The Shiffon is not a
purebred dog. It is a cross between the Brussels Griffon
and the Shih Tzu. The best way to determine the
temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you
can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed.
This hybrid cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50%
purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed
multi-generation crosses.
Stella, the
Shiffon (Griffon / Shih Tzu hybrid) at 1½ years
old
"This is my dog Marti. She
is a Shiffon (Shih-Tzu / Brussels Griffon). She is incredibly
intelligent, I had her doing 'sit', 'lay-down', 'come', 'speak' and
'dance' within the first week I had her-and at the time she was only
10 weeks. She is also very friendly. She is a sturdy, hardy little
girl, and very playful. Housetraining has been a bit touch and go,
as is the case with most toy dogs. Because I live in a three story
apartment complex, the combination of being consistent in her
training and trying to anticipate her schedule, was giving me more
exercise than I really wanted. So besides the crate training that I
did when I could not supervise her (at nighttime and while I am at
work-I keep a blanket and toys and water in the crate with her), I
have added another wire crate in a different room, for her to use as
a bathroom. It is similar to having her use a litter box, but since
there is no litter, it's much easier for me to clean up. I used
clicker-training to get her started, and now when she has to go, she
runs in and waits to make sure I'm watching before she does her
business, then she runs over to me as quick as she is finished for a
cookie. She is very good about using the crate, but once in a while
if she appears to be annoyed with me, she will poop on the kitchen
floor. She is a wonderful dog, and I recommend the Shiffon to anyone
that wants a loving, smart, low-maintenance dog."
