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).

These hybrids, or “designer dogs” can participate in competitions sponsored by the American Canine Hybrid Club, which recognizes over 100 different mixed breeds. Hybrid dogs usually have parents with a documented ancestry. Hybrids have become popular due to the fact they can have any mixture of the characteristics of both parents. The most popular dogs to cross with other breeds are poodles and pugs. Some choose to cross breed for health as well as aesthetic reasons. Breeds like the Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic and shed very little. This is beneficial to pet lovers with allergies. The Bichon Shih Tzu is one popular, non-allergy causing mix.
The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, has resulting traits of both the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu breeds. The Bichon is known for its white, “powder puff” fur and its happy temperament as well as its hypoallergenic qualities. The Shih Tzu is known for being intelligent, alert and also very stubborn. It has a double coat of long, silky fur. Both breeds are two of the oldest breeds known. Offspring of the two usually have a soft, curly hypoallergenic coat (in any color), with the Bichon’s temperament and the Shi Tzu’s intelligence. Bichon Shih Tzu mixes are believed to have fewer health problems than their purebred parents.

Purebred animals have health problems due to their long history of in breeding, which is done to strengthen the characteristics of the breed. A Bichon Frise often suffers from a severe form of anemia and, though they are hypoallergenic, they are prone to severe allergies themselves. Shih Tzu are prone to eye allergies and other eye problems, cannot handle temperatures above 75 degrees, and require daily brushing to keep their fur from matting.
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. The Shih Tzu most likely is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Though this may have occurred as much as 2000 years ago, the Shih Tzu probably began as a hybrid and is recognized as a pure breed today.

The ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back further, to 600 B.C. The Barbichon were Mediterranean dogs. Later, descendants of the breed went to sea with Spanish sailors and the name was shortened to Bichon. They migrated to Europe and the French added “Frise” to the name to reference the breed’s curly fur. The Bichon Frise dog was recognized as a breed by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1973.

It is important to know the many positive characteristics of resulting Shih Tzu mixed breeds such as the Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon. Shih Tzu information and Bichon Shih Tzu mixed breed information is provided in this article.