Bichon Frise vs. Poochon: Which Breed to Get?

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Bichon Frise vs. PoochonAt first glance, the adorable bichon frise and poochon do not seem very different. That’s mainly because poochon is a mixed breed between poodles and bichons, so while it has more genetic variety than a pure breed, it is also very similar to the bichon frise in the first place.

Below, we’ll discuss the two breeds and highlight some of the most important differences and similarities between them so you know which one to get.

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Bichon Frise vs. Poochon: A Detailed Comparison

First, let’s start by comparing the two breeds based on a few different factors.

History

The bichon frise’s history can be traced back to the 15th century and is believed to have originated in Spain. From there, it quickly found its way to noble and royal families around Europe and has remained one of the most beloved small breeds until today. It is one of seven bichon-type breeds.

The poochon, on the other hand, is a modern cross-breed between the toy poodle and bichon, appearing only in the 1990s in Australia. Thus, its history is a lot shorter, and it is not a pure breed, unlike its parents. It is one of the most popular bichon frise mixed breeds.

Appearance

With a confident look, poochons are a toy-sized breed similar to bichons frises – they may weigh between 6 and 17 pounds and measure 9 to 15 inches in height. With floppy ears, dark eyes and nose, and wavy coat, poochons inherit features from both parents, the bichon and the poodle.

Poochons’ coats are usually a combination of different colors, such as white, apricot, and tan.

One of the main differences between these breeds is that most pure-bred bichons frises are white, but puppies have cream or apricot coats. They also have curly or wavy coats that make them look puffy and cloud-like. Bichons have dark eyes and a low-shedding coat, just like poochons. Yet, they are slightly heavier than toy-sized poochons, with some male bichons reaching up to 23 pounds and 12 inches when fully grown.

Aging Profile

The poochon matures slower than a bichon, reaching its adult weight at about one year and a half. Most bichons grow visibly until six months of age, then continue to grow slightly for the rest of the year. A bichon frise’s life expectancy is about 12-15 years, just like the poochon’s.

Temperament

Poochons are fun and active. If you love spending time outdoors, your poochon will be the best companion while hiking, playing hide-and-seek, fetching the ball, or even going for a hike or swim with you. This breed loves new adventures and experiences. To keep them happy and healthy, you need to keep up with them and stay active.

When it comes to family-related temperament, poochons will follow you everywhere, begging for attention. They love cuddles and can adapt to any type of family, including households with kids. Just like the bichon, poochons quickly become friends with strangers and other pets when trained accordingly. From the poodle side, the poochon may be quite anxious or nervous at times, especially if you don’t opt for socialization at a very early age.

The bichon frise is calmer than a poochon, but also loves social interaction and daily outdoor playtime and exercise. Also, both breeds need to be cuddled and loved by the whole family. To get your attention, the smart bichon frise may perform some tricks if trained, as it loves to be in the center of attention.

Bichons frises are best friends with all the family members, including other pets. It’s also a great companion if your family loves camping or spending more time outdoors. Yet, it’s less active than a poochon, and intense physical activity is not recommended for small breeds as they can easily get tired.

Intelligence

Bichons and poochons are smart breeds but quite stubborn at times. They can be trained to please people, perform tricks, and even join competitions. As fast learners, these pups can be taught many tricks, but they are considered difficult to housebreak, particularly bichons.

First-time pet owners may want to opt for training classes or a professional trainer to get the pup the best start in life. Just like any dog, early training is necessary to have a well-behaved adult.

Other Factors

You need to keep in mind that both of these breeds require time, attention, and care. Although they are low-shedders, the curly hair gets trapped in the coat and leads to tangles and mats. Both breeds must be brushed daily or at least every two days to keep them tangle-free.

Due to the long and curly hairs, they need to be trimmed regularly. Many owners opt to go for a professional groomer once per month or every two months to trim the coat, cut the nails, and perform a complete grooming session.

A poochon may be easier to maintain than a bichon. This is because they usually have a wavy coat, unlike the bichon’s curly fur.

Bichon Frise vs Poochon: Which Should You Get as a Pet?

Choosing between a bichon frise and poochon can be extremely difficult. They have a similar appearance, life expectancy, and temperament. This is because one of the poochon’s parents is the bichon frise, so the mixed-breed has some of its traits and looks.

At a closer look, the poochon is slightly easier to train than a bichon, while its coat tends to be easier to maintain since it’s not as curly as a bichon’s.

Both dogs thrive in any type of environment, regardless of whether you live in a small apartment or a large house. They make quick friends with other family members, kids, and pets. Poochons tend to be a bit more active than bichons, so you may want to opt for a poochon if you have an active lifestyle. Nonetheless, bichons frises still require daily exercise outdoors.

Both breeds require attention, care, and love, so they are suitable for people with plenty of free time. If left alone, these pups can get separation anxiety and adopt destructive behaviors that do not only damage your belongings, but also takes a toll on their mental health.

Because of their little body, these breeds must be handled with care. They should not be left alone with small kids that may handle them roughly as they can get injured with ease. Also, bichons and poochons are quite sensitive breeds, so they do not respond well to negative training.

Summary

In conclusion, choosing between a bichon frise and a poochon may be down to your preference. While one is a pure breed, a poochon is a mix between a bichon frise and a poodle. Thus, the poochon may exhibit more or less common traits with its parents. Mixed breeds are more genetically diverse than pure breeds, so knowing exactly how your poochon will grow up to be is quite difficult.

The most important aspect is to shower your pooch with love and care and train it as a puppy to make sure you have a well-behaved adult.

Considering Other Breeds Too?

See how bichon frise compares with: Beagle | Bolognese | Boston Terrier | Brussels Griffon | Cavachon | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Cavapoo | Chihuahua | Cockapoo | Coton de Tulear | French Bulldog | German Shepherd | Golden Retriever | Goldendoodle | Havanese | Labrador Retriever | Lhasa Apso | Maltese | Maltipoo | Papillon | Pomeranian | Poodle | Pug | Samoyed | Schnauzer | Scottish Terrier | Shetland Sheepdog | Shichon | Shih Tzu | West Highland Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier

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