So you’ve just brought your Bichpoo, aka Poochon, home. It’s cute, loveable, and already ruling the house with those puppy dog eyes. But if this is your first time owning a Bichpoo, you might be wondering if they have any special needs. Health and training are essential parts of your dog’s success in the home. So let’s look at the Bichpoo dog breed health and training, everything you need to know.
Are Poochons Good Dogs?
Bichpoos are fantastic dogs for any household. They don’t require a large space or a lot of exercise to keep them healthy. But best yet is that they have an addicting temperament. Your Bichpoo will be loving and loyal through all of life’s problems and changes. So what’s the best way to repay them for such an act of kindness? Keeping them fit and healthy is the best thing you can do for them.
Are Bichpoos A Healthy Breed?
Most breeders claim that their Doodles have hybrid vigor. But this vigor is just a myth because any dog can develop illnesses and genetic diseases. So what are Bichpoos prone to? Some common health concerns include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patella Luxation
- Allergies
- Addison’s disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Dental problems
- Cancer
- Bladder infections
- And heart disease
And these are just a few of the most common problems your Bichpoo can have. So what can we do to prevent these? Educating yourself on Bichpoo dog breed health and training is a great start.
What To Feed A Bichpoo
The biggest part of caring for your dog’s health problems is what they put in their bodies. Because the Poochan can have energy bursts, it’s best to feed them several small meals throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to feed them a high-quality kibble with wholesome ingredients.
You might be wondering if more expensive food is worth the money. And we can assure you, they are. Dry kibble is better for your Bichpoo because it helps clean teeth while your dog eats. And since the Bichpoo can be prone to food allergies, a limited ingredient food will reduce the chances of a reaction. Plus, higher-quality food will keep your dog healthy and living longer.
How Much Exercise Does A Bichpoo Need?
After you have a great diet, the next thing to consider is how to keep your dog fit. You might think that since they are small dogs, that they don’t need much exercise. And that’s true on some level. They aren’t an overly active dog. Your Bichpoo will only need a 30-minute walk every day. But they also need a lot of playtime.
Your Bichpoo will love to play fetch and rough play throughout the day. They even get big bursts of energy and get the “zoomies.” The zoomies are when your dog has misplaced energy that they need to get out. So they run around the house in a crazy playful way. It’s super cute but could also mean your dog needs a little more attention.
Can You Over-Exercise A Bichon Frise?
Bichon Frise are playful dogs, but they don’t need a ton of exercise, despite what you might think. Most of them get along just fine with only 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. In fact, if you try to push them for long walks every day, they might rebel against walks.
And these habits will likely pass on to your Bichpoo. Small bursts of exercise will prevent your puppy from overheating or hurting their growing joints. It can also help your puppy sleep better at night if they are getting regular play throughout the day.
How Big Do Bichpoo Puppies Get?
Keeping your dog in shape is excellent. But it also helps to know how big your puppy is going to get. Most Bichpoos are a cross between a Bichon and Toy Poodle, so the puppies only get 6-12 pounds. But if a Miniature Poodle is used instead of a toy, your puppy could get as large as 18 pounds. So that gives you a good idea of the ideal weight for the healthiest dogs.
Can Poochons Be Left Alone?
Mental stimulation is just as crucial to your dog’s health as physical exercise. Poochons are ok to be alone for short amounts of time, but they do get bored quickly. Separation anxiety is prevalent in these dogs, and if you aren’t careful, it could lead to many heartaches.
To combat this, you will need a few essentials. They need lots of puzzles, toys, and interactive activities for when you are away. But remember to take these toys away while you are home. That way, when your dog sees them again, it’s like new toys all over again.
Another option is to hire a dog walker or take your Doodle to daycare if you work long hours. That way, your dog is getting all of the exercise and emotional needs they need throughout the day. And the weekends will be all the more special between you two.
Are Poochons Smelly?
One part of Bichpoo dog breed health and training that most people don’t consider is hygiene. Poochon dogs typically have no smell at all due to their curly coat types. But there are a few skin conditions and allergies that will make the skin smell.
If you ever notice hair loss or flaky skin along with a foul smell, something is probably wrong. Allergies, yeast infections, and autoimmune diseases can all make your dog smell. So if you notice your dog smells even after a bath, it might be time to make a vet appointment.
What Dogs Don’t Smell Bad?
If having a dog with low odors is a deal-breaker for you, you might be interested to know of other breeds that don’t smell. Most Doodles don’t have any scent at all, and the Teddy Bear Dog is another great option.
What Is A Teddy Bear Dog?
The Teddy Bear Dog is a Bichon Shih Tzu hybrid dog that is as sweet as its name suggests. They are sweet and loving dogs that are great for all families. And best of all, they love to cuddle more than anything else. So if you are looking for a friend for your Bichpoo, the Teddy Bear is a perfect match.
Do Bich Poos Shed?
Part of the reason Bichpoos don’t smell is that they have a hypoallergenic coat. This means that they shed very little, and some dog owners don’t notice any shedding at all. But these hypoallergenic coats will need a lot of grooming to keep them healthy.
We already mentioned that baths take away any smell that Poochons have. But brushing is also an important part of keeping your dog clean and tangle-free. Combing your dog’s hair every day will evenly distribute the oils from the skin to prevent buildup. And Doodles need daily brushing to keep painful knots off the skin.
The other part of grooming your Bichpoo is to make regular grooming appointments. Every 6-8 weeks, your dog will need a hair trim to keep the hair manageable. Otherwise, this hypoallergenic coat will continue to grow until you have a rug instead of a dog. And we don’t want that to happen.
Are Poochons Easy To Potty Train?
And finally, we come to how easy it is to train a Poochon. These dogs are eager to please and loyal to their owners. And it doesn’t help that they are an intelligent dog. So if you offer them a delicious treat and a job well done, they will do almost anything.
Bichpoos typically potty train and learn basic commands without a hitch. You can even move on to train them in more complicated tasks and tricks. As long as you always use positive reinforcement training techniques, there is no end to what they can do.
Why Do Bichons Bark So Much?
Dogs bark for multiple reasons. Some bark while protecting their territory, boredom, or lack of training. But in most cases, the Bichon will bark from lack of socialization. When they see something or someone they are unfamiliar with, they respond with barking.
Unfortunately, this is a trait that the Bichon has passed to the Bichpoo. So to make sure you don’t have a small size ego, socialization is key. Another effective tool to stop barking is redirection and positive reinforcement. But whatever you do, don’t yell at your dog. In most cases, your dog will only bark more.
How Much Do Bichpoos Cost?
Did you know that when it comes to buying a puppy, you get what you pay for? The price of your dog will tell you a lot about their intelligence, breeding, and health. Most Bichpoo breeders will sell their puppies for anywhere between $700-$3,000. So why is there such a significant price difference?
Puppies on the lower end of the scale likely don’t come with anything but shots and deworming. But the higher the price you go, the more reputable breeder takes care of their dogs. That means extensive health checks and DNA testing on the parents. Breeders in the higher price ranges also test the parent breeds for proper temperaments and high intelligence. And the puppies are usually backed by a guarantee. So that’s something to consider when it comes to the Bichpoo dog breed health and training.
Are You Ready To Have A Healthy Dog?
With this quick guide and regular vet check-ups, your pup will be around for years to come. How long can you expect? Most Bichpoos live 12-15 years. But with excellent care, your dog could be around for much longer.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Backyard Chicken Board!!
