Bichon Poodle

Bichon poodles are small, have perfect fur and button eyes that make them look more like a teddy bear than a dog. They are also snuggly and want to spend most of their time following you and being close to you

In this article, we will explain everything you need to about this breed…

Bichon Poodle At A Glance

Bichon Poodles are affectionate dogs with personalities as beautiful as their appearance.

The Poochon is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. They are a bouncy breed that is lively and loves to play or amuse their owners in whatever way they can.

• Popularity: #43.
• Speciality: Companion.
• Weight: 6-17 pounds.
• Price: $1000-$1500.
• Personality: Affectionate, lively, and social.

Similar Breeds

Toy Poodle
Price: $1000-$2000
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Family Friendly: Yes
Size: 6-9 pounds
Shed: Low
Activity: Medium

Maltipoo
Price: $1000-$1500
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Family Friendly: Yes
Size: 5-20 pounds
Shed: Low
Activity: Low-Medium

Bichon Poodle Overview

The Bichon Poodle is a cross between the dainty Bichon Frise and the intelligent Poodle.

This hybrid is very popular because of its hypoallergenic coat, beautiful fur, and outgoing personality.

As they are too small and fragile to perform a job they are kept solely for companionship. They are excellent at this role though and will want to snuggle with you any chance they get.

Bichon Poodles are outgoing dogs who love everyone they meet.

These social butterflies get along well with children, single adults, large families, seniors, and any other animal they meet – they are just excited to meet new friends!

And who would not want to be friends with such an adorable pup?

Their beautiful curls, button noses, and small size give them the appearance of a living teddy bear. It is incredibly hard to resist petting one of these adorable dogs, so do not be shocked if you are constantly being stopped in public by people asking to pet your cute pup.

These dogs do have a tedious grooming routine though and require special attention to their diet.

However overall they are an easy breed to care for and just about anyone can successfully care for one of these sweet little dogs.

A Day In The Life Of a Bichon Poodle

Your morning will start with plenty of kisses as your loving Poochon will lick you awake.

These pups are bouncy and lively so they will be ready to go early in the morning whether you are ready or not.

As you go through your morning expect your Bichon Poodle to be glued to your side at all times. They will happily accept any attention you give them and might let out a little bark if they feel that you are ignoring them.

Your short morning walk will likely include saying hello to all of your neighbors. These social dogs need to greet everyone they see – so make sure you have plenty of time to spare when you take your outgoing pup on a walk.

As you get on with your day you will always have a four-legged shadow. These dogs do not like to be left alone so they will be as close as they can be every single minute of the day. If you do leave they will whimper, cry and bark until you return.

They will spend the majority of their day playing happily with toys inside or watching the world go by out the window (as long as they are still closed to you of course).

Your pup will only demand a short amount of playtime each day.

They will want to go out on 2 more short walks throughout the day and will probably ask to play fetch in the yard once you have finished working.

As the evening comes they will eagerly seek out cuddle time on the couch while you catch up on the latest films.

At the end of the day, they will want to curl up beside you in bed and will happily drift off to sleep, ready to start again tomorrow.

Bichon Poodle History And Origin

The Bichon Frise is a very old breed that descends from the breed of dog known as the Bichon Tenerife. These pups belonged to the Barbichon breed family (which also includes the Bolognese, Havanese and Maltese).

These dainty dogs were found on the Canary Islands and eventually made their way to Europe during the 13th century where they became very popular with royals. They eventually found their way to the US where they were recognized by the AKC in the 1970s. They have been popular show dogs and family dogs ever since.

Poodles on the other hand were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs to retrieve waterfowl. These pups became very popular in France and were bred to various sizes such as the Miniature and Toy Poodle. Just like the the Bichon Frise, the Poodle made their way over to the US in the 19000s and also became very popular.

They are now a very popular breed because they are a hypoallergenic dog.

Bichon Poodles were first produced in the late 1990s in Australia during the beginning of the designer dog period.

Not long after this, they made their way to the US.

From here their popularity grew quickly and now they have a significant following because of their stunning looks and undeniable charm.

5 Fun Facts

1. This hybrid goes by many names including the Poochon, Bichpoo, Bichon Poo, and Poochon.
2. Usually, this mix is made by crossing a Bichon Frise with a toy or miniature Poodle. It is very rare to see a Bichon Poodle that is the offspring of a Standard Poodle.
3. Small breeds usually have very small litters but this breed can have litters of up to 5 puppies – this is a much larger litter in comparison to most small breeds.
4. First-generation Bichon Poodle puppies tend to be healthier and inherit less of the disorders that plague Bichon Frises and Poodles. However second generations tend to be less healthy and inherit more diseases from their parents.
5. Poodles are a very popular breed to create mixes with. Breeders use Poodles often because of their intelligence and low shedding.

Bichon Poodle Temperament And Behavior

Crossing the polite Bichon Frise with the affectionate Poodle creates one of the sweetest mixed breeds in all of existence.

The Bichon Poodle is known for its heart of gold.

These beautiful dogs are deeply devoted to their family members and seek out affection all the time. They will eagerly spring into your lap and shower you with kisses to show just how much they love you.

Their loving nature is not limited to their family. This breed is kind to everyone they meet and loves greeting everyone they pass on walks.

They have unconditional love and a heart that seems to be bigger than their tiny bodies.

Because they constantly seek out attention from their loved ones they can develop separation anxiety and will bark when they are left alone. Having another pet in the house will help to reduce the extreme loneliness that these dogs seem to experience.

Despite their small bodies, these pups have plenty of energy.

Their energy comes out in short bursts so it is pretty common to see them actively playing one minute and napping on the couch the next. They will play alone, but they would much rather play with you.

This lively nature really comes out when they bounce around after a ball or go racing through the yard. These goofy dogs love amusing their owners so you will likely find yourself laughing at the antics of your little canine comedian.

Although they may not have an intimidating appearance these pups make great watchdogs because they will bark at just about anything – new people, delivery trucks, passing cars, or even a squirrel in a tree.

They have a very high-pitched bark that can get quite annoying very fast. So this is a behavior you will want to train out early on.

How Much Does A Bichon Poodle Cost?

Both the Bichon Frise and Poodle are expensive breeds.

Because of this, the Bichon Poodle is an expensive dog.

Expect to pay around $1500 for a puppy.

You also need to consider the cost of maintaining this breed (especially grooming costs). This can be quite expensive so make sure you have the budget for this dog.

Buyer’s Tips

1. Only buy this breed if you have the time and money to devote to their grooming routine. Regular trips to the groomer can add up very quickly.
2. Avoid giving this dog human food or other fatty foods – these pups gain weight easily and obesity can lead to lots of health concerns.
3. If you do not enjoy interacting with other people then this is not the dog for you. These dogs will drag you over to strangers to seek out attention.
4. Whilst this dog is considered hypoallergenic there is no guarantee that it will not aggravate your allergies. Ideally, you should meet them before you adopt them to make sure that your allergies do not flare-up.
5. You will likely have to spend money on toothpaste or dental treats for this breed because they often struggle with their dental health.

Bichon Poodle Dog Appearance

This mix is best known for its teddy bear appearance.

Their infectious smile and sweet eyes can melt anyone’s heart.

Poochon’s have short and stubby legs that carry their small compressed bodies. They have an adorable round head and a small button nose.

This is a dog that always has a joyous appearance that will instantly make you happy.

Size

These petite pups typically stand 9-15 inches tall and only weigh 6-17 pounds.

They make great lap dogs due to their compact size.

Colors

Usually, these pups are a solid color such as cream, tan, apricot, brown, or white.

However, you can occasionally find them with white markings or a combination of colors in their coat.

Black and grey are much less common coat variations but this color does pop up every now and then. Their coat is one of their most memorable features.

Bichon Poodles are covered in thin curls that are perfectly layered.

Their fur is medium length but appears short due to the curly nature of their hair. They are a delight to pet because their curls are as soft as can be.

As an added bonus these pups rarely shed and are considered hypoallergenic.

Whilst they do not shed much their coat is far from low maintenance. These dogs have to be meticulously groomed in order to look their absolute best.

Bichon Poodle Care Guide

The Bichon Poodle has a very intensive grooming routine.

They need regular brushing, shampooing, and grooming to stay neat and keep their fur free of disastrous matting.

This upkeep can prove to be a bit challenging for some owners as it is a bit tedious.

Special attention to their diet is also required because these little dogs have a high tendency to gain weight and become obese.

The rest of this mixes care is very easy. They have low exercise requirements and are a fairly healthy breed overall. This breed is great for first-time owners that have the budget and time to commit to a regular grooming routine.

Exercise

A Bichon Frise Poodle Mix gets their energy in small bursts throughout the day.

They will quickly become very lively and will happily bounce around but these energy bursts typically only last 5-10 minutes.

Because of this, they do not need lots of exercise throughout the day.

Two or three short walks will keep this dog happy.

They enjoy getting outside and seeing their friends but they do not have the stamina to go on a long walk or hike like larger dog breeds.

These pups should always be walked on a leash. You can use a harness with this breed because they can easily be choked by the tugging of a leash.

In between walks, they will need 10-15 minutes of playtime.

This can be running around in the yard, playing fetch, or visiting the next-door neighbor’s dog. They love to play any game you teach them and become very playful during their energy bursts. Children and other small dogs will love their lively nature and can happily play with them until they tire out. They will probably need a nap after such an exciting play session.

• Total Daily Activity: 30-45 minutes.
• Activity Level: 2/5.
• Favorite Activity: Fetch.

Grooming

As mentioned before, grooming a Bichon Poodle is the most difficult aspect of caring for them.

This dog’s tight curls require extra attention to avoid matting or tangles.

These beautiful pups should be brushed daily to keep their fur free of knots and tangles. Because of the curliness of their coat, you should make sure to brush these dogs gently – consider wetting their fur to make brushing smoother and less painful.

In addition, these pups will need to visit a groomer monthly to have their precious curls trimmed and shaped.

Grooming is not negotiable for this breed.

Without the proper attention of a professional groomer your dog will likely develop matts, or clumps of fur – this will pull on their skin and can be quite painful.

Dental health is especially important for these dogs.

Small dogs are prone to developing dental issues such as gum disease or rotting teeth. So it is important to brush your dog’s teeth each day. If they will not let you brush their teeth then you should use dental treats to keep your pup’s teeth free of tartar.

These dogs also need special attention to their eyes. Every day you will need to take a warm cloth and wipe their eyes to avoid excessive tear stains.

Nutrition

These small dogs have a tendency to gain weight quickly!

It is very important you keep a close eye on their diet.

They should not be allowed to graze throughout the day and you should limit their eating to twice a day.

You can expect this mix to eat about 1½ cups of food each day (depending on their weight and activity level) which is around 500 calories.

They will enjoy eating dry food that is made for small dog breeds with moderate energy levels.

This food type typically has less fat and carbs to avoid excessive weight gain, but it will have enough protein to support their active lifestyle.

Health Concerns

Like many mixed breeds these dogs tend to be quite healthy.

The most common health concerns with these mixes is Patellar Luxation and hip dysplasia. These are both are concerns because of their short and stubby legs.

If you exercise them regularly and make sure to maintain their weight then this can help prevent these conditions.

Eye issues can also trouble this breed. They have a tendency to develop cataracts or retinal atrophy which can eventually lead to blindness.

This list might seem daunting but do not fear.

Most Bichon Poodles are very healthy dogs and live long and healthy lives.

Getting your puppy genetically tested, keeping them at a healthy weight, providing them with regular exercise, and staying on top of your dog’s veterinary visits can all help ensure the health of your beautiful pup.

How Long Does A Bichon Poodle Live?

Like other small breeds, this dog has a fairly long lifespan.

The Bichon Poodle usually lives for 12-15 years and some have been known to reach 18 years old.

How To Train A Bichon Poodle Mix

Bichon Poodles are very easy to train due to the agreeableness and intelligence of their Poodle parent.

These pups are eager to please and pick up on commands very quickly. Because of this, you can teach this breed lots of dog tricks.

This will keep their busy minds occupied and will likely help strengthen the bond between you and your pooch.

It is important to always use positive reinforcement when training this breed. These pups love to make their owners happy so any sort of punishment or yelling will upset them. They are very sensitive and do not respond well to harsh criticism.

These smart pups need to have much more mental exercise than physical. Bichon Poodles can easily become bored if they are not being challenged, so make sure you have plenty of ways for them to work out their powerful brains.

Small agility courses can be really fun ways for you to bond with your dog and exercise their mind. You can create little mazes out of plastic tubes and children’s tents. These little dogs love challenging games like this and will happily work their way through complicated mazes. Puzzle toys will also help keep these dogs entertained when you are gone or cannot give them the attention they want.

Socializing these lovely dogs is a breeze.

They are born to be social butterflies and get along with everyone they meet. Although it is in their genetics to be friendly with others, early socialization is still important during their formative years to ensure positive interactions with others as they age.

Summary: Is a Bichon Poodle the Right Dog for You?

Why snuggle a teddy bear at night when you can hold on to a warm puppy that looks exactly the same?

The Bichon Poodle is a great dog for anybody looking for an attention seeking pup.

They are easy to care for and adapt well to any type of lifestyle.

Their sociable personality makes them very popular with friends and strangers because they will eagerly greet everyone they meet.

Bichon Poodles are undeniably adorable and have the kindest personality out of any mixed breed. They will surely fill your life to the brim with happiness and smiles.

Let us know in the comments section below if you have any questions about this delightful breed…

Other Bichon Frise and Poodle Mixes

If you’re interested in learning about other Bichon Frise mixes or Poodle mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.

Bichon Frise Mixes

• Cavachon
• Shichon

Poodles Mixes

• Corgipoo
• Bernedoodle
• Shepadoodle
• Saint Berdoodle
• Aussiedoodle
• Irish Doodle
• Goldendoodle
• Australian Labradoodle
• Labradoodle
• Cockapoo