Poochon Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Poochon?

Another designer breed, the Poochon, is a cross between two separate breeds of poodle, the Bichon Frise and the Toy Poodle. As with other dogs of the mixed breed variety, the intention was to keep all the good traits of the parent breeds.

While both the Bichon Frise and the Poodle date back centuries, the Poochon does not. These were first bred in Australia in the 1990s and for no other reason but to be a toy breed that made the perfect home pet.

However, as with most designer dogs, the reason for breeding mixed breeds is controversial, and the Bichon Poodle was heavily criticised as being an unnecessary breed. Nevertheless, in more recent years, the Bichon Poodle has become a very popular breed and is loved the world over.

Who are Poochon dogs best for?

As a Bichon Frise Poodle mix, these are among the most social dog breeds. They absolutely love the attention they get, and they will get a lot of it. The miniature or Toy Poodle image is a very approachable one for strangers, especially kids, and they will want to pet your dog, which your Poochon will simply eat up.

They do require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, so they are great family pets for active families. They also do very well with other dogs as well as other pets. They are really just a happy ball of fluff and are great first dogs to homes with cats or small kids.

They are good apartment dogs, providing that you have the ability to get them outside on a regular basis. They are easy to train but are high maintenance dogs and do require the investment of time and a bit of cost.

The Bichon Poodle is great for either a single person, a young couple, or a family.

How much grooming does a Poochon need?

When it comes to the Poochon coat, it is a mix between their Poodle and Bichon Frise parents. Their coats tend to be a solid cream, apricot, or tan colour of medium length. These dogs do not shed very much at all, so you won't need to worry about living in dog hair. However, as both the poodle parent breeds are high maintenance, the Poochon is as well.

It requires lots of grooming. Poochon owners should expect to brush the puppy daily and bathe it once every few weeks. The grooming can become costly and should be considered among the cost of owning a Poochon.

They are also prone to tear staining at the corners of their eyes, so owners should expect to monitor and clean their eyes on a regular basis.

Do Poochon bark much?

Poochon puppers tend to be loud and bark constantly. However, with proper puppy training classes, this is an issue that is easily curbed and does not extend into adulthood. These are very smart dogs, so as long as you invest the time and money into the training, the barking will not be a problem for long.

Barking in adult dogs is a symptom of separation anxiety and something to look out for.

Do Poochon bite?

Biting is an issue while young. Like all puppers, Poochon puppies do play-bite quite a bit. If handled while a puppy, this is an issue that does not typically extend into the adult years. These are very affectionate dogs and not among the aggressive dog breeds. With proper puppy training, the problem is most commonly solved.

What is the temperament & personality of a Poochon?

Very basically, Poochons are best described as friendly dogs. In fact, there are several words that are all on point when describing the Bichon Poodle, including:

• Cheerful

• Loving

• Sensitive

• Fiesty

• Gentle

• Playful

They are little dogs with big hearts! Pet owners will find that Poochon's biggest investments are the time for exercise and the cost of grooming.

Like their parent breed, the Bichon Frise, the Bichon Poodle has a show dog demeanour and is attentive to its owner.

What is the weight & size of a Poochon?

These are small dogs and tend to be similar in size regardless of gender.

• Height: 23 to 38 cm

• Weight: 2.7 to 7.7 kg

How much training does a Poochon need?

Due to the fact that they are mixed breed dogs with a Toy Poodle parent, the Poochon is very amenable and easy to train. They are intelligent dogs that require both physical and mental stimulation.

The most important thing to remember is that obedience training needs to begin very early so as to prevent the bad habits that Poochon puppers have, such as excessive barking, to become adult problems.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Poochon?

The Poochon dog breed is susceptible to many of the health concerns that the Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise have, including:

• Addison’s Disease

• Corneal Dystrophy Minor Concerns

• Cataracts

• Cushing's disease

• Immune-Mediated, such as Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA)

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

• Patellar luxation

• Retinal atrophy

• Allergies

• Bladder issues

What is the lifespan of a Poochon?

The Poochon can have an above-average life expectancy. Poochons live to be 12 to 15 years old in human years, or 84 to 105 in dog years.

How much should you feed a Poochon?

The perfect diet for the Poochon is one that addresses their high energy but is still suitable for a small dog breed. Though they are small, they will get fat and round relatively fast. So leaving food out all day long is not recommended.

The best diet for this dog is very specific to the life stage they are in; puppy to adult to the elderly dog years. Thus, you should consult your veterinarian about the best diet to keep your dog healthy.

What is the price of a Poochon in Australia?

As a designer breed that is selectively bred, the Poochon don't come cheap. In fact, many breeders claim to have a waiting list for puppies.

Due to their popularity and limited supply, these dogs tend to average between AUD 1,400 and 4,200 from a reputable breeder.