The Zuchon, or Teddy Bear dog, mixes the Shih Tzu’s charm with the Bichon Frise’s affectionate, hypoallergenic coat—perfect for city and condo living.
The Zuchon emerged in the U.S. in the 1990s as a companion-focused designer breed. It combines the long-lived Shih Tzu with the playful, low-shedding Bichon Frise.
Compact, fluffy, teddy-bear-like appearance.
High grooming needs due to long coat.
Moderate activity needs; enjoys short bursts of play.
Intelligent but can be stubborn if spoiled.
Balanced diet for small breeds works best.
Generally healthy but may inherit some issues.
Popular in Canadian rescues and with ethical breeders.
Are Zuchons hypoallergenic? Yes—coat is low-shedding, good for allergy-prone families.
Do Zuchons bark? Moderate—alert barkers, train early to manage.
Are Zuchons good with kids? Yes, playful and gentle.
How big do Zuchons get? Typically 10–20 lb and 9–12 in tall.
Are Zuchons easy to train? Yes, with consistency and rewards.
