13 Essential Care Tips Every New Shichon Owner Should Know
You brought home a Shichon and you want to get it right from the start.
Here is the fast, practical guide we give friends — the stuff that actually makes your life easier and your teddy bear pup happier.
Skim it once, bookmark it, and you will avoid the most common new-owner headaches.
1. Commit to Daily Brushing (and 4–6 Week Grooms)
That plush, low-shedding coat mats fast. Five calm minutes a day with a slicker and comb prevents painful tangles and pricy shave-downs.
Plan professional grooming every 4–6 weeks for a tidy face, sanitary trim, and nail care.
2. Use a Harness, Not a Collar
Shichons have small, delicate tracheas. A Y-front or H-style harness spreads pressure across the chest and keeps breathing comfy.
Reserve a flat collar for ID tags only.
3. Potty Training: Small Bladder, Big Routine
Take your pup out after waking, eating, playing, and every 2–3 hours. Same door, same spot, same phrase.
Reward the instant they finish — not when you get back inside.
4. Keep Walks Short and Breezy
Shichons enjoy play and sniffing more than long marches. Two 10–20 minute walks plus indoor play usually suits their energy.
Watch for tongue lolling, lagging, or noisy breathing and cut it short in heat or humidity.
5. Tackle Tear Stains and Eye Care
Daily wipe the corners of the eyes with a damp, lint-free pad to reduce staining and gunk.
Ask your groomer for a clean visor trim so hair does not poke the eyes.
6. Ears, Paws, and Nails Need Regular Touchups
Dry ears after baths, and wipe weekly with a vet-approved ear cleaner. Check between paw pads for debris.
Trim nails every 2–3 weeks so they do not click on floors.
7. Feed for Small Breeds, on a Schedule
Choose a complete small-breed puppy or adult formula with kibble size they can manage.
Split meals into two to three feedings to support steady energy and easier potty timing.
8. Tiny Mouths Need Big Dental Habits
Brush teeth 3–4 times a week with dog-safe toothpaste. Small breeds are cavity and tartar magnets.
Add a dental chew or water additive your vet approves.
9. Socialize Kindly, Not Quickly
Expose your Shichon to new people, gentle dogs, sounds, and surfaces in short, upbeat sessions.
One great minute beats ten scary ones. Pair every new thing with treats.
10. Train With Cheer, Not Pressure
They are smart, people-focused, and sometimes stubborn. Keep sessions under five minutes and end on a win.
Teach sit, down, stay, come, and a quiet cue early to curb alert barking.
11. Prevent Separation Anxiety Early
Practice micro-absences: door closed for 30 seconds, then 2 minutes, then 5, and so on, always below their worry threshold.
Use food puzzles and a safe chew to make alone time feel rewarding.
12. Vet Basics: Vaccines, Parasites, and Insurance
Set your first exam within a week. Keep vaccines on schedule, and use year-round heartworm and flea prevention as your vet advises.
Pet insurance started young can soften surprise bills on allergy, dental, or injury care.
13. Build a Simple Daily Rhythm
Consistency beats intensity. Anchor the day around potty, meals, play, training, and quiet time.
Morning
Potty, breakfast, 10–15 minute walk or play, quick brush and eye wipe.
Midday
Potty break, sniffy walk or indoor enrichment, nap.
Evening
Potty, dinner, short training game, gentle play, nail/ear check a few times a week.
Bedtime
Last potty trip, lights low, same sleep spot to prevent pacing and whining.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.