In memory of Etsu, one of our ShiShi girls that left us too soon.

You were loved and you are missed our special girl!

The Japanese ShiShi Spaniel is a new hybrid that we have developed. This is a new and unique breed. Crossing the Mini Cocker with a Japanese Chin. The results are a wonderful little lap dog that is friendly, cute and very family friendly. Our ShiShi Spaniels are one of a kind and we have registered the breed name with the DRA, as well as written a breed standard to ensure that our pups are well bred and never slight in bone, coat or temperament.  (Scooby and Sadie pictured above are 1/2 siblings and live and are in love with the Fisher Family in Mesa, Arizona. You can read their story on our happy tails page.)

Breed Profile:

Country of origin: United States

What is a ShiShi:

Shishi (or Jishi) is translated as "lion" but it can also refer to a deer or dog with magical properties and the power to repel evil spirits. A pair of shishi traditionally stand guard outside the gates of Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The Shishi are traditionally depicted in pairs, one with mouth open and one with mouth closed. The open/closed mouth relates to Ah and Un. "Ah" (open mouth) is the first letter in the Sanskrit syllabary, while "Un" (closed mouth) is the last letter. The same holds true for the Japanese syllabary. The combination is said to symbolically represent birth and death or to represent the universe and all within it. Others say the open mouth is to scare off demons, and the closed mouth to shelter and keep in the good spirits. The circular object beneath their feet is the Tama, or sacred Buddhist jewel, a symbol of Buddhist wisdom that brings light to darkness and holds the power to grant wishes.

Original Use: Companion

Color:  There are no color restrictions with the ShiShi Spaniel. They come in a variety of coat patterns and colors. Their markings are as unique as their breed.

Coat: Moderately long and silky, with long feathering on ears, chest legs , feet and tail. Tail can be docked shorter or left full draping over the back.

Grooming: Brush daily to keep tangles at bay. Professionally groomed once a month. Can be clipped into a shorter puppy clip. Brush Teeth daily.

Height and Weight: 10-13 inches tall and 10 to 18lbs in weight.

Personality: Affectionate, eager to please, outgoing toward people and other animals. They are very cat like and use their paws as hands and you will notice them licking their paws and washing their face and self grooming like a cat. Looking for your Japanese ShiShi Spaniel, try looking up instead of at your feet. Japanese ShiShi's love to climb up high and sun themselves on window sills, book shelves or any where you wouldn't normally see a dog, they enjoy taking to the higher ground. They have very cat like behavior and use their paws as hands. They will wash their face with their paws and smooth their coat. Primping and preening themselves. They are extremely clean and can be taught to use a doggie litter box, making them excellent pets for apartments and townhomes that don't have yards.

Trainability: Moderate to High, see our training page for more information.

Activity Level: Moderate, they should not be hyper active or overly excitable.

Known health problems: Otitis Media  (ear infections) , Skin allergies, Cherry eye ( a weak muscle under the second eye lid)

Good with children: Yes excellent with children. Due to their smaller size young children must be supervised when holding and playing with the dog.

Good with other pets: Yes, they especially love to snuggle up with the family cat.

The Japanese ShiShi loves it's family and enjoys lounging around or a good walk through the neighborhood. They are sweet mild tempered dogs that thrive with love and attention.