Poochon
 Male Poochon puppy with inherited sable trait at 8 weeks of age | |||||||||||||||||||||
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The Poochon (also known as Bichpoo, Bich-poo, Bichonpoo, Bichon-Poo, Bichoodle[3]) is a designer breed, the offspring of a Poodle and a Bichon Frise.[1][4] The Poochon became particularly popular through crossbreeding programs in Australia from the late 1990s.[1] Key to their development was the coordinated effort by Chevromist Kennels in Melbourne in bringing together various breeders aiming to develop the breed.[1] This breed of dog was developed to suit families wanting a small breed that was suitable for most people with allergies to dogs;[1] the breeders were looking for a healthy, outgoing small dog with a non-shedding wool coat that would get along well with children[4] They are very popular in Australia due to their exceptional temperaments, robustness and non-shed coats. The Poochon typically has the shorter and more rounded muzzle of the Bichon Frise, and this can be seen from the time they are puppies.[2] Poochons have variable coat colours and markings.
Appearance
Coat and Color
They can come in tan, tan and white, red and white, ruby, black[5] but any colour is acceptable. Their coat is coarse, medium long with loose curls[5] and have a coat that is more hypoallergenic than most dogs (a characteristic inherited from the Poodle).[5]
All Poochons will need grooming as their non-shed coats continue to grow, but will not shed.[5]
Temperament
The Poochon does very well in a number of environments, but you need to cater for a daily exercise of at least half an hour, or a bit more if she does not have access to a backyard.[6] Poochons inherit a higher than average intelligence as both her parents, particularly the Poodle, are considered in the top section of intelligent dog breeds.[6] It should be easy to house-train your Poochon fairly quickly and she will be quick to learn your nuances.
The poochon usually has an accommodating nature that will allow it to fit into most households. A family with young children will suit it perfectly; existing pets should not be a hindrance.[6]
Though small in size, they make good watch dogs as they will alert their owners to unusual or suspicious sounds with a hearty bark.[5]
Poochons will let out a high-pitched yelp when hurt.
Activity
If Poochons are given the proper training and exercise, they will do well in an apartment;[1] however, they'll need extra space for playing.[4] Poochons also tend to run back and forth in a hallway to exercise.
Health
First generation Poochons tend to be much healthier than either of their parents.[1] However, they may have some problems, like Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and patella luxation.[2] Otherwise, Poochons, and in particular first generation Poochons, are a relatively healthy breed that have few health concerns.[1][4][5][6]
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Poochon. |
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Official Poochon Webpage". Official Poochon Webpage. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- 1 2 3 4 "Poochon Puppies". Poochon Puppies. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ↑ "Poochon". Designer Dog Info. Retrieved 2015-10-28.
- 1 2 3 4 "Poochon Information". Poochon Information. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "dogsdiscovered". dogsdiscovered. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- 1 2 3 4 "Poochon temperament". Poochon temperament. Retrieved 2013-06-17.