Shichon Dog Breed and 9 Similar Small Companion Dogs Compared
Explore the Shichon dog breed and 9 similar small companion dogs. Compare temperament, grooming, health, and costs to find your ideal low-shedding lap dog.
Why the Shichon Dog Breed Deserves Your Attention
If you've been searching for a small, affectionate companion dog that doesn't shed much and fits well in an apartment, you've likely encountered the Shichon dog breed — a Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu cross that has quietly become one of the most popular designer breeds in the U.S. Sometimes called the "Teddy Bear dog" or "Zuchon," the Shichon typically weighs 9–16 lb (4–7 kg), stands 9–12 inches tall, and lives 12–16 years.
But the Shichon isn't the only option in this category. Dozens of small companion breeds share similar traits: low shedding, affectionate temperaments, manageable exercise needs, and apartment-friendly sizes. The challenge for prospective owners is figuring out which one actually fits their lifestyle.
This guide breaks down the Shichon alongside 9 comparable small companion breeds, using specific criteria to help you make a data-driven decision rather than choosing based on a cute photo alone.
Selection Criteria: What Qualifies a Breed for This List
Every breed in this comparison was evaluated against five specific criteria:
- Size: Must fall under 20 lb (9 kg) at maturity — suitable for apartments and easy travel
- Shedding level: Low to minimal shedding (hypoallergenic or near-hypoallergenic coats)
- Companion temperament: Bred primarily for companionship; scores well on affection and bonding
- Exercise needs: 30–45 minutes of daily activity or less — manageable for busy or less active owners
- Family compatibility: Generally good with children (supervised), seniors, and multi-pet households
Breeds were ranked by how consistently they meet all five criteria, with particular weight given to health predictability and grooming demands — the two factors that most often surprise first-time owners of small companion dogs.
The Shichon and 9 Similar Small Companion Breeds
Below are 10 breeds organized from smallest to largest average weight. Each entry explains exactly why it earned a spot on this list and what makes it distinct from the others.
1. Shichon (Bichon Frise × Shih Tzu)
Size class: Toy/Small — 9–16 lb (4–7 kg), 9–12 inches
Key matching trait: Combines the Bichon's cheerful, low-shedding coat with the Shih Tzu's calm lap-dog temperament, creating one of the most balanced small companion dogs available.
Profile: The Shichon is a first-generation (F1) or multigen designer cross that typically has a soft, curly-to-wavy coat requiring professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($50–$80 per session). They tend to be slightly sturdier than pure toy breeds, making them a better fit for households with gentle children ages 6+. Expect to pay $800–$2,000 from a responsible breeder who health-tests both parent breeds, or $200–$500 through breed-specific rescues.
Why it made the list: The Shichon benefits from hybrid vigor — the tendency for crossbreeds to have lower rates of certain inherited conditions compared to their purebred parents, though this is not guaranteed. Their moderate energy level (30–40 minutes of daily activity) and strong people-orientation make them ideal for apartment dwellers and retirees alike.
2. Bichon Frise
Size class: Small — 12–18 lb (5–8 kg), 9.5–11.5 inches
Key matching trait: One of the parent breeds of the Shichon, the purebred Bichon offers a more predictable temperament and coat type with the same low-shedding qualities.
Profile: AKC-recognized since 1973, the Bichon Frise is known for its clownish personality and powder-puff coat. They require grooming every 4–6 weeks and are prone to allergies (skin and food), bladder stones, and patellar luxation. Purchase price: $1,000–$3,000 from a health-tested breeder.
Why it made the list: As a purebred, the Bichon has a well-documented health profile and breed standard. If predictability matters more to you than the slight health advantages of a crossbreed, the Bichon is the safer bet — you'll know exactly what size, coat, and temperament to expect.
3. Maltese
Size class: Toy — 4–7 lb (2–3 kg), 7–9 inches
Key matching trait: One of the lowest-shedding breeds available, with a silky single coat that produces minimal dander — often recommended for allergy sufferers.
Profile: The Maltese has been a companion dog for over 2,000 years. Their floor-length coat requires daily brushing if kept long, though most pet owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches) maintained with grooming every 4–6 weeks. They're prone to tear staining, dental disease (common in toys), and hypoglycemia in puppies under 4 months. Purchase price: $1,000–$4,000.
Why it made the list: If your primary concern is allergen reduction, the Maltese consistently ranks among the best breeds for allergy sufferers. Their tiny size makes them ideal for studio apartments, though their fragility means they're not recommended for homes with toddlers or large, boisterous dogs.
4. Havanese
Size class: Small — 7–13 lb (3–6 kg), 8.5–11.5 inches
Key matching trait: Exceptionally social and trainable for a toy breed — often described as "Velcro dogs" that form intense bonds with their people.
Profile: Cuba's national dog, the Havanese has a silky, slightly wavy double coat that sheds minimally. They're notably more trainable than many toy breeds, excelling in agility and therapy work. Health concerns include chondrodysplasia (a form of dwarfism), deafness, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Purchase price: $1,500–$3,500.
Why it made the list: The Havanese bridges the gap between toy companion and active participant. If you want a small dog that can actually learn tricks, attend therapy dog visits, or accompany you on short hikes (up to 2 miles), the Havanese outperforms most breeds in this size range on versatility.
5. Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle)
Size class: Small — 9–25 lb (4–11 kg), 9–14 inches (varies by Poodle parent size)
Key matching trait: Combines the Cavalier's gentle, people-focused nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat, resulting in one of the most emotionally intuitive small companion dogs.
Profile: Cavapoos vary significantly in size depending on whether the Poodle parent is Toy or Miniature. They typically have wavy-to-curly coats needing grooming every 6–8 weeks. The major health concern is mitral valve disease (inherited from the Cavalier side), which affects an estimated 50% of Cavaliers by age 5. Reputable breeders cardiac-test parent dogs. Purchase price: $1,200–$3,000.
Why it made the list: The Cavapoo's emotional sensitivity makes it one of the best small breeds for therapy work and for owners who want a dog that genuinely reads their moods. However, the Cavalier health legacy means you must prioritize breeders who perform cardiac and neurological testing.
6. Shih Tzu
Size class: Small — 9–16 lb (4–7 kg), 9–10.5 inches
Key matching trait: The other parent breed of the Shichon — a brachycephalic (flat-faced) companion with a calm, dignified temperament and minimal exercise needs.
Profile: Originating in Chinese imperial courts, the Shih Tzu has a long, flowing double coat that requires daily brushing or a shorter "teddy bear" clip. As a brachycephalic breed, they're sensitive to heat and may develop brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). They're also prone to eye issues (dry eye, entropion) and hip dysplasia. Purchase price: $800–$2,500.
Why it made the list: If you love the Shichon's temperament but want a purebred with a documented lineage and predictable traits, the Shih Tzu delivers. Their exercise needs are among the lowest of any breed — a 15–20 minute daily walk is often sufficient.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Size class: Small — 11–20 lb (5–9 kg), 12–14 inches
Key matching trait: One of the few small breeds that combines low shedding with genuine alertness and trainability — more "capable companion" than "lap ornament."
Profile: The Miniature Schnauzer has a wiry double coat that sheds very little but requires hand-stripping or clipping every 5–8 weeks. They're notably more energetic than other breeds on this list (45–60 minutes of daily activity) and have a strong prey drive. Health concerns include pancreatitis (they're prone to high triglycerides), urinary stones, and myotonia congenita. Purchase price: $1,000–$3,000.
Why it made the list: The Mini Schnauzer is the "active option" on this list. If you want a small, low-shedding dog that can actually keep up on 3-mile walks and enjoys learning complex commands, this breed fills a niche that most toy companions can't. The trade-off is higher exercise needs and a more opinionated personality.
8. Coton de Tuléar
Size class: Small — 9–15 lb (4–7 kg), 9–11 inches
Key matching trait: Named for its distinctive cotton-like coat, this rare breed offers Shichon-level affection with a slightly more playful, clownish personality.
Profile: Originating in Madagascar, the Coton de Tuléar was recognized by the AKC in 2014 and remains relatively uncommon in the U.S. Their cottony single coat is low-shedding but requires brushing 3–4 times per week to prevent matting. They're generally healthy with fewer breed-specific issues than many purebreds, though banders disease (a rare neurological condition) has been documented. Purchase price: $2,000–$4,000 (limited breeder availability).
Why it made the list: If you want something less common than a Shichon or Cavapoo but with similar traits, the Coton is a strong alternative. Their rarity means longer waitlists and higher prices, but also typically more dedicated breeders who health-test thoroughly.
9. Toy Poodle
Size class: Toy — 4–6 lb (2–3 kg), under 10 inches
Key matching trait: The gold standard for intelligence in a small, low-shedding package — consistently ranks among the top 3 most trainable breeds regardless of size.
Profile: The Poodle (in all sizes) is the foundation of most "doodle" and "poo" crossbreeds for good reason: their curly, continuously growing coat sheds minimally, and their trainability is exceptional. Toy Poodles need grooming every 4–6 weeks and are prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and dental issues. Purchase price: $1,000–$3,500.
Why it made the list: If trainability matters to you — whether for therapy work, dog sports, or simply having a well-mannered companion — the Toy Poodle outperforms every other breed on this list. The trade-off is a more high-strung personality compared to the Shichon's easygoing nature, and a greater need for mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
10. Lhasa Apso
Size class: Small — 12–18 lb (5–8 kg), 10–11 inches
Key matching trait: A low-shedding companion with a more independent, cat-like personality — ideal for owners who want a bonded dog that isn't clingy.
Profile: Originally bred as monastery watchdogs in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso has a long, dense double coat requiring brushing 3–4 times weekly. They're notably more independent than other breeds on this list — affectionate with family but reserved with strangers. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and renal cortical hypoplasia. Purchase price: $800–$2,000.
Why it made the list: The Lhasa Apso is the "independent option" for people who find breeds like the Cavapoo or Havanese too needy. If you work from home but don't want a dog underfoot every second, or if you prefer a dog that's dignified rather than goofy, the Lhasa fills that niche while still meeting the low-shedding, small-size criteria.
Breed Comparison Table: Key Attributes at a Glance
| Breed | Weight (lb/kg) | Exercise (min/day) | Grooming Frequency | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shichon | 9–16 / 4–7 | 30–40 | Every 6–8 wks | $800–$2,000 | All-around companion |
| Bichon Frise | 12–18 / 5–8 | 30–45 | Every 4–6 wks | $1,000–$3,000 | Predictable purebred |
| Maltese | 4–7 / 2–3 | 20–30 | Every 4–6 wks | $1,000–$4,000 | Allergy sufferers |
| Havanese | 7–13 / 3–6 | 30–45 | Every 4–6 wks | $1,500–$3,500 | Active small-dog owners |
| Cavapoo | 9–25 / 4–11 | 30–45 | Every 6–8 wks | $1,200–$3,000 | Emotional sensitivity |
| Shih Tzu | 9–16 / 4–7 | 15–30 | Every 4–6 wks | $800–$2,500 | Lowest exercise needs |
| Mini Schnauzer | 11–20 / 5–9 | 45–60 | Every 5–8 wks | $1,000–$3,000 | Active owners |
| Coton de Tuléar | 9–15 / 4–7 | 30–40 | 3–4×/week brushing | $2,000–$4,000 | Rare breed seekers |
| Toy Poodle | 4–6 / 2–3 | 30–45 | Every 4–6 wks | $1,000–$3,500 | Trainability focus |
| Lhasa Apso | 12–18 / 5–8 | 20–30 | 3–4×/week brushing | $800–$2,000 | Independent personality |
Decision Framework: Choosing Between the Top 3
Based on the criteria above, the three breeds that most consistently meet all five selection factors are the Shichon, the Cavapoo, and the Havanese. Here's how to choose between them based on your specific situation:
If/Then Decision Guide
- If you have young children (under 6): Choose the Shichon. Its slightly sturdier build (9–16 lb vs. the Cavapoo's wider range) and easygoing temperament handle gentle child interaction better than the more fragile Maltese or the emotionally sensitive Cavapoo. Always supervise interactions regardless of breed.
- If you have allergies and need the lowest possible allergen exposure: Choose the Havanese or Toy Poodle. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, these breeds consistently produce less dander. The Shichon's Shih Tzu genetics can introduce slightly more shedding in some individuals.
- If you want a therapy or emotional support dog: Choose the Cavapoo. The Cavalier lineage gives this cross an exceptional ability to read human emotions and respond with calming behavior. They're widely used in hospital and nursing home therapy programs.
- If budget is a primary concern: Choose the Shichon ($800–$2,000) or Shih Tzu ($800–$2,500). Both are at the lower end of the price spectrum, and their grooming intervals (6–8 weeks) are slightly less frequent than the Bichon or Poodle (4–6 weeks), saving $150–$300 annually in grooming costs.
- If you want the most trainable small companion: Choose the Havanese or Toy Poodle. Both excel in obedience, agility, and trick training. The Shichon and Cavapoo are trainable but tend to be more motivated by affection than by tasks.
- If you live in a hot climate: Avoid the Shih Tzu and be cautious with the Shichon (which may inherit brachycephalic traits). Choose the Havanese, Toy Poodle, or Coton de Tuléar, which have normal muzzle structure and handle heat better.
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Consider Carefully
Honorable Mentions
These breeds narrowly missed the top 10 but deserve consideration depending on your priorities:
- Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier × Poodle): Even smaller than the Shichon (5–12 lb), good for studio apartments, but can be more vocal and fragile.
- Chinese Crested (Powderpuff variety): Extremely low-shedding, but their hairless variant requires sunscreen and skin care that adds complexity.
- Bolognese: Similar to the Bichon but rarer and often calmer — excellent if you can find a breeder (expect 6–12 month waitlists).
Breeds to Consider Carefully Before Choosing
These small, popular breeds didn't make the list because they fail one or more selection criteria:
- French Bulldog: Small and affectionate, but extreme brachycephaly leads to significant breathing issues, heat intolerance, and veterinary costs 2–3× higher than average small breeds. Many airlines ban them from cargo.
- Pomeranian: Small and popular, but they shed heavily (double coat with seasonal blowing) — fails the low-shedding criterion entirely.
- Chihuahua: Tiny and low-shedding (smooth coat), but their temperament with children and strangers is often poor without extensive socialization, and they're prone to dental disease and tracheal collapse.
- Pug: Affectionate and small, but like the French Bulldog, their brachycephalic structure creates serious health concerns including BOAS, eye injuries, and obesity predisposition.
Health and Cost Considerations for Small Companion Breeds
Regardless of which breed you choose, small companion dogs share several health and financial considerations worth planning for:
Common Health Issues Across Small Breeds
- Dental disease: Affects an estimated 80% of small-breed dogs by age 3, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Budget for professional dental cleanings ($300–$800 each) every 1–2 years, plus daily tooth brushing.
- Patellar luxation: Kneecap dislocation is common in dogs under 20 lb. Grades I–II may not require surgery, but Grade III–IV repairs cost $1,500–$3,500 per knee.
- Tracheal collapse: Common in toy breeds; use a harness instead of a collar to reduce pressure on the trachea.
- Hypoglycemia: Puppies under 4 months (especially under 5 lb) can experience dangerous blood sugar drops. Feed 3–4 small meals daily rather than 2 larger ones.
Annual Cost Breakdown
Beyond the purchase price, budget for these recurring annual costs:
- Food: $200–$400/year (small breeds eat ¼–¾ cup daily of quality kibble)
- Grooming: $400–$900/year (depending on frequency and your area)
- Veterinary care: $500–$1,200/year (routine); add $200–$500 for dental
- Pet insurance: $300–$600/year (recommended — small breeds' dental and orthopedic issues are common claims)
- Total first-year cost: $2,500–$6,500 including purchase price
- Ongoing annual cost: $1,400–$3,100
Veterinary Disclaimer
This article provides general breed information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making decisions about your dog's health, diet, or care. Individual dogs within any breed or crossbreed may have health needs that differ from breed averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best small companion dog breed for apartments?
The Shichon, Shih Tzu, and Maltese are among the best small breeds for apartments due to their low exercise needs (15–40 minutes daily), minimal barking tendencies, and small physical footprint. However, any dog in an apartment needs consistent daily walks and mental stimulation to prevent nuisance barking, regardless of breed.
Is the Shichon dog breed good with children?
Yes, Shichons are generally good with gentle, supervised children ages 6 and up. Their 9–16 lb frame is sturdier than ultra-tiny breeds like the Maltese, but they can still be injured by rough handling. Always teach children to support the dog's hindquarters when picking them up, and never allow a child to carry a small dog while walking.
How do designer breeds like the Shichon compare to purebreds on health?
Crossbreeds like the Shichon may benefit from hybrid vigor — a reduced likelihood of inheriting breed-specific recessive conditions that affect both parent breeds equally. However, they can still inherit conditions common to either parent (e.g., patellar luxation from the Shih Tzu side, allergies from the Bichon side). The key factor is whether the breeder health-tests both parent dogs using OFA or PennHIP certifications. An untested crossbreed may be less healthy than a well-tested purebred.
Which breed on this list sheds the least?
The Maltese and Toy Poodle are consistently the lowest-shedding breeds on this list. Both have single coats (no undercoat) that grow continuously rather than shedding seasonally. The Shichon, Bichon, Havanese, and Cavapoo are also very low-shedding, though individual variation exists — especially in F2 or multigen crosses where coat type is less predictable.
How much does it cost to own a Shichon over its lifetime?
Assuming a 14-year lifespan, the estimated lifetime cost of a Shichon is $18,000–$38,000, including purchase price, food, grooming, routine veterinary care, dental cleanings, and unexpected medical expenses. Pet insurance ($300–$600/year) can reduce the impact of major unexpected costs like emergency surgery ($3,000–$7,000) or chronic condition management.
Should I adopt or buy a Shichon?
Both are valid options. If buying, seek a breeder who performs OFA health testing on both parent dogs, provides a written health guarantee, and has a take-back clause (requiring the dog be returned to them if you can't keep it). Expect to pay $800–$2,000. For adoption, check Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu rescue organizations — Shichons and similar mixes frequently appear in rescues, typically at a cost of $200–$500 which includes spay/neuter and initial vaccinations.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
