Bich Poo Dog Breed

The Bich-Poo, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Bichon Poodle mix grew in popularity in the late 20th century, when owning "designer dogs" became fashionable. These little hybrids are pure companion dogs, and make excellent pets for singles, seniors, and those living in apartments.

A few Bich-Poo facts: they can vary from toy- to small-sized, and average 12 inches at the shoulders in height and 12 pounds in weight; they have medium-length, fluffy, curly coats that shed little but will need a lot of grooming; and they're highly prone to separation anxiety, so they'll become upset if left alone.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a BichPoo dog:

Some Bichon-Poodle mix information: The Bich-Poo hybrid almost always has either a Toy or a Miniature Poodle as its parent breed. The Bichon-Poodle wiki states that while a Standard Poodle parent is technically possible, such a cross is both difficult and expensive; the Standard Poodle would have to be female, and would need to be artificially inseminated. Plus, this hybrid is known as a small companion dog--so the Toy or Mini Poodle is used almost exclusively.

And the Bich-Poo is a fantastic companion. These dogs are extremely social, and are excellent pets for families of any size--from one to many! Bich-Poos make the best pets for seniors, people with disabilities, or others who will be able to spend a lot of time with them. Like its parent breeds, this hybrid will become very upset if left alone, and will need a lot of company. Another important piece of Bich-Poo puppies information: these hybrids' fluffy coats will need a lot of grooming, including daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats. Tear staining, too, is a common issue for the Bich-Poo; while painless, the stains look unsightly, and will need regular care if they do develop.

The Bich-Poo is also pretty high-energy--but is a small dog, and thus won't need a ton of exercise. Combined with the dog's everyday activity, a short walk or two on a daily basis should be plenty.

The Bich-Poo doesn't see a lot of variation in specific physical features. These dogs' coats can vary a bit from fluffy to curly depending on inherited traits, but the coats are usually made of "fluffy curls," so to speak.

The main variation is in size, and is largely dependent upon the size of the Poodle parent. A Mini Poodle-Bichon mix is by far the most common; a Toy Poodle-Bichon Frise mix is regularly seen too. A Standard Poodle-Bichon Frise mix is possible, but is very rarely seen because of the complicated breeding methods required.

Details on the three Bich-Poo size variations:

• Bichon Frise-Mini Poodle mix: An average of 12 inches in height, 14 pounds in weight
• Bichon Frise-Toy Poodle mix: 8 inches, 8 pounds
• Bichon Frise-Standard Poodle mix: 16 inches, 35 pounds

Friendly, intelligent, active, playful, and at times fussy, the Bichon-Poodle temperament is one of both action and love. These hybrids are incredibly affectionate with pretty much everyone; they make great playmates for kids, and they socialize well with other pets too. As with most breeds, it's best if your Bich-Poo grows up alongside any kids or other pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another. These little dogs can develop Small Dog Syndrome (excessive fussiness and bossiness) without proper training--so it's a good idea to provide your Bich-Poo with obedience training and socialization (starting during puppyhood if possible) to teach the dog respectful behavior.

The good news is, the Bich-Poo usually responds very well to training. These hybrids are very smart, and should be able to learn tasks, tricks, and commands without too many repetitions. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Another surprisingly good aspect of the Bichon Frise-Poodle mix temperament: these hybrids have decent watchdog skills. While they certainly aren't anyone's guard dog, Bich-Poos are alert and curious, and will usually bark at and investigate any unknown sights or sounds.

The Bich-Poo, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids may suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including patellar luxation, various eye issues (the most serious of which is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA), allergies, and hormonal problems like Addison's Disease and Cushing's Syndrome. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Bich-Poo is 12-15 years.