Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise Mix Puppies for Sale

If you are searching for Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix puppies for sale, you have likely already fallen for their teddy-bear faces and soft, fluffy coats. This crossbreed — commonly called the Shichon, Zuchon, or simply "Teddy Bear dog" — combines two of the most affectionate companion breeds in the canine world [citation:2][citation:13]. The result is a small, people-oriented dog that adapts well to apartments, families with older children, and first-time owners who are prepared for a serious grooming commitment.

However, buying a puppy is not a decision to rush. The market for designer breeds is full of misleading listings, and prices vary wildly based on lineage, health testing, and breeder reputation. This guide gives you the practical knowledge to evaluate a litter confidently, ask the right questions, and avoid the common traps that lead to heartbreak and unexpected veterinary bills.

The Shichon is a deliberate first-generation cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. Unlike purebreds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Shichon is a designer hybrid, though it is registered by several hybrid-breed clubs [citation:13]. The goal of this cross is straightforward: combine the Shih Tzu's devoted, lap-loving nature with the Bichon's cheerful disposition and low-shedding coat.

Fully grown Shichons typically weigh between 9 and 18 pounds and stand roughly 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder [citation:13]. Their coats can range from wavy to curly, and colors include white, cream, apricot, sable, and multi-color combinations. Many Shichon puppies change coat color as they mature, so the puppy you meet may look different as an adult.

Shichons are, above all else, companions. They were bred from two dogs whose sole historical purpose was to sit on laps and charm their humans, and that legacy is obvious in their behavior. Owners consistently describe them as affectionate, playful, alert, and deeply people-oriented [citation:4][citation:13].

This devotion has a flip side that prospective buyers must take seriously: Shichons are prone to separation anxiety. They want to be wherever you are, and a Shichon left alone for long stretches may bark, chew destructively, or become withdrawn [citation:13]. If your household is empty for eight or nine hours every weekday, this may not be the right breed for you — or you will need a solid plan for daycare, a dog walker, or a trusted neighbor.

Are They Good With Children and Other Pets?

Yes, generally — with proper socialization from an early age. Shichons are friendly with children, strangers, and other pets when introduced positively during the critical socialization window [citation:4]. Because of their small size, households with very young children should supervise interactions carefully; a toddler can accidentally injure a ten-pound puppy, and a startled puppy may nip in self-defense.

Training a Shichon

Shichons are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be quietly stubborn. House training is consistently reported as the biggest challenge, often taking longer than owners expect [citation:2]. The key is consistency and positive reinforcement — short sessions, high-value treats, and absolute household agreement on the rules. For a broader foundation, review our positive behavior modification techniques before your puppy arrives.

This is the section where prospective Shichon owners need to be completely honest with themselves. The Shichon's low-shedding coat is one of its biggest selling points, but low-shedding does not mean low-maintenance. Because the coat grows continuously and does not fall out naturally, it mats easily and requires consistent, deliberate care [citation:2][citation:9].

Daily and Weekly Grooming Routine

• Brushing: Two to three times per week at minimum, daily if the coat leans toward the Bichon's curly texture. Pay special attention to the areas behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar, where mats form first [citation:4].
• Bathing: Every four to six weeks with a gentle dog-specific shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils and can cause dry, itchy skin [citation:4].
• Professional grooming: Every six to eight weeks for most Shichons, or every four to six weeks if you want to maintain the classic round "teddy bear" trim [citation:18].
• Ear checks: Weekly. Shichons' floppy ears trap moisture and wax, increasing the risk of ear infections [citation:4].
• Nail trims: Every two to four weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, the nails are too long.
• Dental care: Daily brushing is ideal. Small breeds are especially prone to periodontal disease [citation:9]. Our dog dental cleaning guide covers the essentials.

The Shichon is generally a healthy hybrid with an impressive lifespan. Most live between 12 and 18 years, with some sources citing 15 to 18 years for well-bred dogs [citation:13][citation:17]. Because both parent breeds are long-lived, the Shichon inherits that longevity — but it can also inherit specific health predispositions from either side.

Conditions to Discuss With Your Breeder

• Patellar luxation: A dislocating kneecap common in small breeds. Ask whether the breeder has had the parents' knees evaluated [citation:9].
• Periodontal disease: Nearly universal in small breeds without consistent dental care. This is manageable with prevention but expensive to treat once established [citation:9].
• Eye conditions: Cataracts, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy appear in both parent breeds. Reputable breeders screen breeding stock [citation:9].
• Hip dysplasia: Less common than in large breeds but still possible. Responsible breeders will provide hip scores or veterinary clearances [citation:9].
• Bladder stones and diabetes: Bichons carry a predisposition to both. A quality diet and regular veterinary checkups are your best defense [citation:9].

For a comprehensive look at preventive care schedules, see our guide to puppy vaccination schedules and genetic testing for dog breeds.

The single most important decision you will make is not which puppy you choose — it is which breeder you choose. The Shichon's popularity as a designer breed has attracted both excellent small-scale breeders and unscrupulous operations looking to profit from cute faces. The difference between the two will affect your dog's health, temperament, and your financial exposure for the next fifteen years.

Green Flags: What a Good Breeder Does

• Raises puppies in a home environment. Puppies should be socialized around household sounds, children, and everyday chaos — not kept in kennels or outbuildings [citation:19].
• Provides health testing documentation for both parents. Ask specifically about patellar luxation, eye clearances, and any breed-specific screenings. A breeder who cannot or will not share these documents is a red flag [citation:9].
• Shows you the mother (and ideally the father). Temperament is partly inherited, and seeing the mother gives you a preview. A breeder who cannot produce the mother on request deserves scrutiny.
• Waits until puppies are at least 8 weeks old. Some ethical breeders prefer 10 to 12 weeks. Puppies separated too early miss critical socialization with littermates and their mother [citation:19].
• Asks you questions. A good breeder interviews prospective buyers about their home, work schedule, and experience with dogs. They are not just selling — they are placing a life.
• Provides a written health guarantee and a contract. The contract should cover what happens if a genetic condition emerges. Review our breeder contract guide and health guarantee guide before signing anything.

Red Flags: Walk Away

• The breeder will not let you visit the home or see where the puppies are raised.
• The mother is not available to meet, or the breeder makes excuses.
• Puppies are available "ready now" before 8 weeks of age.
• No health testing documentation is offered, or the breeder dismisses the question as unnecessary.
• The breeder has multiple litters of different breeds available simultaneously.
• The meeting is arranged in a parking lot or public place rather than the breeding home.
• They pressure you to pay a deposit before you have met the puppy in person.

Use this checklist during your visit. Do not rely on photos or video calls alone if an in-person visit is possible. If distance makes an in-person visit impossible, request a live video walkthrough of the puppy's environment and a video call with the puppy moving around.

1. Meet the mother. Observe her temperament and body condition. She should be friendly, not fearful or aggressive, and in healthy condition.
2. Inspect the living environment. Cleanliness, space, and enrichment matter. Puppies should have access to toys and social interaction, not be confined to small cages.
3. Check the puppy's health. Eyes should be clear, ears clean, coat free of fleas and mats, and the puppy should be active and curious rather than lethargic or cowering.
4. Review vaccination and deworming records. Puppies should have received their first vaccinations and be up to date on deworming at the appropriate age [citation:19].
5. Confirm microchip registration. The microchip should be registered to the breeder at minimum, with the transfer process explained to you.
6. Read the contract carefully. Understand what the health guarantee covers and what it does not. Look for clarity on genetic conditions versus communicable illnesses.
7. Ask about socialization. What has the puppy been exposed to? Household noises, car rides, different surfaces, children, other dogs? Puppies raised in enriched environments are better equipped for life [citation:19].

For a more detailed walkthrough of what to bring and what to ask during your visit, see our puppy visit checklist and questions to ask a dog breeder.

Bringing a Shichon puppy home requires more preparation than many first-time owners expect. Because these dogs are small, sensitive, and prone to separation anxiety, the first few weeks set the tone for years of behavior.

For a complete list of what to buy, consult our puppy supplies checklist. If you are also considering a Shih Tzu without the Bichon cross, our guide to Shih Tzu puppies covers that breed's specific needs.