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Bichon Plus Shi Tzu Equals Shichon

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Bichon Plus Shi Tzu Equals ShichonBy Rebecca Simpson

Hybrid dogs, or "designer dogs," result from the mix of two or more pure breeds. Though the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize cross breeds or allow mixed breeds to participate in competition, The American Canine Hybrid Club has been formed in support of hybrids. There are now over a one hundred recognized hybrid dogs.

The most fashionable breeds to mix with others are poodles and pugs, possibly because of the resulting cute-sounding names. The Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Puggle (Beagle/Pug), and Pug-A-Poo (Pug/Poodle) are just a few examples. Dog lovers choose to mix breeds for health as well as aesthetic reasons. Breeds like the Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic and shed very little. 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," however hybrids are different than mutts because both parents have documented ancestry.

Hybrid dogs are the result of mixing two or more pure breeds. Though most mixed breeds are known as "mutts," hybrids have parents with documented ancestry. Many dog lovers want a pet with the traits of more than one breed. In hybrids, any mixture of hereditary traits of both purebred parents is possible however resulting dogs will have recognizable characteristics of both breeds. These dogs, called "designer dogs" by the media, are highly sought after possibly due to their cute-sounding names as well as their appearance.

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 arealso 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 Tzu dogs 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 Asian emperors.

The Bichon Frise can be traced back to 600 B.C. Descended from dogs called Barbichon in the Mediterranean. Spanish sailors took the 'Bichon' out to sea because of the breed's happy temperament. The breed made its way to Europe and the French added "Frise" to the name to reference the breed's curly fur. The Bichon was recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1973.

It is no surprise that there are fans of both breeds that may wish to have the lineage and other qualities of both in one dog. It may be possible that the hybrid of these two remarkable breeds one day gains recognition as a pure breed by the American Kennel Association.

When writing about the Bichon Shih Tzu, Rebecca Simpsonpulled from her own love and respect for all animals. While poodles and pugs are the most fashionable breeds to mix, Shih Tzu mixed breeds are also popular. One example is the Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon. Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu information as it relates to the hybrid of these breeds is the subject of this article.

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Bichon Shih Tzu - The Best of the Mixed Breeds

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Bichon Shih Tzu - The Best of the Mixed BreedsBy Rebecca Simpson

The Bichon Shih Tzu mix is one of the most fashionable mixed breeds available today. Its small size makes it ideal for city dwellers, and its tendency not to shed means it is the perfect pet for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Some toy dogs are nervous and high strung, however the Bichon Shih Tzu has a fun, carefree personality. The Bichon Shih Tzu wants to spend its every waking moment with its owner. This is not a breed that should be left at home all day while you're at work. Take your Bichon Shih Tzu with you whenever possible. The dog will charm everyone it meets, and both you and the dog will enjoy spending time together.

The breed is a cross between the Bichon Frise, a French-bred lap dog, and the Shih Tzu, a Chinese-bred lap dog. Looking at Bichon Shih Tzu pictures reveals that the breed gets it flat face from the Shih Tzu and its fluffy coat from the Bichon Frise.

If you enjoy taking pictures of your dog, the Bichon Shih Tzu is an excellent subject for photography, and your photograph album will soon be full of Bichon Shih Tzu pictures. Most Bichon Shih Tzus have light-colored coats, so the greatest background for photographing the breed is a dark backdrop, free of any distracting clutter. Using a dark, neutral background will ensure that your pet is in the spotlight.

These dogs are far too active to sit for a photograph, so have your camera ready during a vigorous play session with your Bichon Shih Tzu. When your dog starts to tire, pick up the camera and start taking photos, shooting no higher than your dog's eye level. Take a variety or diversity of shots, capturing your dog playing, resting, and looking directly into the camera.

Thanks to digital photography, bad shots don't cost you a thing, so don't be afraid to take lots of pictures of your dog to ensure that you will get at least one or two great portraitsfrom each session.

Take your dog to your veterinarian for a complete examination as soon as you get your dog. The vet will diagnose any health conditions, give your dog all the required vaccinations, and set your dog up on a schedule of regular health maintenance so your dog can be the perfect Bichon Shih Tzu picture of health.

Because the dog does not shed, it requires regular, specialized grooming to keep its coat from getting too long and overwhelming the dog. A short, perky cut will give your dog the fluffy look typical of the breed and let his personality come shining through. Most Bichon Shih Tzus love the grooming process and will gladly prance around the house to show off a new clip.

The Bichon Shih Tzu has the greatest of both breeds. Its tear ducts and longer nose eliminate the watery eyes and breathing problems that some Shih Tzus have, and the cross-bred has fewer of the skin problems that seem to plague the purebred Bichon Frise.k

A professional breeder of champion toy dogs, Rebecca Simpson is in great demand as a lecturer about the dangers of puppy mills. It's fun to compare pictures of your Bichon Shih Tzu with Bichon pictures and Shih Tzu pictures to figure out which characteristics descended from which breed. Gathering Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu information from a variety or diversity of sources is a good way to keep up with changes in breeding and care. Consult with your veterinarian about the greatest care for your Bichon Shih Tzu mix.

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Shih Tzu Information and History

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Shih Tzu Information and HistoryBy Rebecca Simpson

Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations." Purebred dogs are extremely chic / stylish / trendy / hip / cool and are the only dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association (AKC). These dogs have a documented ancestry, or pedigree, as well as specific characteristics of the breed they represent. Pure breeds are selectively bred, or inbred, to retain and strengthen their genetic traits.

Two chic / stylish / trendy / hip / cool pure breeds are the Shih Tzu and the Maltese. Both are ancient breeds originating in China and Malta, respectively. Because of their popularity and because of specific desirable traits, Maltese and Shih Tzu mixed breeds have gained recognition and interest. A Maltese Shih Tzu mix is called a Mal-Shi.

Though mixed breeds are commonly known as "mutts," the mixing of two pure breeds is viewed as a crossbreed or hybrid. Hybrids are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and can register and compete with proper documentation. Mixing two pure breeds is thought to result in a better overall dog with any possible combination of both its parents' different genetic characteristics.

Maltese Shih Tzu mixed breeds, or Mal-Shi, are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. A Mal-Shi puppy will have characteristics of both its parents. The fur is silky and may be wavy or straight and in varying colors. It is also hypoallergenic and sheds very little. Mal-Shi dogs are energetic, sociable and alert. The Mal-Shi comes from two breeds with long histories and it is no surprise that owners believe this mix benefits from both lines of ancestry.

The Shih Tzu dates back to at least 17th century Tibet, China and may be as much as 2000 years old. Shih Tzu are believed to be a cross breed of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. These toy dogs are sturdy and have two coats of soft, silky, multi-colored fur. Their personalities are described as alert, stubborn, intelligent, and energetic. Shih Tzumay have various health problems such as ocular disease and spinal problems. Their coats are high-maintenance and require daily brushing. Some owners may have the dog groomed in a "pet clip" or "puppy cut", which is a short style that requires less upkeep.

The Maltese (pronounced mawl-tees) side of the Maltese Shih Tzu mix may date back 28 centuries. The breed is from the Island of Malta, and has not changed significantly in the intervening years. This breed has a single coat of long, silky white fur with dark eyes and a black nose. The fur does not shed and thus is considered hypoallergenic. The Maltese is similar in look (except for the uniform whiteness of its coat) to the Shih Tzu with a long, sturdy body that is prone to spinal problems.

These dogs are characterized as sociable, highly energetic, difficult to housebreak and fearless. Their lack of fear for other animals and extreme energy can make them a handful for owners. But they are also lapdogs that enjoy cuddling and are also good overall family pets.

The hybrid, Mal-Shi, puppies-which are the result of the remarkable Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds- have the varied traits of both parents. Just as the Shih Tzu originally descended from a mix of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, it is possible that one day the Maltese Shih Tzu may be recognized as a pure breed by the American Kennel Association.

Rebecca Simpson, a native of Hong Kong, wrote a graduate thesis on the influence of dogs on recent Asian royal culture. The Shih Tzu is as well known for its delightful personality as it is for its long, flowing coat. Shih Tzu information can be found online, at public libraries, and from breeders.