How to Groom a Poochon

Poochons are a cross of two small dog breeds: the Poodle and the Bichon Frise. As these attractive and highly intelligent dogs are hybrids, they are not all identical and grooming will differ slightly, depending on the length of the coat and the owner̵7;s preferences. Your Poochon may resemble a Poodle more than a Bichon Frise, or vice versa. Poochon can therefore have either the fluffy Bichon-style look, or one of the standard poodle trims. Poochons normally require trimming every 6 to 16 weeks.

Things You'll Need

  • Table or similar work surface
  • Non-slip mat
  • Dog pin brush
  • Electrical clipper
  • Icepack
  • Towel
  • Dog shampoo
  • Cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a non-slip mat on a table or similar work surface and stand your Poochon on the mat.

    • 2

      Spray your Poochon̵7;s coat very lightly with a conditioner designed for dogs, to prevent static when you begin to brush the coat.

    • 3

      Use a pin brush to comb gently through the dog̵7;s entire coat. Both Poodles and Bichon Frise have curly, non-shedding coats, which continue to grow. It is important to ensure that you have brushed down to the skin, to remove tangles and knots in the coat. Pin brushes work better than slicker brushes on these coats.

    • 4

      Work systematically. Begin by combing the legs, then move to the body, brushing from the head back toward the animal̵7;s tail.

    • 5

      Use electric clippers if you want to trim your Poochon to resemble a poodle. Always work very carefully with a clipper and begin with the dog̵7;s face. If you start on the body or legs, your dog will be tired of standing by the time you reach the face and may be less cooperative. Use the ̶0;full tooth̶1; clipper blades if you are a novice, as the gaps between the ̶0;skip-tooth̶1; blades are more likely to catch your dog̵7;s skin.

    • 6

      Bathe your Poochon if its coat becomes too soiled. Use warm water and a shampoo that is designed for dogs. Always rinse all the shampoo out of the dog̵7;s coat and dry the Poochon with a towel or blow dryer after the bath.

    • 7

      Use a warm, wet cloth to wipe away tear stains, which are normally reddish-brown and most noticeable in dogs with light-colored coats.