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Zuchon |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Tibet <> France / Belgium -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Shichon
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A brief presentation of the Zuchon |
| The Zuchon is a small, teddy-bear-like dog that will fill your life with love. Their average weight varies between 2 and 7 kilos, and they can measure between 15 and 30.5 centimeters. These dogs are very affectionate, loyal and cheerful. They form deep bonds with their families and are very gentle. They are also perfect for children and get on well with other pets. These hypoallergenic dogs have long fur that can be curly or silky, and can be fawn, black, white, cream, red and a combination of colors. They have very gentle faces and tender eyes. |
History of the Zuchon |
| The Zuchon is a hybrid dog breed developed by crossing a Bichon Frise with a Shih Tzu. This dog was first bred in the USA in the 1990s, with the aim of creating a gentle, teddy-bear-like dog that would make an excellent companion and, what's more, be gentle with children. |
A little of the Shih Tzu |
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| The Shih Tzu is considered one of the 14 oldest dog breeds. The breed is thought to have been developed by Tibetan monks, who gave the dogs to Chinese royalty. Another theory is that the Shih Tzu was created in China and is descended from the Lhasa Apso or Pekingese. Dogs resembling the Shih Tzu are depicted in paintings, writings and works of art dating from 618 to 907 CE, during China's Tang dynasty. References to these dogs are also found in documents and paintings dating from 990 to 994 A.D. It is known that in the 13th century, the Mongol emperor Kubla Khan kept small dogs that were used to calm lions, and it is thought that these dogs were Shih Tzu. Lion dogs were also mentioned during the Ming dynasty, from 1368 to 1644. In 1861, the breed became famous thanks to Empress T'zu Hsi's love of these dogs. She received a pair of Shih Tzus from the Dalai Lama, and it is said that these dogs had their own palace. The breed arrived in England in 1928 and was later imported to the United States. The American Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969. | ||
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| Standard of the Shih Tzu | ||
A little of the Bichon frise |
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| The Bichon Frise is thought to have originated in Italy. The breed was introduced to France in the 14th century by sailors who found the dogs in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. The Bichon is descended from the Barbet and is related to the Bolognese, Maltese, Havanese and Coton de Tuléar. The breed's popularity quickly spread to the European nobility. In the 16th century, under the reigns of King Henry III of England and King François I of France, the Bichon Frise was highly prized. The breed was also admired in Spain, and great artists such as Goya portrayed it. Eventually, the Bichon became too familiar and ordinary, owned by ordinary people such as circus performers and barrel organ players. But thanks to its personality and cuteness, the Bichon regained its popularity. After the First World War, French breeders were determined to preserve the breed, and the official breed standard was established in 1933. At the time, the dog had two names: Tenerife and Bichon; the breed was later named Bichon à poil frisé. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1971. | ||
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| Standard of the Bichon frise |
Appearance of the Zuchon |
| Zuchons are small, teddy-bear-looking dogs. They weigh between 2 and 7 kilos as adults and measure between 15 and 30.5 centimeters. Their fur is long and flowing, and can be curly or silky, depending on the breed they're based on. Their eyes can be brown or hazel, and their nose is black. Their coat can be white, black, gray, russet, fawn, cream and brown, or a combination of colors, such as black and white. Their head is slightly rounded and their muzzle is flat and broad. Their ears are soft and hairy, and their tails curl over their backs. Zuchons have a solid body with strong legs and feet. |
Temperament of the Zuchon |
| The Zuchon is a really happy, friendly dog. They are very sociable, affectionate, gentle and lively. This hybrid dog is always looking to please his family; he's also quite intelligent, which makes him very easy to train. Zuchons are very loyal and form deep bonds with their families; they can even understand their master's body language. These dogs are excellent with children; they are very gentle, patient, and love to play and attract attention. They also get on well with other dogs and pets. These dogs are happiest when they are a beloved member of the family; they love to snuggle and sleep with their owners. They are very sensitive and suffer from separation anxiety, so it's not recommended to leave them alone for long periods. Apart from that, these dogs are very calm and rarely bark. |
Needs and activities of the Zuchon |
| The Zuchon doesn't need much activity to stay healthy and happy. He'll do well with daily playtime at home. However, we recommend taking him out for a short 15-20 minute walk several times a day, so he can socialize and get some fresh air. Zuchons love to sunbathe, play and snuggle. They also love to swim, so having a plastic pool for him is a great idea. They adapt very well to life in an apartment. These dogs are made to live indoors with their families, and they love to sleep with their owners. They thrive in moderately warm climates. |
Maintenance of the Zuchon |
| The Zuchon is a hypoallergenic, non-shedding dog, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. We recommend combing your Zuchon daily to avoid tangles and knots. You should also have your dog's hair trimmed every 3 months, so that he looks like a teddy bear with a beautiful, healthy coat. You should also trim the hair around his eyes, to avoid infections and obstructed vision. Trim his nails once or twice a month, depending on their length, and brush his teeth at least 3 times a week to remove tartar. Clean her ears weekly, using absorbent cotton and an ear-cleaning solution. She doesn't often smell bad, so occasional baths will do the trick. |
English (United Kingdom)