Often called the Poochon or the Bich-Poo, the Bichon Poodle mix is a hybrid dog that is a combination of a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. These dogs are often considered designer dogs, and they are bred to bring together the best characteristics from the Bichon Frise and the Poodle. This combination results in a small, adorable dog that is a sweetheart. If you are considering a Poochon as a pet, here’s a closer look at the origin of the hybrid, the dog’s appearance, temperament, grooming needs, health, and more.
Origin and History
These designer dogs have become popular within the past decade, and interestingly enough, the two breeds crossed to get the Bichon Poodle mix are really quite similar. The Bichon Frise is a descendent of the Barbet, an ancient breed of dog, which is also an ancestor of the Poodles. It is thought that this new hybrid began within the United States, although no one is quite sure when the crossbreeding of the two breeds first began. Since neither of the two breeds really has any negative characteristics, there was little concern when crossbreeding them to get the Bich-Poo.
The first generation of the Bichon Poodle mix is generally quite healthy, and the health problems of the parents often bypass the first generation completely. However, health concerns are more likely to appear in the second generation of this hybrid.
Appearance
The Poochon has a soft, curly coat that is usually free from dander and sheds little. These adorable dogs usually stand from 9 to 12 inches high and weigh from 6 to 16 pounds. In most cases, the hybrid has a white coat, although the coat colors may also include gray, apricot, or cream. You can expect these dogs to have a pointed muzzle and floppy ears, since both of the parents have these traits. Many people note that these adorable hybrid dogs look much like a fuzzy teddy bear.
Poochon Temperament
Both the Bichon Frise and Poodles tend to be family oriented, friendly, and intelligent, so you can expect your Bichon Poodle mix to have these traits as well. These dogs are very affectionate and they like to snuggle. However, they still require some exercise and activity. Play time and a daily walk will help them get rid of their energy. Since they are very smart and they love to please their owners, they are usually easy to train and they excel at learning new tricks. This hybrid is cheerful and bright, but in some cases, they may be a challenge to house train, so it will require some work and patience on your part to accomplish this task.
Grooming
Poodles generally require a lot more grooming than the Bichon Frise breed, but whether your Poochon ends up with a poodle-like or a Bichon-like coat, you will still need to make sure their coat is groomed regularly. They need to be brushed several times each week to eliminate and prevent mats and tangles. You will also need to bathe them monthly, and in some cases, they may require some professional grooming. Since the fur around their eyes need to be trimmed from time to time, it is best to go with a trained professional to ensure your dog is safe and looks good. If the coat is quite long like a Bichon Frise’s coat, then the entire coat may need trimmed occasionally. Failing to groom these dogs regularly will result in a matted, tangled coat that looks bad and feels unpleasant for the dog, so routine grooming cannot be ignored in the Bichon Poodle mix.
Working Roles
The Bichon Frise Poodle mix is generally not a working dog, although they make wonderful companions. They prove excellent for individuals who have disabilities that don’t allow them to get out a lot.
Health
The Poochon generally has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. The first generation of these dogs generally do not have a lot of health issues to worry about, although second generation dogs are more likely to display health problems. However, these dogs may have health issues that their parents are known for. Some of the health concerns in Poodles and the Bichon Frise breed that may be passed on to the Bichon Poodle mix include:
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Watery eyes
- Knee problems
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Slipped kneecaps
- Dental diseases
- Kidney disorders
- Ear infections
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Congenital patent ductus arteriosus
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Addison’s disease