Bichon Mix

A hybrid breed results when two different breeds are purposely bred to pass down the desirable qualities of both parents. To create a bichon hybrid mix, one of the parents of the litter must be a bichon frise. While hybrid mixes have become popular choices in recent years, the bichon frise dates back to the 1300s. The breed originated in the Mediterranean region and was admired in Spain, Italy and France. The breed as we know it today was developed in France during the early 1900s. In 1972, the American Kennel Club recognized the Bichon frise as a member of the non-sporting group.

Expect a bichon mix to mimic some of the physical characteristics from the bichon parent. These characteristics may include a thick, double coat of curls. Bichon coats are white, but a bichon mix may inherit some coat coloring from the non-bichon parent. Bichons are compact, sturdy and agile. They are small dogs, standing 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 10 to 18 pounds.

Personality

A bichon mix will inherit some of the bichon parent's personality traits. Bichon frises are spirited, cheerful dogs that revel in playing and performing tricks. They are vocal and alert, making them good watchdogs. Bichon frises are intelligent, but they can be challenging to housebreak. Bichon frises are lively, but their high energy levels come in brief bursts. They crave attention from their family members, and some of them suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Bichons get along fine with children and other household pets.

Breed Characteristics

Bichon Mix Build Information

Expect a bichon mix to mimic some of the physical characteristics from the bichon parent. These characteristics may include a thick, double coat of curls. Bichon coats are white, but a bichon mix may inherit some coat coloring from the non-bichon parent. Bichons are compact, sturdy and agile. They are small dogs, standing 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 10 to 18 pounds.

Behaviour and Personality

A bichon mix will inherit some of the bichon parent's personality traits. Bichon frises are spirited, cheerful dogs that revel in playing and performing tricks. They are vocal and alert, making them good watchdogs. Bichon frises are intelligent, but they can be challenging to housebreak. Bichon frises are lively, but their high energy levels come in brief bursts. They crave attention from their family members, and some of them suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Bichons get along fine with children and other household pets.

Appearance

Bichon frises shed very little, but they require extensive grooming to maintain their pristine, fluffy, cloudlike appearance. If your bichon mix inherits a greater percentage of the bichon coat, it will require daily brushing to prevent the curls from knotting together and forming mats. Daily cleaning of the hair under the eyes is necessary to prevent reddish-brown tear staining. Like most owners of the breed, you may opt to enlist the monthly service of a professional groomer to trim the coat into a lion cut or a puppy cut to reduce the amount of grooming required at home. Inspecting your bichon mix's ears once a week and keeping them clean and dry will help to minimize the incidence of ear infections. Brushing your bichon mix's teeth every other day will prevent periodontal disease and maintain good oral health overall health.

Bichon Mix Common Health Conditions

A bichon mix is at risk for the same health conditions that were handed down from each of the parent breeds. Some of health conditions of the bichon frise include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, cataracts, periodontal disease, skin allergies, ear infections, bladder stones and several autoimmune diseases. Despite this lengthy list, the Bichon frise is a hardy breed that lives an average lifespan of 15 years.

Bichon Mix Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Bichon mixes make entertaining companions, and they get along with children and other pets. The overall build, temperament and color of a bichon mix will reflect a combination of those that are characteristic of the Bichon frise and of the other parent breed. Most bichon mixes are small in size. Most bichon mixes have coats that require moderate to extensive grooming. Choose Your Bichon Mix: the havachon is a Havanese and bichon cross, the cavachon is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and bichon cross, the cock-a-chon is a cocker spaniel and bichon cross, the bichpoo is a bichon and poodle cross, the bichon-a-ranian is a bichon and Pomeranian cross.