Poochin (Japanese Chin & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Breed Overview

The Poochin is a designer hybrid of a Poodle and a Japanese Chin. This adorable mixed breed stands no more than about 15 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 6-13 pounds. This dog’s temperament and looks can vary depending on which parent they most take after. These little dogs will light up any room they enter, and they’re always up for fun and games with the kids.

Poochins (aka Japanese Poodles) get along well with other animals, and they aren’t highly active. They're usually happy to spend time indoors. This makes them perfect pets for those who are disabled or elderly. But on the other hand, this mixed breed would thrive in an active family environment. And although they don’t need much exercise, they do enjoy a daily walk, even if it’s just a quick around-the-block jaunt.

When not taking a quick walk or playing with toys, the Poochin can almost always be found lounging on a couch, in their bed, or on a human’s empty lap. Luckily, Poochins are smart and can easily be trained in basic obedience commands.

Poochin Puppies

Poochin Characteristics

Before deciding whether to become the proud owner of a Poochin pup, you need to know about their primary traits, when and what to train them to do, etc. Otherwise, you may find that taking care of your new dog is overwhelming and even frustrating.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Poochin

1. They May Be Considered Hypoallergenic

The Poochin may end up being considered hypoallergenic if they take more after their Poodle parent when it comes to coat characteristics. But even the pooches that don’t take after their Poodle parent won’t shed too much if their coat is well taken care of.

2. They’re Not Purebred

Many people think that the Poochin is a designer purebred dog, new to the breeding scene. But the truth is that this dog is a mixed breed whose parents have been around for thousands of years.

3. There Isn’t Much Known About Their History

Although the Poochin has been in existence for some time, there is not much known about this hybrid breed. However, much can be learned from their parent breeds — the Poodle and the Japanese Chin — that have both been around for thousands of years.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Poochin 🧠

The Poochin is a fun-loving, loyal dog that enjoys spending time with people of all ages, as well as dogs. They don't need much exercise, so a quick walk around the block or even a trip to the mailbox should keep your pooch physically satisfied during the day. These dogs are happy to spend their time inside hanging out if they have a few toys to keep them company.

But their favorite thing to do is spend time with their human counterparts. They’ll happily sit in a lap, lounge around in the yard, or take a road trip as long as a human companion is around. They don’t like to spend time alone, but luckily, these dogs tend to enjoy the company of other dogs. So, if they have a companion to hang out with, owners can have peace of mind in knowing that their furry pals are safe and happy when left alone at home.

Poochins are smart but they aren’t patient. Although they need obedience training like every other dog breed, mixed or purebred, they may not take to it well. Persistence and a firm yet loving hand may be needed to accomplish basic obedience commands as your pup ages. But with practice and patience, you can have peace of mind in knowing that your Poochin will be well-behaved and well-socialized by the time they age into adulthood.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Poochin loves spending time with their family members, even younger children. However, they can become quite excitable and could accidentally injure a toddler or young child, so they should be supervised when around kids until they prove that they can be trusted. Although these dogs thrive in family homes that include kids, they also do well in single adult or elderly homes, where things are a bit more relaxed daily.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

If well-socialized from the time they are puppies, Poochins can get along well with other dogs of all shapes, sizes, and types. In fact, they would love spending their time with a dog sibling or two when their human counterparts aren’t around to hang out. These dogs can get along with other, smaller animals like cats too. But introductions should be done with supervision and only after the pup has successfully completed obedience training.

Things to Know When Owning a Poochin

You should be able to imagine what it would be like to take care of a Poochin long term before deciding whether to adopt one. How much would it cost to feed a Poochin over time? You need to know how much they typically eat to make the right calculations. Let’s go over everything else you need to know about caring for Poochins.

Food & Diet Requirements

Poochins aren’t extremely active, so they don’t typically need more than about a half cup of food each day. Of course, the actual amount you would feed your Poochin will depend on their specific energy levels throughout each day, their actual size and weight, and their quality of health. No matter how much food your Poochin ends up eating, it’s important to make sure that you choose a quality food for them.

Feeding your pooch the cheap stuff from the bottom shelf in the grocery store does provide the necessary nutrients that your Poochin needs to survive, it doesn’t mean that the food is providing quality ingredients that will allow your pup to thrive throughout puppyhood and adulthood.

Look for a food that features real meat as the first ingredient. Other ingredients should include high-quality items such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, carrots, and beets. Avoid foods that include sugars, meal, soy, and any artificial ingredients. If you’re unsure about what kind of food to feed your new Poochin once you bring them home, consult with your veterinarian to get a few expert recommendations.

Exercise 🐕

The Poochin isn’t a lump on  a log, but they don’t yearn for much exercise like other dog breeds might. They should be walked every day, even if just around the block or to and from the mailbox on the corner. A little playtime in the yard won't be met with protest, yet these dogs love nothing more than cuddling up with their human family members while spending time indoors. Puzzle games and other indoor activities should be incorporated to help manage weight over time.

Training 🦮

Poochins are smart, but they aren’t working dogs and don’t typically have the same drive to learn new skills as other breeds, like German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois. It’s imperative to partake in obedience training with your puppy while they’re still young so they learn how to behave in the family home and in social situations. But don’t expect your Poochin to wholeheartedly dive into agility training. They’re happier just hanging out as a part of the family unit.

Grooming ✂️

Poochins need to be brushed several times a week to make sure that knots and mats don't develop. Due to their coarse hair, they may even need to be trimmed occasionally to make brushing easier. Luckily, the Poochin doesn't shed much, thanks to their Poodle DNA. But like the Poodle, the coat of a Poochin tends to hold onto dirt, so your pooch may need to be bathed once a month or so.

If they have it their way, Poochins won’t spend much time outdoors unless camping or hanging out with family members at the beach or park. Therefore, your dog’s nails likely won’t naturally stay smooth and trimmed and you’ll have to trim their nails a few times a year. Ears and teeth should be cleaned regularly too.

Health and Conditions ❤️

There are several health conditions that Poochins are prone to that owners should look out for as their pooches age. Some are serious, but most are minor and can be managed if they’re caught soon enough.

Male vs. Female

Both male and female Poochins are fun, loving, and attentive. They're sociable and never aggressive. But male Poochins tend to be a little needier than females and females are a bit more independent. Males might bark a little more, while female Poochins  can be somewhat more rambunctious. But all in all, both genders are perfect pets for the average family. It’s a good idea to spend time with both girls and boys before choosing a puppy to adopt and bring home with you.

Final Thoughts

When it comes time to consider whether you should adopt a Poochin, think about your lifestyle. Are you always gone at work, running errands, and hanging out with friends and family? If you don’t spend much time at home, your Poochin may get depressed from missing out on family time together. But if you’re looking for a pooch to share your life with during your downtime at home and while you’re out and about in the world, the Poochin just may be the right fit for your family.

What most excites you about the Poochin? Do you have any tips or tricks for introducing these dogs to a new home?

See also:

• Mauzer (Miniature Schnauzer & Maltese Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

• Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Traits & Facts

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