13-23 lbs
9-11"
United States
The Shelchon, also known as a Sheltie Bichon, is a medium-sized hybrid breed and is a cross between a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and a purebred Bichon Frise. Common colors include white, brown, tan, cream, black and sable and they have medium to long, thick, double-layered coats. Their hair can be soft and slightly wavy. The Shelchon is a sweet , cheerful dog who makes a very affectionate family pet. They are great with children but tend to be a bit cautious around strangers. They are curious and energetic but can be prone to excessive barking. They also have a strong herding instinct and can try to herd smaller dogs and cats and have been known to nip. They do shed quite a bit and are fairly high maintenance when it comes to grooming.
A Shelchon is a hybrid breed and is a mix between a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and a purebred Bichon Frise. Bred to be guard dogs for farmers in the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland, these dogs also kept birds away from their tiny sheep. The Shetland Islands are also home to other small breeds of animals, such as Shetland Ponies. Shetland Sheepdogs, nicknamed Shelties, look like small Rough Collies, but they are a different breed. Some of their ancestors are believed to include the King Charles Spaniel and the Pomeranian. The early dogs were referred to as “Toonie” dogs which translated as farm dogs. Some were taken to the United Kingdom where early breeders crossed them with rough-coated Collies. They were also initially referred to as Shetland Collies but this was dropped following objections by Collie breeders. The American Kennel Club recognized the Shetland Sheepdog in 1911. The Bichon Frise was developed on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean and is related to the Coton de Tulear, the Bolognese, the Havanese and the Maltese. The Barbet, a woolly water dog is thought to be among the Bichon’s ancestors with some saying the word Bichon is from “barbichon”, the diminutive of the word barbet. Records from the 14th century suggest French sailors brought the dogs home from Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. The cute little dogs were also popular in Spain and featured in paintings by Goya. They later fell out of favor with royalty and were used as performers in circuses when their charming personalities captivated audiences. The official breed standard was adopted in France in 1933. The Bichon Frise was introduced to the United States in 1956, and the Bichon Frise Club of America was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1975.
The Shelchon is a medium-sized hybrid breed with a rounded head and blunt muzzle. They are a mix between a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and a purebred Bichon Frise and will take on the looks and characteristics of both parent breeds. Common colors can include white, brown, tan, cream, black and sable and they have medium to long, thick double-layered coats. Their hair can be soft and slightly wavy more like a Bichon Frise. The Shelchon has round, dark brown eyes with an alert and inquisitive expression and a black nose. Their tales can be plumed and quite long while the ears are set quite high on the head.
The Shelchon tends to shed a lot so will need weekly brushing to remove any loose hair. They tend to shed more at certain times of the year and then may need daily brushing. This breed is prone to allergies so good grooming habits will be important. They will need to be trimmed occasionally which may be easier at a professional groomers. These dogs don’t need to be bathed too often and afterwards should be dried thoroughly. If they take after the Bichon Frise they may develop tear stains which can be wiped clean. The ears should also be checked for any debris or dirt and the teeth should be brushed daily. The nails should be trimmed when they get too long.
The Shelchon is a highly intelligent dog who is good tempered and charming. They make affectionate family pets and will be happiest when they are surrounded by family members. They hate being alone and are likely to become destructive if left for long periods. They make good playmates for children but are a bit wary of strangers. They will bark if they see a stranger so do make good watchdogs and can be very protective even though they are not very big. Early training and socialization will help them get used to any other pets in the household as they do have a strong herding instinct and are known to bark or nip when excited. These are mostly loving and playful dogs who are easy to train. Because they are so intelligent they will pick up commands easily and will do best with positive reinforcement. They are curious and energetic dogs and are well suited for first time dog owners.
A Shelchon is an energetic dog that loves to run and will thrive on activities like flyball or frisbee. They will enjoy going for walks to the dog park or to the beach but keep them on a leash as they do have strong hunting and herding instincts. These dogs need plenty of mental and physical exercise to prevent them getting bored and potentially leading to destructive behavior and excessive barking. They love to play and will not mind if that happens inside or out. They can adapt to apartment living provided they are taken out every day. They are not too worried about the weather and will be happy in winter or summer but don’t exercise your pet in the heat of the day.
Written by a Jack Russell lover Helen Bamford
Published: 12/05/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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