The Shichon, also commonly known as the Zuchon or Teddy Bear Dog, is a companion designer breed developed by crossing the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. The goal of the Shichon is to combine the affectionate nature of the Shih Tzu with the cheerful personality and soft, low-shedding coat of the Bichon Frise. The Designer Kennel Club (DKC) recognizes the Shichon as a designer dog breed and encourages responsible breeding practices that prioritize health, temperament, structure, and soundness.

 

Breed Purpose

The Shichon is bred primarily as a companion dog. It is valued for its friendly disposition, adaptability, intelligence, and suitability for family life. The ideal Shichon is confident, affectionate, and eager to interact with people while maintaining a balanced and stable temperament.

 

General Appearance

The ideal Shichon is a small, sturdy, well-balanced dog with a compact body, moderate bone, and a soft, plush coat that creates the classic "teddy bear" appearance. The expression should be bright, alert, and friendly. Overall balance and sound movement are more important than exaggeration of any single feature.

 

Size

Height: 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder.

Weight: 10 to 18 pounds.

Slight variations are acceptable provided the dog remains proportionate and structurally sound.

 

Proportion

The body should be slightly longer than tall, with a level topline and a compact, athletic build. The dog should appear balanced without being coarse or overly refined.

 

Head

The head should be proportionate to the body with a rounded skull and moderate stop. The muzzle should be medium in length, neither excessively short nor overly long. Lips should be tight and clean.

 

Eyes

Eyes should be large, round to slightly oval, dark brown whenever possible, and set well apart. The expression should be warm, gentle, and intelligent. Eye rims should be well pigmented.

 

Ears

Ears should be pendant, set slightly above eye level, and carried close to the head. They should blend naturally into the facial furnishings.

 

Nose

The preferred nose color is solid black. Liver pigmentation may occur in lighter-colored dogs but is less desirable. Nostrils should be well opened.

 

Bite

A scissors bite is preferred. A level bite is acceptable. Overshot or undershot bites that interfere with normal function are considered faults.

 

Neck

The neck should be medium in length, slightly arched, and blend smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders.

 

Forequarters

Shoulders should be well angulated with straight forelegs and moderate bone. Pasterns should be strong and slightly flexible.

 

Body

The chest should be moderately deep with well-sprung ribs. The back should be short and strong with a level topline. The loin should be firm and slightly tucked.

 

Hindquarters

The hindquarters should be muscular with moderate angulation. Hocks should be well let down and parallel when viewed from behind.

 

Feet

Feet should be compact, round, and well cushioned with strong nails and thick pads.

 

Tail

The tail should be set high and carried gracefully over the back or with a gentle curve. A well-feathered tail is preferred.

 

Coat

The coat is one of the defining characteristics of the breed. It should be soft, dense, plush, and either straight, gently wavy, or loosely curled. Excessively tight curls or harsh coats are undesirable.

The coat should provide the characteristic teddy bear appearance while remaining healthy and well maintained through regular grooming.

 

Color

All colors and color combinations are acceptable, including but not limited to:

• White

• Cream

• Apricot

• Gold

• Buff

• Red

• Chocolate

• Black

• Sable

• Silver

• Black and White

• Chocolate and White

• Parti-color

• Tricolor

Pigmentation should complement the coat color whenever possible.

 

Gait

Movement should be free, smooth, and effortless with good reach in the front and drive from the rear. The topline should remain level while moving. The Shichon should demonstrate balance, coordination, and soundness.

 

Temperament

The ideal Shichon is:

• Friendly

• Affectionate

• Intelligent

• Confident

• Gentle

• Social

• Playful

• Eager to please

• Adaptable

• Family-oriented

Aggression toward people, excessive fearfulness, or unstable temperament is undesirable.

 

Faults

Faults include, but are not limited to:

• Poor overall balance.

• Weak movement.

• Excessive shyness.

• Aggressive behavior.

• Harsh or sparse coat.

• Narrow chest.

• Weak topline.

• Cow hocks or bowed legs.

• Poor pigmentation.

• Bite faults affecting normal function.

Faults should be evaluated according to their impact on the dog's overall health, soundness, movement, and ability to function as an ideal companion dog.

 

Breeder Recommendations

Responsible Shichon breeders should prioritize:

• Excellent temperament.

• Structural soundness.

• Healthy respiratory function.

• Proper dentition.

• Healthy eyes.

• Luxating patella screening.

• Hip health evaluation.

• Appropriate genetic testing for the parent breeds.

• Coat quality.

• Overall longevity and wellness.

Breeding decisions should emphasize health, functionality, and predictable companion qualities over exaggerated physical traits.

 

DKC Breed Standard Statement

The Designer Kennel Club recognizes the Shichon as a designer companion breed developed through thoughtful crossing of the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. The purpose of this breed standard is to promote consistency, responsible breeding, sound structure, excellent temperament, and lifelong health while preserving the affectionate, intelligent, and family-friendly qualities that have made the Shichon one of today's most beloved designer dogs.

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The Shichon, also widely known as the Zuchon or Teddy Bear dog, is a popular designer hybrid created by crossing the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. Developed in the United States during the 1990s and 2000s designer-dog boom, the goal was to produce a small, sturdy companion with the affectionate, loyal nature of the Shih Tzu and the cheerful, playful personality plus soft, low-shedding coat of the Bichon Frise. The resulting dog earned the nickname “Teddy Bear” for its rounded face, plush coat, and cuddly appearance. The Shih Tzu traces its roots to ancient Tibet and the Chinese imperial courts as a “lion dog,” while the Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean (Tenerife in the Canary Islands) and became a favorite of European royalty from the 13th century onward. Because the Shichon is a hybrid, the American Kennel Club does not and will not register it as a purebred. Designer Kennel Club is the primary independent registry providing official papers for Shichons, Zuchons, and Teddy Bear dogs.

 

Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers and ownership documentation for all Shichons (first-generation and multi-generational) with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Shichon, Zuchon, or Teddy Bear dog without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register for $45. All registrations are completed online and papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

 

Whether you are registering a first-generation Shichon, a multi-generational Zuchon, a rescue Teddy Bear dog, or any related Shih Tzu × Bichon Frise cross, Designer Kennel Club provides the official breed and ownership documentation accepted for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.