Bichomo
Hybrid Breed Description
The Bichomo is a cross between the American Eskimo and the Bichon Frise. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Bichomo. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
American Eskimo
The American Eskimo Dog presents a stunning appearance with its compact Nordic-type build available in three distinct size varieties. Toy Eskies stand nine to twelve inches tall and weigh between six and ten pounds, while miniature varieties measure twelve to fifteen inches and weigh ten to twenty pounds. Standard American Eskimos are the largest, standing fifteen to nineteen inches at the shoulder and weighing eighteen to thirty-five pounds. Despite these size variations, all American Eskimos share the same elegant proportions, with a body length roughly equal to their height, creating a balanced square appearance. The breed exhibits a wedge-shaped head with a muzzle and skull of approximately equal length, complemented by small triangular ears that stand erect and alert. The most striking feature of the American Eskimo is its brilliant white double coat, which consists of a dense plush undercoat covered by a longer, harsher outer coat that stands off from the body. Pure white is the preferred color, though white with biscuit or cream markings is acceptable. The coat forms a distinctive lion-like ruff around the neck and chest, particularly pronounced in males, and creates characteristic feathering on the legs and a heavily plumed tail that curls gracefully over the back. The hair on the front of the forelegs and the face is shorter and smoother, while the rear legs down to the hocks are covered in thick hair forming pantaloons. American Eskimos possess black points on their nose, lips, and eye rims, which create a striking contrast against their snowy coat. Their eyes are slightly oval, dark in color, and convey a keen, intelligent expression. The breed moves with a bold, energetic trot that demonstrates both agility and confidence. Their skin is pink or gray beneath the white coat, and the overall impression is one of beauty, alertness, and Nordic strength compressed into a small to medium package.
Key Characteristics
American Eskimos are renowned for their bright, cheerful personalities and eager-to-please attitudes that make them delightful companions. These dogs form exceptionally strong bonds with their families and thrive on human interaction, preferring to be involved in all household activities rather than relegated to the sidelines. Their intelligence ranks among the highest of all breeds, enabling them to learn commands and tricks with remarkable speed, which historically made them star performers in circuses and vaudeville shows. However, this intelligence comes with an independent streak that requires consistent, patient training from owners who can establish clear leadership without resorting to harsh methods. The breed exhibits a natural wariness toward strangers, making them excellent watchdogs who will alert their families to any unusual activity with enthusiastic barking. While they are never aggressive or threatening, Eskies can become nuisance barkers if not properly trained and socialized from puppyhood. Their alert nature means they notice everything happening in their environment, and without appropriate guidance, this vigilance can translate into excessive vocalization. Despite their initial reserve with unfamiliar people, American Eskimos typically warm up quickly once proper introductions are made, revealing their fundamentally friendly and social nature. These dogs possess remarkable energy levels and require substantial mental and physical stimulation to remain happy and well-behaved. A quick walk around the block is insufficient for an Eskie; they need engaging activities, interactive play, puzzle toys, and opportunities to use their intelligent minds. Without adequate stimulation, American Eskimos can become destructive, anxious, or develop behavioral issues including obsessive barking and spinning. They are sensitive dogs who dislike discord among family members and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. The breed's playful, curious nature combined with their deep need for companionship makes them best suited for families or individuals who can provide abundant attention, activity, and affection throughout the day.
American Eskimos are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, though they are predisposed to several hereditary conditions that prospective owners should understand. Progressive Retinal Atrophy represents one of the most significant genetic concerns in the breed, causing gradual deterioration of the retina that leads to vision impairment and eventual blindness. This inherited disease typically manifests with symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils beginning around three to five years of age, and while it progresses slowly and causes no pain, there is currently no cure available. Responsible breeders conduct DNA testing to identify carriers and affected dogs, making it essential to request health clearances when selecting a puppy. Orthopedic issues also affect American Eskimos with some regularity, particularly hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, resulting in looseness and excessive motion that leads to painful arthritis over time. Patellar luxation, or slipping kneecaps, is common in smaller Eskies and can cause intermittent lameness, hopping, or difficulty walking. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing these conditions, as excess pounds place additional stress on already compromised joints. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, which affects the hip joint's blood supply causing the femoral head to deteriorate, is another concern primarily seen in toy and miniature varieties, typically appearing between four and six months of age. Dental disease represents perhaps the most common health challenge facing American Eskimos, as their small mouths often lead to crowding that promotes plaque accumulation and periodontal disease. Daily tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings are essential preventive measures. The breed may also develop allergies, particularly to fleas, and some individuals are prone to obesity if overfed or under-exercised. Less common but serious conditions include epilepsy, which can cause seizures of varying intensity and frequency, and various eye problems including cataracts in older dogs. Regular veterinary examinations, appropriate vaccinations, parasite prevention, and attention to dental care can help American Eskimos live long, healthy lives despite their genetic predispositions.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog breed that presents an unmistakable appearance with its signature powder-puff white coat and charming expression. Standing between nine and twelve inches tall at the shoulder and weighing approximately seven to twelve pounds, these compact dogs are longer than they are tall, creating a slightly rectangular silhouette. Despite their delicate appearance, Bichons possess a well-proportioned, sturdy build with good bone structure and a level topline. Their heads are well-proportioned to their bodies, featuring a slightly rounded skull and a muzzle that comprises roughly two-fifths of the total head length. The breed's most distinctive feature is their pure white or white with cream-colored double coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat that stands away from the body in loose corkscrew curls. The Bichon Frise displays several characteristic physical features that contribute to their appealing appearance. Their large, round, dark eyes are surrounded by dark eye rims that create an alert and intelligent expression, while their pronounced black nose provides a striking contrast against their light-colored face. The ears are drop ears covered with long, flowing hair that frames the face beautifully. A heavily plumed tail curves gracefully over the back, adding to the breed's elegant carriage. The coat requires significant maintenance to achieve the characteristic rounded, sculptured appearance seen in show dogs, with regular professional grooming typically needed every four to six weeks. When properly groomed, the Bichon's coat creates a distinctive halo effect around the body, with pronounced feathering on the legs and a lion-like ruff around the neck and chest area. The hair grows continuously rather than shedding in the traditional sense, which makes Bichons a popular choice for people concerned about pet hair in their homes. However, loose hairs do become trapped in the undercoat, forming mats if not brushed regularly. Their movement is smooth and effortless, demonstrating the breed's underlying athleticism and sound structure beneath the glamorous exterior. The overall impression is one of a happy, animated dog with a jaunty attitude and undeniable charm.
Key Characteristics
The Bichon Frise is celebrated for its exceptionally cheerful disposition and affectionate nature that seems to brighten any household. These dogs approach life with remarkable optimism and enthusiasm, treating each day as though it were filled with exciting possibilities. Their friendly temperament extends to virtually everyone they meet, as Bichons view strangers not as threats but as potential new friends waiting to be charmed. This social nature makes them poor guard dogs but excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. The breed thrives on human interaction and absolutely must be included in family activities rather than left alone for extended periods, as isolation can trigger significant separation anxiety that manifests in destructive behaviors or excessive vocalization. Intelligence is a hallmark of the Bichon Frise, making them highly trainable when approached with patience and positive reinforcement methods. They excel at learning tricks and commands, which historically made them successful circus performers alongside their cousins, the Poodles. However, this intelligence comes paired with a playful, sometimes stubborn streak that can make housebreaking challenging for some individuals. Bichons respond poorly to harsh corrections or punishment, instead thriving under training approaches that emphasize rewards, praise, and consistency. Their eagerness to please their owners provides motivation for good behavior, though they can become demanding of attention and may develop manipulative behaviors if overly pampered. These energetic little dogs possess surprising vigor for their size and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behavioral issues. While they adapt well to apartment living, Bichons need daily walks and interactive playtime to burn excess energy. They generally get along excellently with other pets and children, though supervision is important with very young children who might accidentally hurt these small dogs during rough play. The breed can be somewhat vocal, particularly when alerting to visitors or when seeking attention, though proper training can manage excessive barking. Bichons are sensitive dogs who pick up on their owners' emotions and dislike household conflict, preferring harmonious environments where they can spread their infectious joy and playful spirit.
Bichon Frises are generally robust dogs with an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, though they are susceptible to several health conditions that prospective owners should understand. Skin allergies represent one of the most common issues affecting the breed, with many Bichons developing allergic reactions to environmental triggers, food ingredients, or flea bites. These allergies manifest as itching, redness, hair loss, and skin infections that can significantly impact quality of life if not properly managed. Treatment typically involves identifying and avoiding allergens, implementing specialized diets, using omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and sometimes requiring medications to control symptoms. Regular grooming helps maintain skin health and allows early detection of problems before they become severe. Orthopedic conditions also affect Bichon Frises with notable frequency. Hip dysplasia, though more commonly associated with larger breeds, does occur in Bichons when the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to arthritis and pain that worsens with age. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, is particularly common in small breeds like the Bichon and can cause intermittent lameness or a characteristic hopping gait. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing these joint problems, as obesity places additional stress on already compromised structures. Some Bichons may also develop Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a condition affecting the hip joint that typically appears in puppyhood and may require surgical intervention. Eye problems constitute another significant health concern for the breed. Cataracts can develop as early as six months of age in some Bichons and may progress to affect vision, though surgical correction is possible in many cases. Corneal dystrophy, suspected to be hereditary, creates opaque areas in the center of the cornea that can impair vision. Dental disease is extremely prevalent in Bichons due to their small mouths and crowded teeth, making daily tooth brushing and regular professional cleanings essential. Additional health issues seen in the breed include bladder stones, particularly those composed of calcium oxalate or struvite crystals, and diabetes mellitus, which requires lifelong management with insulin injections and dietary modifications. Less commonly, Bichons may develop liver shunts, a serious condition where blood bypasses the liver, preventing proper toxin filtration. Regular veterinary care, appropriate health screenings, and attention to preventive care help Bichon Frises live long, healthy lives despite these predispositions.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Bichomo may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the American Eskimo and Bichon Frise to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.