Zuchon vs. Shichon

Both names refer to the same mixed breed, a cross between a Shi-tzu and a Bichon Feese. The question is, which one is becoming more accepted in the main stream. As far as I can tell the names are interchangable, wiki defines both shichon and zuchon as:

a breed of dog, a cross between a Bichon and a Shih Tzu

American Kennel Club does not recognize this hybrid mix, however the American Canine Hybrid Club does, and calls it a Zuchon.

We have written about the popularity of the terms Zuchon and Shichon this January based on tecnocrati search and at the time the term Zuchon was winning. Looking at this again it seems to be tied.



Finally, checking out google trends the evidence stacks up agains Zuchon in favor of Shichon.



So, next time you are walking your adorable little teddy bear puppy and someon asks what is it... what's it gonna be - Zuchon os Shichon?

Dog Transportation

My primary mode of transportation during the summer is my motorcycle. When our little zuchon was a puppy he rode in my backpack. When he started getting bigger (they dont get much bigger than shi tzus) he was too big for the backpack and he did pretty well if I put him on the tank of the motorcycle.

Last summer he got used to riding on the tank of the motorcycle. He stands, or sits, there all by himself. he can balance himself on turns and during stops. The wind doesnt bother him too much, in fact I think he loves to ride on the motorcycle. He is a true motorcycle loving dog.

For safety, when we ride I put him in a harness, i snap a leach on to the harness and tie it around my waist so that in case that he decides to jump he cant go far. He has never slipped off, slipped, or attempted to jump.

However this summer we had a concern about him getting hurt if I crash on the bike. The problem is that if I crash - and i always wear a helmet - he can crack his little doggie skull.

He loves to ride and so do I. Should I make tihs decision for him? Is he really that much worse off than in a car where he'll become a flying zuchon projectile anyway in case of an accident?

======

Finally, a shamless plug for a site of a friend of mine who blogs about cell phones, wireless news, etc.