Shichon Generations
Every Generation, Chosen with Care
From F1 to multigen, nothing about our breeding program is left to guesswork. We pair our dogs with purpose, always with an eye toward healthier, happier Shichon puppies down the line.
Shichon Generations Deep Dive
Shih Tzu Bichon Mix
The F1 Shichon is where it all begins — the first generation cross between a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Bichon Frise. This pairing brings together two beloved companion breeds, each contributing their own strengths to the Shih Tzu Bichon mix. From the Shih Tzu side, you’ll often see that sweet, affectionate nature and a low-to-the-ground, sturdy build. From the Bichon side comes that playful, curious energy and a soft, curly coat that many families fall in love with.
Because F1 puppies are the first generation of this cross, there’s a bit more natural variation from puppy to puppy — some may favor their Shih Tzu parent slightly more in coat or face shape, while others lean more Bichon. This diversity is part of what makes each F1 litter so exciting to watch grow. No two puppies are identical, and each one develops their own distinct look and personality.
At Paw Tale Puppies, our F1 pairings are chosen thoughtfully, with attention to the temperament and health background of both parent breeds. We’re continuing to build out our health testing program generation over generation, so we can better understand and improve on what each pairing produces. Every puppy is raised with plenty of socialization, hands-on care, and attention from our team, so they’re ready for the transition to their new family.
F1 Shichons tend to make wonderful companions for people who want a dog with a bit of unpredictability in coat and looks, but a very predictable big heart. If you love the idea of a true “best of both worlds” shih tzu bichon mix, an F1 Shichon might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Shichon To Shichon
The F2 generation is where the Shichon really starts to come into its own. Rather than crossing back to a purebred Shih Tzu or Bichon, an F2 litter comes from breeding two F1 Shichons together. This means both parents already carry that unique Shichon blend, and the resulting puppies begin to show more consistency in coat, size, and temperament than their F1 predecessors.
This generation is a bit of a bridge — the traits that make Shichons so beloved start to stabilize, while still retaining some of that wonderful individual variation that keeps every litter interesting. You’ll often see a nice range of coat textures, from soft and wavy to more tightly curled, along with that classic sweet, people-oriented Shichon temperament.
Breeding F2 to F2 (or continuing on toward multigenerational lines) takes patience and careful planning. At Paw Tale Puppies, we track temperament, structure, and health across generations so that each pairing is building toward healthier, more consistent puppies — not just repeating a cross for its own sake. Our health testing protocols continue to expand as we learn more about each line.
F2 Shichons are a great fit for families who love the Shichon look and temperament but appreciate having a bit more predictability than a first-generation cross offers. Every puppy is raised with hands-on attention, early socialization, and the same level of care that goes into every litter here — because generation number aside, every Shichon we raise is treated as an individual, not just a step in a breeding line.
Shichon Shih Tzu Mix
The F1B generation is a backcross, created by breeding an F1 Shichon back to a purebred Shih Tzu. This pairing is a deliberate choice, often used to reinforce specific traits — particularly coat type — that families tend to love most about the Shih Tzu side, such as a softer, lower-shedding coat and a more predictable, compact build.
Because this generation leans more heavily toward the Shih Tzu, F1B puppies often show a bit more consistency in coat texture than earlier crosses, while still carrying the sweet, easygoing temperament the Shichon is known for. It’s a thoughtful way to fine-tune the traits within a line without straying from the qualities that make Shichons such wonderful companions in the first place.
At Paw Tale Puppies, F1B pairings are chosen with real intention — not just to produce a certain look, but to support healthy, well-tempered puppies generation after generation. We’re continuing to expand our health testing program so we can make informed decisions with every pairing, always keeping soundness and temperament at the forefront.
Every F1B puppy is raised the same way as the rest of our litters: with daily hands-on care, early socialization, and genuine attention from our team. Backcrossing is a technical term, but the puppies themselves are anything but — each one is raised and loved as an individual, not just an outcome of a breeding formula.
For families who love the Shichon temperament but are drawn to a coat that leans a little more Shih Tzu, an F1B puppy offers that sweet middle ground — the best of both breeds, shaped with purpose.
Multi Generational Shichons
The Multigenerational Shichon represents the continued development of our breeding program through carefully selected Shichon-to-Shichon pairings across multiple generations. Rather than introducing another purebred parent, these litters build upon the traits we’ve been intentionally selecting over time. The result is a Shichon that offers greater consistency in coat, size, temperament, and overall appearance while still maintaining the playful charm that makes the breed so special.
As generations progress, we gain a better understanding of how each pairing contributes to the next. That allows us to make informed breeding decisions based on health, temperament, structure, and the qualities we want to preserve. While every puppy is still wonderfully unique, multigenerational Shichons often display more predictable coats and personalities than earlier generations, making them an excellent choice for many families.
At Paw Tale Puppies, every multigenerational pairing is planned with intention. We continue expanding our health testing program and carefully evaluate each parent before making breeding decisions. Our goal isn’t simply to produce beautiful puppies—it’s to raise healthy, confident companions that will thrive as beloved family members for years to come. Every generation gives us valuable insight that helps strengthen the next.
For families looking for the highest level of consistency our Shichon program currently offers, the Multigenerational Shichon is an excellent choice. These puppies represent years of thoughtful planning, ongoing refinement, and a commitment to raising affectionate, intelligent companions that are as dependable in temperament as they are adorable.
Health Testing Partners:
