If joy had fur, it would look like a Poochon. A cross between the clever Poodle and the bubbly Bichon Frise, this little fluff ball is part genius, part goofball, and entirely devoted to its humans. Imagine a curly-haired comedian who adores cuddles, loves walkies, and thinks the world revolves around them — you’ve basically met a Poochon.
Bred to be a low-shedding, people-pleasing companion, Poochons first appeared in the 1990s, but their fame really took off once people realised they’re equal parts lapdog and entertainer.
Not sure if you’re ready for a pocket-sized performer? Try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you fall for those puppy eyes.
Pickles’ Aside: You don’t own a Poochon — you get cast as their supporting human.
Great Names for a Poochon
You’ll want a name that matches their bounce and charm.
Sweet picks: Honey, Muffin, Toffee, Pudding, Clover, Peach
Classic cuties: Alfie, Molly, Bella, Charlie, Teddy, Ruby
Quirky charmers: Pickle, Biscuit, Buttons, Noodle, Fizz, Widget
Heritage nods: Darcy, Beatrix, Chester, Byron, Florence, Percy
Need a nudge? Let the Dog Name Generator spin up a few wild cards.
Exercise
They may look like fluffy slippers, but these dogs have real spring in their step. A Poochon loves walks, games, and showing off tricks to strangers in the park.
Owners often joke: “She’s got two speeds — asleep or zooming.” Another confessed: “He insists on carrying his toy on every walk, like a badge of honour.”
Daily needs:
- 45–60 minutes of walking
- Plenty of fetch and brain games
- Variety (park, garden, sofa laps)
Pickles’ Aside: Small dog, big zoomies — consider your furniture warned.
Grooming Commitment / Sensitive Soul Warning
That beautiful coat tangles fast, and these pups hate raised voices. Keep grooming sessions calm and frequent.
Temperament
Poochons are living proof that good things come in curly packages. They’re affectionate, silly, and sociable, yet clever enough to sense your mood and act accordingly.
You’ll notice:
- Constant companionship — they stick like Velcro
- Huge personalities in tiny bodies
- Playfulness balanced with gentle affection
- A touch of drama if ignored
One owner summed it up: “She’s basically my shadow with curls.” Another laughed: “He thinks he’s my emotional support everything.”
Pickles’ Aside: Privacy? Never heard of it.
Training
Poochons love to learn, especially when treats are involved. They’re Poodle-clever with a dash of Bichon theatrics — they’ll do anything for praise but might make you work for it.
How to succeed:
- Short, upbeat sessions work best
- Reward good behaviour generously
- Introduce social skills early to avoid yapping
- Rotate games to avoid boredom
An owner admitted: “He’s so smart he trains me now.”
Need ideas? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer has endless tricks to keep curly brains engaged.
Stubborn Streak Warning
When bored, they’ll invent their own training programme — called ‘ignore mum and steal the slipper’.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Poochons make excellent little alarms. They’ll alert you to visitors but quickly swap guard duty for belly rubs. Their bark’s worse than their bite — and even that bark is usually polite.
Other Animals
These social butterflies usually get on well with other pets. Early introductions help, but most Poochons treat dogs, cats, and even rabbits as potential playmates.
One owner shared: “He tried to share his bed with the cat — she was not impressed.”
Pickles’ Aside: In their world, everyone’s a friend who hasn’t thrown the ball yet.
Grooming
Here’s the catch with the curls — they’re glorious but high-maintenance. Without regular brushing, you’ll get mats faster than you can say ‘professional groomer’.
Routine:
- Brush at least 3 times a week (daily if curly)
- Full groom every 6–8 weeks
- Ear checks (especially after baths or rain)
- Teeth brushing and nail trims
Grooming Commitment Warning
Ignore the coat and you’ll meet the shaver — and lose those curls.
Health
Poochons are generally healthy, but like all breeds they’ve got a few weak spots. Regular vet visits and good breeding keep problems minimal.
Watch for:
- Allergies and skin irritation
- Patella luxation (knees)
- Ear infections
- Dental issues (common in small dogs)
An owner said: “Her skin can get itchy if we skip brushing after muddy walks.”
Check breeders carefully via the Best in Breeder Guide to avoid hereditary issues.
Cost of Ownership
Curls don’t come cheap. Budget for:
- Puppy price: £900–£1,800
- Insurance: £20–£45 per month
- Food: £20–£35 per month
- Grooming: £40–£70 every 6–8 weeks
- Vet bills: £200–£400 a year
Famous Owners & Moments
While no royals (yet) own one, plenty of influencers do. The Poochon’s photogenic curls and playful grin make them Instagram naturals — some even have more followers than their humans.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They don’t shed at all.” | Low-shedding, yes — but not magic. Regular grooming still needed. |
| “They’re lapdogs only.” | They’re cuddle experts who also love walks and games. |
| “They’re always calm.” | They have quiet moments — right after zoomies and snack time. |
FAQs
Are Poochons good for families?
Yes — they’re playful, gentle, and brilliant with children.
Do they bark a lot?
They can if bored or lonely, so keep them occupied.
Can they live in a flat?
Absolutely, as long as they get daily walks and company.
Are they hypoallergenic?
They’re low-shedding, but no dog is completely allergy-proof.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
A Poochon is the perfect mix of clever and cuddly — a little fluff factory of joy that’ll fill your home with giggles and dog hair in equal measure. They’ll make you laugh, challenge your patience, and remind you daily why life is better with a dog.
But remember, those curls come with work: grooming, training, and plenty of attention. If you’re ready for a clever, funny, loyal sidekick who’ll keep you on your toes, a Poochon might just be your perfect match.
Start off right with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and immortalise that curls-and-chaos look with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small
- Weight: 4–7 kg
- Height: 23–30 cm
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, clever, fun-loving
- Challenging Trait: High grooming needs, attention-seeking