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Breeds
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and celebrates purebred dogs.
Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a recognized strain
established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many
generations." Though pure-bred dogs are extremely popular and are the
only dogs allowed to compete in AKC competition, a new type of dog is
gaining recognition and breeder interest. Crossbreeds, or hybrids are
on the rise. These are mixtures of two or more pure breeds, resulting
in such combinations as the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon
(Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog).
Though purebred dogs are still popular, hybrid dogs, or mixtures of one
or more breeds, are also gaining attention. Hybrids often have
resulting cute-sounding names in addition to being cute-looking new
versions of dogs. Examples of hybrids are: the Shi-Poo (Shih
Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull
(Beagle/Bull Dog). Hybrids have characteristics of both parents and
this may add to the overall health and beauty of the end result.
Thus, this breed is often utilized in the hopes of retaining its
non-allergy causing genetics. The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, is one
example of a Bichon hybrid. It is important to note that hybrids are
not pure breeds. They are a mix of one of more breeds. Mixed breeds are
usually referred to as "mutts," but hybrids are different than mutts
because both parents have documented ancestry.
The two pure breeds, Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, have positive and
negative traits. The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a double coat
of long silky fur. This breed is very alert and intelligent, and also
very stubborn. Shih Tzu may have health problems such as frequent eye
infections, inability to withstand high temperatures, and fur that is
prone to matting and tangling if not either brushed daily or given a
"pet clip", which is a short haircut done only if the dog is not in
competition.
Bichon Shih Tzu, often called Zuchon or Shichon, are a mixture of the
Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. These hybrids may any of the qualities- good
or bad- of both breeds. Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise are two of the oldest
dog breeds in the world. While they are both known for having many
attractive traits, these two breeds are most likely bred to retain to
intelligence of the Shih Tzu and the hypoallergenic coat of the Bichon
Frise. Hybrids are also thought to have fewer health problems and other
defects than pure breeds due to the fact that hybrids are not the
result of inbreeding.
The hybrid of the Bichon and Shih Tzu has the benefit of both breeds.
Bichon Shih Tzudogs have a long and documented history on both sides of
their family tree. The Shih Tzu originated as far back as 1 A.D. The
breed is thought to have descended from cross breeding of the Lhasa
Apso and the Pekingese. The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu breeds were revered
by Tibetan monks and honored and presented as gifts by Chinese emperors.
Ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back to 600 B.C. Once called
Barbichon, this was later shortened to Bichon. The French added "Frise"
which references the breed's curly fur. The Bichon was not recognized
by the French Kennel Club until 1934 and gained official recognition
from the American Kennel Club in 1973.
The ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back further, to 600 B.C. The
Barbichon were Mediterranean dogs. Later, descendants of the breed went
to sea with Spanish sailors and the name was shortened to Bichon. They
migrated to Europe and the French added "Frise" to the name to
reference the breed's curly fur. The Bichon Frise dog was recognized as
a breed by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club
followed suit in 1973.
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Dr. Rosenberg is the owner, CEO & Chief of Staff at Veterinary Cancer Group.
Kymythy Schultze has been a trailblazer in animal nutrition for over two decades.
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