Shichon

Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to your Shichon's life stage and keep the portions honest. There is no special requirement here beyond what any small dog needs, but two of the conditions this cross carries make weight and diet more consequential than usual.

Diabetes mellitus is the first. The Bichon Frise parent is predisposed to it, and it is managed with a special diet, daily insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring, so increased thirst, increased urination, a bigger appetite alongside weight loss, or lethargy all mean a vet appointment rather than a change of food.

Bladder stones are the second, also from the Bichon side. Diet is often part of managing them, so a Shichon that strains to urinate, urinates frequently or has blood in its urine needs your vet to work out what is going on before anyone changes the bowl.

Keep treats modest and measure meals. A dog with a maximum weight of 18 pounds has very little margin, and carrying extra weight makes the patellar and hip problems worse.

Whichever parent your Shichon's coat resembles, plan on an involved routine. The Shih Tzu's hair is long and flowing; the Bichon's is long, curly and velvety. Both want the same three things, a brush every day, baths on a schedule and a professional appointment, so there is no easy branch to hope for here.

Both parents are low-shedding breeds with a hypoallergenic reputation, but low-shedding does not mean low-maintenance.

Brush the teeth ideally every day. Small and toy breeds are especially prone to periodontal disease and the Shih Tzu parent brings teeth that crowd a small mouth, so daily brushing plus professional cleanings is the whole prevention strategy.

Watch the eyes, because this cross can inherit four separate conditions between its parents. Vision changes usually show up at night first: a dog walking into doors or walls, stumbling, refusing stairs or crying is telling you something and it warrants a call.

Shichons have moderate exercise requirements, which alongside the compact size and the social temperament is what makes them ideal apartment dogs.

The requirement is social as much as physical. Their companionship needs include daily play and exercise with the people they live with, so the walk is not something to outsource entirely if you want a settled dog.

Indoor play covers a good deal of it. A Shichon that has had a game and some attention is usually content to go back to lap-sitting, which it is fond of.

Keep an eye on the joints while you play. Limping, a bunny-hopping gait, reluctance to get up or jump, or weight shifting onto the front legs are the signs of the two orthopaedic conditions this cross carries.

Shichons have an eager-to-please training style, which, with their size, sociability and moderate exercise needs, is why the cross is recommended for first-time owners. Reward-based work goes a long way with very little resistance.

Socialise properly and the rest follows. With good socialisation Shichons make fast friends with people of all ages and with other pets in the house, though that comes from the work rather than automatically.

Teach handling early, because the grooming routine ahead is relentless. A dog brushed daily and groomed professionally for fifteen years needs to think of all of it as normal.

Build tolerance for being alone. Both parent breeds were born to be companions and the Shichon has not fallen far from that tree, so the household that suits it is one where somebody is usually in.