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Everyone loves designer terriers. They’re small, energetic, and playful just like large breed dogs.
However, what sets them apart from their larger cousins is the fact that they don’t require a lot of space.
In this article, we’ll be diving deep into why you should go for a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix, also known as Yo-Chon – a name as cute as the dog itself.
The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix or the Yo-Chon is a crossbreed of the Yorkshire terrier and Bichon Frise, and just like its parents, it is a designer dog.
They’re energetic, loving, and their high pitched barks make them great watchdogs.
So if you’re looking for a dog that can win you some ribbons, loves the whole family, and acts as a guard dog, the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix is the dog for you.
However, one thing to note is that choosing the perfect puppy may be a daunting task, especially when you are not familiar with the breed itself and the things you need to know before going out to buy a puppy.
But worry not, we are here to help make the entire process easier and less stressful for you. By the end of this Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix guide, you will know all you need to know about the breed.
We have provided you with an insight into the details you will need to pay attention to while choosing the right pup, and what factors to keep in mind while looking for, and talking to a breeder.
Not only that, but you will also get an idea of what to expect from living with a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix, and how to take care of your dog while having a really good time.
Let’s start with the things you need to be aware of before buying a pup.
Yorkie Bichon puppies – before you buy…
Bringing a pup into your house is a huge responsibility and can often get intimidating.
So before going out to buy, you need to ask yourself a set of questions that will ensure that the breeder you’re opting for is giving you the best deal in town.
- Does my bank account allow me to buy a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix?
- Where can I find a reputable breeder for Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix puppies?
- Will I be able to adjust to the new lifestyle?
Once you’re able to answers these questions, you are all good to go to open your home to a puppy.
What price are the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix puppies?
Since the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix is a crossbreed/hybrid of a Yorkshire terrier and Bichon Frise, a lot of people may assume that they might not be that expensive, however, that is not the case.
A reputable AKC breeder may charge you around $1200 – $1500 for a typical Yorkie while a backyard breeder may range on the lower end, but buying from backyard breeders is not recommended by us.
If you’re looking to buy a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix in the UK, the price may be higher and range from £1500-£2000.
How to find reputable Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix breeders?
Finding a reputable breeder who is offering flawless premium pups with no health conditions is not as hard as one would expect it to be.
The following are some Dos and Don’ts to settle on a breeder:
Do:
- Try to find dog owners that got their dogs from the breeder you are interested in and check how their pups turned out to be.
- Ask questions about the breed, even the ones you have the answers to. Don’t forget to ask questions regarding the pup’s health and care from the breeder.
- Ask for health clearances and the necessary paperwork for both the pup’s parents and if possible, the grandparents.
- Ask to see the pup’s both parents in person so that you can see how they behave.
Don’t:
- Buy from a pet store since they, in most cases, buy from puppy mills that offer horrible living conditions with little to no care for the pups which causes several health problems for the pups.
- Buy from a breeder who doesn’t have much of an idea about the breed and doesn’t have all the necessary papers and clearance reports.
- Buy from a breeder that seems interested only in making a profit rather than ensuring that the puppy gets a good, loving home.
Once you are satisfied with all of the questions/requests from the Dos list, you can rest assured that you’re dealing with a legitimate and reputable breeder.
Such breeders are professionals and are more focused on making the breed healthier and more developed rather than on making tons of money.
3 Little-known facts about the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix puppies
Since they’re a hybrid, a lot of people may not know about these Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix facts.
- The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix can inherit ears that are either upright or downward hanging
The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix is one of the very few breeds that possess this trait, so don’t worry if someone you know has a Yo-Chon whose ears are in a different direction from yours.
- During hot weather, the dog tends to eat less and might express interest in eating only at night time.
A lot of small breeds as well as larger ones tend to do not eat during the day due to the heat and would prefer laying around in a cool spot.
The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix puppy might either inherit the silky hair from its Yorkie parent or the curly coat from the Bichon.
- This is a particularly fascinating characteristic of this breed.
Two Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix pups from the same parents could have different appearances, which kind of gives you the choice to choose according to your preferences.
Physical Traits of the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix
The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix is an amazing looking dog, but there is a lot more to it.
How big is a full-grown Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix?
Since the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix is a toy breed, it’s a small dog that grows into somewhere between 9 and 12 inches and weighs around just 6 to 8 pounds (2.72 kg to 3.62 kg) with the females being on the lesser end of this range.
What is the life expectancy of the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix?
The average life expectancy of a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix is around 10 to 12 years, which is slightly less than the average lifespan of dogs.
Intelligence, Temperament and Personality Traits of the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix
The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix exhibit a combination of traits from both its parent breeds, meaning that they’re independent but still enjoy spending a lot of time with you.
This means that you can leave your dog at home while you go out without having to worry about it getting too anxious or sad, but when you do get home, it will definitely be excited to see you.
Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix dogs have a high-pitch bark, making them really good watchdogs.
Size for this breed doesn’t matter, meaning it will think nothing of barking at a person who dares to encroach upon its property or its family.
However, you should try to train your dog to not bark excessively. They may be small, but they’ll go down fighting to protect the ones they love the most.
Since they possess traits from both their parent’s breeds, the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix can exhibit destructive behaviors as well such as being stubborn and a little too curious.
Proper training is important, and you need to give your pet plenty of toys to remain occupied with while you’re out.
The Yo- chon is known for getting along with literally everyone, from children and cats to dogs big and small, but they are only good at socializing if they’re introduced to it at a young age.
So, you’ll need to take them to the dog park, or to a house that has a pet, amongst anything else you need to do to make them more comfortable around animals.
The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier Mix Diet
While it is best to feed them a raw diet in order to make sure they get the best nutrition, you can feed them with kibble foods, like Ziwi Peak, Merrick, Canine Caviar, Nature’s Variety, Nature’s Logic, etc.
These foods are full of the necessary vitamins and proteins that your dog needs to grow healthy.
Always remember that hydration is important for the dog’s health. For this, you’ll need to provide them with enough freshwater.
In the case of a puppy, the recommended number of meals is four with a gap of around four to five hours between meals.
If your puppy doesn’t seem to want to eat, be sure to remove its food bowl after 10 minutes.
Start to feed it three times a day after it is more than three months old, and twice when it is more than six months old.
How much Exercise do a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix need?
Since they’re small dogs, the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix only need a moderate amount of activity and daily exercise.
They are naturally active and energetic, so you can use that as an opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities with them both indoors and outside.
If you have an enclosed and safe backyard, you can let your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix run around and play outside with some toys when you think the weather is appropriate.
You can also take your dog out for short walks. Go to the dog park to let your pet play with other dogs, and engage it in playtime with toys inside the house.
The Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier Mix Health and Conditions
Mixed breeds, in particular, are believed to be prone to more health issues than purebreds. This may be because they can potentially inherit conditions common to the breeds of their parents.
In case of the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix, some of the more common conditions that seem to plague this breed include:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (a kind of hip dysplasia)
- Reverse sneezing
- Collapsed trachea
- Kneecap issues
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
- Teeth and eye problems
- Bladder issues
- Sensitivity to vaccinations
- Allergies
Please note that this in no way means that a mixed breed dog will always be a sick one. It only means that they’re a bit more prone to such conditions and may require more care and attention.
But it is important to be aware of the issues that a particular breed may be more susceptible to. That way, you can take measures, if possible, to prevent them or to otherwise lookout for them.
Grooming Advice
Although the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix is relatively a smaller dog than most, grooming this breed can become quite a demanding job.
Grooming your pup regularly is essential to the health and growth of your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix and it will make living with your pup a lot easier for you.
The long and wavy fur on the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix can become tangled and messy if left too long without brushing.
Even though this is a hypoallergenic breed, the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix can still shed quite a bit so you need to make sure that you’re brushing your pup regularly.
On top of brushing your dog at least 3 times a week, you should also give your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix a bath once a month.
Shampooing your puppy will make sure that it is clean and free of dirt whenever it is inside the house but don’t bathe your pup more than once a month.
This is because over-shampooing can often lead to the drying out of natural oils in the fur and skin.
If your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix have fallen victim to a lot of tangles for whatever reason, brushing it when it’s fur is wet is the best way to get rid of them.
You should also take your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix to the groomer regularly to get its nails clipped and the fur around its ears and eyes trimmed.
It’s also important that you regularly clean your pup’s teeth by brushing them once every two days using a finger brush for your small pup.
Lastly, it is very important that you keep a constant check on your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix to make sure that it is healthy and isn’t showing signs of weakness or disease.
Male Vs Female
After determining that the Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix is the dog breed you want to have, it is essential to compare the male and female of this breed before making your final dog selection.
At 10 to 12 inches, the male dog is taller than the female one which stands at a height of 9 to 11 inches.
Similarly, the female also weighs lesser than the male Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix. The male is around 7 to 9 pounds heavy while the female weighs from 6 to 8 pounds.
Both of them have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, which is relatively lesser than the average dog lifespan.
The male and female of this breed often display divergent behavioral traits, with the male being more stubborn.
It is common knowledge that a male Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix might show destructive behavior, especially when it gets angry or stubborn.
However, if you are looking for a night, watchdog, a male Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix is the ideal choice with its exceptionally high-pitch bark.
Even though the female will come with more responsibility, especially during her heat cycles, it is relatively gentler than its male counterpart.
Similarly, this gentle behavior and less dominant personality are also why a female Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix will be easily and quickly trainable.
The female is also extremely protective of its human family and will try its best to protect you during a fight, even if it goes down during the tussle.
However, it is simply a myth that male dogs of this breed are less sweeter than the female; in reality, they are both extremely affectionate and loving.
Also, if you love traveling and need a partner for your long journeys, the male Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix is perfect as a playful and jolly travel buddy.
Special Treats
Even though a dog does not require as much variation in food as humans do, it is still essential to reward it with a special treat occasionally.
This treat can be home-cooked or store-bought but must be approved by your vet and satisfy the nutritional requirements of your Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier.
Protein-rich treats are greatly loved by this dog breed and one of the most delicious options are turkey, chicken, lamb, and fish.
Moreover, bison, venison, and liver are also good alternatives if other options are unavailable. The fish options include salmon, whitefish, and other similar types of fish.
Since this dog does not need a lot of protein, do not give a high quantity of any of the above-mentioned foods.
For this very reason, treats rich in carbohydrates are also highly recommended. Your Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier will love brown rice and sweet potatoes.
You can also give food with a high content of fatty acids such as salmon oil.
Apart from these, this dog will also appreciate crunchy foods a lot so you can give it apples, cucumber, carrots, or broccoli.
Make sure you cut these fruits and vegetables into small, easy-to-eat, square-shaped pieces.
Since this dog should be given low-calorie foods to avoid obesity, consider giving it green beans or cheese.
In addition to these, canned pumpkin is also a very delicious choice of treat for a Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier.
Also, try to choose dry food for your pet since it will help with its dental hygiene and is preferred over wet food by the Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier.
Make sure you do not feed your Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier any treat consisting of chemical preservatives or fillers.
Also, avoid chocolate, cooked beans, walnuts, and raw eggs as treats for your pet.
What about a Rescue Dog?
There are certain aspects you need to take care of if you are looking to get a Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix which is a rescue dog.
When you get a rescue dog, you need to feed it properly so it gains back all the weight it lost due to sadness or trauma. Give your dog four small-sized meals throughout the day.
However, since this is a very small dog, it might not be able to finish every meal in one go. This is why you will need to be patient and keep feeding it by intervals of 10 minutes.
The diet can include items such as Ziwi Peak, Nature’s Logic, and Nature’s Variety. Also, make sure your dog is getting fresh vegetables like carrots and spinach.
In addition to this, remember that this breed of dogs is very playful and active.
Therefore, one of the most effective plays of nursing your dog back to life is to ensure that it gets enough playtime.
Aside from the regular walking and running, make sure your dog has other ways of entertainment as well, such as toys.
However, considering the small size of a Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix, its toys shouldn’t be too large or heavy.
Also, if you are considering to train your dog to socialize, make sure you do not do it immediately after getting your dog.
Your dog first needs to get comfortable around you and trust you completely before you should let other people come close to your Bichon Frise Yorkshire Terrier Mix.
My final thoughts on the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix
So we have finally reached the end of your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix guide, and to make sure we have covered everything let’s take a small recap of what we talked about.
If you are thinking of getting a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix, you need to keep in mind that you will have to change your lifestyle a bit in order for the dog to adjust well.
This is not just the case with the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix; all dogs require you to change something in your existing way of living.
If an older person who is not that active decides to keep a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix, they may need to spend some time training the puppy and may need to become a bit more active.
If they won’t, the worst-case scenario is that your Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier mix may become really stubborn and won’t listen to everything you say.
Having said that, it’s the perfect choice for families with small kids since they are tough and energetic and love playing, especially if the one they’re playing with can keep up with them.