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All About Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds

By: Rebecca Simpson The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and celebrates purebred dogs. Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations." Though pure-bred dogs are extremely popular and are the only dogs allowed to compete in AKC competition, a new type of dog is gaining recognition and breeder interest. Crossbreeds, or hybrids are on the rise. These are mixtures of two or more pure breeds, resulting in such combinations as the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog).
These hybrids, or "designer dogs" can participate in competitions sponsored by the American Canine Hybrid Club, which recognizes over 100 different mixed breeds. Hybrid dogs usually have parents with a documented ancestry.
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.
Purebred animals have health problems due to their long history of in breeding, which is done to strengthen the characteristics of the breed. A Bichon Frise often suffers from a severe form of anemia and, though they are hypoallergenic, they are prone to severe allergies themselves. Shih Tzu are prone to eye allergies and other eye problems, cannot handle temperatures above 75 degrees, and require daily brushing to keep their fur from matting.
Proponents of the Bichon Shih Tzu, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, most likely dream of the day when hybrids can be viewed as their own pure breed. Many pure breeds are the result of cross breeding.
The Bichon Frise can be traced back to 600 B.C. Descended from dogs called Barbichon in the Mediterranean. Spanish sailors took the 'Bichon' out to sea because of the breed's happy temperament. The breed made its way to Europe and the French added "Frise" to the name to reference the breed's curly fur. The Bichon was recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1973.
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.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

About the author: Rebecca Simpson is a passionate lover of the Shih Tzu and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Shih Tzu Types plus a whole lot more.

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