(Poodle X Bichon)

Other names:

Bichpoo, Bich-poo, Bichonpoo, Bichon-Poo, Bichoodle

Introducing the Poochon:

The Poochon is created by the crossing of two non shedding breeds, the Bichon Frise and Poodle. While they are not very common designer dogs, Poochons are becoming popular companions. The most distinctive characteristic of this breed is its non shedding wool coat. The Poochon is an energetic and adorable little breed that is suitable for most allergy sufferers.  Often the hardest part about owning a Poochon is going for a walk without being stopped by strangers who want to pat their adorable curly dog!

Description of the Poochon:

The ideal Poochon should be robust, well-proportioned, and hardy. They are small in stature, possess a sturdy appearance, and exhibit a sweet expression.  The most distinctive characteristic of this breed is its non shedding wool coat. The Poochon has similar facial features to the Bichon with a wider face than the Poodle, rounded skull, medium length ears and medium muzzle. If the face of the Poochon is not clipped, they will have their characteristic fuzzy face.

Temperament of the Poochon:

Besides its wool coat and fuzzy face, the other defining characteristic of the Poochon is its spirited and happy temperament. Affectionate, friendly, and loyal, the Poochon is spirited and has a pleasing personality. Poochons do best in a home with older, considerate children or with children they have been with from puppyhood. They are suitable for homes with dogs, cats, and other household pets. Poochons are suspicious of strangers and will bark to alert their family to visitors or out of the ordinary sounds. Since one of its parents is a Poodle, it may have a tendency to want a significant amount of attention and special treatment.

Poochon Activity level:

The Poochon is well-suited for city and apartment living. They thrive on family interaction, securely leashed walks, and off-lead play time in a securely fenced yard. They are just as comfortable whether living with an active family or spending time on the couch with the family watching TV.

Poochon Colours:

The Poochon can be of any colour including pure white, parti-coloured or solid colours of cream, apricot with or without white markings but they can come in any colour that Poodles can be found in, including parti colours. Most tend to be white or light shades of red.

Grooming your Poochon:

The amount of grooming required for a Poochon will depend on the length of its coat. The Poochon requires frequent grooming of their coat with clipping required every six to eight weeks to prevent matting. This keeps the coat short and easier to care for. When Poochons have a clipped coat, they require brushing every second or third day while a longer coat needs to be brushed every day.

Training your Poochon:

Both Poodles and Bichon Frise which make up the Poochon are highly intelligent breeds and the Poochon is a very quick learner. Early socialization and obedience are recommended for all Poochons. The crate training method works best to house train Poochon puppies as they prefer to go toilet away from where they sleep, but just be sure to let pups out from their crate as soon as possible. Poochons not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods and training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. Try to make training times short and fun, and change the routine of the training so your puppy does not get bored.

Poochon Size:

Toy Poochons grow to between 30cm to 35cm at the shoulder as adults.

Mini Poochons grow to between 35cm to 45cm at the shoulder as adults.

Poochon Life Span:

13 – 15 years

Finding Poochon puppies for sale from Poochon breeders

Poochons can still be classed as being fairly rare at this stage and locating a Poochon breeder can be a little difficult but one of the best ways is to go through a breeders agent. They will have contact with many different breeders and will usually be informed first of when litters are planned or available. A reputable breeders agent will also be able to provide you with further information on the care of your Poochon puppy as well as ensuring that the puppy has had the appropriate vaccinations, worming etc and is the right age to go to their new home. We have found Chevromist Kennels to be exemplary in their level of knowledge and service both before and after adopting a puppy and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone wishing to adopt a Designer breed puppy. You can visit their website with photos of their beautiful puppies at www.chevromist.com