How long does a Shih Tzu Bichon Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Bichon Frise (14–15 years).

Is a Shih Tzu Bichon Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Shih Tzu Bichon Mix

Also searched as Shichon

A Shih Tzu Bichon mix is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. Most grow into small dogs of 10–17 lb and live 12–16 years.

Shih Tzu, a purebred dog — Shih TzuPhoto: danny O., CC BY 2.0, source

Bichon Frise, a purebred dog — Bichon FrisePhoto: Heike Andres, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight10–17 lbcan be 9–18 lb

Height9–11 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–16 years

SizeSmall

How big does a Shih Tzu Bichon Mix get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix10–17 lb

Bichon Frise12–18 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Shih Tzu Bichon Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 9–11 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 9.5–11.5 in for the Bichon Frise.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low

Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Bichon Frise moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Very high

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Bichon Frise as playful, curious, peppy. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Shih Tzu vs Bichon vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shih Tzu Bichon Mix	Bichon Frise
Weight	9–16 lb	10–17 lb	12–18 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	9–11 in	9.5–11.5 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	12–16 yr	14–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Shih Tzu Bichon Mix

How big does a Shih Tzu Bichon Mix get?: Most grow to 10–17 pounds and 9–11 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 9–18 pounds.
How long does a Shih Tzu Bichon Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Bichon Frise (14–15 years).
Does a Shih Tzu Bichon Mix shed?: Shedding is very low. Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Shih Tzu Bichon Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Shih Tzu mixes

Other Bichon mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.