All About Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and celebrates purebred dogs. Pure breeds are defined as “of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations.” Though pure-bred dogs are extremely popular and are the only dogs allowed to compete in AKC competition, a new type of dog is gaining recognition and breeder interest. Crossbreeds, or hybrids are on the rise. These are mixtures of two or more pure breeds, resulting in such combinations as the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog).
Though purebred dogs are still popular, hybrid dogs, or mixtures of one or more breeds, are also gaining attention. Hybrids often have resulting cute-sounding names in addition to being cute-looking new versions of dogs. Examples of hybrids are: the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog). Hybrids have characteristics of both parents and this may add to the overall health and beauty of the end result.
The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, is one example of a hybrid not just bred for cuteness and good temperament but also for health purposes. The Bichon Frise is often used in breeding hybrids because its fur is hypoallergenic.
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 but 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 Frise dogs are white, fluffy “powder puffs” with cotton ball-like fur, black eyes and noses, excitable, happy temperaments. Their fur does not shed and they are hypoallergenic. Bichon have health problems such as anemia, dental problems and severe allergies though they themselves are hypoallergenic. Bichon Shi Tzu mixes are usually born with soft, curly and hypoallergenic coats, which are a mixture of both parents. Like the Bichon, they have happy temperaments, and like the Shih Tzu, they are intelligent, alert, and stubborn. They are thought to have fewer health problems then their purebred parents.
Proponents of the Bichon Shih Tzu, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, most likely dream of the day when hybrids can be viewed as their own pure breed. Many pure breeds are the result of cross breeding.
Ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back to 600 B.C. Once called Barbichon, this was later shortened to Bichon. The French added “Frise” which references the breed’s curly fur. The Bichon was not recognized by the French Kennel Club until 1934 and gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1973.
The hybrid puppies of these two remarkable breeds are thought to have many of the good traits of their parents. Just as the Shih Tzu originally descended from a mix of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, it is possible that one day the Bichon Shih Tzu, Beabull, Shi-Poo and even Cock-A-Chon may also be known as pure breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association.
