Bichonaranian

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
fast facts

About Bichonaranian

Height
7-12 inches
Weight
5-12 lb
Lifespan
12-16 years
Group
Not applicable
Best Suited For
Families with children, singles, seniors, apartments, houses with/without yards
Temperament
Affectionate, sweet, smart, peppy, curious, cheerful
Comparable Breeds
Bichon Frise, Pomeranian
Bichonaranian Basics


Bichonaranian, also known as Pomachon or Pom Frise, is one of the more recent additions to the diverse and rich world of designer dog breeds. This small sized dog is a mix between two universally loved and popular dog breeds, the spunky and loyal Pomeranian and the sweet and cheerful Bichon Frise. Not unlike its parental breeds, Bichonaranian is also very cute looking, smart, and has an affectionate temperament: in fact, this hybrid breed was created as an ideal companion dog. The unique combination of breed-specific traits these adorable puppies are bound to inherit is what makes them so popular, both in terms of appearance and personality. Depending on which line the babies in the litter take up after more, Bichonaranian puppies can end up being a fluffy toy pooch or a small-sized canine with a curlier fur that will need to be clipped. Either way, you can count on your new puppy to be as lovely as they get!


Both the Pomeranian and the Bichon Frise are known as cuddly, loving dogs that bond deeply with their owners. The Bichonaranian will definitely inherit the affectionate side of its parents and make a great family pet. However, if they turn out to be more like their Pom mom or dad, they will be a better fit for a household with no kids or with older, well-mannered children, as Pomeranians tend to be snappy towards young kids who like to play “ruff”. On the other hand, the Bichon Frise adores kids of all ages and will thrive in a home where there are young ones to play with them and ensure that positive energy has a productive outlet! Of course, regardless of whether you’re looking for a Bichonaranian to be a family pet or not, you can count on your new puppy to be very smart and easily trainable.


Not unlike its parental breeds, Bichonaranian is also very cute looking, smart, and has an affectionate temperament.


Origin

Not unlike all hybrid or designer dogs, the Bichonaranian is also a fairly new breed. Bichonaranian breeders have appeared only in the last few years, and are still rare when compared to established dog breeds. Of course, that is not to say that accidental crosses between Poms and Bichons haven’t happened before that! However, now, reputable breeders are intentionally mating Pomeranians to Bichon Frises, in order to develop a completely new breed that would be an ideal lap and companion dog for families and singles alike.


While the Bichonaranian might lack history, its parental breeds certainly do not. The white and curly Bichon Frise has been around ever since the 1300s, charming sailors and nobles alike with its fluffy looks and peppy, playful persona, while the tiny Pomeranian has been the pride of many courts and a favorite among royals ever since the 18th century. Having in mind the rich histories of these breeds, as well as the desirable traits that they possess, it’s no wonder that they were the choice for creating a new breed!


Pedigree


While both of the Bichonaranian’s parent breeds enjoy good standing with the American Kennel Club and are officially recognized by major canine clubs and organizations everywhere in the world, this is not the case for the Bichonaranian. Same as it is with all other designer dog breeds, crossbreed, and hybrid dogs, Bichonaranians are not officially recognized as a breed by AKC, which means they will not have pedigree.


Food/Diet


Proper nutrition will be the key to bringing up a healthy, happy dog. The Bichonaranian is no different than most pooches, and will enjoy a well-balanced diet of high-quality kibble, with occasional treats that will motivate them to show you a few tricks- Bichonaranians are known for their smarts and love of performing! In general, Bichonaranian is considered to be a small dog, and you should pick out their food in accordance with their size. This will mean kibble that is specially formulated to meet the needs of a dog that has the similar weight and activity level of your four-legged family member. You wouldn’t want for your pet to get obese or suffer from various health issues that can be caused by inadequate diet!


As a rule of thumb, Bichonaranian will not be an overly active dog, which means you should pay special attention to the amount of food you’re giving them- chances are that these lap dogs won’t burn off any extra calories on their own! Of course, this won’t stop them from eating as much as possible and whenever possible, so don’t give them free access to a kibble bowl throughout the day. Instead divide their daily dose of dry food on 2 to 3 meals that will be given out every few hours: if your pooch has a big appetite, this will help them feel fuller. Just make sure to consult the feeding guide printed out on the bag of kibble you chose for your precious fur baby, as you’ll get the most precise and accurate information on how much food to give to your Bichonaranian in various stages of their lives.


In general, Bichonaranian is considered to be a small dog, and you should pick out their food in accordance with their size.


Training


Bichonaranian is an exceptionally smart breed. Sure, when it comes to designer breeds, it’s hard to claim anything with certainty as both the physical traits and the character of the puppy depend on genetic lottery, but when it comes to Bichonaranian, intelligence is pretty much guaranteed. Both the Pomeranian and the Bichon Frise are established breeds with a long history, and dogs of both breeds are well-known as bright, intelligent, and easily teachable. While, in some cases, the Pomeranian in the mix might influence the pooch to be a bit sassy and headstrong, which doesn’t always bode well for training, the Bichon’s love of performance and doing tricks will even things out. All things considered, a Bichonaranian should be a breeze to train!


Using positive reinforcement method to teach your new puppy manners is highly advisable: not only that it will make the process enjoyable both for you and your pet, it will give you better results in less time. Bichonaranians will be highly motivated by treats, so make sure to exploit that trait and use yummy rewards to stimulate your pooch to learn everything you want them to.


Weight


As it is usually the case with all designer breeds and crossbreed dogs, there is no uniformity when it comes to their traits. You can guess how the puppies will turn out to be, but there can be significant differences, even between littermates. A lot will depend on whose genes influenced the puppy more: Pomeranian’s or Bichon Frise’s! However, considering that adult Pomeranian usually weighs anywhere between 3 to 7 pounds, whereas Bichons are anywhere from 7 to 12 pounds, it’s safe to assume that their offspring will end up weighing somewhere in the middle. A good estimate for Bichonaranian weight is 5 to 12 pounds, landing them in the category of small breed dogs.


Temperament/Behavior

Your dog’s character will be unique to them; factors such as their parent’s breeds and the way they were socialized will have a big influence on how their temperament turns out to be. When it comes to most Bichonaranian puppies, this will usually mean that you get a happy-go-lucky dog, that’s loving towards his family members, quite smart, and a bit sassy- inside the cute limit, though, nothing that would make them mischievous or too feisty. The Pomeranian side of the mix is usually responsible for the spiritedness, and it’s no different for the Bichonaranian. It shouldn’t surprise you if your dog is dedicated, loyal, adventurous and curious, as these all traits common for the cute Pom.


When it comes to Bichon Frise, their temperament is what makes this unique breed combination such a good choice for companion pets. While Poms are quite affectionate, they can be nervous and distrustful of strangers, whereas Bichon Frises are the very definition of an easy going, friendly dog. They love being in the center of attention and will wag their tail for everyone they see, whether they’re their family members or not! Bichonaranians are usually somewhere in between the two, affectionate dogs that thrive on cuddles and hugs, and love nothing more than spending time with their owners! However, while they’re not a needy velcro dog, Bichonaranian dogs can be a bit too dependent on their owner and can develop separation anxiety if not properly socialized on time. You might enjoy your new puppy not wanting to move from your side, but teaching them to be independent and relaxed when alone will do both your and your furry bestie a world of good in the long run.


Common Health Problems


One of the many reasons why crossbreed dogs are becoming more and more popular is that they tend to have fewer health issues than their purebred parents. In fact, some designer breeds were created especially to eliminate certain health concerns and inherited flaws that lead to illness later in life. In general, Bichonaranian shouldn’t be an exception to this rule: these dogs tend to be reasonably healthy when provided with proper care.


While there is not enough information on this recent hybrid breed when it comes to their long-term health-related concerns, the knowledge we have of their parents’ health is enough to safely assume some potential issues that could affect Bichonaranian dogs. Thankfully, there are no major breed-specific issues you need to worry about! Kneecap dislocation (patellar luxation) and hip dysplasia could be a potential concern, as well as minor eye issues and problems with teeth that happen as your Bichonaranian gets older, typical of all small breeds. Fortunately, most of these issues can be prevented altogether, if one provides preventive care, such as regular brushing and good oral hygiene, as well as the right amount of exercise. If you care for your pooch, feed them a well-balanced diet, provide them with physical activity and take them for routine vet checkups, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t live out their lives healthy and happy.


Life Expectancy


Small breed dogs usually have a longer lifespan than larger canines, and Bichonaranian belongs to that category. Although these dogs are rare and haven’t been around long enough for anyone to claim to know their life expectancy with certainty, looking at the expected lifespan of their parents can lead us to a pretty accurate conclusion. For Bichonaranian designer dogs, life expectancy is between 12 to 16 years. Good care and living conditions are certainly to tip the scales to the higher number, so make sure your pooch gets everything they need to live a long and healthy life!


Exercise Requirements


Neither the Pomeranian or the Bichon Frise need much exercise to be content. These moderately active dogs, and so is their offspring- Bichonaranian won’t need more than 40 to 60 minutes of daily activity. A walk around the block twice a day or a game of fetch in a nearby dog park will keep your pooch exercised for the day!


These designer dogs won’t need much exercise to stay in top shape.


Recognized Clubs


The AKC doesn’t recognize the Bichonaranian as a breed, but there are other clubs that do. The organizations that recognize the Bichonaranian include American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.


Coat


The fur of a Pomeranian is distinct for its fluffiness and length, whereas the Bichon Frise flaunts a hypoallergenic, curly coat that is known to shed minimally. Additionally, Bichon can only have a white coat, whereas Poms come in a few different shades, from caramel brown to black. Bichonaranian’s coat might not be fully like either of its parents, but it will be soft and fluffy either way. Depending on which of the parental breed your puppy favors more, their coat might need anything from daily brushing to clipping- but they are usually not high-maintenance when it comes to grooming.


Puppies


While a litter of Bichonaranian puppies might turn out completely different from one another once fully grown, there are some common characteristics you can expect with these crossbreed dogs. Loyal, fun, and loving- this breed will fit in any family with ease. Their laid back attitude and friendly demeanor will charm both you and your loved ones, as well as any stranger that’s met with your Bichonaranian’s wagging tail!


As small breed dogs with low exercise needs, Bichonaranian is a great choice for apartment dwellers or people who are not too keen on having an energetic pet that needs a lot of activity. Bichonaranian is a true lap dog – this furry companion will love snuggling next to you much more than going on a hike.


Photo credit: PongMoji/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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