Fo-Chon

The Fo-Chon is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Toy Fox Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Fo-Chon. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog that presents a charming powder puff appearance created by its distinctive white double coat. This breed typically stands between 9.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, though some individuals may range from 7 to 12 pounds. The body is slightly longer than tall, with the length from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks approximately one quarter longer than the height at the withers, creating a compact, well-proportioned silhouette. The head is slightly rounded with a moderately wide skull and a muzzle that is shorter than the skull. The stop is moderate and slightly sloping rather than abrupt. Large, round, dark eyes are set well apart and look directly forward, surrounded by dark pigmentation known as "halos" that enhance the breed's alert, soft expression. The ears are drop ears covered with long, flowing hair, set slightly above eye level and hanging close to the head. When alert, the ears frame the face and contribute to the breed's curious, engaged appearance. The Bichon's coat is perhaps its most distinctive feature, consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat that stands away from the body when properly groomed. The outer coat typically grows three to four inches in length and has a springy texture that returns to shape when patted. The color is white, though puppies may have shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around the ears or scattered on the body, but these shadings should not exceed ten percent of the coat in mature dogs. The tail is set high and curved gracefully over the back, covered with profuse plume that lies on the back. The overall impression is of an elegant, balanced, aristocratic small dog with a cheerful, proud carriage.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their sweet disposition, Bichons can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods, as they strongly prefer constant companionship. Without adequate attention and stimulation, they may develop destructive behaviors or excessive barking. The breed is intelligent and trainable, though housetraining can require extra patience and consistency. Bichons are alert and will bark to announce unusual sounds or visitors, making them effective little watchdogs despite their friendly nature. They maintain a puppy-like demeanor well into their adult years and thrive in busy households where there is always activity and interaction to keep them engaged and happy.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Bladder stones and urinary issues affect Bichons with concerning frequency, with various stone types including calcium oxalate, cystine, struvite, and calcium phosphate potentially forming in the urinary tract. Diabetes occurs more often in Bichons than in many other breeds, requiring lifelong management with insulin and dietary modifications. Cushing's disease causes excessive cortisol production and affects hormonal balance. Eye conditions include hereditary cataracts that may begin as early as six months of age and corneal dystrophy that can develop around two years. Liver shunts, where blood bypasses the liver, require surgical correction. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affects the hip joint in young dogs and typically requires surgery. The breed enjoys a relatively long lifespan of 14 to 15 years, with some individuals living into their late teens.
Learn More About The Bichon Frise

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, elegant, athletic dog that truly embodies the description of being "both a toy and a terrier." This breed typically stands between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder, with 9 to 11 inches being preferred, and weighs between 3.5 and 7 pounds. The body is square in proportion, with the height from withers to ground approximately equal to the length from point of shoulder to buttocks, creating a balanced, compact silhouette that conveys both refinement and substance despite its diminutive size. The head is distinctively wedge-shaped when viewed from both front and profile, resembling an elegant blunt wedge that tapers gradually from the moderately wide skull to the fine muzzle. The skull is slightly rounded with a moderate stop that slopes rather than dropping abruptly. The muzzle tapers gradually toward the nose, and it is equal in length to the skull, measured from the tip of the nose to the stop and from the stop to the occiput. The eyes are round, dark, prominent but not bulging, and convey an alert, intelligent expression that reflects the breed's keen awareness of its surroundings. The ears are large, erect, and V-shaped, set high on the skull and positioned close together, contributing significantly to the breed's characteristic alert and inquisitive appearance. The coat is short, fine, glossy, and smooth, lying close to the body and showcasing the dog's well-defined musculature and athletic build. The Toy Fox Terrier's coloring is predominantly white with colored markings that create a distinctive pattern. Accepted color combinations include tricolor featuring white, black, and tan, as well as white and tan, white and black, and white and chocolate with tan points. The body must be more than fifty percent white, while the head must be more than fifty percent colored, creating the breed's signature appearance. The tail is set high, held erect when alert, and is typically docked to approximately three-fifths of its original length where this practice remains legal. The legs are straight and parallel, with compact, oval feet. The overall impression is of an elegant, graceful, athletic small dog with an aristocratic bearing that belies its terrier heritage and working background.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament As terriers, this breed retains a strong prey drive and will eagerly chase small animals, birds, and anything that moves quickly. They can be stubborn and willful at times, requiring patient, consistent training that respects their intelligence while establishing clear boundaries. Toy Fox Terriers generally do well with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently, but they are not recommended for households with very young children who might inadvertently hurt them. They may become snappy if handled roughly or startled. The breed can be somewhat wary of strangers without proper early socialization but warms up once they determine someone is trustworthy. Their high energy level, combined with their small size, makes them suitable for apartment living provided they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Hypothyroidism developing in mature dogs between four and ten years of age is manageable with daily hormone replacement therapy. Food allergies and intolerances are common, particularly to corn, wheat, fillers, and beet pulp, requiring careful attention to diet. Dental disease affects small breeds disproportionately due to crowded teeth, making regular dental care essential. The breed may be prone to obesity without careful portion control and adequate exercise. Additional conditions seen in the breed include dermoids on the eye surface, hepatic microvascular dysplasia affecting liver function, and heritable deafness in some bloodlines. The typical lifespan ranges from 13 to 15 years, with some individuals reaching 16 to 17 years with excellent care.
Learn More About The Toy Fox Terrier

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 Fo-Chon 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 Bichon Frise and Toy Fox Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.