The introduction of the Poodle mix has been one of the best things that ever happened to dog lovers worldwide.
Most pet lovers describe it as a fun-loving little pet that fits well in families with kids and other pets.
Another exciting thing about this breed that makes it suitable for most families is the fact that it brings an intelligent and playful personality with social characteristics to the family.
If you have been planning to buy this dog or you already have one, keep reading this article to find out more about them.
Let’s Start with Their Origin. Where Did They Come From?
The history of the French Poodle is a bit wide.
However, several reports indicate that the breed originated from Germany in the 1990s when breeders began mixing and matching different purebred DNA to produce a dog that many pet lovers would like.
Breeders produced the French Poodle from a combination of the Miniature Poodle and French Bulldog.
The idea was to produce a dog that would be resistant to infections that affected the parent breeds.
It was also meant to meet the demands of the smaller, gentler, and hypoallergenic types of the popular breeds.
As many dog owners described it, the adorable mixed-breed dog became the most preferred among owners with allergies due to its low shedding trait.
The low shedding and other impressive traits saw the Poodles make their way to France, where they became the preferred breed for the French nobles.
Until now, Poodles remain the national dogs in France.
What a French Bulldog Poodle Mix Looks Like
The presence of many breeds of dogs in the market today makes it hard for pet lovers to choose the right dog.
However, with the proper knowledge of what a French Poodle looks like, you are not likely to get it wrong.
The French Poodle puppies measure between 30 and 38 centimeters and weigh seven to eleven kilograms.
Most of them have a sub-nose and a longer muzzle similar to Frenchie.
The type of their ears sometimes varies from one Poodle to another.
Other Poodles have bat-like ears similar to the Frenchie, while others have ears hanging close to their faces.
So you need to be keen while selecting your Poodle to ensure you get the right one.
The Poodles have dark, round and attractive eyes that impress every pet owner.
They also have a reasonably compact body with clear muscle tissue.
The traits are unique from other breeds that everyone who wants to own one would not miss the right one.
Their chests are barrel-shaped, while their limbs are relatively straight.
Interestingly, they have slender and medium-length tails, unlike the Frenchie.
Poodle mix can come in different colors, predominantly black, white, or brown.
The Temperament of the French Poodles Mix
The French Poodle mixes are friendly dogs that socialize well with humans and other pets.
That is what makes them suitable for families.
According to breeders, you will find these kinds of dogs playing nicely with children in the house or within the compound without getting bored.
They are also not afraid of visitors and will play nicely without causing too many distractions.
However, note that these dogs survive well in the presence of people and may develop separation anxiety if left alone.
They may develop destructive behaviors and find it hard to adjust.
As a result, breeders recommend that they be taken in by owners who are not out most of the time.
Common Health Problems of French Poodle Mix
Unlike the purebred parents who may suffer from some genetic disorders, the French Poodle mix is less likely to develop these disorders.
In addition, the fact that it’s a crossbreed with more genetic diversity than the purebred parents make it resistant to the diseases.
However, that does not mean that your dog may not have specific problems.
There is still a need to check out a few things or visit a veterinarian for some check-ups.
Some of the things you should look out for include:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome – anatomic abnormalities that cause upper airway dysfunction and obstruction, including enlarged tonsils, stenotic nares, and an elongated soft palate. A dog suffering from the syndrome will show several signs: loud breathing and snoring, vomiting, collapse, intolerance to exercise or heat, gagging, and regurgitation.
- Hip Dysplasia is the deformity of the hip that dogs may experience during growth. It happens when the hip joint and the socket joint in the pelvis fail to grow simultaneously. It is a genetic disease and may be affected by diet, muscle mass, environment, hormones, or exercise.
- Patellar Dislocation – It is the most common cause of lameness in dogs. It happens when the kneecap moves out of its usual location. It affects both young and older dogs. You will notice this problem with your dog when they run on three legs then back as if there was no problem.
- Urolithiasis is a common condition causing lower urinary tract disease in dogs. It leads to bladder stones that irritate the urinary tract lining, causing discomfort, pain, difficulty in urinating, blood in urine, and complete or partial blockage of urine.
How to Feed the French Poodle Mix
The French Poodle mix is not an overly active dog, but as it grows, it must get the best diet to strengthen its tissues and ensure healthy growth.
However, they don’t need a specially formulated commercial diet because they don’t have allergy issues.
You only need to consult with a professional nutritionist to ensure you have the right food for them.
The food should be appropriate based on the size and the level of the dog’s activity.
Also, providing the food is AAFCO approved.
You can prepare the food yourself as described by the vet or nutritionist.
While doing this, ensure you have included some vegetables and proteins.
Fiber is also essential in the diet.
Again, while preparing the food, avoid fillers that are likely to make the dog overeat.
Overeating will lead to a significant weight gain that might cause joint complications.
The food should be low in fat to enhance smooth digestion.
Feed the dog two to three times a day.
Training
Though the French Poodle mix comes with a significant level of intelligence, it also comes with the stubborn streak of the French Bulldog.
As a result, you will need to be a bit patient to get impressive results.
Obedience and socialization training is essential for the smooth interaction of the dog with the family and other pets within the compound.
But if you are not sure about the best way to do it or your efforts have failed, consult professionals for appropriate guidance.
Most breeds are highly motivated with praises, food, and excellent play treats.
You can also use the technique to handle the dog successfully.
Exercise Requirements
Like other breeds, exercise is equally essential for the Poodle mix.
However, though it is a playful dog, it requires less intensive training to remain mentally stimulated and physically fit.
Any form of strenuous exercise can cause bone and joint problems that may limit the dog’s mobility.
Interactive playtime like throwing light balls and short-distance daily walks would be sufficient to meet the exercise target.
Regular exercises are essential for these dogs to ensure they don’t become lazy and gain more weight.
Obese dogs develop a high risk for diabetes mellitus, cancer, heart disease, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and faster degeneration of joints.
What Is the Life Expectancy?
The lifespan of the French Poodle mix varies.
However, most of them can live for between 11 and 13 years.
Depending on the prevailing circumstances, others may hit 15 years.
You can improve the lifespan of your Poodle mix by ensuring that you keep them by your side most of the time.
The lifespan can also improve depending on the genetics of the dog.
You can also achieve this by regularly taking them to the vet for check-ups.
You don’t want to feel the pain when your dog passes on prematurely.
Recognized Clubs in The United States
The French Poodle mix is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
But it is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry, including the DBR and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Passionate and focused individuals lead the organizations of this particular breed.
Suppose your question about this breed. If you’re a new owner and you would like to make inquiries concerning the breed, you can visit the organizations for proper guidance.