Poochin: Japanese Chin & Poodle Mix
| Height: | 7–15 inches |
| Weight: | 3–13 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Colors: | White, red, sable, silver, cream, gray, black |
| Suitable for: | Seniors, families with older children |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, devoted, intelligent |
The Poochin is an uncommon mixed breed of a Japanese Chin and Poodle. This toy-sized dog is typically kept as a companion animal, though they are among the rarer Poodle mixes.
While many “doodle” mixed breeds have become common over the years, the Poochin is not one of them. This is likely because the Japanese Chin is a rare dog breed, making this mixed breed rare as well.
Since this is a mixed breed, their traits can vary quite a bit. Some Poochins are relatively active, while others are much more laidback.
When you adopt a mixed breed, you’re inevitably going to deal with many unknowns.
What is a Poochin?
Also referred to as the Chinpoo, Chindoodle, and Doodlechin, the Poochin is a fantastic breed for just about everyone. These loyal little dogs will not disappoint, as they are loving and eager to please you. But to find out if the Poochin really is the right choice for your family, keep reading to learn more about this popular breed.
The Poochin is a cross between a purebred Japanese Chin and Poodle.
Origin
The Poochin is a designer dog breed whose origins aren’t entirely clear.
Pedigree
The Poochin is a cross between a purebred Japanese Chin and Poodle.
How easy are Poochin to train?
The Poochin is considered moderately easy to train. These dogs are eager to please, inclined to listen to your commands, and intelligent.
The sooner you start socializing and training your pet, the better. Use positive techniques and never be harsh with your dog. Be patient, firm, and consistent, using praise, treats, and rewards to encourage good behavior and get great results. And when you are housetraining, be patient, as these little dogs might be a little harder to housebreak.
Even though the Poochin is a small breed, your dog might want to become the dominant member of your pack, so use your training sessions as an opportunity to establish yourself as the pack leader.
Diet and Nutrition
Poochins aren’t extremely active, so they don’t typically need more than about a half cup of food each day. Of course, the actual amount you would feed your Poochin will depend on their specific energy levels throughout each day, their actual size and weight, and their quality of health. No matter how much food your Poochin ends up eating, it’s important to make sure that you choose a quality food for them.
Feeding your pooch the cheap stuff from the bottom shelf in the grocery store does provide the necessary nutrients that your Poochin needs to survive, it doesn’t mean that the food is providing quality ingredients that will allow your pup to thrive throughout puppyhood and adulthood.
Look for a food that features real meat as the first ingredient. Other ingredients should include high-quality items such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, carrots, and beets. Avoid foods that include sugars, meal, soy, and any artificial ingredients. If you’re unsure about what kind of food to feed your new Poochin once you bring them home, consult with your veterinarian to get a few expert recommendations.
How would you describe the temperament of Poochin?
Poochins are loyal and obedient little dogs that make wonderful family pets. They enjoy playing and having fun, and they are considered happy and quiet canines that prefer cuddling.
These loving dogs won’t be afraid to show you how much they adore you, and they will be friendly and gentle, so they will get along with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized. Be sure to give your pet plenty of love and attention, as your Poochin will want to be around you as much as possible.
Weight
A toy-sized breed, the Poochin weighs between 3 and 13 pounds.
How healthy are Poochin?
There are several health conditions that Poochins are prone to that owners should look out for as their pooches age. Some are serious, but most are minor and can be managed if they’re caught soon enough.
Serious Conditions
- Mitral valve disease
- Hip dysplasia
Minor Conditions
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- Addison’s disease
- Patellar luxation
How active are Poochin?
The Poochin isn’t a lump on a log, but they don’t yearn for much exercise like other dog breeds might. They should be walked every day, even if just around the block or to and from the mailbox on the corner. A little playtime in the yard won’t be met with protest, yet these dogs love nothing more than cuddling up with their human family members while spending time indoors. Puzzle games and other indoor activities should be incorporated to help manage weight over time.
How long will Poochin live?
The Poochin has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years.
Recognized Clubs
The Poochin is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
Coat
Poochins need to be brushed several times a week to make sure that knots and mats don’t develop. Due to their coarse hair, they may even need to be trimmed occasionally to make brushing easier. Luckily, the Poochin doesn’t shed much, thanks to their Poodle DNA. But like the Poodle, the coat of a Poochin tends to hold onto dirt, so your pooch may need to be bathed once a month or so.
If they have it their way, Poochins won’t spend much time outdoors unless camping or hanging out with family members at the beach or park. Therefore, your dog’s nails likely won’t naturally stay smooth and trimmed and you’ll have to trim their nails a few times a year. Ears and teeth should be cleaned regularly too.
Puppies
The Poochin will be a small dog as an adult, so puppies will be delicate and tiny. Provide your puppy with a safe and clean home to grow up in, and supervise him during play sessions with children or other animals to ensure he doesn’t get hurt.
Start training your pet from as early on as possible to allow him to learn the rules of the house right away. It’s also a good idea to start socializing your Poochin from puppyhood, as that will help him grow into a confident, happy, and friendly adult.
Male vs. Female
Both male and female Poochins are fun, loving, and attentive. They’re sociable and never aggressive. But male Poochins tend to be a little needier than females and females are a bit more independent. Males might bark a little more, while female Poochins can be somewhat more rambunctious. But all in all, both genders are perfect pets for the average family. It’s a good idea to spend time with both girls and boys before choosing a puppy to adopt and bring home with you.
Related Questions
What’s the Price of Poochin Puppies?
Poochins are a common hybrid breed, yet they aren’t as popular among families as other breeds. So, you can find these puppies for anywhere between $300 and $700, depending on whom you are buying from.
But while these pups tend to be budget-friendly upon adoption, they require lifelong care that costs money, just like any other dog. Therefore, it’s important to consider things like ongoing food and veterinarian costs, as well as a regular budget for toys, blankets, and beds when calculating the actual cost of buying a Poochin pup.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
If well socialized from the time they are puppies, Poochins can get along well with other dogs of all shapes, sizes, and types. In fact, they would love spending their time with a dog sibling or two when their human counterparts aren’t around to hang out. These dogs can get along with other, smaller animals like cats too. But introductions should be done with supervision and only after the pup has successfully completed obedience training.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The Poochin loves spending time with their family members, even younger children. However, they can become quite excitable and could accidentally injure a toddler or young child, so they should be supervised when around kids until they prove that they can be trusted. Although these dogs thrive in family homes that include kids, they also do well in single adult or elderly homes, where things are a bit more relaxed on a daily basis.
Final Thoughts
The Poochin is a rarer mixed breed. Unlike other Poodle mixes, this mixed breed has not taken off in popularity. However, they can make great companion animals for those looking for a smaller dog.
They are known for their affectionate and laidback nature. They are not as yappy as other small dogs and do well in apartments, as long as their small exercise need is met. They are also great for those who are looking for a smaller breed but aren’t interested in one that barks frequently.
These dogs are exceedingly intelligent. Often, this makes training easy. Their people-oriented nature also helps. However, they also need regular mental stimulation, or they can become bored.
We only recommend this dog for those who have the time to commit to their training. Otherwise, you could end up with a difficult-to-manage dog.
This breed works well for seniors who can’t provide ample amounts of exercise and families with older children. Due to their smaller size, these dogs often aren’t the best for families with little kids.
