The Poochon is a popular mixed-breed dog that’s gaining fans fast. This adorable, fluffy companion animal is a cross between the Bichon Frise and a Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle).
Poochons are often described as friendly, affectionate, and intelligent dogs, making them wonderful pets for the right owner. If you’re thinking about getting a Poochon puppy, or already have one, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will give you everything you need to know about these dogs.
We’ll cover everything from the Poochon’s history and appearance to its temperament, care requirements, potential health issues, and overall suitability as a pet.
What is a Poochon?
The Poochon is a designer dog breed, meaning it’s the deliberate result of crossing two purebred dogs: in this case, a Poodle and a Bichon Frise.
Poochons are part of the “doodle” trend, joining other Poodle mixes with cute names like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. People breed Poodles with other breeds because they’re intelligent and don’t shed much.
While they’re popular, Poochons aren’t recognized by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Where did the Poochon come from?
The Poochon is a relatively new breed. These dogs first appeared in Australia in the 1990s, so they’ve only been around for a little over 30 years.
Breeders set out to create a small, hypoallergenic companion dog who would fit in with families. These dogs are sometimes called “designer dogs,” because they’re bred for specific traits like size and coat type.
When discussing Poochon origins, it’s helpful to understand terms like F1, F1B, and F2. An F1 Poochon is a first-generation cross between a purebred Poodle and a purebred Bichon Frise. An F1B Poochon is a cross between an F1 Poochon and a Poodle or Bichon. An F2 Poochon is a cross between two F1 Poochons.
What does a Poochon look like?
Poochons are small dogs, but their exact size can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Poodles come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—and the size of the Poodle used in breeding will influence how big the resulting Poochon puppy gets.
- Height: 9 to 15 inches
- Weight: 6 to 17 pounds
A Poochon whose Poodle parent was a toy poodle will likely be on the smaller end, perhaps weighing in at 6 to 8 pounds.
The typical Poochon coat is medium in length, curly, and soft. These dogs are often called “hypoallergenic” because they don’t shed much, although it’s important to know that all dogs produce allergens to some degree.
Poochons can come in a wide range of colors, which they inherit from their Bichon Frise and Poodle parents. You might see Poochons who are cream, sable, apricot, gray, or black. Some are parti-colored, meaning they have patches of two or more colors.
A popular grooming style for Poochons is the “Teddy Bear cut,” which gives them a fluffy, rounded look.
Temperament and Personality
Poochons tend to be affectionate, friendly, and playful dogs. They’re intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They’re known for being loving and outgoing, which makes them great companion animals.
Socialization and Family Life
Poochons are usually good with kids if they’re properly socialized, earning them a “medium” rating for kid-friendliness. They also get along well with other dogs and cats when properly introduced, earning a “high” rating for pet-friendliness.
Because of their size and temperament, they adapt well to apartment living and small homes.
Potential Behavioral Issues
Poochons can be prone to separation anxiety, so it’s important not to leave them alone for long stretches of time. If you work away from home, you may want to hire a dog walker or pet sitter to check in on your Poochon during the day. You might also consider doggie daycare.
They can also be alert and bark somewhat excessively, so early training is essential to curb this behavior.
Caring for Your Poochon
Poochons, like all dogs, need regular grooming, exercise, training, and socialization. Here’s what to expect when caring for a Poochon.
Grooming Needs
If you decide to bring a Poochon into your life, be ready to brush, brush, brush! Daily brushing is essential for these dogs to prevent matting and tangles. You may also need to take your Poochon to a professional groomer every few months for clipping and trimming.
Plan to brush your dog’s teeth at least every other day. Clean their ears regularly, and bathe them and clip their nails about once a month.
Exercise Requirements
Poochons have moderate exercise needs, so they’re not a great fit for a serious couch potato. Plan on daily walks and playtime to keep your dog happy and healthy. Games like fetch and hide-and-seek are great ways to burn some energy and bond with your dog.
Training and Socialization
Training and socialization are essential for all dogs, but especially for small dogs, who can sometimes be a bit barky or yappy if not properly trained. Training and socialization can help prevent behavioral problems and ensure that your Poochon is a well-adjusted member of your family and community.
Positive reinforcement training methods are the way to go. These methods are based on rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. Start training early, when your dog is still a puppy, to prevent bad habits from forming.
Poochon Health and Lifespan
Like any mixed breed, Poochons can be prone to certain health problems inherited from their parent breeds, Bichon Frise and Poodle. Regular veterinary check-ups are key to keeping your dog happy and healthy for as long as possible.
Common Health Concerns
Some of the more common health concerns to watch out for in a Poochon include:
- Ear infections
- Eye problems
- Teeth problems
- Luxating patella (dislocated kneecap)
Diet and Nutrition
To prevent overeating, measure out meals and feed your Poochon twice a day. Keeping your dog lean can help prevent joint issues and other weight-related problems.
It’s always a good idea to talk with your vet about the best diet for your individual dog.
Lifespan
The typical lifespan for a Poochon is around 12 to 15 years, though it’s not uncommon for them to live even longer.
Because they’re a hybrid breed, Poochons may benefit from what’s called “hybrid vigor,” which can contribute to their longevity. For example, the oldest Bichon Frise on record lived to be 21 years old, while the oldest Poodle lived to be 20!
Is a Poochon the Right Dog for You?
Poochons are known for being playful, affectionate, and smart. They have moderate energy levels and grooming requirements. But are they right for your lifestyle?
Poochons can be a good choice for families, single people, and seniors. They’re happiest in homes where someone is usually around. Because they bond so strongly with their owners, they don’t do well if left alone for hours every day.
Before bringing home a Poochon puppy, it’s important to consider the potential downsides. Poochons can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if they don’t receive early socialization and training. Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting. And, like many small breeds, they can be barkers.
Key Takeaways
The Poochon is a popular breed, and it’s easy to see why. These dogs are friendly, loving, and adaptable, making them wonderful companion animals for the right owner.
If you’re considering bringing a Poochon into your home, remember that all dogs need responsible owners who will provide proper care, training, and socialization.
Before you get a Poochon puppy, do your research, talk to breeders, and think about whether your lifestyle is a good fit for one of these adorable and energetic little dogs. With the right preparation, you and your Poochon can enjoy many happy years together.