About Bichon Poodles

The bichon poodle, also called bich-poo or poochon, is a cross between the bichon frise and the poodle. A mixed-breed dog such as the bichon poodle is not guaranteed to have all the characteristics and traits from each breed, but may have a handful from both, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. To determine a bichon poodle's size, appearance and temperament, it is necessary to research each breed.

  1. Identification

    • A bichon poodle could look similar to a bichon frise, a poodle, or some kind of mix of the two breeds. The bichon frise is a small white dog with a soft undercoat and coarse, curly outer coat, according to the American Kennel Club. The poodle has a waterproof coat that is either curly or corded and comes in many colors including blue, gray, silver, brown, apricot and cream.

    Size

    • The bichon frise is a small dog, weighing seven to 12 pounds at adult weight, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. The poodle comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. The toy poodle is the smallest and weighs six to nine pounds as an adult. The miniature poodle is the mid-size breed, weighing 15 to 17 pounds fully-grown. The standard poodle is the largest dog, weighing 45 to 70 pounds at adult weight. The bichon poodle's size depends on the type of poodle with which it is mixed.

    Temperament

    • While each dog is different, its breed suggests certain personality traits that may or may not be present. The bichon frise is a happy, friendly and loving dog that wants to feel part of a family, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. An obedient and competitive dog, the bichon frise is capable of learning multiple commands and does well in competitive obedience. The poodle is an active, proud dog that loves to learn and shows a certain dignity, according to the American Kennel Club.

    Health

    • The bichon-poodle may be prone to some of the health problems affecting the bichon frise and the poodle. The bichon frise is prone to developing cataracts, as well as watery eyes, skin and ear ailments, epilepsy and dislocated kneecaps, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. The bichon frise may also be sensitive to flea bites. The poodle is prone to runny eyes, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies, skin conditions, hip dysplasia and ear infections.

    Warning

    • Small dog breeds such as the bichon poodle mixed with a toy or miniature poodle often develop character traits that are not natural to the breeds. Traits such as snapping, biting, obsessive barking, guarding and separation anxiety suggest a man-made behavioral problem known as small dog syndrome, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. Small dogs are often allowed to get away with things larger dogs would be reprimanded for because of their size, which leads them to develop a Napoleon complex, or small dog syndrome.