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Looking for a furry friend who's small in size but big on personality? The bichpoo might be your perfect match! These adorable pups, also known as bichonpoos or bichapoos, are renowned for their sweet temperaments, teddy bear looks, and hypoallergenic coats. Whatever you decide to call them, these adorable canines have won their place in hearts around the world. Let’s dive into the furry and fascinating world of the Bichon Frise and poodle mix. Get ready to discover everything about the bichpoo! This guide will unveil the secrets of this popular breed, from their adorable looks and playful personalities to their specific needs and potential health concerns. We'll equip you with the knowledge to keep your bichpoo happy, healthy, and thriving.
Quick Bichpoo Facts
Name: Bichpoo, bichon poodle, bichonpoo, bichapoo, bich poo, bishpoo, poochon
Origin: Australia
Size: 9-15 inches tall and 10-18 pounds
Lifespan: Approximately 14-15 years
Appearance: Black, brown, white, apricot, cream
Temperament: Sweet and loves humans
Compatibility: Great for seniors and children
Intelligence: Smart and curious, need to keep their minds active
Exercise & Energy: Moderately active
Grooming Needs: High maintenance including regular brushing, combing, and trimming
Training: Easy to train and enjoy being mentally stimulated
Health: Eye issues including cataracts from their poodle genetics
Highlights: Cheerful, energetic, fun-loving
What Sets the Bichpoo Apart
Suitable for small homes: Their minute size makes them a perfect fit for apartments, townhomes, and other compact homes.
Live long lives: As with many smaller dogs, bichonpoo dogs often enjoy long lives. Healthy bichpoos can live up to 15 years.
Make constant companions: They love their owners and make fantastic lap dogs.
Are relatively active: This breed makes great walking partners. Like most canines, they love catching a variety of scents and seeing new sights.
Have hypoallergenic coats: Bichpoos have low shedding coats which make them suitable for people who are sensitive to dog fur and dander.
What Does a Bichpoo Look Like?
The bichpoo is distinctive for its cute, curly coat. Some people think they look like teddy bears, with their round eyes and black noses. White and brown bichpoos are most popular, but this breed comes in many other colors, including black and apricot. Their coats can also be a mix of these colors.
The bichpoo has big, floppy ears and a plumed tail that curls a little. Everything about this breed exudes cuteness and charm.
How Big Do Bichpoos Get?
A bichpoo, fully grown, will typically weigh 18 pounds or less. Bichpoo adults average around a foot tall, making this breed a great choice for people who live in smaller homes. Not only do lightweight dogs need less space to run around, but they also need less food, making feeding them more affordable than a large dog, such as a Great Dane.
Bichpoo Coats Need Lots of Attention
Get ready to spend a lot of time grooming your bichpoo! Whether you take them to the doggy salon or groom their coat yourself, your pup will need a lot of time getting pampered. If you’re not up for spending time caring for your pet’s hair multiple times a week, you should consider other breeds. The bichpoo’s beautiful curly hair needs constant attention, as the hair easily tangles. While tangles may not sound serious, matted fur can hide wounds and contribute to infections, making grooming a very important part of caring for your pup.
Temperament and Personality of Bichpoos
Bichpoos are known for their sweet personalities. They aim to please and are always first in line to cuddle! They make some of the best dogs for seniors and young ones alike, thanks to their appealing demeanor and love of attention. Bichpoos’ endearing personalities make them ideal options for people who have a lot of time to devote to their pets.
Are Bichpoos Good Fits for Families with Kids?
As with any pet, children should be monitored when bichpoos. Any dog can nip if they feel threatened, including small dogs who may feel more defensive. However, bichpoos love to run around and get their energy out, making them a perfect match for many children who know how to interact appropriately with pups. The breed’s diminutive size is perfect for romping around the house without causing too much chaos!
Bichpoos and Other Animals
The bichpoo is known for being a watchdog and will be sure to alert you to any unknown people or animals that come to your home. They are typically adaptable and can do well with other dogs and cats. Be aware that bichpoos like to be the star of the show, so they may try to boss the other animals around!
Caring for Your Bichpoo
To keep your sweet pup happy and healthy, you’ll need to budget time and money for their care. Investing in their health is a priority and can save you money down the road. Let’s take a look at some specific ways you can make sure your new pet feels and looks their best.
Importance of Grooming a Bichpoo
We mentioned earlier that grooming your bichpoo is a priority. Groomers can be the first line of defense when it comes to infections. Severely matted hair can become a breeding ground for fleas. A professional groomer can also alert you to any unusual skin conditions such as cysts or rashes. If you groom your pet yourself, keep a close watch for any changes in their skin or coat.
Training Your Bichpoo
Bichpoos are smart, so training shouldn’t be an issue. With any dog, early training is encouraged. Reinforce positive behaviors with treats and praise. Socializing your dog as early as possible can help them get used to people and other animals while they’re young. Once they reach about four months of age, they’ll typically start to become wary of strangers. Teaching them appropriate behavior at that time can make them feel more comfortable.
How Much Space Does a Bichpoo Need?
Part of the bichpoo’s appeal is their tiny size. These canines don’t need a sprawling backyard or huge fields to run in. In fact, they’re the perfect pup for apartment living! These little ones are right at home in a small space and can easily snuggle on the couch or a little pillow. Because bichpoos still need plenty of exercise, you’ll need to make sure to take them on plenty of walks or even runs at the dog park. They pack a surprising amount of energy into their tiny frames!
Feeding Your New Bichpoo
Making sure your dog gets adequate nutrition is key to helping them live a long life. Purchase high quality dog food designed specifically for small dogs. If your bichpoo is still a puppy, they’ll need a puppy blend which includes vital nutrients for young canines. The healthiest dog foods contain meat (not meat by-products) and whole grains. Your vet can let you know if your dog requires a special blend for any dietary concerns.
Bichpoo Health Issues and How Pet Owners Can Help
Even with a nutritious diet and frequent exercise, bichpoos can develop health issues. Because these dogs are poodle-bichon frisé mixes, they’re at risk of inheriting certain genetic conditions.
Cataracts
Cataracts are an eye problem bichpoos can inherit from their poodle side. A cataract occurs when the lens on one or both eyes becomes cloudy. Untreated, cataracts can cause blindness. Fortunately, cataracts can often be removed through surgery. The cost of this surgery can reach up to $4000, making it one of the more expensive procedures you could encounter.
Corneal Dystrophy
Another eye problem bichpoos are prone to have is corneal dystrophy. This disease affects the clear part of the eye and can cause ulcers and infections. Sometimes, corneal dystrophy can be treated through diet alone, but dogs sometimes need topical treatment or even surgery. Corneal dystrophy surgery can cost as much as $3000 depending on the extent of the disease.
Investing in Dog Insurance for Your Bichpoo
Does pet insurance cover vaccines? How much does a canine dental cleaning cost? What do I need to do for my bichpoo to keep them healthy? What do I need to have when I get a new puppy? When you’re considering a new pet, there are always a plethora of questions. Fortunately, your veterinarian is the best resource to answer these questions and create a personalized health plan for your Bichpoo. They can also advise on preventive care measures to keep your pup happy and healthy throughout their life.
Bichpoos bring endless love and joy, but like any breed, they can develop certain health conditions. While regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle are key, unexpected issues like cataracts or corneal dystrophy, which bichpoos are prone to, can lead to significant vet bills. Considering pet insurance can help you provide your bichpoo with the best possible care without financial worry.
One of the best ways to get your wallet ready for future health expenses for your bichpoo is finding a premium dog insurance. A robust insurance policy paired with an add on wellness plan can make routine and emergency expenses easier to deal with down the road.
The History of Bichpoos
The bichpoo's story is a charming tale of old and new. Their ancestry stretches back centuries, with both the poodle and bichon frisé hailing from Europe.
The bichon frisé, with its cloud-like coat and disarming personality, captivated hearts as early as the 14th century. These little companions were prized by royalty and socialites, often gracing laps throughout the Renaissance period.
Meanwhile, the poodle, known for its intelligence and athleticism, was originally bred as a water retriever. Over time, their intelligence and trainability led to their popularity as circus performers and eventually, cherished companions.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, and the story takes a delightful turn in Australia. Breeders, captivated by the charm and playful spirit of both poodles and bichon frisés, decided to combine their best qualities. The result? The adorable bichpoo, a designer dog that quickly stole hearts around the world.
Finding a Bichpoo Near You
Ready to bring a bichpoo into your life? While it’s worth checking, you’re not likely to find a bichpoo in a shelter since these adorable balls of fluff don’t remain ownerless long. Your best bet will be to locate a reputable bichpoo breeder in your area.
Avoiding puppy mills is critical. Puppy mills are run by sellers whose only concern is making money, and their dogs are often overbred and neglected. Ethical breeders offer dogs who look healthy and who have adequate living space that is clean and hygienic. These breeders will be transparent about any health issues your bichpoo may have and will make it clear they won’t sell dogs to just anyone.
Remember, it’s just as important that you’re a good match for your new dog as it is that they fit your lifestyle.
Bichpoo FAQs
Do bichpoos bark a lot?
Bichpoos can bark when they’re frightened or bored. To mitigate excessive barking around strangers, introduce your pup to your neighbors and socialize them often. To prevent boredom barking, keep your dog entertained with treat puzzles and plenty of toys. This is a great opportunity to spoil them!
How much are bichpoo puppies?
Expect to pay around $1000 for a bichpoo puppy from a breeder. Make sure to also factor in the cost of vaccinations, bedding, food, accessories, and toys.
Are bichpoos hypoallergenic?
Yes! While technically all dogs shed, bichpoos are considered hypoallergenic thanks to their bichon frisé and poodle heritage. They have minimal dander—which is often the cause of allergies—and coats that consist of hair rather than fur. Not only will you breathe easier, but you’ll also spend a lot less time vacuuming than you might with another breed, such as a labrador.
What are the bichpoo’s pros and cons?
Pros: Adult bichpoos rarely weigh more than approximately 20 pounds, making them an ideal size for small children and small spaces. They’re friendly, charismatic, and intelligent.
Cons: Bichpoos need a lot of grooming and are predisposed to certain health conditions.
What is the lifespan of a bichpoo?
On average, bichpoos live up to 12 to 15 years old.