Shichon

The Shichon is a hybrid dog, and the exact origins are not known. However, we can look at the history of the parent breeds to learn more about the hybrid breed. The Bichon Frise originates in France. They are thought to be a descendant of the now-extinct Barbet and Standard Poodle. These breeds are known to have existed as far back as the 1300s. It is also thought that the Bichon Frise is related to the Maltese and the Coton de Tulear. The Bichon Frise was brought to France from the Canary Islands. Some say they were brought to France by pirates or sailors. Others believe this companion pup was simply brought by traders. Regardless, the Bichon Frise became immensely popular with French nobility. Although their popularity would wane around the 1800s, they were still widely owned by many Europeans. In 1956, the first Bichon Frise was brought to the United States. They were finally registered with the American Kennel Club in 1975. The Shih Tzu was also a favorite of royalty. Owned by the Chinese Emperor and his wife, the Shih Tzu was referred to as a little lion dog. The royal Shih Tzus were trained to sit up and wave when the Empress came to visit them in their own palace. In 1908, when the Empress died, the royal family attempted to breed more Shih Tzus, and some poor-quality dogs came from this time period. Some were sold on the streets; good-quality dogs were gifted to other royal visitors. Lady Brownrigg obtained a pair of Shih Tzus and took them back to England with her. Later, a Mrs. Hutchins brought a Shih Tzu from China and bred this dog with one of Lady Brownrigg's. Philip Price, Lady Brownrigg's nephew, was the first person to bring Shih Tzus to the United States. The American Kennel Club registered the first Shih Tzu in 1969.