If you’re looking for a little dog with an enormous personality, the Bichon Shih Tzu mix is the dog for you. This sought-after breed is a cross between the French lap dog, the Bichon Frise, and the Chinese lap dog, the Shih Tzu. Breeders have refined both breeds for centuries to create happy canine companions who want to be the center of your world.

Your Bichon Shih Tzu mix wants to go everywhere with you. His small size makes him easy to carry in a messenger bag or handbag, and his coat does not shed, so you will save a lot of wear and tear on your furniture and upholstery from not having to constantly remove dog hair. And allergy sufferers in your family will thank you for getting a mixed breed instead of a purebred Shih Tzu.

If you look at Bichon Shih Tzu pictures, you can easily see that the mixed breed’s flat facial features come from the Shih Tzu, and the fluffy coat comes from the Bichon Frise.
The Bichon Shih Tzu loves the camera, and if you like digital photography, the hard drive on your computer will soon be full of Bichon Shih Tzu pictures. Be sure to take plenty of shots during each photo session to ensure that you get one or two good portraits of your dog.

This mixed breed Bichon Shih Tzu is too active to pose for pictures, so grab your camera and start snapping away while your dog plays. As the dog begins to get tired and moves more slowly, you’ll have more time to set up clear shots. Take a variety of pictures at eye level with your dog, and be sure to capture any unusual features, like distinctive markings on the feet or tail.

Some of the most appealing photos are taken when the dog looks directly into the camera. Holding one of your dog’s favorite toys or treats behind the camera will encourage your dog to look into the camera lens.
A veterinarian should examine your new Bichon Shih Tzu as soon as you can schedule an appointment. At the vet clinic, your dog can get any necessary treatments, like de-worming and vaccinations, and you can schedule an appointment to spay or neuter your dog.

If you don’t already have a veterinarian, consult friends and family members who have pets to find out where they go for veterinary care. Very soon you will have a list of veterinarians from which to choose. Select the recommended vet clinic closest to your home, as you will want your dog to be a Bichon Shih Tzu picture of perfect health.

At your Bichon Shih Tzu’s first appointment, the veterinarian will examine the dog’s eyes, ears, mouth, and coat, and will listen to the dog’s heart and bowel sounds. Fortunately, cross breeding has eliminated some problems specific to each pure breed, like the Shih Tzu’s watery eyes and wheezing and the Bichon Frise’s sensitive skin.

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 of sources is a good way to keep up with changes in breeding and care. Consult with your veterinarian about the best care for your Bichon Shih Tzu mix.