Bichomo
The Bichomo is a cross between the American Eskimo Dog 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 Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a stunning Nordic-type breed recognized in three size varieties that share the same elegant proportions and striking appearance. The Toy variety stands 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weighs 6 to 10 pounds, making it an ideal choice for apartment living. The Miniature variety measures 12 to 15 inches tall and weighs 10 to 20 pounds, offering a good balance between portability and presence. The Standard variety stands 15 to 19 inches and weighs 25 to 35 pounds, providing a more substantial companion. All three sizes present a compact, well-balanced body that is slightly longer than it is tall, with a deep chest, strong level back, and muscular hindquarters that enable agile and efficient movement. The breed's most captivating feature is its luxurious double coat, which consists of a dense, plush undercoat topped by a longer outer coat of straight guard hairs that stand off from the body to create impressive volume. The coat is always white or white with biscuit cream markings, creating a pristine, snow-like appearance that earned the breed its name. A distinctive lion-like ruff forms around the neck and chest, particularly pronounced in males, while the legs feature attractive feathering that adds to the breed's elegance. The heavily plumed tail is carried gracefully over the back in a loose curl, creating a beautiful frame for the dog's silhouette. Despite its luxurious appearance, the coat's natural oils help repel dirt, making routine maintenance relatively straightforward with regular brushing. The American Eskimo Dog's face exhibits classic Spitz characteristics with a wedge-shaped head and moderately long, refined muzzle that balances strength with refinement. The triangular ears are erect and slightly blunt-tipped, set high on the head and well-covered with fur for protection against cold weather. The breed's oval-shaped eyes are dark brown to medium brown, positioned slightly obliquely, and convey an expression of keen intelligence and alertness. The distinctive black points on the nose, lips, and eye rims create a striking contrast against the white coat, giving the face an expressive, almost smiling appearance that reflects the breed's friendly and engaging nature.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed's social nature means they do not tolerate extended periods of isolation well and may develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently or for long durations. American Eskimo Dogs generally get along well with other dogs and household cats, especially when raised together, though their prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets like rodents or birds. Early socialization is essential to help them develop confidence and prevent excessive shyness or wariness. With their families, Eskies are playful, devoted, and eager to participate in activities, making them wonderful companions for active households that can provide the attention and engagement they crave.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health issues to be aware of include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, particularly in Toy and Miniature varieties, which involves degeneration of the hip joint due to insufficient blood supply. Epilepsy has been reported in the breed and requires lifelong management with anticonvulsant medications. American Eskimo Dogs are also prone to dental disease due to their smaller mouths, requiring regular dental care and professional cleanings. The breed tends to gain weight easily if overfed or under-exercised, making portion control and regular physical activity essential. Their thick double coat requires consistent brushing to prevent matting and to manage their constant shedding throughout the year.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy companion dog with a distinctive powder-puff appearance that has charmed dog lovers for centuries. Standing between 9.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, this breed presents a compact and well-proportioned silhouette that conveys both substance and elegance. The body is slightly longer than tall, creating a balanced square appearance when properly groomed, with a moderately deep chest and well-sprung ribs that provide good lung capacity. The Bichon carries itself with a proud and confident posture, moving with an effortless and lively gait that reflects its cheerful disposition and athletic capability. The hallmark of the Bichon Frise is its remarkable double coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat that stands away from the body to create volume and dimension. This unique coat texture creates the breed's signature puffy appearance and feels like velvet or plush to the touch. The coat is always white, though puppies may show traces of cream, buff, or apricot shading around the ears that typically fades as the dog matures. The hair grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, making the breed appealing to some allergy sufferers, though regular professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential to maintain its characteristic rounded shape and prevent matting. The Bichon's face is one of its most endearing features, with large, round, dark eyes that convey an alert and curious expression, often described as having a soft, inquisitive gaze. The nose, lips, and eye rims are solid black, creating a striking contrast against the pristine white coat and giving the face a defined appearance. The ears are drop-shaped, set slightly above eye level, and are covered with long, flowing hair that blends seamlessly with the body coat. The skull is slightly rounded with a well-defined stop, and the muzzle is not too pointed, giving the face a soft, gentle appearance. The tail is well-plumed with silky hair and carried curved gracefully over the back, adding to the breed's elegant and balanced silhouette.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their many wonderful qualities, Bichons do have some temperament considerations that potential owners should understand. They form extremely strong bonds with their families and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This anxiety may manifest as excessive barking, destructive behavior, or house-training accidents. The breed can also be quite vocal, using their bark to alert owners to visitors or unusual sounds. With proper training and gradual conditioning to alone time, most Bichons can learn to cope with reasonable periods of separation while maintaining their sunny disposition.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health considerations include bladder stones, which can cause urinary discomfort and may require dietary management or surgical removal. The breed has a higher than average incidence of diabetes mellitus, a condition requiring lifelong management with insulin and dietary changes. Cushing's disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands that causes excessive cortisol production, is another concern seen more frequently in Bichons than in many other breeds. Regular health monitoring, maintaining a healthy weight, providing proper nutrition, and ensuring adequate exercise all contribute to helping your Bichon Frise live a long and healthy life.
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 Dog and Bichon Frise to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.