They are not considered heavy shedders, and if the coat resembles that of the Shih Tzu parent, the ShiChi will have hypoallergenic qualities. Gentle weekly brushing with a bristle brush or brush trimmer will significantly reduce dead and loose hairs trapped in the coat and help the ShiChi maintain its optimal appearance. Long-haired ShiChis require a little more attention to prevent tangling and matting, especially under their chests and around their heads and necks. Long hair can also trap dirt, debris and moisture, but weekly or twice-weekly grooming will remove most dirt. Owners should only bathe their ShiChi when necessary. ShiChi can be prone to dental problems due to their parentage, and owners are advised to brush their dog's teeth at least three times a week. |
English (United Kingdom)