Shiffon

8-11 lbs
8-10"
Unknown
Brussels Griffon
Shih Tzu
The Shiffon is a hybrid breed dog. His parent breeds are the Shih Tzu and the Brussels Griffon. He is a happy, energetic dog. A small dog, the Shiffon will likely weigh no more than fifteen pounds at maturity. He is likely to be eleven inches or shorter as well. He is very loving, but, at times, he can also be rather stubborn. He is happy to live with singles, seniors, and families. He is better suited to older children, however. He gets along well with other dogs, but owners are encouraged to socialize him at an early age for best results. He is also adaptable to small apartments as well as homes with or without a fenced-in yard.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Shih Tzu, Brussels Griffon

Shiffon Health

Average Size
Male Shiffon size stats
Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 12-15 lbs
Female Shiffon size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 8-11 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Allergies
  • Reverse Sneezing
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Dental Problems
  • Bladder Stones
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Blood Analysis
  • Full Body Examination
  • Abdominal Ultrasound

Shiffon Breed History

The Shiffon is a hybrid breed. While there is not a lot of information readily available regarding the exact origins of the Shiffon, we can study the origins of his parent breeds in order to understand the Shiffon's history. The Shih Tzu has roots in China, where he can be found in artwork from the sixteenth century. He was also favored by the Empress of China. It is rumored that the Shih Tzu had its own palace, and the Empress had trained the tiny dogs to wave at her when she visited them. Some experts believe he is related to the Lhasa Apso, another dog considered royalty by the early Chinese. For many years, the Chinese refused to export the dog out of their country, but when the Empress died in 1908, the remaining royal families could not replicate her breeding practices. Many poor-quality dogs were sold in the marketplace as a result. In the 1930s, a pair was exported to England and from there made their way to America. The Shih Tzu was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1938. The Brussels Griffon hails from Belgium, where he was bred to hunt and kill vermin. The Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel may all have been interbred over the years to develop the Brussels Griffon of today. Belgium’s queen Marie Henriette owned a Brussels Griffon, and she began breeding and promoting the breed throughout Europe. In the early 1890s, the Brussels Griffon made its way to England and then the United States. World War II almost saw the extinction of the Brussels Griffon; the ravages of war made owning a dog nearly unaffordable. The Brussels Griffon is still a rare breed today; however, the breed became popular again after a Brussels Griffon starred in As Good As It Gets alongside Jack Nicholson.

Shiffon Breed Appearance

The Shiffon will be a small dog; he will weigh no more than fifteen pounds fully grown; females may be slightly smaller than their male counterparts. His coat may be one of two varieties, depending upon the dominant parent breed. It may be wiry and short like that of the Brussels Griffon, or it may be long and silky like that of the Shih Tzu parent breed. Generally, his coat color is rather uniform. He may be brown, black, or a combination of the two. He may also have a few white markings. Should the Brussels parent breed be dominant, he may have the "bearded" characteristic of the Brussels Griffon. He will have dark eyes, and his tail is likely to curl over his back. He may have bushy hair around his eyes. He may also have floppy ears that will need a little TLC.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Shiffon eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Shiffon nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Shiffon coat
Black
brown Shiffon coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Shiffon wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Shiffon Breed Maintenance

The Shiffon will require a moderate amount of grooming. He will shed very little, so you can afford to brush him weekly to remove excess hair. However, if he inherits the long, silky coat of the Shih Tzu, you will need to devote some time to keeping his hair in good condition. You may choose to have him clipped at the groomer's. If so, you may only need to brush him once every two weeks. Bathe him only when necessary. Brush his teeth two or three times a week to prevent the build-up of tartar and bad breath. Brush his teeth daily in order to prevent tooth decay. Trim his nails every other week unless he wears his nails down on his own.

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

Shiffon Temperament

The Shiffon is an energetic, happy little dog. He is often described as rambunctious and curious. He is always ready to play; many owners label him as cheerful and charming as well. He is happiest when spending time with his family, and he is not prone to separation anxiety. He may want to be the pack leader, so, if you have other dogs, you may need to monitor his behavior with them. He may also be jealous of other family members (he is known to bond to one family member). He may also be aggressive concerning his territory. However, socialization at an early age will help the Shiffon learn exactly what behavior you expect from him.

Shiffon Activity Requirements

The Shiffon is a very playful and active dog. He will enjoy joining you for short, brisk walks around the neighborhood. Be careful about longer journeys. If he inherits the brachycephalic snout of the Shih Tzu, he may have difficulty breathing should he become overexerted. Keep a small bottle of water available for him during exercise. He will also enjoy trips to the dog park; however, this should not take place unless he is fully trained. Remember, he generally gets along well with other dogs, but he may become aggressive if he feels that his territory is threatened. He also does not realize that he is such a small dog, and he knows no fear of bigger dogs. Keep toys that allow him to work out his chewing tendencies around the house; also keep toys that stimulate his mind as well. He will work out his energy inside if he is provided with ample play time.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Shiffon Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $32.00
food bag monthly cost

Shiffon Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Shiffon size stats at six months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
Female Shiffon size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 5.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Shiffon size stats at 12 months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs
Female Shiffon size stats at 12 months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Shiffon size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Shiffon size stats at 18 months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs

Shiffon Owner Experiences

Milo
1 Year
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Our lil boy we got at 5 months old! He is the best dog, he trained within the first 2 weeks we had him. We get his hair shaved every 8 weeks bc if not then his hair becomes very knotty even when i brush him every night! He is so very friendly he loves everyone. The only problem is that when i bring him to my sisters house (she has a Boston terrier) same seize as milo about 12 pds Milo does not like her he growls at her if she gets to close to him, which is weird bc he has been around her since the day we got him. Besides that he is very loving, he follows me around the house he likes to sleep on my feet when I'm washing dishes. Shiffon dogs are just good dogs maybe can be a little stubborn at times, but he listens very well! We love our Milo bug!!
2 years, 8 months ago
SPROUT(likeg a brussel sprout)
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have a rather large dog at 20 lbs not fat all muscles.I love his faithful,undying LOVE Iam his mom-ma and he gives me more love and expression that my 3 sons ever gave me.This is MY first dog that's all my own.He has had no training but I assume he will want to please me.Reluctantly I am a senior citizen at 60 years.
6 years, 10 months ago
Vinnie
4 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
we have only had Vinnie for 1 week but he is a ball of energy, very happy little guy and he loves to be out in the rain!
4 years, 3 months ago
Pearlie
13 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Pearlie is a beautiful 13 year old dog and in our care since she was 2 months old. She is very affectionate, healthy, and playful. She loves children and adult dogs. She is afraid of puppies as they are too active for her. She loves sleeping with us in bed and cuddle up to us.
4 years, 1 month ago
Mr. Magoo
15 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got Mr. Magoo from a breeder at 7 weeks. He bonded to us and did not realize he was a dog. We should have left him with the breeder a couple more weeks and socialized him with dogs more. Other than that he was perfect. Playful, confident, quiet, affectionate, very smart.
3 years, 12 months ago
Cooper
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He loves to go for rides in the car and walks.
We got him when he was 8 weeks old. He instantly became part of the family. He didn't want to be in a crate and slept with me (Mom) from 1st night. A lovable, funny & loyal little guy. Trained easily and really smart. He's now 7. Has been really healthy. Gets groomed every 6 weeks. We love him so much! He ended up weighing 15 pounds.
3 years, 11 months ago
Drake
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Loves to cuddle and never meets a stranger. Also loves to go camping with us. He is a rather large boy weighing 11 lbs already at 4 months old, so he loves to eat also. He has brought so much joy to our lives!
3 years, 9 months ago
Mundy
5 Years
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Mundy loves to play. He does tricks for treats,
Great family pet. He is very protective and loving.
3 years, 8 months ago
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