Black BichPoo breeder: Bichon Frise Poodle Mix

Black BichPoo breeder: Bichon Frise Poodle Mix

Few dogs are as loving, trainable, and intelligent as the Bich-Poo. These pups are born entertainers and the perfect lap dog! They bring new meaning to the phrase “people pleaser.”

Bich-Poos are wonderful family dogs, can fit happily in apartments and city life, and never want to be far from their owners.

This rather novel hybrid breed comes from mixing the Bichon Frise and the Miniature Poodle.

Bichon Frise are the cuddly comedians of the dog world. And their sense of humor has not dimmed over the antiquity of their breeding. Though they are from an ancient bloodline, these dogs were developed well before the 13^th century on the Canary Island of Tenerife.

They were immensely popular dogs among European nobility across France, Spain, and Italy for hundreds of years. This breed has survived revolutions, worked as circus performers, and even weathered both World Wars with their sweetness and cheer intact.

Miniature Poodles are direct descendants of the Standard Poodle, which was bred in Germany over 400 years ago. These dogs helped hunters and retrieved game from water, thus their name came from a German word “pudelin” meaning “to splash in water.”

This breed has never lost the hearts and minds of France, and many other European countries. They have been performers, hunters, entertainers, lapdogs, truffle hunters, and are frequently show dogs and companions to this day.

What is a Bichpoo?

Sure, the name might be a bit questionable if you say it too quickly, but there’s no denying that the Bichpoo is one of the most delightful pups that you’ll ever meet. Fluffy, smart, and friendly, this lovely designer dog makes for a perfect family pet. Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) Poodle. He has a small but sturdy stature. He’s also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes him easy to train (a highly underrated quality in any dog breed). Newbie dog owners should definitely consider this designer dog, as they’re very beginner-friendly breed. This is an ideal first dog to bring into any home and one guaranteed to make you a dog lover for life.

The Bichpoo is also quite adaptable when it comes to sharing his home with other animals, making it a perfect fit for families who already have pets. This pup will happily make friends with any furry member of your family. While the Bichpoo makes a great little watchdog, he can be prone to excessive barking so needs to be taught to downplay this trait when he is young and learning his socialization skills. Proper training will curb his yappy tendencies and ensure that this breed is suitable for apartment living. It’s important to train and socialize early to avoid your Bichpoo developing the dreaded “little dog syndrome.”

Designer dogs are still a mystery to many pet owners. They generally aren’t recognized by the AKC and it’s hard to get much of a sense of the history of most hybrid breeds. Purebred dogs remain more popular than designer dogs, but slowly that’s changing. Many new breeds offer a lot of impressive qualities in one adorable package. The Bichpoo is one of those breeds who stand out with their great personality and absolutely adorable appearance. So is the Bichpoo the dog that you’ve been hunting and needs to become part of your family? Read on to learn more about what makes these hybrids special and find out if you’ll be bringing one home soon.

Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) poodle.

Origin

The Bichpoo originated in Australia in the late 1990s and was bred specifically for families wanting a robust and active little dog with a non-shedding coat and a temperament that worked well with children. While this hybrid might not have a long history in comparison to his prestigious parents, he’s already proven to be a lovely dog with plenty of desirable traits. It didn’t take long before breeders in the United States and the United Kingdom started developing this hybrid. The popularity of the Bichpoo spread quickly and it soon became a mainstay of the designer dog world. Now there are many happy families that have a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix as their furbaby.

Pedigree

Bichpoos are hybrids that come from first generation cross-breeding between a purebred Bichon Frise and Toy (or Miniature) poodle. Like the majority of designer dogs, Bichpoos are also not uniform when it comes to their looks and behavior. The reason for this is that first generation mixes are the most unpredictable type of crossbreeds. Even in one litter, puppies can look completely different one from another. Some might favor the Bichon Frise in their appearance, while others could inherit more traits from the Poodle parent. Luckily, the parental breeds of this mix are somewhat similar, so there are no drastic differences within the breed. Bichpoo puppies tend to be fairly similar regardless of which parent they favour.

With multigenerational breeding, dogs start to have a standardized look, but there are other risks. Introducing other unrelated Bichons, Poodles, or Bichpoos to the gene pool can exacerbate certain health issues. The key is to find a reputable breeder. You’re looking for a breeder who selects his stock carefully and produces puppies responsibly. Dubious puppy mills or pet stores are never a good place to get a puppy, let alone a designer dog. These poor souls are often very mistreated and come with a host of health issues. It truly is tragic what can happen at these places.

How easy are Bichpoo to train?

With Poodle DNA running through his veins, you can bet your Bichpoo is going to be one intelligent little dog who will learn quickly and prove fairly easy to train. As with any puppy, his behavioral and socialization training must be done at an early age and because Poodles can sometimes take on high-strung and clingy characteristics, so you’ll want to work on this from the beginning. Understandably many small dogs are known to revert to nipping if they feel threatened or anxious, so working with a professional trainer to discourage this tendency and develop a game-plan to eliminate separation anxiety issues, would be money well spent. As with any pet training, it’s important to focus on positive reinforcement and treat-based encouragement. Anything less is closer to abuse than training. It will not get you the results that you seek from your pup.

Diet and Nutrition

As a small dog with high energy, you should feed your Bichpoo frequent small meals of a top quality food throughout the day and because of the propensity for small dogs to have dental problems, dry food and treats should become a mainstay of his diet. By providing a high-quality food that contains all-natural, quality ingredients you will help prevent him from picking up allergies – a health concern known to plague Bichons and Poodles. A reputable pet store will typically carry a good selection of higher quality products. If you have any concerns about your Bichpoo’s diet, it’s always a wise idea to consult with your vet. While pet food manufacturers and pet blog provide useful feeding guidelines, these are still guidelines and not gospel. Only a vet who is familiar with your specific dog can accurately assess the dietary needs of personal pooch. So, always check in with your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet.

With Poodle DNA running through his veins, you can bet your Bichpoo is going to be one intelligent little dog who will learn quickly and prove fairly easy to train.

How would you describe the temperament of Bichpoo?

Sweet and loving, Bichpoo dogs make fantastic family pets precisely because of their great personality. When socialized properly, these designer dogs are bubbly and outgoing, happy to be around people, and quite affectionate with everyone they meet – but above all, with their humans. They will quickly grow on anyone that meets them! If you want a cuddly, kind dog that will love nothing more than to be petted and curl up with you when you watch the TV or lie down on the sofa after a long day, Bichpoo is your pooch.

Thanks to their parentage, these smart cookies are natural-born charmers, goofy clowns that bring joy to your everyday life with their antics. They are quite playful and intelligent, so they’ll enjoy (and require) a lot of playtime, particularly with puzzle toys. And don’t forget fetch or tug of wars – everything Bichpoos can do with their owner is something they love doing!

A common behavioral issue some Bichpoos might develop is excessive barking. This is common with Bichons, and might be passed down the line to the Bichpoo. These dogs have a tendency to bark a lot, mostly in order to get their master’s attention, warn of possible intruders, or simply to warn anyone wishing to take away their food or toys. Some say that even though the Bichpoo is a designer breed, it can still make a good watch dog due to its tendency to warn the owner about strangers. Still, if the Bichpoo is not socialized enough at a young age, the barking might become unbearable later on. Thankfully, it can be remedied with some patient training. Of course, it helps to properly socialize and train your pet at an early age and to avoid this issue altogether.

Weight

The weight of a Bichpoo is typically influenced by whether the poodle side of his parentage is a Toy or Miniature. If Toy, the Bichpoo will reach a weight of between 6-12 pounds. If a Miniature, you can expect his weight to range up to 18 pounds. Generally, the Bichpoo fits easily into the true small size dog breed. As such, they don’t need too much space to be content and can do perfectly well as apartment pets, as long as you provide them with plenty of space outside to exercise and spend their energy. These are lively and energetic dogs, so it won’t do them good if you leave them cooped up for long. Luckily, Bichpoos are not easy to become obese. This can happen if you neglect your pet and its diet, and particularly if it’s a smaller type. However, a properly cared for Bichpoo that spends enough energy and has a lot of activities during the day, will be as lean and well-built as any other healthy dog breed.

How healthy are Bichpoo?

The plus to a first generation hybrid is that many of the serious health issues that plague the parent breeds can often by-pass their offspring. Unfortunately, that can never be assumed and new pet parents should be aware of potentially inherited issues. For the Bichpoo that can include progressive retinal atrophy, patella luxation and allergies. And while not an inherited but a health and wellness issue that is typical of all small dogs, the Bichpoo can be prone to breaks and fractures if dropped from any height. Supervision is recommended whenever young kids are involved in playtime. This is why it’s important to maintain regularly schedule checkups with your vet, especially as they age. It’s important that any potential health issues be identified and treated as early as possible.

A somewhat uncommon but still possible health issue amongst Bichpoos is the pesky hip dysplasia. It affects a lot of dog breeds of this size, and is an inherited issue. It is a multifactorial orthopedic condition that affects the dog’s hip joint. If left untreated, hip dysplasia can lead to major changes in the hip joint, causing osteoarthritis and major pain and discomfort. Although this is a rare occurrence, it is still worth mentioning. Luckily, it can be helped with the assistance of your vet.

How active are Bichpoo?

The sweet and playful Bich-Poo needs a light amount of outdoor exercise and plenty of playtime with the family. Depending on how much indoor play they can get, a Bich-Poo may only need 30 minutes of truly vigorous exercise every day.

Bich-Poos will enjoy being included in any activity because they love spending time with their people. Beyond the usual walks and fetch try taking them for a hike or excursion every week to keep them both mentally and physically stimulated.

And don’t worry, these bright little fluff balls will tell you when they need more outdoor time! If left alone or cooped up Bich-Poos, like many dogs, will begin to develop bad behavior to get your attention.

Be on the lookout for signs that your Bich-Poo is bored or under-stimulated such as excessive barking or yappiness, whining, chewing on inappropriate items, rooting through the trash, or neurotic behavior like tail chasing.

How long will Bichpoo live?

The average life span of a Bichpoo is 12-15 years. With 15 years being at the high end of the life expectancy amongst dogs, this means that Bichpoo is a hardy and long lived breed. Of course, this is only achievable with good genetics, plenty of care, and a loving environment. A neglected dog is unlikely to ever reach this age. Best of all, such a generous lifespan makes Bichpoos ideal as companion dogs. If you dreamed of having a furry, four legged companion to be by your side for a good part of your life, then consider a Bichpoo as a great choice.

AKC

Because he is a hybrid breed, the Bichpoo is not a member of the American Kennel Club however there are many smaller organizations that recognize this mix as a breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Designer Breed Registry and International Designer Canine Registry all recognize the Bichon Frise and Poodle mix under the name Poochon. The Dog Registry of America, Inc. recognizes is it under all common names.

Coat

One of the most charming physical qualities of the Bich-Poo is their hypoallergenic, incredibly soft, and fluffy fur. That means folks with allergies can snuggle this dog to their heart’s content with nary a sniffle or sneeze!

However, just because they do not shed does not mean Bich-Poos don’t need to be groomed. Their hair can grow with remarkable speed and reach lengths Rapunzel could only dream of. That kind of luster and length requires significant attention to keep it from becoming matted and tangled.

For those uninterested in long grooming sessions multiple times a week you can always go the close-cropped, routinely trimmed route for a truly low maintenance coat. You’ve got options!

Bich-Poos will also need regular teeth cleaning, ear swabbing, and toenail trimming to stay healthy and looking great. Brush your pup’s teeth a few times a week and you can kiss tooth decay and gum disease goodbye!

Start cleaning your Bich-Poos teeth as a puppy and ease them into this particularly invasive care regimen so that they will be happy to allow your help polishing their pearly whites throughout their life.

Swab your pup’s ears about once a week, and gently remove any buildup to prevent a breeding ground for infection. Similarly, regular toenail clipping can avoid painful splintering and cracking. Nails can be cared for less frequently depending on your dog’s activity level but should be checked every month.

Puppies

The litter size of Bichpoo puppies can depend on the type of Poodle used in the mix. However, since Bichon Frise dog is commonly the mom of the litter, you can usually expect to see between 2 and 5 puppies. These adorable little mixes will steal your heart with their goofy behavior and cute looks, but it’s important to make sure to be careful around them. As the offspring of two small breed dogs, Bichpoo puppies are very fragile and prone to injuries, especially in their puppyhood. Don’t leave them to play with children without supervision and monitor they don’t jump on and off high surfaces. You must take special care of Bichpoos as puppies because they are so delicate and fragile. However, this sort of love and care should only deepen the bond between this pup and his human, so it will pay off quite a bit in the long run.

Male vs Female

Male Bich-Poos are sturdier and taller than females. They are also more inclined to display behaviors such as humping and marking territory with urine upon reaching sexual maturity.

The female Bich-Poo is smaller by comparison, and often gentler and calmer.

Related Questions

What’s the Price of Bich-Poo Puppies?

Most breeders will charge between $700 and $3,000 for a Bich-Poo puppy.

For Bich-Poo seekers willing to wait for the right dog to come along, shelters and adoption are an inexpensive option. Most adoptions include neuter/spay costs and vaccinations for less than $400.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Bichpoos are some of the most amiable, and gentlest of companions – even towards other animals. They have very little hunting instinct, so even relations with cats should go smoothly.

It would still be prudent not to try introducing your bunny to your Bich-Poo, however. Even something as innocent as a playful puppy can be too much for small pets and prey animals. As any prey animals knows, better to be overly cautious than dead!

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

A resounding yes! Bich-Poos are affectionate, sensitive, and genuinely love being around people. They are great with children of all ages and make wonderful playmates for older kids.

Do note, however, that children should initially be supervised with a small dog like the Bich-Poo. This breed doesn’t have an aggressive bone in their body, but their size can make them a target for bullying. Kids and dog should get some socialization and learn mutual respect before solo playtime.

Is a Bichpoo good with kids?

Yes. This affectionate dog is known to be good with kids.

Final Thoughts

So, is the Bich-Poo the dog for you?

If you aren’t the type to enjoy a lap dog, or simply don’t have much time to spend with them outside of work and obligations then it would be wise to look elsewhere.

However, folks who love the idea of sharing their life with a constant companion and affectionate little canine comedian are in the right place!