Poochon
Also called Bichpoo, Bich-poo, Bichon-poo, Bichoodle
From Australia, late 1990s; later popular in the UK and US.1
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
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 [email protected] 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
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.