Shichon, Shichon-Poo, Shih-Poo,
Australian Shepherd, Australian Retriever, Golden Retriever
Toy Poodle, Teacup Poodle,
Shichon/Zuchon/Teddy Bear Puppies
Shichons are truly delightful companions due to their affectionate, intelligent, and outgoing nature. Often referred to as “Teddy Bear Dogs” because of their endearing soft curly coat, adorable size, and lovable disposition, these dogs make wonderful pets for individuals and families alike. With their playful antics and curious personality, Shichons thrive in various environments, whether it’s a cozy apartment or a spacious house with a yard. Their charming temperament and willingness to interact with humans, combined with their low-shedding coats, make them a popular choice among dog lovers who may be concerned about allergies. These little bundles of joy are not only easy to train but also form strong bonds with their owners, often seeking to be by their side during everyday activities. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your life, a Shichon could certainly be a heartwarming and affectionate addition to your home, bringing laughter, love, and companionship that can brighten even the dullest days.

Some would describe Shichons as ‘portable-size,’ allowing you to take them along on various adventures or simply enjoy their company on the couch during a cozy movie night. Their charming personalities and sociable traits ensure they thrive in a loving environment, creating strong bonds with their families and often becoming the heart of the home.
As I pointed out in the first paragraph, on average, they only weigh between 9-14 lbs when fully grown and are just 8-12 inches tall. These charming creatures, despite their modest size, possess an abundance of personality and charm that captivates the hearts of many. Their small stature allows them to be both agile and playful, often seen darting around with boundless energy. The variation in their weight and height can be attributed to several factors, including genetics, diet, and overall health, leading to a delightful range of appearances among different individuals.
However, their fluffy coat often makes them look bigger than they actually are, creating an illusion that can be quite charming. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training a delightful experience, as they quickly learn commands and tricks. Beyond their physical appearance and friendly demeanor, they also exhibit a loyalty that makes them exceptional companions, always ready to protect their loved ones while bringing joy and laughter to any household.
Their dense hair is long, and soft to the touch. You could easily pet these cute creatures for hours! Their silky coats usually boast one of the following colors:
- Apricot
- Black
- Black
- Cream
- Gray
- Red
- Silver
- White
- Tan
- Reddish Black
- Chocolate
Occasionally a pup might showcase a combination of these colors, although history suggests they commonly don the lighter shades from the above list.
Fun Fact: Oddly enough, the coloring of a Shichon puppy can change as they mature- how neat is that?


Typically, this dog has adorable hanging ears, a cute black nose, a medium length tail that curls over their back, and brown button-eyes.
On the subject of Shichon eyes, you should know they often grow excess hair in this area. This requires extra grooming to ensure it doesn’t get out of control. If left untamed it can affect their vision and increase the likelihood of eye infections. Therefore, we suggest tidying this up once every two to three weeks.
Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd, often called an Aussie, is a medium-sized, intelligent, and energetic dog breed known for its herding instincts and striking appearance. While they are popular family pets, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation due to their working dog background.
Key Characteristics:
Intelligence and Trainability: Aussies are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement methods. Their quick learning ability enables them to pick up commands and tricks much faster than many other breeds. This innate intelligence not only helps them excel in obedience training but also in various dog sports and activities, where they thrive on mental stimulation and physical challenges. Additionally, their strong bond with their owners enhances their willingness to learn and comply with tasks, fostering a rewarding training experience for both dog and handler. Consistently engaging in training sessions can further solidify their skills and ensure they remain well-behaved companions.
Energy Levels: They are very active dogs that need plenty of exercise, which helps to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Regular activities include running, playing, and engaging in challenging tasks that satisfy their inherent instincts, such as agility or herding trials. Additionally, incorporating interactive toys and puzzle games can further enrich their daily routine. Without sufficient exercise and mental engagement, these dogs may become bored and display unwanted behaviors, so it’s crucial to provide them with varied and stimulating activities regularly.
Herding Instincts: Aussies have a strong herding instinct, which can manifest as nipping at heels or trying to herd family members, including children. This innate behavior is rooted in their history as working dogs, originally bred for managing livestock. As a result, they often exhibit a strong desire to control their environment, making them natural leaders within the home. When left unchecked, these instincts can lead to overexcitement or even anxiety, particularly if they feel their family dynamics are out of balance. Understanding this behavior is crucial for owners, as proper training and socialization can help channel their herding tendencies in positive ways, ensuring a harmonious relationship between the dog and its family.
Coat and Grooming: They have a double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding, especially during shedding seasons. This coat not only offers insulation from various temperatures but also protects their skin from environmental elements. To maintain its health and appearance, it’s important to brush their fur at least a few times a week, ensuring that any loose hair is removed and that tangles are addressed promptly. Additionally, using the right grooming tools, such as a slicker brush and a dematting comb, can make the process easier and more effective. Regular grooming not only enhances their coat’s shine but also promotes better blood circulation and serves as an opportunity to check for any skin issues or parasites.
Temperament: Aussies are generally affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds and showing loyalty, but can be reserved with strangers, often taking their time to warm up to new people. They are highly protective of their homes, displaying a keen sense of awareness about their surroundings, and will not hesitate to alert their owners to any potential threats. This combination of affection and protection makes them excellent companions for families who appreciate both a loving nature and a vigilant guardian. As such, they thrive in an environment where they can be close to their loved ones while also engaging in activities that stimulate their intelligence and energy.
Shichon-Poo/Teddy Poo Puppies
The Teddy Poo is a small yet charming Doodle breed that combines the endearing traits of three other popular and well-established breeds: the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Toy Poodle, resembling a fluffy teddy bear in both appearance and personality. This delightful mix not only boasts a captivating look but also a playful and loving disposition, making it an ideal family pet. Also known as a Shichonpoo, this mixed breed has garnered a reputation for being exceptionally loyal and affectionate, showering its owners with love and companionship. Their playful nature encourages bonding through interactive playtime and cuddling, solidifying their role as cherished companions in many households around the world. With their intelligence and eagerness to please, Teddy Poos are often easy to train, further enhancing their desirability as loving family members.

Shichonpoo adult size is 9-14 lbs and 8 – 15 inches tall. These pups are just small enough to be your delightful lap dog, offering warmth and companionship while snuggled up on the couch. However, their compactness doesn’t limit their playfulness; they are also the right size to romp around energetically with your children or even engage in playful antics with larger dogs in the park, making them an ideal choice for families who seek both love and fun in a pet. Their playful nature and affection make them wonderful companions for all ages, adapting well to various lifestyles and ensuring every moment spent together is filled with joy and laughter.
They are excellent choices for families with allergy concerns, as their unique coat properties significantly reduce the amount of allergens released into the home environment.
Non-Shedding and Hypoallergenic breeds ensure that families can enjoy the companionship of a pet without facing the common challenges associated with allergies, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin irritations. These breeds not only provide affectionate companionship but also adapt well to families with young children, making them ideal pets for households that prioritize both safety and comfort.
Shichonpoo puppies are outgoing yet cuddly, adventurous yet desiring to please Mom, sure to bring laughs yet also be the heartbeat of your life, love being the life of the party yet bringing so much love into your home!

- Apricot
- Black
- Cream
- Gray
- Red
- Silver
- White
- Tan
- Reddish Black
- Chocolate
A pup may occasionally display a mix of these colors, but typically they exhibit lighter shades.
Fun Fact: Oddly enough, the coloring of a Shichonpoo puppy can also change as they mature—how neat is that? As these adorable hybrids grow, their fur can develop into a dazzling array of shades and patterns, making each pup truly unique. This transformation is not only visually striking but also reflects the fascinating complexity of genetics at play. The initial coat that might appear solid or patterned as a puppy can evolve into a rich tapestry of colors, showcasing the influence of their Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise lineage. It’s a delightful surprise for owners, who often find themselves enchanted as their furry friends undergo this colorful metamorphosis throughout their early years.
Typically, this dog has adorable hanging ears that flop endearingly whenever they run, a cute black nose that is often wet and curious, a medium length tail that curls over their back in a playful gesture, and brown button-eyes that sparkle with mischief and affection. Their coat is soft and fluffy, providing an irresistible urge to pet them, while their playful demeanor and gentle nature make them not only a delightful companion but also a beloved member of any family.
This requires extra grooming to ensure it doesn’t get out of control. If left untamed it can affect their vision and increase the likelihood of eye infections. Therefore, we suggest tidying this up once every two to three weeks.
Shih-Poos /Teddy Bears

Appearance: Shih-Poos are known for their adorable and varied looks, featuring a fluffy, low-shedding coat that may be straight, curly, or a delightful mix of both. Their coats are not only soft to the touch but also require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. These charming dogs come in a stunning variety of colors, including classic black, pure white, rich brown, soft gray, and the unique brindle pattern, allowing each Shih-Poo to have its own distinct personality and style.
Temperament: They are known for being friendly, playful, and affectionate, making them great companions for families, seniors, and even apartment dwellers. Their sociable nature allows them to easily bond with individuals of all ages, bringing joy and laughter into homes with their lively antics. These pets thrive on interaction and companionship, often seeking out their owners for cuddles and playtime. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various living situations, from spacious homes with backyards to cozy apartments, where they can express their playful spirit without needing a lot of space. Many owners find that their loving demeanor and exuberant personality create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making them cherished members of the family.
Grooming: Shih-Poos require regular grooming, including thorough brushing to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. Depending on the individual’s coat type, they may need to be trimmed several times a year to maintain a manageable length and a neat appearance. Additionally, routine grooming sessions can be an excellent opportunity for owners to check for any skin irritations or parasites, ensuring their Shih-Poo remains in good health. Regular grooming not only enhances the dog’s overall look but also strengthens the bond between the pet and its owner, making it an essential part of Shih-Poo care.
Exercise: They have moderate energy levels and enjoy walks, playtime, and cuddling, making them suitable companions for both active individuals and those who prefer a quieter lifestyle. Regular physical activity not only helps maintain their physical health but also keeps their spirits high and engages their playful nature. Health: Shih-Poos are generally healthy but can be prone to some inherited conditions, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so it is essential for owners to provide regular veterinary check-ups and maintain a balanced diet to ensure optimal health and longevity.
Training: They are intelligent and can be trained with positive reinforcement, which is a method that encourages desired behaviors through rewards and praise. This approach not only strengthens their ability to learn new commands and tricks but also fosters a strong bond of trust and connection between the trainer and the animal. By using treats, affection, and encouragement, trainers can motivate them to engage in desired behaviors, making the training process enjoyable and effective. Consistency and patience are key, as each session builds on previous lessons, ultimately leading to well-behaved and happy companions.
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a small, squarely-built companion dog known for its high intelligence, curly, non-shedding coat, and lively, affectionate personality. They typically stand no more than 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 and 9 pounds.

Physical Appearance
- Size: The smallest of the Poodle varieties, Toy Poodles are 10 inches or under at the shoulder and generally weigh 6–9 pounds.
- Coat: They have a dense, curly, and profuse coat that does not shed, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. The coat can also be found in a corded variety and comes in many solid colors, including black, white, apricot, brown, cream, gray, marle, and red.
- Build: The Toy Poodle has an elegant, well-proportioned, and athletic build with a long, slender neck and a straight, level topline.
- Head/Face: They feature a long, straight muzzle, dark, oval-shaped eyes that convey an alert and intelligent expression, and long, feathered ears that hang close to the head.
Temperament and Personality
- Intelligence: Recognized as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, Toy Poodles are very quick learners and love mental stimulation.
- Sociable & Affectionate: They are devoted companions that thrive on human interaction and love being part of family activities. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
- Energy Level: Despite their small size, they are active and playful dogs that require daily exercise, such as walks and games of fetch.
- Watchdogs: They can be good watchdogs, often announcing visitors with barking, though they are generally good-tempered.
- Family Life: While they are great family pets, their delicate size means interactions with very young or boisterous children should be supervised to prevent accidental injury.
Care and Health
- Grooming: Their continuously growing coat requires significant maintenance, including daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming/clipping every four to six weeks.
- Lifespan: Toy Poodles typically have a long life expectancy, ranging from 10 to 18 years.
- Health Considerations: Like all breeds, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions. Regular veterinary care and preventive measures, such as dental hygiene, are important.

