8-20 lbs
10-18"
Unknown
The La-Chon is a hybrid breed where the Bichon Frise is crossed with the Lhasa Apso. Dogs of the hybrid are small, weighing between 8 and 20 pounds and typically intelligent. The La-Chon can be stubborn while being loving towards his humans. Typically happy and energetic, the La-Chon will also love to cuddle. While the La-Chon will not shed heavily, a moderate amount of maintenance is required as his fur has a tendency to get tangled or matted. Regular brushing will keep this from becoming a problem for your La-Chon.
The hybrid called the La-Chon is a new breed of dog that does not have a detailed history, though the two breeds that combine to create the breed have long histories. Buddhist monks that lived in the Tibetan mountains developed the Lhasa Apso as sentinels for the temples and monasteries. It is believed by some that the dogs descended from Tibetan Terriers, while others believe that dogs of the breed may have been influenced by dogs from the North. Upon studying the breed’s DNA, it appears that one of the Lhasa Apso’s ancestors may be a type of mountain wolf. The breed was developed to handle cold temperatures and their judgement ability helped them to determine whether someone approaching was a friend or an enemy. Dogs of the breed were never sold, though the the Dalai Lamas would give a pair as a gift on occasion to Imperial families and visiting dignitaries. In 1933 the breed first arrived in the U.S. when the 13th Dalai Lama offered a group of the small dogs to Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting. The breed’s beginning in the U.S. came from these dogs and the breed gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1935. Multiple beliefs exist about the history of the Bichon Frise. While some feel that the breed has been in existence since before the time of Christ, others believe the breed descends from the Maltese, while still others reference accounts that point to the breed descending from the Barbet, Water Spaniel and possibly the Poodle. Bichons, all thought to have come from the Mediterranean region, were divided into four categories: bichon Bolognais, the bichon Havanais, the bichon Maltais and the bichon Teneriffe. According to history, dogs of the breed were bartered with by sailors. Popular in Spain, it is believed that Spanish sailors were responsible for introducing the breed to Teneriffe, an island in the Canaries. Italian sailors rediscovered the dogs in the 1300’s and the breed became popular with Italian nobility. The breed was also popular in France during the Renaissance, achieving increased popularity under Henry III. The breed’s popularity decreased in the late 1800’s when the dogs were participants in fairs and the circus. In 1933, the president of the International Canine Federation recommended that the breed be called the Bichon Frise. The first of the Bichon Frise born in the United States was in 1956.
The La-Chon is a hybrid dog from the Bichon Frise and the Lhasa Apso. Dogs of the hybrid are small, weighing between 8 and 20 pounds and with a height of between 10 and 18 inches. The head of the dog will be round with a short muzzle and flappy ears. Eyes will be almond in shape and will typically be brown like those of his parent breeds. As with the Bichon Frise and Lhasa Apso, the La-Chon will have a black nose and medium to long hair that can be white, black, cream or brown, . Dogs of the hybrid will appear cute and ready to cuddle.
A moderate amount of grooming and maintenance will be necessary for the La-Chon. The hybrid does not shed much, however as he has long hair, his fur can become tangled and matted. Brushing at least a few times each week will be important to keep this from happening. Professional trimming every few months will also be helpful to keep the La-Chon’s hair under control. The hybrid should be bathed when necessary and his ears should be checked weekly for infection and wiped clean. Should you observe long hairs in his ears, they should be plucked. It is recommended that the teeth of the La-Chon be brushed several times each week and his nails should be trimmed as needed.
The La-Chon will be a smart dog who can be stubborn as well as very loving. Typically a dog of the hybrid will have a lot of energy and an outgoing personality. The La-Chon is eager to please and will enjoy learning how to perform tricks and will soak up the attention he gets when showing them off. Even with his energy, the La-Chon will love to cuddle with his humans. The La-Chon may bark at strangers and may struggle with other dogs or pets unless socialized early.
The La-Chon is not highly active, however he will likely have a lot of energy. He will benefit from a few walks each day as well as some play with his humans. Because of his small size, the La-Chon will do well in an apartment, though would love a fenced-in yard where he can play. Dogs of the hybrid may chase other animals so he should be kept on a leash when going for walks. The dog park is a good place to socialize your La-Chon; additionally, this hybrid will thrive on the challenge of obedience class which will also help him to befriend other dogs.
Written by a Australian Shepherd lover Ilyssa Bozza
Published: 10/24/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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