Brussels Griffon Shih Tzu Mix – Shiffon

Brussels Griffon Shih Tzu Mix -Shiffon

• While the Shiffon is not a purebred dog, it is still unique nonetheless; with traits all on its own. Small and scruffy, these dogs are part of a much sought after mix breed. With just the right amount of the Belgian Brussels Griffon as well as the Chinese Shih Tzu, these dogs have a lot to offer many dog lovers all over the world.

What Is a Shiffon? All you need to know About this breed

Must Know Facts

• • The Shiffon breed is hybrid, which means that it is a mix of two other purebred breeds. The Shiffon is part of the Toy Group of Kennel Club Affiliation. They are recognized and can be registered through several hybrid dog clubs, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
  • Lifespan: The expected lifespan of the Shiffon is 12-15 years.
  • Weight: The weight of an adult Shiffon falls between 6 and 15 pounds. Shiffon puppies can weigh under a pound.
  • Size : Shiffons are quite small. Males tend to be larger than females by a few inches or even just a few centimeters. The adults range from 8 to 11 inches in height.
  • With this breed being small, puppies are quite tiny and should be handled with care. Size and temperament are the biggest varifiers between a puppy and an adult..
    • Coat Color can be a variety of brown, black, tan, cream, red, and white
      • The Shiffon coat can be smooth and silky or short and course
      • Coat colors can be solid or mixed
      • Puppy coats are shorter and colors may darken with age
      • The adult coat gets longer and thicker
      • Puppy coats tend to be softer
      • As this breed ages its coat may become more coarse and wiry
      • The coat of a senior is much the same as that of the adult coat, but may also bring forth a wiry beard

Shiffon Health and Care

• Shiffons tend to be bred with less health problems than the Brussels Griffon and Shih Tzu. This sets them apart as one of the easier small hybrid breeds.
• Common health issues include allergies and minor issues with fur, such as it being caught in their eyes and matted with food. Hip dysplasia and cataracts are more severe, yet far less common health issues. This is a generally healthy breed.
• Taking care of your Shiffon starts with proper training as a puppy. If good habits are not formed in the beginning, poor behavior is very difficult to change. Shiffons are very loyal and playful, but as with any dog, proper training is encouraged for a happy and healthy life for both dog and owner.
• Teeth need to be cleaned regularly, at least once a week, so that harmful bacteria doesn’t set in on the enamel. Small chew toys and balls will help keep teeth strong and healthy. There are also teeth-cleaning treats on the market that will help with cleanliness and foul breath.
• Shiffons will partake in occasional barking, but are generally friendly, so a muzzle may not be necessary.
• When considering to spay or neuter a Shiffon it may be a good idea to discuss options with a veterinarian. There are health benefits to spaying female dogs, but naturally the option of breeding may come into play, for both female and male dogs.

Essential Products and grooming Accessories

• There are many grooming clippers on the market, but the best ones for a Shiffon are those tailored to toy dog breeds. One of the top products is Babyliss Pro Pet Professional Metal Pet Trimmer.
• There is an array of affordable brushes and grooming gloves on the market. Since these dogs are known to have a fair amount of shedding, a brush is good for keeping their coat smooth and free of matting. The Oster combo brush for dogs is a best seller.
• Like the grooming clippers, choosing a nail clipper suited for small dogs is essential. Shiny Pet has affordable clippers made for small pets that are angled, making clipping doable and safe for this breed. Products like these that make grooming easier and quicker may be the way to go.
• As far as dog shampoos go, choosing an all-natural product is the safest option. Earthbath has an all-natural shampoo that is fairly affordable. A veterinarian or groomer can also point you in the right direction of products for the Shiffon.
• Cleanliness and grooming are important for these dogs, as they are with any dog breed. The top picks for grooming tubs, tables, and harnesses are as follows: the Waterpik PPR-252 Pet Wand Pro, the QAQA Professional Foldable Dog Grooming Table, and the Noxgear Lightound harness.
• This breed is playful and active, so reliable leashes and collars will probably be part of any Shiffon owner’s collection of dog products. A comfortable no-pull harness that can be attached to a variety of leases may be a worthwhile investment for this breed. The EcoBark Max Comfort and Control Vest Dog Harness is made of durable mesh and is one of the top picks. Going for safety and comfort will make walks, travel, and transportation more comfortable for the Shiffon and its owner. These things contribute to a happy and healthy life.

FAQs

• Are they Adaptable?
  • The Shiffon is a loyal and lovable dog, though it can be rambunctious and hyper. As long as they are introduced to children and other pets at a young age, they can adapt and make a great family pet. They can even thrive on attention and companionship with other human beings and animals. Proper training is key to the successful addition of any pet.
  • The playful side of a Shiffon makes it a fun and practical family dog, most-likely to get along with almost everyone it comes in contact with. Though its loyalty can cause jealousness, proper training from an experienced dog-owner mixed with care and exercise make this breed a suitable family pet.
• Are they Good Companions?
  • Loyal
  • Rambunctious
  • Affectionate
  • Small / easy to transport
  • Minimal barking
  • Moderate shedding
  • Strives for attention from its owner
  • Jealous, but adaptable to many people
  • Friendly and playful
  • Easy to train
  • Smart
  • Enjoys active play
  • Moderate lifespan
  • Minimal health issues
• If you are willing to train early on, and have some previous experience with owning a dog, the Shiffon will most-likely be a good fit for your home.
• Pros And Cons of owning a Shiffon

-Easy to train / Must be trained early on

-Small and easy to clean / Delicate and requires proper attention

-Can adapt in a small environment, such as an apartment / Does require proper play and exercise on a daily basis

-Good with most people, especially older children / Can be jealous and requires a lot of attention

-Very few major health issues / Allergies

Temperament and Personality

• They have a playful and active temperament with a touch of mischief and hyperactivity.
• Because the Shiffon is so loyal, it can be territorial and possessive over its family and belongings.
• The Shiffon is a loyal companion to its owner, making it an ideal family dog.
• It is known for its love and affection. The proper fit for this breed is someone who is willing to devote time and love to it. The breed can be hyperactive and jealous, but overall is loyal and mild tempered.
• They are fun loving and not known to be aggressive or emotional. Their personality is generally happy and excited. The Shiffon is an active breed.

The Basics of Grooming

• With moderate shedding of the coat, Shiffons require weekly brushing and bathing.
• Proper haircuts are necessary to keep fur out of their eyes and face.
• Hair
  • Hair is straight to moderately wavy, but can be wiry. The Shiffon coat can be like that of the Brussels Griffon or the Shih Tzu. It can even be a mixture of both.
• Nail maintenance is crucial to minimize scratching and damage to furniture. Trimming of the fur around the face is required to prevent matting and to keep the eyes clear. Because the Shiffon can have allergies, keeping the eyes clear is important.
• Puppy Grooming: Using an all-natural shampoo and brushing a puppy’s fur will help strengthen the coat.
• This breed is hypoallergenic, but they do tend to have a fair amount of shedding, so sweeping and fur cleanup will be part of a weekly routine.
  • Being hypoallergenic, the Shiffon is a good housepet, but they themselves can be prone to allergies.
  • With moderate shedding, weekly grooming and cleaning will be necessary to keep a healthy home for all in the household.
  • Ensuring minimal shedding will require proper grooming and brushing, as well as weekly baths. Regular trimmings mixed with the use of proper shampoos can help make the shedding process less difficult to keep up with and clean up.

Top Tips for finding a Shiffon

• Adopting a Dog from a Rescue or a Shelter
  • Numerous dog breeds can be found through the American Kennel Club Rescue Network Contact List. This will assist in finding rescue groups.
  • Rescue Groups
    • USA – American Humane
    • UK – Barking Mad Dog Rescue
    • Australia – Australian Animal Rescue Inc.
    • Canada – Frankie’s Friends
    • Asia – Animals Asia Foundation
• Finding Puppies For Sale
  • Choose a Breeder Carefully! Choose a breeder using the numerous rescue websites. Check availability and registration.
  • How much do puppies cost to buy? Price for this breed ranges from $100 to $800, depending on the age of the dog at the time of purchase.
  • With grooming and vet costs, owning a Shiffon can be a bit of an investment, but with few major health issues and most grooming doable from home, overall, these dogs are rather affordable.
  • Finding the best place to buy puppies of this breed can be tricky. Checking the Humane Society is always a good first step. Shopping locally is almost always most convenient, but if local shelters, pet shops, and breeders are no-go’s, doing research to find someone to point you in the right direction is also viable.

Training and Exercising your Shiffon

• How Easy is it to train a Shiffon? Though this breed requires early training, it can be done fairly easily. Previous pet owners may do better at training than a first-time owner, but the training process can be done by a devoted owner, and should be done while the Shiffon is still a puppy. This prevents behaviour and personality problems later on. It also ensures that they will adapt well at home and get along with other people and pets.
• These dogs are very active and require adequate exercise. Walks and play-time should be part of daily activities from a young age. Exercise and playtime are important to keeping up a healthy weight as well.
• Best ways to potty-train – Have puppy pads available for indoor use, keep a set schedule that is easily adaptable, offer rewards, and use a comforting tone.
• Exercise can include walks, fetch, running, floor play, playing with toys, etc.
• Tips for Training Your Shiffon – Be patient, remember that they are hyperactive, let them adapt to your personality, be consistent, and offer rewards for good behavior. Remember that the end result is worth any difficulties that may arise during the process.

How to Feed a Shiffon and Dietary Requirements / Restrictions

• Shiffons require a generally normal diet, similar to what any other small dog breed would eat.
• Clean, cold water throughout the day is important for their active lifestyle.
• Making sure your dog has proper protein and nutrition is key. A high-quality dog food will suffice for this breed.
• Be sure to not overfeed the Shiffon. It only requires one serving of nutrient-rich food each day to keep it active and healthy.
• Refrain from feeding table foods to the Shiffon, as it could lead to sickness and obesity.
• Small dog breeds often get overfed, but remember that they do not require more than one serving of food per day.
• Try out different dog foods to see what works best for your pet. Changing up their diet in the beginning may not be necessary, but could help establish the proper diet for this dog.

Most Popular names for Shiffons

• Male dogs – Charlie, Max, Buddy
• Female dogs – Bella, Molly, Coco

Summary

Other Similar or Comparable small & Medium dog Breeds

• Brussels Griffon
• Shih Tzu

Additional Information

• Environment – Shiffons do well in a variety of environments. As with any other small dog, they need to be kept warm in the cold and cool in the heat. They may even like pouncing in the snow and playing in water.
• Having someone to play with on a daily basis is important. This is one reason why they are well-suited for a variety of family styles. Being a good companion means a person living alone would do well with this dog. A home with children is also appropriate because Shiffons play well with children.
• Often, hybrid breeds have the reputation of being expensive and difficult to care for, but Shiffons prove otherwise. With a generally easy care routine and minimal health issues, they can be very affordable and easy to care for. Consistency and attention are key. Buying the proper products is proven to be affordable and Shiffons do not require much different care and resources than the average small dog breed.
• Because this breed is a hybrid it can take after one or both of its parent breeds. Your Shiffon may have more traits of a Brussels Griffon, or it may take after the Shih Tzu. There is no way to tell until it is grown, but both the Brussels Griffon and Shih Tzu are strong breeds, known to be loyal pets, making the Shiffon a good mix.
• With a rich history and an exciting personality, the Shiffon is an overall joyful and suitable breed for the average dog lover.