If you’ve ever seen a small, fluffy dog with a round face and button eyes and thought “that looks like a teddy bear,” there’s a good chance it was a Shichon. Our family has raised Shichon puppies on our farm near Hersey, Michigan since 2004, and they’re one of our favorite breeds. Here’s what you should know before you bring one home.
Looking for a Shichon puppy in Michigan?
Every Shichon puppy we offer is born and raised on our farm near Hersey, and our kids help play with and care for them every day. Meet your puppy by video chat or in person, then bring them home with free farm pickup, hand delivery across Michigan and nearby states, or a flight nanny to your nearest airport.
Shichon quick facts
A Shichon is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. You’ll also see the breed called a Teddy Bear dog, Zuchon or Shih-Chon, and they’re all the same dog. Like other “designer” breeds, the Shichon is bred from two known purebred parents, so the lineage is traceable, unlike a random mixed breed.
The goal of the cross is to combine the best of both parents: the Shih Tzu’s affectionate, lap-loving nature and the Bichon’s cheerful, playful personality, in a small, low-shedding package. The Shichon is a fairly new breed. It became popular in the United States in the early 2000s as a companion dog.
Shichons are people dogs. They’re sweet, friendly and happiest when they’re with their family, whether that means curling up on the couch or following you from room to room. Most Shichons get along well with children and other pets, and they’re playful enough to keep up with the kids. That combination can be hard to find in a small breed.
Because they bond so closely with their people, Shichons don’t like being left alone for long stretches. They do best in homes where someone is around for much of the day, or where they can tag along. They may bark to let you know someone’s at the door, like most small dogs, but they’re generally not known as constant barkers.
A full-grown Shichon usually weighs 9–15 pounds and stands 9–12 inches tall, though their fluffy coat makes them look bigger than they are. Size depends mostly on the parents, so it’s worth asking a breeder about the parents’ size. Most of the Shichons we raise grow to about 10 to 15 pounds as adults.
The “teddy bear” look comes from the round face, short muzzle, dark round eyes and plush coat. Not every Shichon grows into the classic teddy bear look, so look at a puppy’s parents as well as the puppy itself. Coats range from wavy to curly and come in white, cream, apricot, black and parti (two-color) patterns.
The Shichon’s coat is the biggest care commitment. Their low-shedding coat is a big plus for many families, but hair that doesn’t shed has to be brushed out, or it mats.
Thanks to the low-shedding coat, Shichons are a popular choice for families with mild allergies. Keep in mind that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, so spend time around the breed first if allergies are a concern.
Our puppies are handled from an early age, so they’re used to being touched and held before they go home. That makes brushing and grooming much easier for you.
With good care, Shichons often live 12–16 years. Like many small breeds and their parent breeds, they can be prone to a few health issues:
Regular vet visits, dental care, a healthy weight and a good diet go a long way. Buying from a breeder who stands behind their puppies matters too. Every Michigan Puppy Shichon is vet checked and microchipped, and comes with a 1-year genetic guarantee.
Shichons are smart, eager to please and happy with a moderate amount of activity. Here’s what that looks like day to day:
The Shichon comes from two long-established companion breeds, and both were bred to sit on royal laps.
Parent breed #1
The “lion dog” of Imperial China
Developed in the palaces of Imperial China, most likely from crosses of the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. For centuries Shih Tzus lived as royal lap warmers and stayed largely hidden from the outside world until the 1930s. The AKC added the breed to its Stud Book in 1969.
Gives the Shichon: its affectionate, lap-loving nature
Parent breed #2
From sailors’ ships to royal courts
Traces back to small white dogs that sailors carried across the Mediterranean, including the Bichon Tenerife from the Canary Islands. Bichons became favorites of the European nobility, then street and circus performers after the French Revolution. The AKC recognized the breed in 1972.
Gives the Shichon: its cheerful, playful personality and low-shedding coat
Put those two lap-dog histories together and it’s no surprise the Shichon loves nothing more than curling up with its people.
| Shichon | Maltipoo | Morkie | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parents | Shih Tzu × Bichon Frise | Maltese × Toy/Mini Poodle | Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier |
| Typical size | 9–15 lbs | 5–20 lbs | 4–12 lbs |
| Coat | Plush, wavy to curly | Soft, wavy to curly | Long and silky |
| Personality | Sweet, playful snuggler | Gentle, smart, eager to please | Affectionate, loyal, playful |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 12–15+ years | 12–15 years |
All three are low-shedding small breeds that do well in apartments. The Shichon is the sturdiest of the three, which makes it a good fit for families with kids. Learn more about our Maltipoo puppies, Morkie puppies and Shichon puppies.
✓A great fit if you…
✕Maybe not the best fit if you…
Why we love Shichons
For our family, it comes down to three things: that charming teddy bear face, their gentle temperament, and how easily they adapt to almost any home. Whether it’s a busy house full of kids or a quiet apartment, a Shichon settles right in.
— The Yoder family, Michigan Puppy
Here are a few things to have ready before your puppy comes home (this list isn’t complete). It’s also a good idea to talk to your veterinarian and groomer before your puppy arrives.
For a full checklist, read Getting Ready for Your New Puppy.
Very little. Shichons have a low-shedding coat, which is why many families with mild allergies choose them. The tradeoff is regular brushing and grooming to prevent mats. No dog is completely hypoallergenic.
Most full-grown Shichons weigh 9–15 pounds and stand 9–12 inches tall. The parents’ size is the best predictor of how big a puppy will get.
With good care, Shichons often live 12–16 years.
Yes, usually. Shichons are gentle, playful and sturdy for their size, which makes them a good family dog. As with any small dog, teach young children to handle the puppy gently.
Our Shichon puppies are usually priced between about $1,300 and $2,500. The price depends on the individual puppy, including its parents and coat. Each puppy’s exact price is listed on its page, and you can see our available Shichon puppies here.
