Poochon
Male: 5-8 kg, Female: 4-7 kg
23-35 cm at the shoulder
12-15 years
Australia
About the Poochon
The Poochon, also known as the Bichpoo, is a popular designer crossbreed resulting from the mating of a Toy or Miniature Poodle with a Bichon Frise. Developed primarily in Australia during the late 20th century, this breed was created to combine the Poodle's high intelligence with the Bichon Frise's sturdy, affectionate nature, all within a low-shedding coat suitable for allergy sufferers. They are celebrated for their 'forever puppy' appearance and spirited personality. These dogs are quintessential companions, thriving on human interaction and participating actively in family life. Despite their small stature, they are surprisingly robust and agile, often excelling in canine sports like obedience and agility. Their keen intelligence, inherited from the Poodle lineage, makes them highly responsive to training, though they require consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviours.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
As a designer crossbreed, the Poochon does not have a formal ANKC show standard; however, the most desirable specimens exhibit a harmonious blend of the Poodle's refined proportions and the Bichon's sturdy, balanced frame. They should possess a springy, effortless gait and a coat that is thick, soft, and meticulously maintained.
In Australia
Reliable Australian historical records for this breed’s introduction were not located.
Bred For
Companion animal and low-shedding family pet
Temperament
Affectionate, intelligent, energetic, and highly social
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
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Exercise Needs
30-60 minutes of daily activity, including walks and interactive play.
Grooming Needs
High; requires daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
Living Suitability
Excellent for apartment living or houses with small yards, provided daily exercise needs are met.
Good with Kids
Generally good with children, though supervision is recommended with very young children due to the dog's small size.
Good with Other Pets
Typically very social and compatible with other dogs and household pets.
Trainability
Highly intelligent and eager to please, though they can occasionally display a stubborn streak if training is not kept engaging.
Coat & Colours
Dense, curly or wavy, low-shedding hair. Apricot, cream, white, black, silver, and particolour
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Poochons are more likely to experience dental disease and overcrowded teeth due to their small mouths; regular dental cleaning and raw meaty bones are essential to manage this predisposition. They are also prone to luxating patellas (kneecap dislocation), so maintaining a lean weight is crucial to reduce joint stress. Many Poochons may develop tear staining around the eyes, requiring daily facial wiping to prevent irritation. Being highly social, they are predisposed to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods—training for independence from a young age is a helpful strategy. Furthermore, their curly coats are prone to severe matting if not brushed daily down to the skin. Regarding nutrition, Poochons are more likely to develop skin and digestive sensitivities on standard commercial kibbles containing high grain fillers; many thrive on a limited-ingredient fresh or raw diet tailored to their specific needs. These are breed predispositions rather than certainties, and proactive care can ensure a healthy life.
Feeding Guide for Your Poochon
Healthy Weight
4-8 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
120-240 grams
Adult Poochons should be fed approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily in high-quality fresh or raw food. For an average 6 kg dog, this equates to roughly 120-180 grams per day, split into two meals. Adjust portions based on individual activity levels and metabolic rate.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
High-quality, nutrient-dense diet rich in lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
A balanced raw diet for a Poochon should focus on lean Australian proteins like Kangaroo and Chicken, which are available through Majestik Pet Food. Given their predisposition to skin sensitivities, adding fish oils or Majestik’s white fish options can provide essential Omega-3s. Small, frequent meals are ideal to maintain stable energy levels.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Poochon Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Poochon? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
Subscribe & Save on Poochon Meals
Get your Poochon's fresh and raw meals delivered every two or four weeks. Small subscriptions are combined into a four-week box. Pause, skip or cancel anytime.
Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
4-6 puppies
Poochon Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Poochon owners
Other Small Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.