Poochon

Temperament and Personality

Poochons are charming little bundles of energy and affection, perfect for those looking for a fun-loving, loyal companion. A cross between the Bichon Frise and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, they bring the best of both breeds: the Bichon’s cheerful nature and the Poodle’s sharp intelligence. These social butterflies thrive on attention and companionship, and are happiest when surrounded by their favourite humans. Whether it’s a game of fetch or snuggling up on the couch, Poochons are always ready to be part of the action.  

Friendly and outgoing, Poochons generally get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats, making them highly adaptable to different household dynamics. While they’ll alert you with a bark when someone approaches the door, they’re far too sweet to be guard dogs – expect them to greet visitors with a wagging tail and paw shake instead! Their playful, curious personalities make them endlessly entertaining, and they love being involved in whatever’s going on in the home.  

Intelligent and eager to please, Poochons are quick learners and enjoy training sessions, especially when treats and praise are involved. They love mastering new tricks and often delight in putting on a little show for their families. However, their intelligence also means they can be a bit cheeky, and are known to test the boundaries or try to charm their way out of trouble.

While their lively energy is contagious, Poochons aren’t hyperactive. They enjoy their daily walks and playtime but are just as content snuggled up in your lap once they’ve had their fill of fun. Whether you’re a busy family or you’re settling into your golden years, the Poochon is a spirited companion that’s sure to bring joy into your life.

However, they do require plenty of human interaction and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. This can result in some destructive behaviours such as excessive barking or chewing through your favourite slippers.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a perky pup to put a spring in your step, the Poochon could be the breed for you.

Poochon paw-sonality traits

• Sweet and playful

• Sociable and friendly

• Loving and affectionate

• Loyal and eager to please 

• Loves attention

• Thrives on human companionship

• Enjoys learning new tricks

• Highly adaptable to different lifestyles

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Energetic and lively

• Curious and keen to learn

• Good watchdog

• Will bark at strangers and suspicious sounds

• Moderate exercise needs

• Hates being left alone

Poochon pros and cons

Are Poochons good family dogs?

Yes, Poochons make fantastic family dogs, combining the playful Bichon charm with the Poodle’s intelligence. They adore kids and thrive in homes full of energy and love. These affectionate pups easily adapt to different family dynamics, whether it’s a bustling household or a quieter environment. Just be sure they’re not left alone for too long – Poochons love their humans and can get lonely without them, resulting in separation anxiety. But with their loving nature and fun personality, you’ll never want to leave your Poochon’s side!

Are Poochons good with children?

Yes, Poochons are generally gentle and patient with children, and their playful nature is a good match for equally playful kids. However, they’re a small breed that’s easily injured, so roughhousing and boisterous play should be avoided. They’re better suited to households with sensible children that know how to handle a dog with care. 

Are Poochons good with other pets?

Yes, Poochon’s playful, sociable nature means they enjoy making furry friends, and generally get on well with others dogs. They can also live with a cat and other small animals too, as long as they’ve been socialised from a young age and introduced properly. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Poochon properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Poochon need?

When fully grown, Poochons need 30–40 minutes of exercise a day, split between walks, playtime, and plenty of mental enrichment.

Lively and energetic, these pint-sized pooches have a lot of energy to burn. They thrive on variety, so mix it up with off-lead romps in secure areas, games of fetch with their favourite ball, and even agility training to keep them on their toe-beans! A harness is also recommended to protect their delicate windpipes. 

Mental stimulation is just as important for these clever cookies, so keep their minds sharp with challenging puzzles and complex tricks. Hide-and-seek using toys or treats is another great way to engage their brains while giving them a good sniffing workout. 

Without enough activity, a bored Poochon might channel their energy into some destructive behaviours, such as chewing your favourite slippers. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are the keys to a happy, healthy Poochon that’ll spend the rest of their day snoozing sweetly by your side.

How do you train a Poochon?

The Poochon is an eager-to-please, intelligent pup that takes to training like a dog to a bone. They thrive on mental stimulation and adore learning new things, making them quick to master the basics and even execute flashy tricks. As such, they’re an ideal dog for first time dog owners.

They can have an independent streak though, and might try to test the limits if they think they’ve found a loophole in the rules. Poochons can also follow in their Bichon Frise parent’s footsteps when it comes to potty training, so it can take them longer to become fully housetrained. 

A gentle but consistent approach, with plenty of praise and treats, will make training a highly rewarding experience.

Unleash your Poochon’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats. Poochons are sensitive dogs, and won’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. A gentle approach works best. 

2. Socialise from the start. Early socialisation is essential, even for the friendly Poochon. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations to help them become calm and confident canines.

3. Prioritise potty training. The Poochon needs consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks, and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. 

4. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour just because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop unwanted behavioural issues. The Poochon might try to test the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.

5. Be consistent. They’re fast learners, so they’ll pick up bad habits as easily as good ones. Be consistent with your approach and ensure everyone in the household uses the same command words.

6. Work on recall. Poochons love to romp around the park to let off steam, so it’s vital they’ve mastered the art of recall. Use a long line lead, clear vocal commands and high value treats to encourage them to come back to you.

7. Teach them tricks. Poochons love to perform and are a great candidate for trick training. Teach them how to roll over, spin, or do high five and prepare to be entertained! 

8. Get them used to grooming. Frequently touch them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, mouth, and feet to help them become comfortable with being groomed and handled.

9. Keep training sessions short and sweet. Poochons get bored easily, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused. You should rotate between different commands and games to keep training fresh.

10. Try dog sports or therapy training. Canine sports such as flyball, mini agility, and fetch are great ways to keep their brains and bodies busy. These cuties also make excellent emotional support dogs too, given their gentle disposition and love of people.

11. Keep the barking at bay. Poochons are natural watchdogs with a yappy bark, and they won’t hesitate to raise the alarm to suspicious noises. To ensure their barking doesn’t become a problem, it’s important they’re taught to be quiet on command. Gradually expose them to their barking triggers and reward them when they fall silent.

12. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help Poochons be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Poochons need?

These fluff balls need quite a bit of grooming! Both parent breeds have a curly, low shedding coat that needs a lot of care to stay clean and tangle-free. Regular trips to the groomers are also important to keep their coat in tip top condition. 

There are many Poochon colours, including white, black, cream, apricot, red, silver, and brown, so you can get one to match your own hair colour! 

Here are some Poochon grooming tips to keep them looking perfect all year round. 

• Brush their coats several times a week using a slicker brush to remove dead hairs and prevent matting.

• Always check inside their ears for signs of infection when grooming. Bacteria loves to grow where it can’t be seen! To prevent infection, clean their ears regularly and dry thoroughly after baths. Use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas, but don’t stick anything down their ear canal. A dog-friendly ear cleaner can help too.

• Bathe once a month using a dog-friendly shampoo to keep their coat clean and fresh. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up. 

• Book them in for a professional groom every 4–6 weeks to be trimmed and pampered. This also gives the groomer the opportunity to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Choose from classic Poochon grooming styles such as the Teddy Bear cut. This leaves them looking fluffy and round just like a teddy, while the Puppy Cut results in a short, even coat – a good solution if your dog is prone to matting. Ask your groomer about other Poochon haircuts to see what’s best.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it. 

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for, and loved, the Poochon lifespan is 12–15 years. Being a cross breed, they benefit from hybrid vigour (or heterosis). This occurs when you breed two unrelated purebred breeds that don’t share common health problems. The puppies tend to have more health benefits and longer life spans. However, they’re still predisposed to some of the same conditions as their parent breeds.

Common Poochon health problems

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Legg-Perthes Disease. This hereditary condition causes the head of the femur to receive less blood supply, eventually leading to necrosis where the femur and pelvis connect. It usually affects puppies around 6-9 months old. The most common sign is gradual lameness of the back legs, but it can be treated successfully through surgery.

• Cushing’s Disease. Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this condition is caused by excessive production of cortisol, often due to a tumor in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands. Symptoms include increased thirst, appetite, and urination, along with hair loss and a distended stomach. Treatment typically involves medication to regulate cortisol levels or in some cases, surgery to remove adrenal tumors. Regular veterinary monitoring is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

• Addison’s Disease. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this condition occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone – essential hormones for stress response and electrolyte balance. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sudden collapse. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy along with lifelong monitoring to manage stress and maintain stability.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Bladder Stones. These can occur due to too much protein, magnesium, and phosphorus in the diet, not urinating frequently enough, or a hereditary gene.

• Ear Infections. The excess curly hair in their ear canals traps moisture and dirt, which can cause infections. Regular cleaning can help reduce the risk of infection. 

• Dental Disease. This is a common health issue that tends to occur as dogs age, especially small breeds like the Poochon. Tartar and plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually tooth and bone decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Poochon a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Poochon eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Poochon will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their energy levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Poochons twice a day to fuel them for their activities. A food designed especially for small breeds is a good choice, as the size of the kibble is smaller and perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Poochons need high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs, such as food designed specifically with allergies in mind. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t encourage too many high impact activities such as jumping up and down from high platforms. You could also consider feeding Poochons a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Encourage wee-wees

To reduce the risk of bladder stones, ensure your Poochon doesn’t have long periods between urination. If you live in a flat, this means you’ll need to actively take them outside regularly.

Monitor weight

Full grown Poochons should weigh 3–7 kg, depending on the size of the parent breeds. As they don’t need loads of exercise, it’s important they’re not overindulged, as carrying extra weight puts pressure on their joints and internal organs. For podgy Poochons, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. 

Protect their skin & coat

For dogs suffering from itchy skin, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or hypoallergenic dog food. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Look after their teeth

Poochons are prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque build up. 

Exercise regularly

Poochons might have low exercise needs, but they’re lively little dogs that love to explore and play. Daily walks on a lead with plenty of indoor playtime will keep them trim and happy.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Poochon’s dream home.

What is a Teacup Poochon?

A healthy Poochon weight is 3–7 kg, with a height of 22–35 cm. However, Teacup Poochons are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Poochon that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but a lot of breeders resort to using unethical practices to produce these mini versions, such as breeding runts, incestual pairings, or malnourishing the dogs.

Poochon vs Cavapoo: What’s the difference?  

When looking at the Poochon (Poodle x Bichon Frise) and the Cavapoo (Poodle x Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), personality is a big distinction! Poochons are bubbly, independent, and a bit more hypoallergenic thanks to their Bichon roots. Cavapoos tend to be calmer cuddle bugs with a deeply affectionate nature. They’re similar in size but the Cavapoo’s silky, slightly more wavy coat hints at their Cavalier heritage, while the Poochon’s coat is usually fluffier. Both are great for families, but a Poochon might win over those seeking a lively sidekick, while the Cavapoo is perfect for lap-dog lovers.

Poochon vs Maltipoo: What’s the difference?  

The Poochon and Maltipoo (Poodle x Maltese) both bring bundles of cuteness, but their vibes are unique. Poochons are energetic little charmers with a slightly sturdier build, while Maltipoos are the epitome of sweet and snuggly, often having a calmer demeanor. Coat care responsibilities are the same, since both breeds can have soft, curly fur that needs regular grooming. Poochons are great for more lively households, while Maltipoos are ideal for those who want a devoted companion that’s a little more low-key.

Poochon vs Cockapoo: What’s the difference?  

The Poochon and Cockapoo (Poodle x Cocker Spaniel) are both lots of fun, but their temperaments and looks set them apart. Poochons are small, lively, and have an unmistakable fluff factor, thanks to their Bichon parent. Cockapoos are normally larger and are known for their outgoing, friendly personalities. Their coats also vary from straight, to wavy, to tight curls, depending on the parentage. If you’re looking for a tiny social butterfly, a Poochon could be your pick, but if you love a slightly more sporty and playful pooch, a Cockapoo could be for you.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Poochon is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much does a Poochon cost?

Poochon puppies can cost anywhere between £900 and £2,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a Poochon can be up to £80, depending on food and insurance levels.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Poochon could cost between £20 and £30 per month On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Poochon should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a crossbreed without any pre-existing conditions is around £300. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Poochon Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Poochon even more with these tidbits and tales about this delightful designer breed!

• Poochons are a hybrid breed, created by crossing the smart Poodle with the fun-loving Bichon Frise. They were intentionally bred in the 1990s to be an affectionate, adaptable dog that combines the best of both breeds, but they’re not recognised by any Kennel Club as of yet.

• These sweet pups have a little spunk to them, and can be protective of their loved ones. They’ll bark at anything they deem a threat, whether it’s real or imagined, but it’s highly unlikely to go any further than that. These dogs are just too friendly and don’t have a bad bone in their little bodies!

• Poochons can make excellent therapy dogs or emotional support dogs. Their gentle disposition and perky personalities are sure to brighten up even the darkest of rooms. 

• There are similar dogs to the Poochon, such as the Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise) and Cavapoochon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle x Bichon Frise). All of these dogs are affectionate, friendly, and emotionally intelligent, and make wonderful family pets.  

• Every Poochon is unique. Being a mixed breed, their coat can feature loose curls in a variety of different colours, like white, cream, apricot, brown, black, or grey. Their muzzle might be short or long, with either a black or brown nose. Regardless of whether they look more like mum or dad, they’re destined to have that gorgeous teddy bear look.

• Crossing designer dogs with other breeds is quickly becoming a trend. The Shih Poochon (better known as the Shichonpoo) is the best of three breeds; the Shih Tzu, Poodle, and Bichon Frise. 

History and Origin

Originating in Australia in the 1990s, the Poochon is a rising star in the dog world. Combining the Poodle's intelligence with the Bichon’s affectionate, playful nature, the aim was to develop a hypoallergenic dog that’s intelligent, irresistibly sweet, and has less health issues than the parent breeds. 

This designer hybrid dog might be new on the scene, but its parents certainly aren’t. Bichon Frises have roots dating back to the 14th century, where they were traded by Mediterranean sailors and favoured by European royalty. The Poodle, on the other paw, hails from Germany, and was originally bred in the 15th century as a water retriever and then later refined in France. Both breeds ended up as performers in circuses and travelling shows, thanks to their high intelligence and clownish spirits. By combining these two lovable breeds, the Poochon was born. 

Ever since, the Poochon has been a popular choice for families, singles, and anyone looking for a loyal, loving, and playful pup. With their adorable looks and friendly personalities, it’s no wonder these little dogs have quickly become one of the go-to crossbreeds for dog lovers worldwide!

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Poochon. 

1. Research the breed. Poochons are sweet and loving but they’re prone to suffer from separation anxiety, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.

2. Ask potential Poochon breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Poochon puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight week olds. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Poochons and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Poochon, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Poochons in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

Want to see more Utility Dogs?

The Poochon is just one of many Utility dog breeds. Take our quiz to see if you’re better suited to a different pooch.