The Poochon is a small-sized, spunky cross between the Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise dog breeds. Poochons go by several names, including the Bichpoo, Bichon Poo, and Bichon Poodle. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these mixed-breed dogs in shelters and breed-specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
Beyond their looks, the Poochon temperament is loving, affectionate, loyal, and devoted. These adorable pups would be a great addition to a big family or single-person household. They would also do well in an apartment, provided they receive ample mental stimulation. You’ll also want to start training early to curb excessive barking. If you want a playful, cuddly, and low-shed pup who will love you unconditionally, the Poochon may be the right dog for you!
Poochon characteristics
- Height: 9 to 15 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 6 to 17 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Coat and color variations
The Bichon Poodle mix is popular with families and allergy sufferers, thanks to their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats. Poochon coats are typically curly, wavy, or fluffy, with a soft and dense texture similar to both parent breeds. These coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. Because Poochons inherit the low-shedding qualities of both the Bichon and Poodle, they are a favorable choice for people sensitive to pet dander.
Their coats come in various colors, with common shades including pure white or creamy hues from the Bichon Frise parent, apricot (ranging from pale to dark tones), and soft cream, which can vary in lightness. Although less common, some Poochons can be black, while others may display rarer colors such as gray, chocolate, or silver, depending on the genetics of the Poodle parent.
Physical traits and appearance
- Size: Small, typically between 9-15 inches in height, and weighing 6-18 pounds, depending on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature.
- Body Shape: Compact and sturdy, with a proportionate build and a slightly rectangular body shape.
- Face: Round, expressive face with almond-shaped, dark eyes that give a lively and sweet expression.
- Ears: Floppy and well-furred, often hanging down close to the cheeks.
- Nose: Usually black and small, though some can have brown noses, depending on their coat color.
- Tail: Curly or slightly arched, often carried with a slight curl over the back.
- Feet: Small, compact feet with rounded, well-padded paws.
How big does a Poochon get?
A Poochon typically reaches a height of 9 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 6 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The exact size of a Poochon can vary based on whether the Poodle parent was a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Generally, Toy Poodle mixes tend to be on the smaller end of the range, while Miniature Poodle mixes may be a bit larger.
Poochon history
The Poochon dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Poodles and Bichon Frises in the late 1990s, in Australia. The United Kingom and United States followed the trend. Breeders wanted to combine the two parent breeds with the proud, intelligent Toy Poodle with the playful, adorable Bichon Frise. Mixing the two separate breeds can also help eliminate health problems related to pure breeds and inbreeding. They continued to create Poochons as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed.
Even though the Poochon breed got their start as a designer breed, many have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. They are high maintenance dogs. Do your research and know what you are getting into before making the commitment. Check your local shelters, look up Poochon and Bichpoo rescues, or check with breed-specific Poodle and Bichon Frise rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed-breed dogs.
Poochon personality
The Poochon is known for their affectionate personality, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. Known for being playful and energetic, they love engaging in games and activities, which keeps them happy and well-exercised. Despite their small size, Poochons are highly intelligent, inheriting this trait from the Poodle parent, and they tend to pick up on training quickly, responding well to positive reinforcement.
The Bichon Poodle’s warm personality makes them ideally suited to family life, where they can enjoy the company of multiple people and be the center of attention. They form strong attachments to their human family members and are known for their unwavering loyalty, often following their owners from room to room just to stay close. This breed craves companionship and thrives on human interaction, making them happiest when they are included in family activities. Due to this strong need for companionship, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long, which is something prospective owners should keep in mind.
Temperament and behavior
- Affectionate and Loyal: Thrives on companionship and enjoys close bonds with family members.
- Playful and Energetic: Loves to play and benefits from regular activity.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Quick to learn new commands and tricks; responds well to positive reinforcement.
- Friendly and Social: Gets along well with both people and other pets.
- Gentle Disposition: Usually sweet-natured and not overly aggressive or timid.
- Sensitive to Alone Time: Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Training and socialization
Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are crucial due to their intelligence and potential stubbornness. Of course, their intelligence allows them to pick up commands quickly, so early training is key to establishing good behavior from the start. Use praise, treats, and affection to reward desired behavior. Poochons are sensitive and respond well to positive reinforcement.
Training tips:
- Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial in training. Use the same commands and routines to avoid confusion. This helps your Poochon understand what is expected of them.
- Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Poochons are intelligent but can lose interest if training sessions are too long or repetitive. Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and engage with varied activities.
- Mental Stimulation: Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games into their routine to challenge their mind. A bored Bichon Poodle can become restless or destructive. Once basic obedience is established, teach more advanced commands or tricks. Their intelligence makes them excellent candidates for agility training, fetch, or scent games.
Poochon care
Caring for a Poochon involves attention to their physical, emotional, and grooming needs. As an active and playful breed, they benefit from daily exercise through walks, playtime, or light agility activities, which help to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.
Poochon grooming needs
Poochons have a unique, hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming to stay clean and free from mats. Their coats can be curly or wavy and are prone to tangling, so consistent grooming is essential. Brushing their coat several times a week helps to prevent mats and tangles, and regular trims every 4 to 6 weeks help to maintain the coat’s length and shape.
How to groom a Poochon
Coat care
- Brushing: Brush the coat with a slicker brush or comb 3–4 times per week to prevent matting, paying special attention to the areas around the ears, armpits, and belly, where mats tend to form.
- Trimming: Schedule trims with a professional groomer every 4–6 weeks, or trim at home if experienced, focusing on areas like the face, feet, and tail to keep them looking neat.
- Bathing: Bathe the Poochon once a month using a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to maintain skin and coat health without stripping natural oils.
Nails, ears, teeth
- Trimming: Schedule trims with a professional groomer every 4–6 weeks, or trim at home if experienced, focusing on areas like the face, feet, and tail to keep them looking neat.
- Ears: Clean their ears weekly with a vet-recommended ear cleaner to prevent wax buildup and reduce the risk of infections, especially in this floppy-eared breed.
- Nail Trimming: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks to keep them from becoming overgrown, which can be uncomfortable or lead to health issues.
- Teeth Brushing: Brush their teeth 2–3 times per week to support dental health, or provide dental chews as an alternative.
Check for skin issues
- Inspect Regularly: As you groom, check their skin for any signs of irritation, redness, or bumps. If you notice anything unusual, consult a vet.
Flea, tick, and parasite control
Keep up with flea and tick prevention treatments, especially if your Poochon spends much time outdoors. Regular grooming allows you to spot parasites early.
Early acclimation is key
Getting your Poochon accustomed to grooming procedures from a young age makes the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Handle their paws frequently, examine their mouth and ears, and reward them for good behavior during grooming sessions. This positive foundation sets the stage for stress-free veterinary exams and handling throughout their lives.
Poochon feeding and nutrition
Feeding a Poochon requires a balanced diet tailored to their small size, energy levels, and unique health needs. Typically, a high-quality dry dog food formulated for small breeds provides the appropriate nutrients and portion sizes to support their growth and energy. Because Poochons are active and playful, they generally require a diet rich in protein for muscle maintenance, moderate fat for energy, and controlled carbohydrates for sustained activity without weight gain.
- For an adult Poochon weighing between 6 to 18 pounds, daily intake usually falls between ½ to 1 cup of dry food, divided into two meals to help prevent overeating or digestive issues.
Poochon and family compatibility
Poochons are highly compatible with families, thanks to their affectionate, social, and adaptable nature. These dogs thrive on companionship and enjoy spending time with people of all ages, making them a wonderful choice for households with children, adults, and even seniors. Poochons are gentle and playful, which makes them great playmates for children, especially when the kids are taught to interact with them respectfully. They generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats, particularly when socialized early on. Their friendly disposition allows them to integrate well into multi-pet households, creating a harmonious family environment.
Poochon health issues
The Poochon breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, so it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Poochons suffer from include:
- Patellar luxation: This condition involves the dislocation of the kneecap, causing intermittent lameness or a skipping gait in affected dogs.
- Retinal atrophy: Retinal atrophy refers to the degeneration of the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness in dogs.
- Allergies: Dogs can experience allergic reactions to various substances, including food, pollen, or environmental factors, resulting in symptoms such as itching, skin irritation, and digestive issues.
- Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and weight loss.
- Cushing’s disease: Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease involves an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight gain, muscle weakness, and skin problems in dogs.
Poochon rescue groups
Finding a breed-specific rescue for Poochons may be hard because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Poodle or Bichon Frise breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes. Here are some rescues you can try:
If you choose to purchase a Poochon puppy, finding a reputable breeder is crucial. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support.
On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems or socialize their puppies properly, so puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues.
