The Bich-Poo is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Miniature Poodle. It is considered a designer dog breed. The Bich-Poo is currently recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and is sometimes referred to as a Poochon or a Bichon Poodle. The mix originated in Australia and started appearing in the late 1990s.
The goal was to breed a low or non-shedding dog that was sturdy and active with a temperament for families with children. This designer breed is recognized as a Poochon by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the Designer Breed Registry. The International Designer Canine Registry recognizes them under both “Poochon” and “Bichpoo”.
The Bich-Poo is charming, affectionate, highly intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to get along well with other pets and with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Bich-Poos are also alert watchdogs. They can be prone to excessive barking, but training and socialization as a puppy can curb this tendency. Although they will alert you as a watchdog, they are more interested in making friends, so will not make a good guard dog.
Bich-Poos are highly adaptable. They do well in apartments or larger homes as long as they get enough exercise and fit right in with families with children, other pets, or both. They do well in most climates and, as with most dog breeds, caution should be taken with extreme heat or cold.
With this first generation cross, many of the health issues associated with the parent breeds are often not a concern. However, there is always the potential for inherited issues. Some of the potential breed-related health concerns are allergies, patella luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also prone to breaks and fractures if dropped. Although they get along well with children, it’s important to supervise play with younger children to make sure things don’t get too rough.
This designer dog breed tends to be highly intelligent. That, paired with their eagerness to please their owner, makes them quick learners and fairly easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Novice owners may want to enroll in obedience and training classes to ensure training and socialization is going as it should. A professional trainer can also help you put a plan in place to eliminate any potential issues with separation anxiety or the nipping that can become a common fear or anxiety response in small dogs.
A Bich-Poo will often have a soft and curly coat. If their coat takes on Poodle properties, then it will be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Common coat colors are typically light, like white or apricot, but can appear in other colors like tan, brown, black, or gray. Daily brushing will prevent matting and help keep this dog’s coat healthy and looking its best. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also a good idea for a healthy coat.
You will also want to trim their nails monthly and clean their eyes and ears regularly. Small dogs tend to have a propensity for dental problems, so it’s important to get your puppy used to having their teeth brushed early on. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is ideal to cut down on tartar buildup and reduce the risk of periodontal disease or other dental issues.
Although small, these dogs are robust and energetic. They tend to have bouts of high energy and require regular exercise throughout the day. Although they are active dogs, moderate levels of exercise will be enough to tire them out. Regular exercise, like daily walks and active playtime, will help immensely when your pup gets a sudden spike of energy and starts racing.
Some of their energy bursts can seem endless, but, due to their smaller size, they do tend to tire quickly, so these bouts of energy will likely be on the shorter side. After that, your Bich-Poo will likely be ready for a nap and some cuddles. Keeping your dog well-exercised and engaged is key. A bored dog is one that can become restless and start to whine, chew, or bark.
This designer dog breed usually stands 9-14 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 6-18 pounds.
A Bichpoo will generally live between 12-15 years.