Standard Poodle vs Bichonpoo - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

This popular little dog was developed by crossing the Poodle with the Bichon Frise to create the Bichonpoo. They are also called the Poochon and sometimes called the Birchpoo. They are a soft, curly breed and they are extremely cute – a very cuddly breed. They are not recognized by the AKC, CKC or the UKC. Some other kennel clubs do accept them and welcome them into obedience and agility trials. The breed was originally developed in Australia as a household pet for those who want a “curly lap dog” that was hypoallergenic, did not shed and had a great temperament for life in families with children. They were first developed in the latter part of the 20th century.

The Poodle is the national dog of France, and there they are known as the duck dog. The breed actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany. It was known as ‘Pudelin’ which means splashing in water.

The dog has always had a crisp, curly coat to protect it from the elements. It is classified as a non-sporting dog. Soon the French became aware of what a fine dog it was and it became sought after among the elite in France.

It has been known for at least 400 years. While it is still not sure precisely from which country it comes, the poodle is a descendant of the French Water Dog which is now extinct.

This Bichon Frise-Poodle cross is a small dog with big personality. The original hybrid is 50% Poodle and 50% Bichon Frise. This is considered a first-generation hybrid. The second-generation hybrid is 50% Bichonpoo and 50% purebred Bichon Frise or Poodle. Then third generation hybrids are a cross between two second generation dogs. There is no fourth generation and most breeders do not offer even a third generation. The original hybrid can be healthier than the parents, but any flaws tend to show up in 2nd generation hybrids and it gets worse with third generation. This dog should be hardy, well-proportioned and robust. They are small, sweet and sturdy. Because there are three different sizes of Poodles, there can be three different sizes of the Bichon Poo – Standard, Mini and Toy.

The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized dog that stands between 35 and 40cm in height and weighs between 20 - 27 kg. The coat of the standard poodle is curly and medium length and it comes in a range of different colors – black, brown, cream, apricot or white.

The ears are medium shaped and floppy and the tail is most times docked to half its length. The muzzle is fairly long and the eyes are brown and alert.

Temperament:

Standard Poodles are full of the joys of living and they are friendly, fun, playful dogs. They love playing games with the children and they make excellent family dogs.

He is quite feisty and stubborn and will require training and socialization. He is smart and is in fact, one of the most trainable of all the dog breeds.

They can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but he will need to be exercised wherever he is. The Standard Poodle isn’t aggressive but he can still make a good watchdog.

The Bichonpoo is affectionate, intelligent and active just as you might expect from a Poodle/Bichon Frise cross. He loves people and lives well with other animals. He is particularly fond of children and loves to play with gentle older children. However, the temperament and characteristics of the hybrid are not as predictable as their parents. The characteristics of the Bichonpoo depends upon its lineage – if it is first generation, second generation or third generation. With each successive generation there is less predictability in the characteristics of the individual dog. Regardless of generation, the Bichonpoo will need exercise and mental stimulation. They are loving, good-natured and accommodating to their environment. They want to be with their owner and can get very attached.

Depending on their parents they can be anxious and high strung like the Poodle or nippiness and ‘small dog syndrome’ of the Bichon Frise. Separation anxiety can be a major issue with this breed. Do not let your Bichonpoo become dominate in your home or they will assume the alpha position and become very bossy, especially with children. He is easy to train and a good watchdog as well.

Poodles are clever, easy to train and capable of living well in the city or in the countryside.

They’re adaptable dogs too which makes them excellent family pets. They’re active and social so when you bring one into your home, you’re going to know he is there.

He wants to be involved in every aspect of your life, bonding with all members of the family, loving to spend time with each one.

He is an all-rounder and will also be a great watchdog. Loving and loyal, the Standard Poodle is ready to become your ideal pet and companion.

The Bichonpoo is usually healthier than either the Poodle or the Bichon Frise. At the same time, they could inherit any of health concerns of either of their parents in the first generation Bichonpoo. They are however likely to develop ear infections and skin allergies. Cleaning and grooming is essential, especially the ears, but also to prevent matting which could lead to skin infections.

The Standard Poodle doesn’t have many health issues to worry about and he can live to a ripe old age of 15 or so if he is looked after well.

However, he can succumb to some of the common dog diseases there are – eye problems, skin allergies, bloat and ear infections.

Allergies:

Allergies in dogs can be caused by pollen, insects, food, and medicines. These allergies can all cause terrible itching, scratching, watery eyes, skin inflammation, and pain.

The ears, underarms, groin and around the eyes are often affected. It can make your pet most miserable. Your dog will have to get to the vet to relieve him of his discomfort and the vet will want a medical history to find out what is causing the problem.

Feeding

The Bichonpoo is an energetic little dog and needs enough nutrition to keep up with his needs. Feed a Bichonpoo at least twice a day – small meals- and dry food because of dental issues. A high-quality food will help to prevent allegories.

Health issues

The Bichonpoo is the product of the poodle who is prone to bloat and Addison’s Disease and the Bichon Frise who is susceptible to Patella luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and liver shunts. The first generation Bichonpoo should be free of these health concerns. You should be aware that there is a possibility that the first-generation hybrid could contract any of its parents’ illnesses or deficiencies.

Exercise and games

This hybrid is a high energy dog and needs daily exercise in the form of walks and play. They have the intelligence and skill of the Poodle with the energetic desire to play of the Bichon Frise. They need toys and a person to play with. She will need to be both mentally and physically stimulated. If she gets bored she will become destructive and noisy with barks and whines.

Grooming:

The Standard Poodle will require regular brushing even though it is a low- or non-shedding breed. The curls can become matted. Some poodle owners choose to have their poodles professionally groomed and clipped.

The nails will need to be trimmed.

The teeth will also need to be checked if the dog will allow you to look inside his mouth. A bad, oozing tooth can cause all kinds of medical problems.

Because of the floppy ears, check inside the ears for dirt and wax buildup and signs of redness and a possible ear infection. If you don’t like to probe inside your dog’s ears or mouth, professional dog groomers will do this for you.

Exercise:

Your poodle is an active dog and he will need regular daily exercise. Chase him on the lawn, throw a ball for him, hide away from him and let him find you. He will also love daily walks.

Diet:

Just like with any other dog, your Standard Poodle needs good, nutritional food to remain healthy. Some of the commercially manufactured dog foods you get are bad for a dog as they don’t have natural ingredients and are devoid of vitamins and minerals.

They’re certainly a convenient way to feed a dog, but try and go for the ones that are wholesome for your pet.

Home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables is a good choice as it is healthy and won’t cause your dog to battle with digestive problems. Avoid spicy, exotic foods and things such as popcorn, onion, peanuts, and chocolate.

Make sure your Standard Poodle always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available.