Bichon Poodle

Everything You Want To Know About The Bichon Poodle

The Bichon poodle is an adorable hybrid that is part purebred poodle and part purebred Bichon frise.  These dogs make wonderful pets, their ideal for small homes, families with children and they most definitely have the charming qualities of both breeds that they are derived from.

Often called the Biche-poo, these fluffy dogs have been a favorite in France and other parts of Europe for quite some time.  After World War I, the breed was introduced to North America by servicemen that were returning to the country.  Although they are often referred to as being a purebred, that is not quite technically correct since they are derived from two different species however, they are not considered a mutt either.

Appearance

The Bichon poodle's appearance is by far the primary reason that these dogs are popular.  Their coat is soft and curly with very little shedding or dander which makes the breed ideal for allergy sufferers.  They come in an array of colors including white, black, gray, apricot or chocolate.

These are small dogs that stand less than one foot tall and weigh between 6 and 15 pounds.  Their smaller size makes them suitable for apartment living as long as they are exercised daily.

Temperament

The Bichon poodle has an exceptionally good-natured temperament.  They are fairly intelligent, easy to housebreak and can make pretty good watchdogs.  However, while they are protective of their territory, they are friendly enough to get along with children and any other pets in the home.  They are energetic, playful and a joy to be around.

Care And Training

Positive reinforcement goes a long way with the Bichon poodle and punitive measures must always be avoided.  They love to learn new tricks and generally aim to amuse their owners.  Hybrids do tend to be much healthier than purebreds and these dogs have a lengthy lifespan of around 15 years.  They require moderate exercise and enjoy being around family members and in the center of the action.  The Bichon poodle is not designed to spend an abundance of time outside but they do enjoy a bit of fresh air.

Grooming

While these dogs are perfect for allergy sufferers since they have very little dander, they do have an abundance of hair that needs taken care of.  The Bichon poodle needs to be brushed daily to keep them clean and prevent matting, which is unhealthy for the dog.

It is recommended to use a special dog grooming comb and comb your dog's hair with upward strokes in small sections.  If your dog does end up getting a bit matted, you can apply a small amount of baby powder to the areas and work it out be using a slicker brush.  Your Bichon should be brushed once a week with a shedding brush to remove undercoat hair that has shed.  They do not typically shed much but there will be loose hairs that need removing.

The hair around the nose and eyes should be trimmed with blunt-tipped scissors and using a damp cloth, any tearing should be cleaned around the eye area.  If your dog has severe staining, your local pet store will sell products that can help with this.

Their ears need to be cleaned regularly and their teeth should be brushed at least once weekly to remove plaque.  Nails should be cut so that they are blunt and short without cutting into the quick which is quite painful of them.  Bathe your dog when needed but less than five times per year to prevent damage to their coat and skin.  Always use a shampoo that is mild so that it doesn't strip any natural oils away from their skin which dries them out and causes dandruff.