Bichon Poodle Health Problems: Prevention & Care Tips

The Bichon Poodle, often referred to as the Bichpoo or Poochon, is an incredibly adorable mix of the Bichon Frise and a Poodle (Mini or Teacup). They are known for considering everyone their friend, having an extremely affectionate nature, and their hypoallergenic coats—making them wonderful family dogs.

If you’re planning to bring one of these cuties into your home, great decision! However, before doing so, it is best to understand the potential health problems they are predisposed to, as well as the preventative care that can ensure they lead a happy and healthy life.

Let’s Talk History

Before we talk about their health issues and considerations, it is important to understand where they come from. This helps us gain a better understanding of their ancestry as well as the root causes of certain issues.

As we stated above, the Bichon Poodle is a delightful hybrid breed resulting from the cross between a Bichon Frise and a Poodle. The Bichon Frise originates from Tenerife in the Canary Islands and was actually a part of royalty among the French and Spanish. However, after the French Revolution, they lost their place in court and started to appear in street performances and circuses. Eventually, surviving through both World Wars, they found their way into our homes and hearts, largely owing to their affectionate nature and unique personality. Quite a rollercoaster backstory for such an adorable little dog.

Their other parent, the Poodle, also started off as royalty among the French, but they were originally from Germany. The breed’s name comes from the German word "pudel," meaning "to splash in water," as they were originally bred as waterfowl hunting dogs, meaning they were trained to retrieve ducks and other game from lakes and rivers.

Eventually, the French refined the breed and made it their national dog, but these intelligent dogs have German origins.

Our star of the show today, the Bichon Poodle, came onto the scene in the 1990s in Australia, where breeders mixed the two breeds, hoping to create a new dog breed with high instinct, intelligence, cuteness, and a sense of companionship and loyalty towards family, including kids. We believe it is safe to say that their efforts were successful.

Common Health Problems in Bichon Poodles

You see, no breed is perfect, and every breed is predisposed to certain issues. However, with proper care and love, knowledge of potential problems, regular vet visits, and providing the right medications and vaccines at the right time, you should be able to greatly reduce the possibility of any bumps showing up on the doggy highway that leads to a long and happy life.

Dental Disease

Our adorable Bichon Poodles are unfortunately particularly prone to dental health problems, and they can’t even eat chocolates! Due to their small mouths and crowded teeth, tartar tends to build up, putting them at a higher risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. If left untreated, these dental issues can result in tooth loss and even some major health problems, as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is an eye disorder that is inherited and leads to the gradual deterioration of the retina, eventually causing blindness. While this process is painless, it is, obviously, quite an issue. A visit to the vet can detect it early on, but there is unfortunately no cure for it as of the writing of this blog.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is common among many breeds, including Poodles and their mixes. It is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.

Patellar Luxation

This condition refers to the dislocation of the kneecap and requires surgery to be corrected.

Other issues that they can potentially have include cataracts, Addison’s Disease, collapsed trachea, Cushing’s Disease, von Willebrand’s disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes, mitral valve disease, idiopathic epilepsy, and sebaceous adenitis. All of these sound extremely scary, but there are ways to prevent them and ensure your pup lives a long, healthy life.

Prevention and Care Tips

You see, every problem has a solution, or at least a prevention. By following the tips given below, you can help your Bichon Poodle avoid these potholes and live a long and healthy life for many years to come.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Arguably, the most important thing you can do to address your Bichon Poodle’s health problems is simply taking them to the vet for regular check-ups. These visits can reveal a lot about the health of your individual pup and detect potential health issues early on. Minor issues have a tendency to snowball into serious conditions, and your vet can offer treatment as well as advice on nutrition, exercise, and overall care. Whether it’s for routine vaccinations, heartworm prevention, or simply a health screening, these visits are key to your dog’s well-being.

Dental Hygiene

Since these dogs are prone to dental issues due to their small mouths, such as tartar buildup and gum disease, regular dental hygiene is non-negotiable. Train them early on and get them accustomed to brushing. A few times a week with dog-safe toothpaste should greatly reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Dental chews and toys can also help maintain oral health by preventing plaque buildup.

Balanced Diet and Weight Management

Just like us, a healthy diet plays a major role in preventing health problems like obesity and joint issues in dogs. Your Bichon Poodle’s diet should be balanced, with all the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Carrying around extra weight isn’t great for their joints and can lead to hip dysplasia. You can have a vet create a personalised diet for your dog based on their age, health, and activity levels, but you must also resist the puppy-dog eyes and begging behaviour and ensure proper portion control.

Regular Exercise

Small dog or not, every dog needs regular exercise, to some extent, to stay fit and active. Dogs are meant to run, it comes natural to them. As cute coach potatoes are, need to find the right balance between chilling and watching a movie with playtime in the yard or other activities be it agility training or something as simple as fetch. Regular exercise isn’t just to keep your dog physically active, it provides much-needed brain stimulation. And, of course, it reduces the risk of conditions like arthritis or patellar luxation. However, remember that the small bodies and your dog’s age would impact how much they can exercise. So, adjust it accordingly. 

Although Bichon Poodles are small, they still need regular exercise to stay fit and active. Daily walks, playtime in the yard, and interactive activities such as fetch or agility training help keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated. Exercise not only prevents obesity but also strengthens their muscles and joints, reducing the risk of conditions like arthritis or patellar luxation. It’s important to tailor the amount of exercise to your dog’s age and energy levels—too little can lead to health problems, while excessive exercise can strain their small bodies.

Grooming and Skin Care

The Bichon Poodle’s coat is hypoallergenic, so good news for those with allergies, but it still requires grooming to prevent matting and skin irritations. Brushing your dog’s fur at least a few times a week is recommended to maintain its softness and get rid of loose hair. Baths can depend on how often your dog goes out and gets dirty; once or twice a month is generally acceptable, using a mild, dog-friendly shampoo. Also, pay special attention to areas that are prone to dirt or moisture buildup, like under the ears and around the paws.

Eye and Ear Care

Since these curly-furry boys are prone to eye conditions, you need to proactively keep an eye out—no pun intended—for changes in their vision. Check for signs of redness, cloudiness, or excessive tearing, which could indicate an issue like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Early detection of eye problems can help manage them before they worsen.

Genetic Testing and Responsible Breeding

Perhaps the best thing you can do when you’re considering adding a Bichon Poodle to your family is to find a breeder that is more focused on health instead of shallow physical characteristics. Responsible breeders understand how genetics work and are transparent about the health history of the puppies and their parents, ensuring that the offspring is healthy, as well as disclosing any potential issues so proactive measures can be taken from an early age.

Conclusion

Bringing a pet home is a major responsibility that one must be prepared to take on. Bichon Poodle health problems exist but they can very well be managed with the right care and getting the pup from an honest breeder. 

FAQs

Q: How Often Should I Take My Bichon Poodle to the Vet?

A: It's recommended to schedule veterinary check-ups at least once a year. However, semi-annual visits can be beneficial for early detection of potential health issues.

Q: What Type of Diet Is Best for a Bichon Poodle?

A: A balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals is ideal. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations tailored to your dog's needs.

Q: Are Bichon Poodles Hypoallergenic?

A: While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Bichon Poodles tend to produce fewer allergens due to their low-shedding coats, making them a suitable choice for some individuals with allergies.