Popular Mixed Breeds: Bichon Shih Tzu

Purebred dogs have been recognized for years, particularly by The American Kennel Club (AKC), which holds competitions for and celebrates pure breeds. Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations." Examples of purebred dogs include the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. In addition to being two of the oldest breeds, these types of dogs have established lineage and documentation of their ancestry.

The most popular 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.

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.

The two pure breeds, Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, have positive and negative traits. The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a double coat of long silky fur. This breed is very alert and intelligent, and also very stubborn. Shih Tzu may have health problems such as frequent eye infections, inability to withstand high temperatures, and fur that is prone to matting and tangling if not either brushed daily or given a "pet clip", which is a short haircut done only if the dog is not in competition.

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.

Bichon Shih Tzudogs are the hybrid of two breeds with a long and documented history. It is no surprise that there are fans of both breeds that may wish to have the qualities of both in one dog. The Shih Tzu is thought to have descended from cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. The dogs of Tibetan monks, Shih Tzu originated in China and may date back 2000 years.

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.

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