8 facts about Poochons we bet you didn't know

Poochons, otherwise known as Bichonpoos or Bichpoos, are the adorable offspring of a Bichon Frisé mixed with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. They are cute, fluffy balls of fun that love a pelt around a park just as much as a snuggle on the sofa. On the fence about getting a Poochon, already got one, or even dog sitting one at the moment? Read on to find out more about these adorable pooches and how to take care of them. 

1. Poochons don’t shed much

All dogs shed, some more than others. But the popular Poodle mix has short hair which is less likely to end up all over your house. Although no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, the Bichon Poodle’s low-shedding coat makes it a great pet for people who suffer from constant sniffles when there’s a dog around. 

2. …but they do need to be groomed regularly

Put the hoover away and get the dog brush out! Poochons are no strangers to a bad hair day, so it’s a good idea to get a brush through knots and matted fur daily to keep their coats silky soft.

One of the more high-maintenance breeds, Poochons should also be given regular haircuts to keep them looking and feeling their best. Keep those scissors handy for staying on top of pesky strands of hair around the eye and muzzle area, or book your Poochon in for regular trips to the doggy parlour.

3. Poochons have a long and interesting history 

Australians began crossbreeding the Bichon Frisé with the Miniature or Toy Poodle in the 1990s, and the USA and UK quickly followed suit. But both parent breeds have a long history dating back centuries. 

Small white dogs like the Bichon Frisé were common in Europe as far back as the 14th Century. The curly lap dogs were often sold at markets and became favoured by the upper class and French royalty. The Poodle was another popular breed in France, and was even named the French National Dog in 1786 despite originating from Germany. These playful, intelligent dogs became popular for crossbreeding due to their range of sizes, from Standard Poodle to Miniature or Toy. 

Despite being a well-established crossbreed, the Poochon is not recognised by international kennel clubs. The Bichon Frisé Poodle mix can however be registered with local clubs and organisations such as the United Kennel Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the International Designer Canine Registry.

4. Poochons love training! 

Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Bichpoos are clever doggies who love learning new tricks. They are eager to please and easy to train, and they respond particularly well to clicker training and positive reinforcement. Due to their high intelligence, full-grown Poochons love being mentally stimulated with agility courses and obedience training. 

Training should be started from a young age to ensure they don’t develop “Small Dog Syndrome,” which becomes problematic when dogs think they are the boss of the household. Socialising Poochon puppies is an important way of teaching them how to behave around small children and other furry friends. It also helps them learn how to deal with situations they may face as adults, including loud noises and busy places. 

5. They work hard, but play harder 

Poochons love to play just as much as they love training. They are happiest when mentally stimulated, so endless games of fetch and puzzles will be sure to win them over.  

These playful pooches also love to get out and about. Giving your Poodle mix at least 30 minutes of exercise a day is a great way of keeping them entertained and avoiding any destructive behaviour that might rear its head due to boredom! A run around in your backyard will only suffice when combined with a couple of short walks throughout the day.

Being outdoor lovers, Poochons are also water babies. Whether it’s a swim in the local river or playing with the hose pipe, Poochons love a good splash around. Keep an eye on them when they’re in the water as their little legs can lead them into deep trouble!

6. No Poochon is the same

Being a mix of Toy Poodle and Bichon Frisé, Bichonpoos can be quite unique. The loose curls of their coat can be anything from white, cream and apricot to brown, black and grey.

This designer dog may have either a short muzzle or a longer one and a nose that is black or brown. No matter which parent it resembles more, your Bichon Poodle is sure to inherit that adorable teddy bear gene! 

7. Poochons are teddy bear lookalikes

You’ll know you’re in the vicinity of a Poochon if you hear a heartwarming “aww” from anyone who’s around.

With their curly caramel-coloured fur and endearing smile, Poochon dogs are essentially living, breathing teddy bears. The Bichon Frisé Poodle mix is a match made in heaven for lovers of cute dogs, and anyone else for that matter. 

8. They will love you just as much as you love them

Poochons are extremely loyal dogs; they love cuddling up next to their favourite people and get on well with children as long as they’re socialised from a young age.

Known as “velcro dogs” Bichpoos will stick to you like glue, so expect to find your four-legged friend trotting behind you on the way to the loo, while you’re doing some hoovering, or just about anything else that seems exciting.

Poochons can also be protective little firecrackers, keen to alert their pet parents to any real (or imagined) dangers. But being such sociable pooches, Bichonpoos may suffer from separation anxiety if they are left for long periods of time.

Like what you see? If you’re not ready to become a pet parent yet, pet sitting is the next best thing! Join our community of animal lovers to be in with a chance of looking after one of these adorable little teddy bears.