The Bich-poo is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. It is also known as a Bichonpoo and Poochon, as the name has not yet become standardized. These dogs play a big role in the current designer dog trend. The experimentation of these hybrid or designer dogs has not been recognized by the American Kennel Club or Canadian Kennel Club, but are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club under the Poochon name.

Breeding

Generally, Bich-poo breeders aim to breed one generation of Bich-poo from purebred Bichon Frise and Poodle parents. But, not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred.

We recommend buyers purchase dogs and puppies from responsible breeders who take dog breeding seriously and properly nurture and socialize the dogs and puppies prior to selling them.

Talk to different breeders and ask them about their puppies and temperament of the dogs what care and needs are needed for their specific breed.

The key to cross breeding to purebred dogs is what is called hybrid vigor, the breeding resulting in a healthier dog with superior genetic constitution can come from dogs purebred for so long that they have common genetic disorders.

The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed.

General info

Bich-poos are gentle, affectionate pups and make great midsize family pets. They are good indoor dogs and thrive well in apartments. Like the Bichon Frise and Poodle, they are quite active and enjoy the occasional walks and romps through the park.

Their watchdog ability is good, but friendly and mild-mannered if you let a stranger in.

Many owners have their Bich-poos trimmed regularly by a professional groomer to keep the hair from matting.

Bich-poos in good health can live up to 15 years of age. They have no known genetic problems yet. As this popular mixed breed becomes more prevalent, signs of its genetic robustness will become clearer, but as with most mixed breeds, they're generally healthier than pure breeds.

Conclusion

You should ask the Bich-poo breeders you talk with for references from past buyers and veterinarians. There is nothing wrong with cockapoos, labradoodles, bich-poos, yorkipoos or any of the other "designer dogs". But, I bet you will not find a Bich-poo at the shelter, which is too bad because you might end up spending 500 dollars on a schnoodle or bich-poo instead of fifty on a homeless mutt. Mixed breeds are just as beautiful as purebred breeds, and I think our hearts belong to them because most of the dogs in shelters are mixed breeds.