Poochon
Also called Bichpoo, Bich-poo, Bichon-poo, Bichoodle
From Australia, late 1990s; later popular in the UK and US.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
6-17 lb; crosses with a Standard Poodle are larger.
Coat and looks how to spot one
curly, wavy or fluffy; low-shedding
A small, cuddly dog with a soft, dense coat that may be curly, wavy or fluffy. The coat sheds very little.12
Personality what they are like
A sweet, affectionate and playful little dog that is deeply devoted to its family. Poochons are clever and quick to pick up new commands, sociable with people and other animals, and sensitive souls who love being included.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Daily walks and play, and they enjoy light agility or games that keep their minds busy.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush 3-4 times a week to keep the coat tangle-free, with a professional trim every 4-6 weeks. Regular ear cleaning, nail trims and tooth brushing round it off.1
Home where they are happiest
Happy in flats, family homes or with single owners, as long as it gets company and mental stimulation.1
Company who they like around
Loves being with its people. Gets on well with children and other pets when socialised early.12
The story where it all began
Breeders in Australia started deliberately crossing Bichon Frises with Poodles in the late 1990s, and the mix soon caught on in the UK and the United States. Most are bred with Toy or Miniature Poodles, though crosses with Standard Poodles produce a bigger dog.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs
- Not recognised by major kennel clubs as a breed; it is a crossbreed.2
- Designer/hybrid registries
- Listed by American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). All list it under the name Poochon.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Poochon. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Poochon, and at what times?
Feed your adult Poochon at least two meals a day at consistent times, such as morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals spread throughout the day. Check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog's age and activity.3
What should a Poochon eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed your Poochon a high-quality dog food appropriate for their size and age. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet if you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful.4
How often should I bathe a Poochon?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, while general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Adjust based on how dirty your dog gets or if they have skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid overbathing to keep their coat healthy.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Poochon need brushing?
The breed information recommends brushing 3-4 times a week to prevent tangles and mats, while Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing. Their low-shedding coat benefits from regular brushing to keep it soft and clean. Choose a schedule that works for your dog's coat type.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Poochon's nails, and how often?
Trim your Poochon's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, roughly every 4 weeks according to Furry Diary's plan. Use a dog nail clipper and cut small bits at a time, stopping before the pink quick. If you're unsure, ask your vet or groomer to show you how.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Poochon need?
Your Poochon needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They also enjoy light agility or puzzle games to keep their mind busy. About 30 minutes of activity per day is a good starting point, but adjust based on their energy level.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Poochon's teeth and ears?
Brush your Poochon's teeth at least two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check their ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental checkup annually.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Poochon live?
A Poochon typically lives between 12 and 15 years with good care. Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and plenty of love help them enjoy a long, happy life.1
Is a Poochon good with children and other pets?
Yes, Poochons are sociable and get along well with children and other pets, especially when socialised early. They are affectionate and playful, making them wonderful family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children to ensure gentle handling.12
Can a Poochon be left alone?
Poochons are sensitive and love being with their people, so they don't do well left alone for long periods. They need companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often. If you're away during the day, consider a dog sitter or daycare to keep them happy.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Parents and lookalikes
Bichon Frise
Cavachon
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Dogtime: Poochon dogtime.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, origin
- Dog Breed Info: Bich-poo dogbreedinfo.comused for other names, registries, coat, temperament, Standard Poodle crosses
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.