History
Shichis are Shih Tzu Chihuahua mix. Their physical appearance heavily depends on the genes; the dog inherits from its parents. This rule also implies on the coat of the Shichi dog. The coat of the Shichi dog can have short hair and with wisps of the longer ones from the Chihuahua parent, or the opposite can also happen if the dog sides upon the Shih Tzu breed.
Interesting Facts
1.This breed cannot tolerate extreme weather conditions, especially harsh winters.
Temperament & Personality
Experts say that these small dogs have a big personality with an adorable disposition. They are incredibly loyal and devoted, making them an appropriate choice for any family seeking a dependable and friendly companion. Extremely fun loving and playful by nature, these dogs will love to be a playmate for the small kids. Shichi dogs should be handled with love and care because of their compact and vulnerable size.
These dogs are perfect for singles and active families. These dogs are also known to have an adventurous side and will love to be the little companion to their owner in trekking. The get excited easily and may scratch someone out of exhilaration. They get conscious and wary if they chances upon an unfamiliar face, though once acquainted with the stranger, the Shichis will not hesitate to show their friendly side.
Exercise
Since they are naturally active and playful, these dogs don’t need a daily dose of exercise routine. Instead, they will fulfil their exercise needs by constantly moving in the house. A twenty minutes of activities once in a week will keep the dog mentally and physically healthy. Engage the dog in games like Frisbee and flyball in the yard area. This dog will love to mingle with its canine friends in the puppy kindergarten classes. These dogs are known to excel in agility sports and obedience competition.
Grooming
Clipping the coat will reduce the dog’s grooming needs. Brushing the fur three to four times every week will prevent issues like matting and accumulation of dead hair.Bathing them once in a week will prevent doggy odour. Whenever the dog’s fur grows too long, the owner should make sure that the dog gets a haircut to avoid the attack of fleas. If the dog still gets affected by fleas, the owner can try the option of topical medicines to overcome this problem.
Health problems
Some health issues like Hip dysplasia, Hydrocephalus, Patellar Luxation, Distichiasis, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Brachycephalic syndrome, and various Dental problems can affect the dog’s health. Occasional tests for the Eyes, Radiographs, and frequent Full Body Examination can prevent the dog from getting multiple diseases.
Training
Shichi puppies are known to be stubborn and inflexible when it comes to training them. So the trainer has to be patient, firm and consistent. But, early positive reinforcement techniques and obedience and socialization training will make the dog obedient and well-behaved in the future.
Praises and food rewards will make the overall training process much hassle-free and convenient for the trainer. Kenneling is a useful technique to suppress the dog's natural tendency of housebreaking.
Feeding
This cross needs one cup of dry dog food on a daily basis to maintain its overall health.