Shelchon

13-23 lbs
9-11"
United States
Bichon Frise
Shetland Sheepdog
Sheltie Bichon

The Shelchon, also known as a Sheltie Bichon, is a medium-sized hybrid breed and is a cross between a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and a purebred Bichon Frise. Common colors include white, brown, tan, cream, black and sable and they have medium to long, thick, double-layered coats. Their hair can be soft and slightly wavy. The Shelchon is a sweet , cheerful dog who makes a very affectionate family pet. They are great with children but tend to be a bit cautious around strangers. They are curious and energetic but can be prone to excessive barking. They also have a strong herding instinct and can try to herd smaller dogs and cats and have been known to nip. They do shed quite a bit and are fairly high maintenance when it comes to grooming.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Herding, Sporting
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Shetland Sheepdog, Bichon Frise

Shelchon Health

Average Size
Male Shelchon size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 15-25 lbs
Female Shelchon size stats
Height: 9-11 inches Weight: 13-23 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Dermatomyositis
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Urolithiasis
  • Allergies
  • Hemophilia
  • Dental Disease
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Deafness
  • Epilepsy
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Blood
  • Knee
  • Hearing
  • Heart
  • Dna For Vwd
  • X-Rays
  • Dental Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Allergy Tests

Shelchon Breed History

A Shelchon is a hybrid breed and is a mix between a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and a purebred Bichon Frise. Bred to be guard dogs for farmers in the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland, these dogs also kept birds away from their tiny sheep. The Shetland Islands are also home to other small breeds of animals, such as Shetland Ponies. Shetland Sheepdogs, nicknamed Shelties, look like small Rough Collies, but they are a different breed. Some of their ancestors are believed to include the King Charles Spaniel and the Pomeranian. The early dogs were referred to as “Toonie” dogs which translated as farm dogs. Some were taken to the United Kingdom where early breeders crossed them with rough-coated Collies. They were also initially referred to as Shetland Collies but this was dropped following objections by Collie breeders. The American Kennel Club recognized the Shetland Sheepdog in 1911. The Bichon Frise was developed on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean and is related to the Coton de Tulear, the Bolognese, the Havanese and the Maltese. The Barbet, a woolly water dog is thought to be among the Bichon’s ancestors with some saying the word Bichon is from “barbichon”, the diminutive of the word barbet. Records from the 14th century suggest French sailors brought the dogs home from Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. The cute little dogs were also popular in Spain and featured in paintings by Goya. They later fell out of favor with royalty and were used as performers in circuses when their charming personalities captivated audiences. The official breed standard was adopted in France in 1933. The Bichon Frise was introduced to the United States in 1956, and the Bichon Frise Club of America was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1975.

Shelchon Breed Appearance

The Shelchon is a medium-sized hybrid breed with a rounded head and blunt muzzle. They are a mix between a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and a purebred Bichon Frise and will take on the looks and characteristics of both parent breeds. Common colors can include white, brown, tan, cream, black and sable and they have medium to long, thick double-layered coats. Their hair can be soft and slightly wavy more like a Bichon Frise. The Shelchon has round, dark brown eyes with an alert and inquisitive expression and a black nose. Their tales can be plumed and quite long while the ears are set quite high on the head.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Shelchon eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Shelchon nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Shelchon coat
White
brown Shelchon coat
Brown
fawn Shelchon coat
Fawn
black Shelchon coat
Black
sable Shelchon coat
Sable
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Shelchon wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Shelchon Breed Maintenance

The Shelchon tends to shed a lot so will need weekly brushing to remove any loose hair. They tend to shed more at certain times of the year and then may need daily brushing. This breed is prone to allergies so good grooming habits will be important. They will need to be trimmed occasionally which may be easier at a professional groomers. These dogs don’t need to be bathed too often and afterwards should be dried thoroughly. If they take after the Bichon Frise they may develop tear stains which can be wiped clean. The ears should also be checked for any debris or dirt and the teeth should be brushed daily. The nails should be trimmed when they get too long.

Brushes for Shelchon
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Shelchon requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Shelchon Temperament

The Shelchon is a highly intelligent dog who is good tempered and charming. They make affectionate family pets and will be happiest when they are surrounded by family members. They hate being alone and are likely to become destructive if left for long periods. They make good playmates for children but are a bit wary of strangers. They will bark if they see a stranger so do make good watchdogs and can be very protective even though they are not very big. Early training and socialization will help them get used to any other pets in the household as they do have a strong herding instinct and are known to bark or nip when excited. These are mostly loving and playful dogs who are easy to train. Because they are so intelligent they will pick up commands easily and will do best with positive reinforcement. They are curious and energetic dogs and are well suited for first time dog owners.

Shelchon Activity Requirements

A Shelchon is an energetic dog that loves to run and will thrive on activities like flyball or frisbee. They will enjoy going for walks to the dog park or to the beach but keep them on a leash as they do have strong hunting and herding instincts. These dogs need plenty of mental and physical exercise to prevent them getting bored and potentially leading to destructive behavior and excessive barking. They love to play and will not mind if that happens inside or out. They can adapt to apartment living provided they are taken out every day. They are not too worried about the weather and will be happy in winter or summer but don’t exercise your pet in the heat of the day.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Shelchon Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Shelchon Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Shelchon size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 14.5 lbs
Female Shelchon size stats at six months
Height: 6.5 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Shelchon size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 20.0 lbs
Female Shelchon size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 18.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Shelchon size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 20.0 lbs
Female Shelchon size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 18.0 lbs

Shelchon Owner Experiences

cleo
4 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
gets very attached to one person. has been very healthy except a calcium deposit in her eye, it’s common in shelties and is a blind spot you can do nothing about! great dog and loves attention. friendly with dogs, cats, and small animals.
11 months, 3 weeks ago
cleo
4 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
gets very attached to one person. has been very healthy except a calcium deposit in her eye, it’s common in shelties and is a blind spot you can do nothing about! great dog and loves attention. friendly with dogs, cats, and small animals.
11 months, 3 weeks ago
Ginger
18 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very loyal to the entire family, skeptical of others, barks (we have to train to get her to bark less), loves playtime, vocal and can talk when excited, hairs gets easily matted.
2 years, 11 months ago
Dolly
8 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beautiful dog, but I don’t have a fenced in yard and feel bad about keeping her on a lightweight leash.
4 years, 4 months ago
Molly
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Lovely little dog. Great with children and other dogs but can be aloof with ppeople. Lots of energy and craves attention. Can bark a lot though.
4 years, 2 months ago
Honey
5 Months
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
A delight, loving, friendly and is not aggressive. Is learning to bark less, does nip and is very difficult to potty train. Great with kids and very patient. Loves learning tricks.
4 years, 1 month ago
Cleo
1 Year
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Catch treats
Walk
Frisbee
Timid and hard to potty train but very smart
4 years ago
Arlo
8 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Well behaved, sleeps in crate all night, waits to go out, not in a hurry. small size, 8 1/2 lbs. Light eater. Bad grooming experience. wouldn't allow experienced groomer near him. Gave vet. CBD, slow to work. got two doses of antianxiety that caused a paradoxical reaction. Legs, rubbery but growled and went nuts when approached with scissors. Trying to massage his feet and back with handles of scissors so he isn't fearful. still growling and squirming. have to take him for a sedated grooming at vets!
3 years, 8 months ago
Bailey
7 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bailey is a companion dog for a senior. More like her mother(Bishon) wavy double layer coat,very little shedding great with my groomer. Definite hearding instinct when on walks. Does have allergies and a cataract which doesn't keep her from chasing squirrels. Overall a great loving family dog.
3 years, 7 months ago
Khaleesi
1 Year
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is amazing. She is a little bit slow to train, and that is partially my fault for not being home much before a year. She is doing a lot better with being constantly with someone. She isn't as high strung. She mats easily and she HATES her nails and hair being trimmed or cut. She loves me and my fiance so much. The amount of love this breed has for their owners, are crazy. I have never seen a breed love their owners so much. She hates music being played, and she also hates when someone sings. She will just kiss them until they stop. She is amazing at cuddling. She is wonderful with other animals and kids.
3 years, 6 months ago
Milo
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Milo was easy to potty train. Rings a bell when he needs to go out. Loves everyone, hates horses. Good with other dogs. Playful very affectionate. Crate trained when puppy, but such a good boy!
3 years, 6 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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