Zuchon

Dog Breed Profile

Zuchon History

The Zuchon is a mixed-breed puppy, or “designer”, that is a cross between a Bichon Frise and either a Chinese Crested or a Shih Tzu. The Zuchon is also sometimes referred to as the “Zu-Shi”, “Sicilian Puff”, “Puff-Shi”, or “Bi-Shi”. The hybrid origin of the Zuchón is disputed. Some believe the lineage of the Zuchón can be traced back to the Chinese Crested, Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. The “bi” in “Bi-Shi” refers to the similarity in appearance between the Bichon and the Shih Tzu, while the “zu” in “Zu-Shi” comes from the Japanese word for “puff”, referring to the fluffy coat of the Bichon. Others argue that the Zochon may have originated from the mixing of several different purebred dogs, including: the Bichon Frise, the Shih Tzu, the Japanese Chin, and the Pomeranian.

Time of Origin

1990s

Country of Origin

United States Of America

Ancestry

Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu

Zuchon Physical Characteristics

The Zuchon is an affectionate, playful, intelligent, and good-natured small breed that is typically between 10 and 14 inches in height at the shoulders and between 9 and 20 pounds in weight. They have an elongated, compact body with a flat face and wrinkled muzzle. They have round, dark eyes. Their ears are large and folded over. Their short, silky coats can be a variety of colors and are usually white. The hair on the tail and the legs can be a different color than the fur on the body.

Eye Colors

Hazel, Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Black, Cream, Red, Pied, White, Fawn, Gray

Height Range

Male Height Range: 7 – 12 inches

Female Height Range: 6 – 11 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 6 – 15 lbs

Female Weight Range: 5 – 14 lbs

Zuchon Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-15 yrs

Zuchon Health Concerns

Patellar Luxation, Deafness, Canine Hip Dysplasia, Allergies, Liver Disease, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Zuchon Temperament and Behaviour

The Zuchon is a small, non-shedding, hypoallergenic, and companionable pet. They are gentle and devoted, and get along well with children, other pets, and their owners. They are playful, but often become sad when left alone for long periods of time.

Zuchon Activity Requirements

The Zuchon is a small cross-breed dog that originated in the United States. They were originally bred as companion animals for elderly Japanese women. Because they are a cross between two different breeds, Zuchons have physical traits that are similar to both. They have the silky coat of the Bichon Frise, but they are a bit bigger than a Bichon. They also have a larger head like the Shih Tzu. While they enjoy spending time with their families, the Zuchon’s small size makes them better suited to living in an apartment or a home with a small yard. They are well suited for apartment living, but they will need some regular exercise.