Toy Bulldog 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 Toy Bulldog hails from England, but it is now extinct.

It is believed that the reason for this is that there were different breeding groups working in different directions. One of the groups wanted a smaller dog and there was also an attempt to cross French Bulldogs with Bulldogs to decrease their weight, but this breed was also not developed.

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 Toy Bulldog was a medium sized dog standing at between 25 to 35cm in height and weighing between 11 and 18kg.

The coat of the dog was short and smooth and came in colors such as white and fawn, red or brindle. He had quite a bit of soft skin around the face and neck.

He was a small dog with a large body, short legs, broad muzzle, small ears and a docked tail.

The coat was glossy and short and they had soft skin and hair around the neck and head. They come in a variety of different colors ranging from pale yellow, light fawn to solid red.

Temperament:

The Toy Bulldog was a loyal and affectionate dog towards his human family It’s a pity he became extinct because he was amusing and entertaining, a great friend and companion.

They were calm dogs and didn’t require a lot of space and would have adapted well to life in the city or the countryside.

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.

The Toy Bulldog was friendly, docile, calm and gentle although tending to be a little bit stubborn.

He no doubt made a wonderful pet and would have been ideal for single people, families as well as older people. He would have made a splendid pet, and would have been an indoor kind of pet.

Not particularly high in energy, he would have enjoyed some exercise just to ensure he didn’t put on weight. He’s extinct now, but there are other popular bull dog breeds, and something of him lives on in these modern bulldogs.

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.

It is believed that that these dogs were healthy in their day but were no doubt prone to some canine illness issues just like any other dogs.

They would likely have battled with eye issues such as cherry eye, as well as joint problems.

Cherry Eye:

Cherry eye in dogs may not mean your dog’s life is in danger, but left untreated it can cause bigger eye problems later on.

Unlike a human being, a dog has 3 eyelids, with the 3rd one giving added protection to the dog’s eyes. It’s job is to keep dirt from entering the eyes.

There is a gland in the 3rd eyelid which can move out of place and then it bulges. This is what cherry eye is. The eye becomes irritated and the gland produces discharge. It is best to get your dog to the vet who has the skills and know-how to push the gland back into place.

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.

Diet:

The Toy Bulldog would have needed healthy, quality food to remain healthy. It is believed he became extinct in the early 1900s. Maybe there weren't commercially manufactured dog foods then. Their owners possibly tossed them scraps from the table.

Any dog would have to receive a good quota of vitamins and minerals in their food to stay healthy. If the dog was around today, you would read on the packaging label to see what to give him and definitely include some tasty home-made food too.

Nothing spicy and exotic – just plain, boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes and spinach. Simple foods like this ensure a dog remains free of stomach ailments.

Every dog requires a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

The Toy Bulldog with his short coat would have been easy to groom. He would have required a brush twice a week.

He would have needed a little bit of exercise, preferably a longish walk.

You had to be careful with a dog like this. He didn’t tolerate the heat well. He was not suited for running or jogging and could have developed heat stroke and weakness with his excessive panting. All the huffing and puffing and sweating would have irritated his skin as well.

He would have needed a warm, dry place to sleep indoors. If he went outside, he would have required shade and sunshine to lie in.