Both parent breeds of the Bichon-a-Ranian are companion breeds that are devoted to their owners and thrive on attention and affection from them. They are known to love to cuddle! Their playful personality and sweet demeanor mean they get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs.

As a small dog, they can be easily injured by the accidental rough play or falls that can be common with very young children. So, any interaction with young children should be closely supervised and young children should be taught how to properly interact with a dog.

The Bichon-a-Ranian is a highly adaptable dog breed. Their small size and lower exercise requirements means they do well in apartments as well as home with and without yards. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat.

Because of their small size, they are also sensitive to the cold and may need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm when temperatures drop. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than their purebred counterparts, it is not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog can inherit potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. For the Bichon-a-Ranian, potential health concerns include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, gum disease, and eye issues.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a small dog breed, the Bichon-a-Ranian is more prone to developing dental issues, but practicing good dental care for dogs can help prevent them.

The Bichon-a-Ranian is a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love the positive attention that comes with performing tricks and basic commands.

There is always a chance that a Bichon-a-Ranian can inherit a stubborn streak from their Pomeranian parent. This can make training a little more challenging, but is nothing consistent training or the help of puppy training classes can’t handle.

The Bichon-a-Ranian coat will be short and fluffy regardless of which parent they take after more. They may inherit a curly, low-shedding coat from their Bichon Frise parent or they may inherit a coat that sheds a bit more from their Pomeranian parent. Either way, they’ll need daily brushing and grooming every 4-6 weeks.

Regardless of their coat, you will need to also care for your Bichon-a-Ranian’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. You may need to trim them more often if your dog’s nails grow more quickly or aren’t wearing down as much on their own.

You also want to check the ears weekly and carefully clean your dog’s ears as needed. Ears should be dry, clean, and free of debris and pests. If you see redness, irritation, discolored or smelly discharge, or something else that is concerning, you know it’s time to visit the vet.

Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs because dental care is often overlooked. Because the Bichon-a-Ranian is more prone to developing these dental issues, good dental care is even more important. Using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing your dog’s teeth every day is ideal.

Although the Bichon-a-Ranian is a moderately active dog, they don’t need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this small dog. They may be energetic at times, but they are also small and will tire out relatively easily.

A fully-grown Bichon-a-Ranian usually stands 7-12 inches tall and weighs 5-12 pounds.

A Bichon-a-Ranian generally lives for 12-16 years.

The Bichon-a-Ranian, which is sometimes unhyphenated, is also sometimes referred to as a Pomachon or a Pom Frise.