looking for a perfect Bichon Frise or close what should I look for?

Question

I am looking for a small bichon that the judges would look twice at, what should I be asking the breeders and how can I tell. What are the good and bad things I should be looking for?.

Answer 1

I hate to say that there doesn't appear to be many people who show on here. I asked a question about Labs because I'm starting to show them and I got some of the most ridiculous answers. Check out your breed club at http://www.bichon.org/
I would also recommend that you purchase an illustrated standard and study it like a Bible!! That's what I've been doing and I have been going to dog shows, video taping my breed and then going home watching the video with the catalog and breed standard and trying to pick out what dog I would put up. Then ask yourself why the judge put up THAT dog when clearly you would have put up the other one! lol With practice and a little time you'll get to know what is good and what is not. If you are new to conformation you will have to learn about that and either way you will have to learn what is correct in your particular breed. When at the dog shows try to learn from the people standing by ring side. They are usually busy so try not to be too bothersome but they are usually more than happy to help a newcomer to the sport or breed. If your new to this wonderful sport, Welcome! Remember to always have fun and you will always be rewarded whether it's with a nice Winners Bit ch or simply by the love of your dogs.

Answer 2

First - there is no such thing as a perfect dog, but a reputable show breeder should be able to recognise a promising pup in a litter. If you have no experience with showing dogs, the next hurdle might well be getting that reputable breeder to sell you a show quality puppy. Many breeders have let go of excellent quality dogs only to find that the new owner, not realizing all that is involved, has given up the idea of showing. Breeders with such experience are far less likely to sell to a novice - at least without some sort of contract.

Having show experience is helpful, but if not, doing your homework is the next best thing. Study the breed you are interested in and talk to as many different breeders at shows as you can. Be a sponge and try to absorb as much information as possible about your breed. Read the standard, buy the AKC video and study! In talking to show people you will learn more about how to interpret the standard of the breed, movement and all the other fine points of what it takes to win with your dog. Know your dog's faults and how your dog stacks up against others in the breed.

Aside from conformation, temperament is another important thing to consider in a show dog. A lovely, correct dog will not win without a sound temperament that allows it to catch the judge's eye and "ask" for the win. Part of this is hereditary, part is training. You must be willing to commit to socializing your puppy and encouraging a show attitude through training.

Correct grooming in a breed like the bichon is another necessary consideration. Do you plan to groom and show the dog yourself, or have a handler do it for you? In either case, consider the expense of showing. You will either pay a handler or you will spend the money yourself on grooming, classes, entries and travel.

Find a knowledgible breeder who consistantly produces winning dogs and then be willing to work with them to achieve your goal of having a winning dog. You may want to consider a co-ownership, and/or allowing the breeder to retain breeding rights to your dog in order to get the best possible dog. You may also want to consider getting an older show quality dog that is already exhibiting the traits of a winner rather than a puppy who may or may not grow out to be suitable for the conformation ring.

You will find many friendly, helpful people involved in the sport of showing dogs. Most are very willing to help a newcomer get started. Good luck!!

Answer 3

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO SHOW I UNDERSTAND YOUR QUESTION...YOU CAN GET ALL THE STANDARD INFO..BUT WITH EACH JUDGE IT IS A MATTER OF TASTE ALSO
IF YOU ARE JUST LOOKING FOR A SMALL SIZE, CLEAN DOG TO KEEP YOU COMPANY....YOU NEED TO GO TO SEVERAL BREEDERS AND TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PUP OR OLDER DOG FOR THAT REASON....YOU CAN USUALLY GET A BETTER PRICE
GETTING A DOG IS ABOUT CONPANIONSHIP AND LOVE...NO MATTER WHAT THE DOG IS TO BE USED FOR
THESE ARE NOT VERY GOOD DOGS FOR SMALL CHILDREN
GO TO SOME OF THE BETTER DOG SHOWS AND TALK TO SOME OF THE OWNERS...THEY CAN GIVE GREAT ADVISE AND WILL BE GLAD TO SHOW OFF THEIR DOGS

Answer 4

Here's the AKC breed standard:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/bichon_frise/index.cfm

Answer 5

**********STUDY!!!!!**********
You've ALREADY *GONE WRONG*,when you said *SMALL*!!! You DON'T want "small" ,you want ***CORRECT***!!!!

GO TO *SHOWS*!!!!
READ the CATALOGS!!!
Watch who's CONSISTANTLY placing!
Contact THOSE breeders!

Start w/a show "potential" MALE of 6 mons.-ish & get it on a CONTRACT!!!