Poochon
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Poochon is a designer breed, the offspring of a Poodle and a Bichon Frise.[1][3] The Poochon became particularly popular through crossbreeding programs in Australia from the late 1990s.[1] Key to their development was the coordinated effort by Chevromist Kennels in Melbourne in bringing together various breeders aiming to develop the breed.[1] This breed of dog was developed to suit families wanting a small breed that was suitable for most people with allergies to dogs;[1] the breeders were looking for a healthy, outgoing small dog with a non-shedding wool coat that would get along well with children[3] They are very popular in Australia due to their exceptional temperaments, robustness and non-shed coats. The Poochon typically has the shorter and more rounded muzzle of the Bichon Frise, and this can be seen from the time they are puppies.[2] Poochons have variable coat colours and markings.
Appearance
Coat and Color
Poochons are most often solid colours with small areas of white with the background colour ranging from white to a red colour;[1] they can also come in tan, tan and white, red and white, ruby, black[4] but any colour is acceptable. Their coat is coarse, medium long with loose curls[4] and have a coat that is more hypoallergenic than most dogs (a characteristic inherited from the Poodle).[4]
All Poochons will need grooming as their non-shed coats continue to grow, but will not shed.[4]
Temperament
The Poochon does very well in a number of environments, but you need to cater for a daily exercise of at least half an hour, or a bit more if she does not have access to a backyard.[5] Poochons inherit a higher than average intelligence as both her parents, particularly the Poodle, are considered in the top section of intelligent dog breeds.[5] It should be easy to house-train your Poochon fairly quickly and she will be quick to learn your nuances.
The poochon usually has an accommodating nature that will allow it to fit into most households. A family with young children will suit it perfectly; existing pets should not be a hindrance.[5]
Though small in size, they make good watch dogs as they will alert their owners to unusual or suspicious sounds with a hearty bark.[4]
Poochons will let out a high-pitched yelp when hurt.
Activity
If Poochons are given the proper training and exercise, they will do well in an apartment;[1] however, they'll need extra space for playing.[3]
Health
First generation Poochons tend to be much healthier than either of their parents.[1] However, they may have some problems, like Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and patella luxation.[2] Otherwise, Poochons, and in particular first generation Poochons, are a relatively healthy breed that have few health concerns.[1][3][4][5]
References
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Poochon. |
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 "Official Poochon Webpage". Official Poochon Webpage. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Poochon Puppies". Poochon Puppies. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Poochon Information". Poochon Information. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "dogsdiscovered". dogsdiscovered. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Poochon temperament". Poochon temperament. Retrieved 2013-06-17.