Rosa Maria
Who doesn’t like cute dogs around them at all times?
Today, designer breeds have made it so easy to find them.
Bernedoodle, Yorkipoo, Morkie, Beagador, Sheepadoodle – there are just so many of them!
And one of them is a POOCHON.
Tiny, fluffy, smart, healthy, and non-shedding. What more do you need from a pet dog?
Here are 14 things you need to know about this breed.
These will certainly convince you to have this dog as your pet instantly.
1. It Is A Cross Between A Poodle & A Bichon Frise
A poochon is yet another mixed breed of Poodle. They are a mix of the adorable, white Bichon Frise and the intelligent Poodle; toy or miniature.
ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club) calls it Poochon although they are also called as Bichon Poodle, Bichpoo, Bichon Poo or Bichopoo.
These puppies inherit traits of smartness, small size and amiability from their respective parents.
2. Most of The Poochons Have Cream, Apricot & Brown Coats
Nature takes the pure white coat of the Bichon Frise and mixes it with the coat color of the Poodle to produce light-colored Poochon coats.
Apricot, Light brown, Cream, Golden, and Caramel are the top colors.
These colors look more appealing when flaunted with colorful booties, shirts, sweaters, and collars.
But dark colors of black and gray are not non-existent – only less frequent and unique, just like the blue and black colors of a brindle bulldog.
Apart from these, they also come in multi-color options: white and brown, black and grey, gray and cream – plenty, to say the least!
3. Poochon’s Appearance Checks All Boxes of Cuteness
Ah – this word “cute”.
It applies to these dogs in every sense.
Although their appearance can vary from litter to litter and depending on whether it is an f1 generation or an f2 generation but the general appearance is this:
Short muzzles with almond-shaped eyes and black to brown-nose centered between short furry ears.
The paws are non-distinctive as they are usually covered in the hair of the coat while the tail is short and pointy.
As for the coat, that depends on the parent from which they inherit it. It could be single-layered and ball-like if they get a Poodle coat or double-coated and a powder-puff if they get Bichon Frise’s.
Their tongue is small and pink and the tiny teeth are perfectly aligned in both upper and lower jaws which gives them a great smile.
Because they are prone to tooth decay, you have to clean them once a week or whenever you get a hint of bad breath.
4. Their Small Size Make Them Perfect Apartment Dogs
According to naahq.org, 1 in 8 Americans is living in apartments.
Doesn’t that change the selection of pets as well?
Sure. You would require small pets.
And a Poochon will not size more than 15 inches generally.
Depending on whether it is crossed with a toy or miniature poodle, sizes would vary.
If bred with a toy poodle: it will be 10 inches at most
If bred with a miniature poodle: it will be in the range of 11-15 inches
The weight ranges from 6-17 pounds.
All this makes them a great choice for your apartment.
Eyeing them scuttling across the floor, rolling on a small rug, sleeping in a little dog house, or cuddling your sandals – isn’t that all you need!
They will relax and soothe you to the very core.
Here’s what we mean.
5. You Won’t Find Their Hair Lying Everywhere In Your House
Yes, another big reason they are a great apartment dog.
Designer dogs are bred in an effort to achieve much better dog traits – both in terms of health and beauty and poochons are no different.
They inherit the trait of Poodle’s less-shedding and hypoallergenic coats and combine them with the elegance of Bichon Fise’s coat.
You will not find a lot of their loose hair and dander lying around your house which means they won’t cause any allergies as well. (Use hair cleaners if you do)
But that doesn’t negate the fact that their coats require regular maintenance and grooming.
6. Poochons Need Regular Grooming
BichPoo’s soft, curly coats are prone to becoming coarse, especially at the ears and tail. If you let it go untreated, they can harden, and then the puppies will scream their heads off when you try to entangle them.
Hence, regular routine of brushing is needed. And by regular, we mean every 2 days. You will also have to take them to a groomer every 4 weeks. They can develop allergies if the coat is not brushed routinely.
Depending on the softness of the coat, choose wisely between a coarse or soft brush.
After a month, bathe you little furry buddy with a pet shampoo. Rub the feet and scrub the ears properly. As dogs don’t generally like being touched at ears and tail, so you have to be smart.
Or you can simply get a lick mat.
Other common ways are to slowly acclimatize them to the temperature of the water by first splashing them with sprinkles and then putting them in the tub.
And introducing treats to them on every step or hop towards the tub.
And using a shampoo that is non-irritant.
As for the nail clipping, lure the canine into a gentle paw massage before touching their nails. Once they are comfortable, start clipping them one by one.
If he is giving you a hard time, don’t persist on cutting them at one go.
7. Poochon’s Affectionate & Playful Temperament Make Them Great Family Dogs
Not only will they run towards you when you call them but they will be utterly happy to cuddle with you anytime you like as well which makes them great family dogs.
They have a social personality and like to interact with other pets and humans. Also, they make great partners for people living alone.
Have your guests play with them or if you have a cat, make them brother and sister.
Just like a Cavdoodle, this dog is very playful. Drawstring, playing ball, barriers, rubber toys – you give them anything and they will pleasingly grow in affection with them.
Looking at their tiny tails oscillating in excitement is a treat to watch.
Also, Check-Out: Best Pet Items For Your Doggo
Alongside this, they are loyal towards their owners and can even protect your belongings in your absence if you teach them properly.
Which brings us to the 8th point.
8. They Are Quick Learners – If You Are Patient!
They are brainy because of their inheritance from the Poodle. So you can involve them in obedience training from a young age.
Because they eagerly want some work to do, learning skills and commands will be speedy and fruit-bearing.
But don’t make the sessions tedious. Sweeten them up with regular treats. Here’s how one of the owners is mastering in it.
9. They Would Be Happier On A Dry Kibble Diet
Till the age of 12, feed your Poocchon puppies dry Kibble diet as it contains protein and will not cause plaque build-up on their teeth, unlike moist or wet food.
Avoid canned foods that contain corn or soy as your canine needs meat. Feeding them vegetables is against their natural eating instinct.
Homemade food is the healthiest option (because it eliminates the presence of dangerous preservatives) but that needs more effort.
Now, what do you feed him?
Cooked chicken, brown rice, and peanut butter are the topmost edibles. However, be careful not to give excessive sugary treats.
Then, there is the option of red, juicy carrots, yogurt (which is very helpful in stomach upsets), cheese and pumpkin. Sweet potatoes and fish are great as well.
Many owners especially new ones are also uncertain about how much to feed a dog daily. Here is a helpful table for you, thanks to Purina.com.
You should be feeding him three to four times a day, so for example:
If your dog is 10 lbs and you are feeding him 1 cup daily, divide them into 4 portions of 0.25 cups at different times of the day.
10. Depending on the Generations, They Can Incur Some Health Problems
It is a designer breed and a pretty healthy one. But as you go down the line of generations, some health issues may creep up.
You will seldom find any specific health issue with a first-generation Poochon but problems arise in second, third, and fourth generations.
What are they?
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This degenerative disease ultimately leads to loss of vision.
- Patellar Luxation: Categorized as Medial or Lateral, this is a condition in which the knee cap extends out of the femoral groove. You can examine the symptoms easily by looking at the leg.
- Hip Dysplasia:
- Allergies: Because the Poodle is prone to contact allergies, thus poochons are too. They are difficult to spot but constant itching, lying on only one side of the body, flare-ups, and anxiousness during brushing are some of the symptoms.
11. Poochons Can Remain With You For 12-16 Years
Yet another benefit of designer breeds!
That’s why they are growing in popularity with every passing day.
Poochon can live up to 16 years easily and quite healthily as well. So it’s not anytime soon you will be separated from them.
Provided you are giving them the right food and exercise.
We have discussed the food above, let’s now move to the exercise part.
12. You need to provide them a daily stroll of 30 minutes
Although they are small dogs but have high energy levels like a Golden Mt. Dog. A daily walk or run is required so that they don’t become overweight and remain physically and mentally fresh.
If you don’t take them out in the parks, they would quickly become destructive and start gnawing at stuff at home.
Although there is one problem:
How would you keep away from the pedestrians who stop to say how cute your pet is and want to pat them?
Simple, just live with it 😛
You can have them wear funky hats so they stand out from all other walking dogs or any chic outfit that looks nice on them.
And make sure to clean their paws before they return to the house.
13. They can show aggression and bark when nervous
It’s never ALL GOOD with any breed of dog.
Poochon can grow nervous in some situations which causes them to be aggressive momentarily and bark. It could be strangers, it could be a new, alien situation or it could be isolation.
Therefore, socializing at an early age is recommended for this dog otherwise he wouldn’t know how to react amongst people/ guests/friends and can bark in their presence.
14. They Don’t Stink At All
Neither do the Bichon Frise nor do the Poodles smell which confirms that Poochons won’t stink at all. But only until you are regular with the baths and grooming.
One way of eradicating any chances of smell in their fur is to bathe them with a nice, minty shampoo which has a great scent in a dog swimming pool.
Some part of the smell also depends on the parents. An F1 generation won’t stink at all generally. You can purchase a 4-10 weeks old Bichpoo at a range of $600-1000.
But if the bloodline is strong and the puppy shed from where you are buying is the only one in your region, get ready to pay higher than this.
That’s It.
So, this was all. Are you convinced to bring this dog to your home?
Share pictures of your Poochon pup if you already have it and the best thing you like about them.