Dogs are among the most
lovable pets in the whole world. The Shih Tzu breed of dogs is some
of the more popular breed of dogs because of their small size and
their nature. It cannot be helped sometimes that another breed of
dog may mate with a Shih Tzu. The Bichon Frise is also another dog
that belongs to the toy category with hair that is above average in
length. The Bichon Shih Tzu
mix is one of the possible mixes of dog breeds. Both dogs belong to
the smaller category of dogs and they are both furry dogs although
their fur has vast differences between them. In spite of their many
similarities, the dominant breed in the Bichon Shih Tzu
mix may be easy to spot due to other features that remain distinctly
for each breed of dogs. To be able to tell the characteristics of a
Bichon Shih Tzu
mix, it is advisable to learn each breed of dog's characteristics.
Shih Tzu And
Bichon Frise Characteristics
The Bichon Shih Tzu
mix may have more of a Shih Tzu in it than a Bichon Frise. The
characteristics of a Shih Tzu dog are usually based on the standard
that is known world wide. The standard for a Shih Tzu is to have
about nine to ten inches of height at the withers (shoulders of the
front legs). Anything below eight inches and above eleven inches
will not be accepted in dog shows and other events. This does not
mean, however that there are not Shih Tzus which are above or below
the minimum and maximum requirements. After all, the breed standard
is just used for shows and pedigreed dogs. Dogs which are owned
solely for pet purposes can exceed the limits, for only a bit since
too much would mean that they are not purebred Shih Tzus. The Bichon Shih Tzu
mix may not have much of a difference when it comes to the dog's
height since both breed of dogs have highly similar body structure
and standards.
The Shih Tzu must have
proportionate legs. This means that the height of the dog must
correspond with the length of its body. Since the Shih Tzu has no
exaggerated features, the dog must not be overly long in the body in
comparison to its height at the withers. It should follow that the
Bichon Shih Tzu
mix would also appear proportionate since both dogs have this
characteristic. The Bichon Frise does exceed the height standard of
the Shih Tzu so the Bichon
Shih Tzu mixed breed
dog might be slightly taller than the average Shih Tzu although the
excess height is only an inch.
Both the Shih Tzu and the
Bichon Frise have definite stops on their heads. Since both breed of
dogs have a distinct stop, one can expect the Bichon Shih Tzu
dog mix to have a definite stop as well. The muzzles of both breeds
of dogs are similar with some slight differences when it comes to
length and the shape of the muzzle. The Bichon Shih Tzu
mixed breed dog can inherit ether muzzle and there will be only
slight differences among the pedigreed Shih Tzu and the pedigreed
Bichon Frise.
The fur of both the Bichon
Frise and the Shih Tzu dogs are longer than the average dog. While
the Shih Tzu has long and silky hair that falls in graceful waves
from the body to the ground, the Bichon Frise has soft springy hair
that has a coarser texture. In the Bichon fries, hair that lies flat
or that is limp is a major fault. The Bichon Shih Tzu
mix may have either the Shih Tzu's long silky hair or the Bichon
Frise's coarser hair. Many people have different opinions regarding
which fur is better, although, both breeds of dogs have an optional
puppy cut which gives viewers a better view of the dog's body. The
Bichon Shih Tzu
may be given a puppy cut as well since it is sure to inherit longer
hair from either parent.
Temperament Of The Bichon Shih Tzu
Both the Bichon Frise and
the Shih Tzu have wonderful temperaments. One can expect the Bichon Shih Tzu
to be affectionate with his human family as well as playful and
loyal. The Bichon Shih Tzu
may also be patient with children but may still need some
supervision.
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get a copy of this Shih Tzu Guide
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