Poochin Basics

Also referred to as the Chinpoo, Chindoodle, and Doodlechin, the Poochin is a fantastic breed for just about everyone. These loyal little dogs will not disappoint, as they are loving and eager to please you. But to find out if the Poochin really is the right choice for your family, keep reading to learn more about this popular breed.

The Poochin is a cross between a purebred Japanese Chin and Poodle.

Origin

The Poochin is a designer dog breed whose origins aren’t entirely clear.

Pedigree

The Poochin is a cross between a purebred Japanese Chin and Poodle.

Food / Diet

To help keep your Poochin in the best shape, choose one of the many high quality, species-appropriate foods available. And if you have any questions regarding what you should feed your pet, as well as how much is appropriate, simply talk to your vet.

A good place to start with a Poochin is feeding him around ½ cup to 1 cup of a dry food for dogs every day, but split this amount up into at least two servings. If you wish to also provide your pooch with a high quality canned food for dogs, be sure to reduce the amount of dry food accordingly so you can prevent unwanted weight gain.

The Poochin is eager to please, inclined to listen to your commands, and intelligent.

Training

The Poochin is considered moderately easy to train. These dogs are eager to please, inclined to listen to your commands, and intelligent.

The sooner you start socializing and training your pet, the better. Use positive techniques and never be harsh with your dog. Be patient, firm, and consistent, using praise, treats, and rewards to encourage good behavior and get great results. And when you are housetraining, be patient, as these little dogs might be a little harder to housebreak.

Even though the Poochin is a small breed, your dog might want to become the dominant member of your pack, so use your training sessions as an opportunity to establish yourself as the pack leader.

Weight

A toy-sized breed, the Poochin weighs between 3 and 13 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

Poochins are loyal and obedient little dogs that make wonderful family pets. They enjoy playing and having fun, and they are considered happy and quiet canines that prefer cuddling.

These loving dogs won’t be afraid to show you how much they adore you, and they will be friendly and gentle, so they will get along with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized. Be sure to give your pet plenty of love and attention, as your Poochin will want to be around you as much as possible.

Common Health Problems

Because the Poochin is a hybrid canine breed, it might be susceptible to the health problems that affect its parent breeds. However, there’s no way to predict an individual dog’s long-term health, and there’s no guarantee that your dog will inherit any problems. When purchased from a reputable breeder, a hybrid pooch can be surprisingly hardy and healthy, and knowing what your dog might be prone to will allow you to keep an eye out for the earliest symptoms.

Poochins might develop problems that include bloat, Cushing’s disease, epilepsy, Addison’s disease, Von Willebrand’s disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, hypothyroidism, heart ailments, skin ailments, eye ailments, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation.

Life Expectancy

The Poochin has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

Poochins are considered slightly active, making them a great choice for seniors. Your pet will enjoy playing with toys around the house, and you can take him for a walk every day to keep him happy. If you have an enclosed, safe backyard, your Poochin can run around off-leash and let out some energy while having fun.

Poochins are loyal and obedient little dogs that make wonderful family pets.

Recognized Clubs

The Poochin is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).

Coat

Poochins don’t shed a lot, so if you are in search of a dog that won’t leave a lot of hair around your house and car, this could be a great choice. The coat can be medium to long, and it can be wavy to curly.

In terms of grooming, these dogs are considered a bit high maintenance. You should brush your dog every day to prevent tangles, and you can also have your dog’s fur trimmed every few months at a reputable grooming facility. The hair around the face might need to be trimmed even more often.

Puppies

The Poochin will be a small dog as an adult, so puppies will be delicate and tiny. Provide your puppy with a safe and clean home to grow up in, and supervise him during play sessions with children or other animals to ensure he doesn’t get hurt.

Start training your pet from as early on as possible to allow him to learn the rules of the house right away. It’s also a good idea to start socializing your Poochin from puppyhood, as that will help him grow into a confident, happy, and friendly adult.

Photo credit: Rachel Harris/Flickr; Damon Garrett/Flickr; kazandrew/Flickr