Poochon: Your Complete Guide

Poochons are small, lively, and loving dogs, and this cross between the toy poodle and the bichon frisé has the adorable looks to match its winning personality.

A result of the popularity of other doodle breeds, this crossbreed is rising in favor as a family companion in recent years. Poochons are active, affectionate, and friendly, and they’re known for their habits of following their owners around so they can spend as much time together as possible.

If you are thinking about adopting a poochon, you might be wondering what it takes to care for this pup and give them a home to thrive in. Our complete guide gives you more information about poochons so you can understand what it takes to adopt this breed and take care of it so you both have happy, fun-filled lives together.

Quick Look at the Poochon

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Poochons?

Poochons are mixed breed dogs, and they are a cross between the toy poodle and the bichon frisé. This breed was first noted in Australia around the 1990s, and they are the result of a wave of popularity of ‘doodle breeding’ that occurred after the creation of the Labradoodle dog breed.

The poochon has risen to popularity as a family dog in recent years, as this pup is quite lively, friendly, and outgoing. They enjoy being around their owners as much as possible, and they are small enough to adapt to apartment-style living or larger homes. Plus, their adorable appearances and the potential for a hypoallergenic coat make them highly desired as a companion dog.

It’s important to note that there are no breed standards among poochons, and their appearance may vary quite a bit as a result. This breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club but the poochon is a crossbreed that is gaining in popularity. Other kennel clubs across the country specializing in mixed breed dogs do officially recognize the poochon.

What Do Poochons Look Like?

Poochons are small dogs that many individuals describe as having an almost teddy bear-like appearance. They are friendly, sweet, and playful, and their coats are curly and soft.

They commonly appear in shades of brown, cream, and fawn, and they may be solid white or black, though these colorations are rarer. Oftentimes, poochons will be a mix of these colors, depending on the genetics of their parents.

The ears of a poochon are floppy, their expression is open and sweet, and they are known for having very puppy-like features, no matter their age.

What Size Is a Poochon?

Poochons are a mix between two small dogs, the toy poodle and the bichon frisé, and they are small as a result. You can expect your poochon to weigh anywhere between 6 and 17 pounds, standing between 9 and 15 inches tall, depending on the size of their parents.

What Is a Poochon’s Coat Type and Length?

Both toy poodles and the bichon frisé have short to medium-length curly coats, and poochons are no different. These pups typically have a medium-length curly coat, and their coat may be hypoallergenic. If you are thinking of adopting one of these dogs due to allergies, it’s important to spend time with a poochon to ensure there are no allergy triggers ahead of adopting one.

What Is a Poochon’s Temperament?

Poochons are known for having a friendly and sweet disposition. They are intelligent and charming, and they love to socialize with other people and dogs. Poochons are playful and lively, and they are a more energetic dog breed, which means you’ll need to give them quite a bit of exercise to keep them happy and out of trouble.

Your poochon will be affectionate and happy to cuddle up on the couch with you as much as they will enjoy spending time outdoors walking and playing. Poochons love to be included, and these pups may feel lonely or anxious if they are left home alone for more than a few hours at a time.

Are Poochons Good With Kids?

Poochons are generally good with children, though children will need to be taught how to play gently with them due to their smaller size. Poochons can easily be injured with rough play if precautions aren’t taken. Poochons are generally tolerant of all ages of children.

Are Poochons Good With Other Animals?

Poochons are a social breed, and they generally get along well with other animals, especially animals they have been brought up alongside. Poochons would do well in a home that has another dog around, and they will even get along with cats as long as introductions are made properly.

They might chase some smaller animals, such as hamsters, in an attempt to play, so they should be monitored around small cats and potential prey animals as needed.

Are Poochons Aggressive?

Poochons aren’t likely to be very aggressive, though they can be vocal and stubborn if they aren’t getting the right amount of attention and exercise. Poochons are intelligent and energetic, and they need lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. Lots of days home alone, not enough exercise, and no socialization may lead to aggressive or destructive behaviors.

Do Poochons Bark?

Poochons can be quite loud, and they tend to be a more vocal dog breed. This pup loves to bark to announce their excitement and as part of playtime, and they may need to be trained to curb any unnecessary barking behaviors. You should be wary about apartment noise restrictions with a poochon, but proper training should help your dog adapt to being less vocal.

Are Poochons Affectionate?

Poochons are often referred to as a ‘Velcro’ dog, and they are very affectionate. These dogs love to spend time with their owners, and they enjoy ample amounts of playtime and exercise during the day followed by cuddles all evening.

You can expect your poochon to seek you out and follow you around the home simply so they can spend time with you and be involved in your daily life when possible.

Are Poochons Intelligent?

Poochons are fairly intelligent, curious, and alert, as their parent breeds are both quite smart dogs. You can expect your poochon to learn routines quickly and learn how to get their way, which might turn into a problem without proper obedience training. You may be able to easily train your poochon due to their higher intelligence.

Are Poochons Energetic?

Poochons are a high-energy dog breed, and they do need to be walked at least twice a day. You will also need to play with your dog throughout the day and take them to a dog park regularly where they are able to run around and socialize with other dogs.

Families that already have a friendly dog, those with children who will play with the poochon constantly. Individuals with active lifestyles will all be able to keep the lively poochon healthy and happy.

Are Poochons Easy to Train?

Poochons are easy to train due to their higher intelligence and their eager-to-please attitudes. They will love spending time with their owners learning new things, and they will enjoy the process of training, as it is both mentally and physically stimulating for them. Your poochon may also be able to learn more complex tasks, as they enjoy the challenge of learning new things.

Are Poochons Good Watchdogs?

Poochons do make good watchdogs, as they are alert, vocal, and generally courageous. However, their barking habits may alert you of both potential threats and the simple goings-on of daily life outside of your home. This is why training is generally needed to curb unnecessary barking.

Are Poochons Good Service Dogs?

Poochons likely aren’t the best fit for most service dog work, as they are too small to carry out the major tasks that are a part of mobility support and guidance work.

They may be able to help with medical alert service dog tasks or psychiatric service dog tasks, in addition to being a good emotional support animal or therapy dog. Poochons are quite smart and learning complex tasks or skills shouldn’t be a problem for this breed.

How to Care for a Poochon?

Poochons are energetic, loving, and friendly dogs, and they need lots of attention and exercise to thrive in your home. You will need to ensure your poochon has access to both indoor and outdoor areas, and that they are properly socialized to help them get along with other dogs and people.

You shouldn’t leave your poochon home alone for more than a few hours at a time, as this breed can get lonely and become destructive out of anxiety or boredom.

Take your poochon on several lengthy walks a day, play with them throughout the day as possible, provide them with interactive toys, and take them to a dog park to run around regularly. You will need to brush your poochon a few times a week to keep their fur in its best shape, and professional grooming is required on a somewhat regular basis for this breed.

You will need to feed your poochon a healthy diet of wet or dry food split up into two or more meals per day. Regular veterinary visits are essential to ensure your dog remains in good health. Work on obedience training with your poochon to curb any unwanted behaviors and to help them remain mentally stimulated.

Do You Need to Groom a Poochon?

Poochons have a curly, soft coat that is a little more high-maintenance than other dog breeds. Their coat will need to be brushed a couple of times a week to ensure it remains free of knots and tangles. In addition, they will need to visit a professional groomer on a regular basis to keep their fur trimmed and looking its best.

Do Poochons Shed?

Because of the curly texture of this breed’s fur, they won’t shed a lot, but they will need to be brushed often to ensure their shed fur doesn’t clump or tangle in their coat. Poochons may be hypoallergenic, though this can vary based on the individual’s allergies and the specific poochon, as there is no breed standard, and coat types do differ quite a bit dog by dog.

What Health Problems Do Poochons Have?

Poochons are prone to developing certain health issues due to their genetics and other lifestyle factors. The more common health issues you will need to look out for in your poochon include patellar luxation, retinal atrophy, bladder issues, allergies, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s disease.

You should be taking your poochon to the veterinary regularly to help identify if your dog is having any health issues and to catch serious problems before they become life-threatening. However, a healthy diet and lifestyle can help to keep your poochon healthy and happy for as long as possible.

How Long Do Poochons Live?

Poochons, like many other smaller dogs, have a fairly long lifespan. On average, your poochon may live between 12 and 15 years. Regular vet visits and a healthy, active lifestyle will help your dog live as long and happily as possible.

What Should a Poochon Eat?

Your poochon should be eating between approximately half of a cup and two cups of high-quality wet or dry food each day, depending on their age, size, and any health restrictions.

Because there is no breed standard for this dog, their size and caloric needs do vary quite a bit. You should discuss feeding with your vet if you have any concerns about what or how much to feed your poochon.

Is a Poochon the Right Dog for Me?

Poochons are wonderful, energetic, and sweet dogs, and this breed is perfect for individuals with an active lifestyle. The poochon might be the right dog for you if you have a family with children that know how to properly interact and play with a dog or if you are looking for a companion for your own active lifestyle.

Poochons will fit right into most families that already have dogs, and they love to be around their owners. So, make sure you are at home often to give and receive as much affection with your poochon as possible.