Poochon | Mixed Breed Information, Pictures, Facts & Traits

The Bichon Frise and Poodle are two petite, energetic dogs that make excellent companions, but have you heard about their mix, the Poochon? It’s just as adorable, if not more!

Interestingly enough, some people think that Poodles and Bichon Frise dogs are a little too playful for their size. 

Being their fur parent may mean endless playtimes until both of you get exhausted. But is this also the case for the Poochon?

This and many other intriguing facts about the Poodle Bichon Frise mix will be discussed in the following guide. So, if you want to know more about these cute dogs, read along. 

Breed Overview

What Is a Poochon?

A Poochon or Bichpoo is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Toy Poodle. These small dogs are great with families and children, and they also get along with other dogs. Bichon Frise Poodle mixes are also highly intelligent and trainable. However, they can be overprotective and overly clingy. 

As a designer dog, the Bichon Poo is not a random mix. It is a crossbreed of two pure breeds to intentionally achieve the desired traits. As such, they tend to be controversial. 

This is because some breeders employ unethical ways of producing these dogs, which explains why they are prone to health problems. Nevertheless, there are reliable and reputable breeders that can ensure quality Poochons. 

3 Little-Known Facts About the Poochon

We know a lot about the Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise, but there are some things that you may not be aware of about the Poochon. 

To fill you in with some fascinating and maybe even surprising information, here are some facts you need to know about the Bichon Poo: 

1. The Poochon is prone to separation anxiety

Before you bring a Poochon home, you should get ready to be followed everywhere in your home. Personal space is not exactly a thing for these little canines, so they do not do well when left alone. 

According to PetMD, separation anxiety is a stress response when the owner is away from the pooch. Some signs include drooling, destruction, pacing, and lots of barking. 

Apparently, this trait is also common among Poodles and their mixes, such as the Poochon.

Furthermore, an article by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that counterconditioning can help prevent this. 

This is essentially a therapeutic procedure that transforms an animal’s fear, anxiety, or aggressive response into something more pleasant and relaxed. 

2. The Poochon loves the outdoors

Most people prefer a small dog breed like the Poochon because they think they will be better indoor dogs. While some live happily in apartments, these canines also love being outside. 

So you will need to take them out for adventures around the park, by the beach, or just around the neighborhood.

3. The Poochon can get a little too vocal

Yes, we all know that small pooches tend to be noisier. But the Bichon Poodle can take it to the next level. 

In fact, these dogs are known for their excessive barking. But don’t worry; there are some things you can do about this. 

Positive reinforcement can help you resolve this concern. You can accomplish this by positively rewarding your dog when they are calm and quiet or setting a good example by keeping calm yourself. 

Poochon Breed Origin and History

Since most hybrids are relatively recent, their history and origin are mostly unclear. What we do know is that the Bichpoo emerged in the 1990s in Australia.

To make things clear, the Bichon Poodle mix is not a crossbreed with just any Poodle. They are bred explicitly from the Miniature or Toy Poodle. Let’s dive deeper into the history of these Poodles.

The Toy and Miniature Poodle were first introduced in the 18th century as a smaller version of the Standard Poodle.

They were made by breeding small Poodles together to preserve their small size. In terms of breed recognition, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1887.

Meanwhile, as for the Bichon Frise parents, they were recognized as a breed in 1973. According to the AKC, many Bichons have won awards at dog shows since then.

You can tell that both parent breeds look pretty similar, as both are some of the most famous fluffy dog breeds. Moreover, Bichon Frise and Poodle have a common ancestor breed; however, they are only distantly related. 

Through time and careful breeding, both breeds have established their own standards that are distinct from each other.

After several years, breeders thought these two seemingly similar dogs to be a good match. So, they desired to blend the intellectual Toy Poodle and the active Bichon Frise. And that’s why we have lovely Poochons now.

Poochon Appearance

Right off the bat, we can all agree that the Bichon Poodle is beyond adorable. So, let’s break down their irresistible features. 

Let’s begin with the coat color. Most Bichon Poos have brown fur, but they can also be cream, tan, and apricot. In general, these dogs can take on the coat colors exhibited by their parents. 

Other possible colors include white, black, and parti. In rare instances, a phantom-colored Poochon may also exist. 

Furthermore, these pooches are sometimes referred to as the teddy bear dog because of their curly coat. 

This trait can mainly be observed among the Bichon Frise because purebred and adult Poodles often have wavy coats. 

As for the eyes, you’ll see that these dogs mostly have oval-shaped eyes with either a brown or amber color. 

This trait is inherited from their Poodle parent. Poodles have dark amber eyes, while the Bichon Frise has full black eyes. 

Likewise, their noses are also either black or brown. Moreover, Poochons typically have droopy medium-length ears that sometimes exceed their heads. Like the rest of their body, the tails of these pooches are incredibly fluffy. 

Poochon Size and Weight

Since Toy Poodles and the Bichon Frise are small dogs, you can expect the Bichon Poo to be the same. Specifically, they can grow to 9 to 15 inches and weigh between 6 and 17 pounds. 

Usually, gender plays a role in the final size of this hybrid dog, wherein males often outgrow their female counterparts. However, this is not surprising as this is also the case for their Poodle and Bichon Frise parents.

To put in perspective how small these dogs are, they are nearly as small as the Chihuahua — the smallest dog breed. 

They are also smaller than other Poodle mixes like the Poo Shi, Spitz Poo, French Boodle, as well as most terrier Poodle mixes. For reference, these tiny dogs are about as big as teacup Bichon Frise dogs.

Considering they are small dogs, Bichon Poodle puppies are even tinier. So, you will need a great deal of caution and care to handle these fragile pooches, especially in their early stages of life. 

Furthermore, Bichon Poodles will reach their maximum size at 18 months. After this, they will age as tiny dogs. 

Poochon Temperament and Personality

If you are searching for a family dog, you can be assured that a Bichon Poodle is an excellent choice. 

The Bichon Poodle temperament goes great with children. Although they are playful most of the time, they are also sweet-natured. 

These pooches are highly affectionate and will do anything to keep their owners happy. This can be attributed to the fact that their Poodle parents are easily attached.

Furthermore, if you have other pets at home, you will have no problem introducing them because they are undeniably friendly.

They are social dogs who generally enjoy and seek out other pets. These pooches are also excellent at tolerating harsh behavior by other dogs. 

Moreover, having an intelligent dog like the Poochon also brings a lot of perks. This means that you will not have any trouble communicating with them. 

Poochon Lifespan and Health Issues

The average life expectancy of a Bichpoo is between 12 and 15 years. This range is in line with the lifespan of the Poodle and Bichon Frise. 

If well taken care of, Poochon dogs can easily surpass their life expectancy by a few years.

However, aside from knowing the lifespan, you should be aware of the following different health concerns the Poochon dog may be prone to:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This inherited disease in dogs results in gradual blindness. Unfortunately, no effective treatment for progressive retinal atrophy exists in dogs.
• Bladder Issues: In dogs, bladder problems can manifest as bladder stones, blood clots, and urethral plugs. You can tell if your pup is going through this if they have difficulty urinating.
• Addison’s Disease: This condition is mainly caused by the destruction of adrenal tissue by the immune system. Dogs with Addison’s disease may suffer from recurrent diarrhea, a gradual loss of body condition, and a lack of appetite.
• Cushing’s Disease: This is a severe health issue in dogs that occurs when the adrenal glands create excessive cortisol. Cushing’s disease is characterized by increased thirst, hunger, urine, and hair loss.

One of the most important approaches for raising a healthy puppy is to have them examined for genetic conditions and other health issues prior to taking them home. This will alert you if your pet has any pre-existing health concerns.

How to Take Care of Your Bichon Frise Poodle Mix

Besides knowing about the possible health concerns of your Bichpoo, you should also learn the different ways to tend to them properly. 

Similar to raising other pets, caring for a Poochon also calls for specific feeding, grooming, training, and exercise methods.

Food and Diet

There is a list of things to consider when choosing the right food for your Poochon. For example, your pooch’s age, weight, health, and even activity level. 

A healthy Bichpoo should receive approximately 40 calories per pound of body weight. Therefore, feeding a puppy 400 to 500 calories per day is ideal. 

As they grow older and more active, you can increase their food intake to about 800 calories daily. Typically, this should be split into at least two meals a day. 

Furthermore, the best dog food for these pooches is dry food or a mix of dry and raw food. Note, though, that they can be picky eaters like their Poodle parents.

Cleaning and Grooming

Poochons, like Bichons and Poodles, are low-shedding dog breeds. But they still have a lot of grooming needs.

These dogs will certainly require daily brushing in addition to regular bathing. Additionally, they will require monthly trimming. If not groomed frequently enough, their hair will grow and eventually become matted.

Finally, their nails should be cut approximately every three to four weeks, but this will vary depending on the rate at which your dog’s nails grow.

Training and Exercise

Poodle and Bichon Frise are both fast learners, making them relatively easy to teach compared to other pets. This is the same with the Poochon; all you need is time and consistency.

Training them once or twice a day can be sufficient for good results. But why do we have to train our Poochons? Well, this mix is prone to small dog syndrome. 

This manifests through unwanted behaviors like snapping, growling, jumping up on owners, and more. Both mental and physical stimulation are great solutions to the so-called small dog syndrome. 

As for exercise, tiny pooches are highly energetic and require a lot of physical activity. Regular walks for 30 minutes will significantly help them live healthier lives.

How Much Does a Poochon Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses 

Considering this is a designer breed, Poochons can be more expensive than the average dog. Depending on where you get them, expect to pay between $400 and $1,000. 

After you have settled the price of your pooch, the next concern is covering their other basic necessities. This includes their food, bed, crates, and more. 

The table below will help you budget your expenses once you bring your Bichon Poo home:

The initial cost of owning a small dog like the Bichon Poodle is usually lower than owning bigger canines. However, keep in mind that these are estimates only. The actual prices for these items and services may vary.

Places to Find Poochon Puppies for Sale and Adoption

A mixed-breed dog like the Bichon Poodle is not always easy to find. So, we’ve compiled a list of top Bichon Poo breeders to spare you the time browsing the internet.

Check out this list below for the reputable breeders where you can find Bichpoo puppies: 

• Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is committed to raising healthy puppies that receive proper socialization. This association ensures that breeders offer extended health assurances and do business ethically. They have a lot of Poochons on their list of available dogs.
• Greenfield Puppies – Founded in 2000, Greenfield Puppies has provided homes for puppies of all breeds, including hybrid dogs such as Poochons. They do not support puppy mills and only work with reputable breeders that offer healthy puppies.
• Grace Wood Farm – This organization places great value on the mental and physical well-being of both parents and puppies. Grace Wood Farm ensures that the Poochons are healthy and well-socialized while waiting for prospective fur parents.

Aside from these, you can also take a look at purebred Poodle and Bichon breeders. They may produce mixed-breed dogs from time to time.

If you want to adopt a homeless or abandoned Poochon instead, check out the adoption centers below:

• Bichon Frise Club of America Rescue – Founded in 2003, the organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned Bichons and their mixes. The dogs have undergone a thorough vetting process, including heartworm testing, microchipping, and vaccination. 
• Adopt-a-Pet – This organization assists over 21,000 animal shelters, pet rescue organizations, and pet adoption agencies in advertising homeless dogs. They offer both the Bichon Frise and Poodle on their website. Aside from purebreds, you will also find mixes like the Poochon. 
• The Shelter Pet Project – This website features pups that are healthy, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. Aside from rescuing dogs in need, the Shelter Pet Project is also a community of like-minded individuals with a passion for pets.

Before you even start looking for a pooch, you should learn more about the adoption process and how to ace it. Ask about the experience of friends or relatives who adopted a pet before.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Bichon Poodle Mix

Some of you might be so enthused about the possibility of taking a Bichon Poodle home that you overlook what it’s like to care for them. 

If you consider adding this canine to your family, you must first read the following summary of the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Poochon.

Here are the top advantages of owning a Bichon Poodle: 

• Apartment-friendly: Unlike larger dogs, you won’t need a spacious home and a large backyard to care for a Bichon Poodle. So, if you live in a place with limited space, these dogs can be perfect for you. 
• Low-maintenance dogs: Being low maintenance means that Poochons are relatively calm dogs that do not need much special assistance. This also means that they have a low-shedding coat. 
• Sociable and friendly: Sociable and friendly pets are easier to interact with. Since Poonchons are great with people, they can easily boost your mood and improve loneliness. 

Moving on, you should also consider the following disadvantages of bringing a Poochon into your home: 

• Prone to suffering from anxiety: This can give both you and your Bichon Poo many challenges. They may need a lot of training and patience to solve this. You will also need to find a lot of time to be with your pet to keep them from feeling alone. 
• Requires a lot of grooming: Since a Bichon Poodle needs a lot of grooming, this can bring you a lot of expenses. So, expect a little increase in your monthly budget. 
• Can have unpredictable behavior: Considering that the Bichon Poodle is a mixed breed, you will encounter a lot of unprecedented behavior. No matter how much research you do, you will not know their exact behavior until you care for one. 

Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Poochon is one of the first stages in determining whether they are right for you. 

This will also assist you in managing your expectations and may push you to reassess your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Poochon Dogs Bark a Lot?

The Bichon Poodle can be very vocal and bark at strangers and unknown sounds. 

Since they are prone to separation anxiety, they express their fear through endless barking. One way you can solve this is through training and socialization. 

Are Bichpoos Hypoallergenic?

Yes! Fortunately, Bichpoos are considered hypoallergenic in the sense that they produce less dander because their coats are short and single-layered.

While all dogs shed and no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, Bichpoos won’t give you any severe allergic reactions.

Do Poochons Shed a Lot?

No. Both parent breeds of the Bichon Poodle mix are not heavy shedders. While they do shed in small amounts, you won’t have to worry about mountains of fur gathering around your house.

Can Poochons Be Left Alone?

Unfortunately, the Bichon Poodle mix does not tolerate isolation well. Therefore, they should not be left alone for extended periods. 

You can help them deal with their worries through exercise and visual or audio stimulation. 

If things get worse, you should bring your pooch to a vet or professional for special treatments and techniques.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Bichon Poodle mixes are amiable dogs who get along well with small children and families. They can also do well with singles who live in small spaces. 

While their traits are admirable, these canines can also be unpredictable. They tend to be more vocal and challenging to leave alone. 

Not only should you prepare for the financial duties when considering owning a Bichpoo, but you should also be prepared to provide your pet with the patience, care, and love that they deserve from a good pet owner. 

So, are you bringing home this mixed-breed dog? Let us know your thoughts about the Poochon in the comments below!