Poochon : All About This Poodle x Bichon Frise Mixed Breed Dog

The Poochon (aka Bichon Poo) dog breed is a small, adorable canine that fits any family and living space. However, there are some things you should know before getting this exceptional mixed breed.

This guide aims to answer all of the questions you may have about the Poochon. So, read on to find out more information about the Poochon dog breed, such as cost, apartment living, health issues, training, and more.

Introduction to the Poochon Dog Breed

The Poochon dog breed is a designer mix of the Toy Poodle and the Bichon Frise. Both the Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise are alike in personality but differ in appearance, although both are deemed “fluffy.” In particular, the poodle is considered one of the smartest dog breeds, with a hypoallergenic coat. The Bichon Frise is also intelligent and one of the easiest to train.

As it’s a first-generation mix of a pure Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise, their behavior and looks are not uniform, meaning it may be unpredictable what kind of Poochon you will get. Fortunately, the two breeds are similar with no significant differences.

If you plan to buy a puppy, you may have to go to a reputable breeder to ensure there are no mixed hybrid issues. Some breeders may mix with other Bichons, Poodles, or other Poochons, which may cause health issues.

Other names for the Poochon dog breed are Bichon Poo, Bichpoo, and Bichon Poodle.

Poochon Pictures

Poochon dogs tend to light up the room, as they are friendly, social, and attract almost anyone due to their adorable appearance and size.

The Poochon dog is a small designer breed coming in various colors, such as tan, cream, and white. Some may be in apricot, black, or blue.

The coat of the Poochon tends to be medium-length, soft, curly, and most similar to the poodle.

What Is It Like Owning a Poochon?

While the Poochon dog breed is small, it has a big personality and can be a joy to own.

Some aspects of what it’s like owning a Poochon include:

• Affectionate: The Poochon loves to show affection to its owner and family members. They do not do well in isolation.
• Strong social personality: This dog requires lots of interactions with family, people, and other pets. Socialization training early on also brings out the best in the Poochon.
• Decent watchdog: This dog may be little, but it can excessively bark when it feels there is danger, making them an attractive candidate as a watchdog.
• Adaptable: The Poochon is a versatile dog, meaning they do great in large families with big open spaces, small families, singles, or more confined areas. As long as they are close to their owner and their needs are met, Poochons may be suitable for any environment.
• May need early training for excessive barking: While the Poochon’s vocal abilities can be useful as a watchdog, it may also get tiresome if you are in a busy area, as the dog barks at anything that walks nearby. Training from an early age may be necessary to curb unwanted barking.
• Playful: Poochons can play indoors, participating in games with anyone, such as children, adults, other dogs, as well as outdoors. As long as the Poochon gets its social interaction, the dog is satisfied.
• Grooming: The most prevalent trait of the Poochon is its hypoallergenic coat, which also grows like human hair. Every few weeks, owners must clip the coat to avoid tangles, paired with regular bathing.
• Prone to weight gain: It’s essential to keep up with the dietary needs of the Poochon, as it does have a high-energy level. However, they are prone to weight gain, requiring a regular feeding schedule that does not negatively affect their health.
• Teeth brushing: Owning a Poochon means caring more about your dog’s dental health than other dogs, as smaller dogs tend to have more dental issues than medium or more enormous dogs.
• Exercise and chew toys: The Poochon has lots of energy to burn, requiring about 30 minutes of exercise every day, preferably outside. If the Poochon doesn’t receive any mental or physical stimulation, it may whine and bark, where a chew toy may be the only option to comfort the dog.

Poochon Breed Information

Before owning a Poochon dog breed, there’s vital information to know before acquiring this small, charming canine.

Information about apartment living, costs, health issues, training, and more may impact your decision to adopt or buy the Poochon dog breed.

This section aims to answer questions every eventual owner may want to know.

Poochon Cost – How Much Are Poochons

A Poochon puppy typically costs $500 to $1,000.

The Poochon dog breed is popular and considered a designer breed, making it more expensive than purebred dogs or other mixed breeds.

Other expenses may follow, such as neutering, crate, leash, and other accessories, plus vaccinations, which may lead to another $300 to $500.

Are Poochons Good Apartment Dogs?

Poochons can be exceptional apartment dogs with the right training, family, and environment.

The Poochon dog breed is adaptable to any living space, as long as their owners show them the love, affection, and attention they need.

Because of its small size, the Poochon is less of a hassle to take care of inside a smaller area than larger dogs.

The only issue may be excessive barking if the dog is not properly trained from an early age, agitating neighbors.

Its hypoallergenic coat is also ideal for an apartment, where dog hair may not be an issue for those who may be allergic.

What Are Some Common Poochon Health Issues

The Poochon dog breed may be prone to the conditions that the Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise may encounter.

Some common health problems of the Poochon include:

• Allergies: While the Poochon’s coat is hypoallergenic, helpful to humans suffering from allergies, the dog itself may suffer from allergies too. Common triggers include certain foods, dust mites, chemicals in cleaning products, ticks and flea bites, and airborne pollen.
• Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, involves lower than average hormone production such as cortisol by the adrenal glands. Most prevalent with young to middle age female dogs. Signs may include depression, lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, increased urine production, and increased thirst.
• Bladder issues: Because of the Bichon Frise’s predisposition conditions, Poochons may be at risk for bladder issues, with severe cases resulting in bladder cancer, which is rare. Frequent urination, straining to urinate, bladder infections may also occur.
• Cushing’s disease: Cushing’s disease, also called pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism, results from a non-cancerous pituitary tumor that triggers excessive cortisol levels. It’s the opposite of Addison’s disease, and both involve the adrenal glands and cortisol. Common signs include skin issues, hair loss, increased drinking and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, and appetite loss.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A common inherited trait amongst many dogs, with the Poochon also susceptible to PRA. Loss of vision may occur.
• Patellar luxation: Dislocation of the knee cap. A typical sign is a dog running on three legs, avoiding any pressure on the hurt leg.

Other issues may be dental health, as these small dogs require more brushing than other dogs. Due to its size, it may be prone to fractures if dropped from a sizable height or hurt during playing with children, adults, or other dogs.

The Poochon may also suffer from other common dog problems, such as hip dysplasia and additional eye issues.

Are Poochons Hard to Train?

Because the Poochon is a mix of intelligent yet receptive breeds, the Poochon learns quickly and is easy to train. Like most dogs, the younger the age, the better.

Socialization training is also essential, so the dog gets more familiar with strangers and other animals. Otherwise, it may be prone to excessively loud barking that may irritate others.

Poochons are also susceptible to separation anxiety and may become clingy, which is why training when they’re young is essential to avoid any issues. For instance, Poochons can become nippy when anxious, which is not favorable for young children. To reduce the likelihood of an agitated Poochon, start training as young as possible.

Positive reinforcement with treats is one of the best strategies to train the Poochon dog breed, besides getting a professional trainer.

What Colors Do Poochons Come in?

The Poochon dog breed tends to have solid colors of the following:

• Tan
• Cream
• White
• Brown
• Apricot
• Dark grey (not as standard as other colors)

Because the Poochon is a hybrid, it is unpredictable what colors the newborn puppies may be. Some puppies of the same litter may look completely different.

How Big Do Poochons Get?

It’s no secret the Poochon is a relatively small dog.

In general, the Poochon dog breed can grow from 9 to 15 inches tall and weigh from 9 to 18 pounds depending on age.

However, the Poochon is susceptible to becoming overweight, which means proper maintenance and feeding habits must be in place to ensure the dog does not go over its recommended weight.

Are Poochons Good with Kids?

Poochons are relatively fun-loving animals that enjoy interactions with their family and their environment, including children.

To get the best out of the Poochon’s personality, socialization training at a young age, plus familiarity with the persons in the household, brings out its lovable characteristics.

Because the dog is small, it may be prone to injuries when playing with children. It is also crucial to teach children how to approach the dog and play with their canine companion properly.

While Poochons may be good with young children, they are best with older children ten years old and up.

10 Fun Facts You Should Know About Poochons

1. Poochons are very clingy, which means you will have a companion with you everywhere you go.
2. They’re addicted to playing, ideal for children who may also need to keep busy.
3. The Poochon loves to cuddle, great for those who want to unwind after a long day at work and rest with their furry friend.
4. They’re brilliant dogs, allowing you to teach them a significant amount of tricks, especially with clicker training or positive reinforcement.
5. There are two rescue groups: Carolina Poodle Rescue and the Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue if you’re looking to adopt.
6. The Poochon dog breed has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
7. The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Designer Breed Registry, The American Canine Hybrid Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry recognize the Poochon is a hybrid mix.
8. While the Poochon is a simple yet lovable dog, it’s also high maintenance when it comes to grooming, as it requires frequent clipping so its coat does not get tangled.
9. Poochons can become the life of the party, interacting with everyone in the room, and playing with both dogs and humans alike, thanks to their affectionate nature.
10. The Poochon dog breed is a popular canine for those who have allergies due to its hypoallergenic coating, with minimal shedding.

Conclusion

The Poochon dog breed is an energetic, adorable, small, affectionate dog that you and the whole family can enjoy.

Its hypoallergenic coat is excellent for those who suffer from allergies, making the Poochon an attractive option for those prone to pet dander. However, its coat may transport pollen and other irritants, which is why frequent grooming and bathing is a must.

Its small size allows it to adapt to most areas, whether it’s an open space or a smaller space, such as an apartment. Its big personality gets along with anyone or any other pet, including other dogs.

Overall, the Poochon is an excellent addition to any family with its big personality and addiction to having fun.