Poochon (Bichon Frise x Poodle Mix): All You Need to Know

A Poochon is a designer breed of dog that is created by crossing a Bichon Frise with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This hybrid breed combines the best of both worlds, resulting in a small, cheerful dog that is low-shedding and easy to train.

In this blog post, we’ll learn all there is to know about the endearing breed and hopefully, help you decide whether this breed is for you!

Poochon (Bichon Frise x Poodle Mix) History

It is said that Poochons were first bred in Australia in the 1990s when breeders were looking to create a hybrid that had the loving and playful nature of the bichon frise and the trainability and intelligence of the Poodle.

The result is the Poochon, a trainable, highly adaptable little dog whose coat is hypoallergenic and low-shedding, making it the perfect choice for people with allergies.

They are internationally known as Poochon and sometimes Bichpoo, yet also go by Bichdoodle, Bichoodle, Bichon-Poo, Bichondoodle. Poochon is considered a new breed, which is why it’s not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. That said, it is recognized by:

• International Designer Canine Registry
• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Designer Breed Registry
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club
• Dog Registry of America

To learn more about the parent breeds, read my detailed comparison of Bichon Frise and Poodle.

Poochon Appearance, Coat, Size, and Weight

A Poochon looks like a canine teddy bear! With a tiny muzzle, cute small hanging ears, and adorable teddy-like paws topped by an amazing curly coat, Poochons are irresistible.

Inheriting the puffy coat from the Bichon Frise parent and the curly coat from its Poodle parent, Poochons have a curly or wavy coat and the best thing is, they are hypoallergenic! Poochon colors can vary greatly from apricot, cream, white, or any combination of the colors from the Poodle parent.

The Poochon is a small dog since bichons frises are small dogs and Poochons are usually crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, not the Standard Poodle. They stand at 9 to 15 inches tall and can weigh from 6 to 17 pounds.

Poochon Maintenance, Activity, and Space Requirements

Poochons are highly intelligent and require regular mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are relatively active dogs, but due to their small size, their exercise needs can be met with a daily walk or some playtime in the backyard.

Poochons make wonderful family pets and get along well with children and other animals. They are also very adaptable and do well in a variety of living situations, including apartments and homes with small yards.

Grooming and Maintenance

Although Poochons are low-shedding, their thick curly coat needs to be brushed at least four to five times a week to prevent it from getting matted or tangled.

Apart from the brushing, you need to give your baby a bath every two to three weeks with shampoo, and often check them for fleas and insects, especially in their ears and the area behind the ears.

The next thing you should be doing is grooming, and to preserve the pooches’ teddy bear appearance, you might have to make a trip to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks for a haircut.

You need to clip their nails every two to four weeks or so especially if your pooch doesn’t walk outside often, to prevent the nails from getting long and hurting their little paws. Nail clipping is easily done at home or the groomers.

Poochons are also prone to tear stains and eye infections. Help your Poochon clean its eyes from tear stains by wiping your Poochon’s face around the eyes every day to keep your puppy’s face looking adorable while also protecting them from an eye infection.

Your Poochon is also likely to have floppy ears that need more regular cleaning. Use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution to remove any buildup of wax and debris to keep ear infections at bay.

Activity Levels

Poochons are moderately active dogs that need daily exercise. Although they are small, they are energetic dogs that would be happy with about 20 to 40 minutes of exercise a day, or they can get frustrated and under-stimulated.

However, the good news is they don’t need a large yard or property and may suit apartment dwellers or people living in smaller spaces as long as they get adequate exercise.

They are intelligent dogs that will need mental stimulation to stay happy and satisfied, or they may get bored and exhibit destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.

Try using treat-dispensing interactive toys to keep your Poochon happy while indoors, and when outdoors, indulge in a vigorous game of fetch, or consider agility training.

Poochon Temperament and Intelligence

The Poochon is not only adorable, but it is also intelligent! Poodles are known as the brainiacs of the canine world, and their hybrids are no different.

Intelligence

Poochons are curious dogs that learn tricks easily. They love challenges and attention and will excel at obedience training as long as positive reinforcement is used.

Like many other breeds, they are sensitive dogs that may rebel or turn aloof against punishment or unfair treatment.

Temperament

The Poochon also inherits the good temperament and cuddly nature from their bichon frise parent. They love to please their owners and are good with people and children.

Be careful though. Young children can be tough on small dogs and puppies, and rough play can easily hurt a Poochon, especially a young one. And all dogs can bite in pain or fear, even dogs as friendly as a Poochon. If you have kids, you’ll need to caution them on how to behave around your little dogs and supervise their play at all times to make sure nothing amiss happens.

Poochons are also sweet sociable dogs, who tend to go well with strangers and other dogs, but like any dog, early socialization is key. Socializing helps them develop the confidence in being around people other than their family, which means easier walks for you and less manic barking every time someone rings the doorbell.

They also go very well with other animals in the house especially if they were raised together. And because of their sweet unintimidating nature, they don’t scare other animals.

Separation Anxiety

Their loving nature can be a double-edged sword. Dogs that are extremely attached to their humans are also prone to separation anxiety, and Poochons are no different. When they are left alone, it’s not unusual for them to experience anxiety and distress.

There are several things you can do to prevent separation anxiety in your dog.

First, exercise is important. A tired dog is less likely to be anxious and stressed.

Second, create a safe space for your dog to retreat to when you’re away. This could be a crate or a quiet room where they can relax and feel secure.

Finally, make sure you provide plenty of love and attention when you’re together. If your dog feels secure and loved, they’re less likely to experience separation anxiety when you’re apart.

Poochon Health and Lifespan

Poochons are relatively healthy dogs that take after the enviable lifespan of Poodles and bichon frises. Barring accidents and other unforeseen circumstances, Poochons have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Crossbreeds are known to have fewer health problems than their purebred parents. However, you can’t always guarantee them free of genetic diseases.

Diet

Although Pochoons are often small and considered toy dogs, their diet must be monitored carefully. There are two concerns when it comes to small dogs’ diet: they either don’t get enough nutrients from the food they eat or they overeat and become obese, especially if they have sedentary lifestyles with inadequate exercise.

The first concern is hypoglycemia which happens when dogs don’t take enough nutrients that their body needs. This leads to a decrease in glucose levels in their blood and might appear in them in symptoms like weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors, or seizures.

The next concern is overeating, and small dogs can get obese fast! If their weight increases because of the lack of exercise and overeating, your Poochon might start to get pretty unhealthy.

To avoid both of these problems you should ask your vet about the diet that fits your Poochon and the specific portions customized to your baby based on its age, weight, and activity. Also, weigh your pooch every once in a while to make sure it is staying healthy.

Some prefer to give their dogs only commercial food to make sure the pooch gets all the nutrients and some prefer to make their dog homemade food and some prefer raw diets.

Potential Health Problems

Like any dog, Poochons can be predisposed to certain conditions including:

Eye Problems

Just like humans, dogs can develop cataracts, glaucoma, and other diseases that can lead to blindness. While all dogs are at risk of developing eye problems, certain breeds are more prone to them than others.

Poodles and bichons frises are breeds that are susceptible to cataracts, and if your Poochon is showing any signs of eye problems, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up as soon as possible. With early diagnosis and treatment, many eye diseases can be successfully managed, allowing your dog to enjoy a long and healthy life by your side.

Luxating Patella

Luxating patella is a condition that affects the kneecap or patella. The patella is a small bone that sits at the joint where the thigh bone meets the shinbone. In a healthy dog, the patella rests in a groove at the end of the thigh bone and is held in place by muscles and ligaments. However, in dogs with luxating patella, the patella is not properly aligned with the groove.

This can cause the patella to slip out of position, which can be painful for your dog. Luxating patella is a fairly common condition in dogs, and it can occur in any breed. Small breeds are more likely to be affected, but any dog can develop luxating patella due to trauma or genetics.

Ear Infections

Their gorgeous floppy ears can also spell trouble. Ear infections are one of the most common health problems in dogs. They can be painful and cause a lot of discomfort so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Ear infections are usually caused by a buildup of wax, dirt, or moisture in the ear canal. This can create an ideal environment for bacteria or yeast to grow, leading to an infection. Ear infections can also be caused by allergies, tumors, or foreign objects in the ear canal.

The most common symptom of an ear infection is persistent scratching or pawing at the ears. Other signs include redness, swelling, discharge, and bad odor.

Dental Disease

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental disease. Plaque and tartar can build up on teeth, leading to gingivitis, tooth loss, and other problems.

Dental disease can also cause pain and difficulty eating. Fortunately, there are a few things that dog owners can do to help prevent dental disease. First, it’s important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. This will help remove plaque and keep their teeth healthy. You should also take your dog to the vet for regular checkups so that any problems can be caught early.

5 Poochon Fun Facts

This curious, endearing breed has a few mysteries up its sleeve! Here are some quirky facts about Poochons you might not know about.

The Poodle Is the National Dog of France

Poodles are considered the national dog of France, a title they seem to carry oh-so-proudly! Bichons frises are from the Canary Islands and later developed more in Belgium and France. I guess that makes the Poochon French!

Poochons Are Water Babies

A Poochon comes from two water-loving breeds – the Poodle and the bichon frise. Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs trained to hunt and retrieve waterfowl, while bichons frises are descended from Barbets (Water Spaniels), and Poodles. You’re probably going to have a hard time getting your Poochon out of water!

Poochons Are Nicknamed “Velcro”

Because of their extreme stickiness and deep attachment to their owners, Poochons are affectionately nicknamed “Velcro.”

Poochons Have Many Colors

Poochons have a coat for every occasion, depending on the color of their Poodle parent. The most common coat colors are cream, tan, and apricot.

Poochons Love Performing

The bichon frise is a natural entertainer that loves being the center of attention. The Poodle is an intelligent dog most commonly used in circus rings around France. Mix those two and Poochons are likely to be playful and flamboyant dogs that love attention.

Is Poochon The Right Breed for You?

The Poochon is an incredibly versatile dog that will suit almost any household. With its affectionate, sweet nature and intelligent mind, a Poochon will make a wonderful family member.

Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself before deciding whether you want a Poochon.

Are You at Home a Lot?

Poochons are extremely attached to their owners and prone to separation anxiety, especially if left alone for long periods. If you don’t often stay at home much and your household is mostly empty for long periods of time, a Poochon might not be the right dog for you.

Do You Have Young Children?

A Poochon’s sweet and loving nature and energetic spirit make them the right candidate for a family dog, loved by many, especially kids. However, because of their diminutive size, it is advisable to always teach your kids how to deal with dogs, especially small ones.

While Poochons are not prone to aggression, any dog can bite or snap if in pain or hurt.

Are You a New Dog Owner?

Poochons will suit inexperienced or first-time owners. With their loving, affable nature and eagerness to please, obedience training is a breeze.

Do You Have the Time to Groom Your Poochon?

While Poochons are a low-shedding breed, they’ll still need an occasional haircut and a trip to the groomers, as well as frequent brushing, nail clipping, and ear and eye cleaning.

Do You Have Pet Allergies?

Coming from two hypoallergenic parent breeds, a Poochon’s coat is hypoallergenic, making them excellent additions to households where a family member has an allergy. That said, before buying one, make sure to consult with your doctor as no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

Do You Want a Hiking Buddy?

Poochons are versatile, active dogs that love exercise. However, if you want to go on an 8-hour hike, you’ll probably have to bring your backpack to carry your pooch at some point. Poochons won’t have the athleticism and endurance that say, a Border Collie or a Siberian Husky does.

Summary

There you have it. A little doggo in a small, dynamic package that’s ready for action the moment you are. From the big brains to their adorable looks, a Poochon is a perfect pooch for many.

We hope this post has covered this mixed breed enough to help you make your decision. Good luck!