I'm researching small breed dogs for my family, I have an Akita Shepard mix who is well socialized & loves small dogs will be having a family in the next 5 years, I want to have my pets established for the early days...lol. Anyway, this breed looks interesting but I'd love to know any personal experience you have with the breed. We are a very active family, hiking, backpacking, camping etc. The small dog would go with us but be catered to, as in stuck in a pack when she got tired, sleeps inside the tent with us...etc...
2007-01-05 08:26:44 · 8 answers · asked by Marie 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have a Bichonpoo (Bichon Frise and Poodle). She is 5 months old. She has the best personality. She is a real sweetheart, loves everyone and all other animals. She can be carried around or is happy walking around. She looks like a black Bichon. She is so cute. See her picture at left, on my 360 and at www.dogster.com/?449726. I think Bichon's and Bichon mixes are the best dogs; personality wise and really smart and easy to train.
2007-01-05 10:08:19 · answer #1 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't personally own one, but I've also done research and have friends with Bichons. They are people dogs! He'll want to be with you all the time, so if you hike, definitely plan on taking him. They're also big on play, so the energy level should be okay for an active family. Since they're usually under 10 lbs, a bag or pack could work. The grooming might be a chore, but a short puppy-cut could help on the trail. They're very happy, cheery dogs, a bit hard to potty train. Good luck with your choosing a small canine friend!
2007-01-05 16:30:55 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle F. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have owned several small dogs over the years. I had a
Bichon Friese. The one I had was a male. He was all white except for his nose and eyes. He cost over $1000 as a 6 week old puppy. Now, you are lucky if you can get one for less than $1200. Bichon's are very energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise. (They aren't quiet, cuddly, lap dog material.)
They are very high strung, nervous, and yippy. The one I had would yip loudly for no reason whatsoever. We never could get it to shut up for long. We took it to obedience classes and went through them 5 times. But, that didn't work.
We also had him neutered. That didn't work.
He didn't get along well with my other small dogs or my cats.
He became very aggressive with them. He never actually bit them, but he tried to a few times.
When my son showed up, he did not adjust well to the new baby.
He became very aggressive towards me, after he saw me changing, feeding, or playing with our son. Once, he even bit me.
After that, we took him to the vet and had him put to sleep.
Bichon's are beautiful animals but they aren't family dogs.
I'd suggest a Pekingese, instead. Still small, very cute, long hair,
but less high strung and more of a people dog.
My female Pekingese gets along great with my kids, other dogs, the cat, my birds, my sanke. She's spoiled rotten but she's the best pet I've ever had.
2007-01-05 16:49:18 · answer #3 · answered by txharleygirl1 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bichon's are WONDERFUL dogs. My ex had one and that dog was the most mild tempered dog. It never barked, never bit. It loved to sit on your lap and it was always so cuddly and loving and GREAT with kids. They also don't shed no matter how long their hair gets. I would definitely recommend that breed of dog. And as far as potty training is concerned, he was trained on potty papers and he learned very quickly....sigh now I miss Byron...damn break ups...the poor pets suffer too.
2007-01-05 16:36:18 · answer #4 · answered by thewhalehunter12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not know anything about that particular breed but I had a miniature doberman pincher and they are the best dogs. They are very loving. They love to be catered to. We just had to put ours down last week after 12 years and he wasn't just our pet ... he was my little brother, my ma's baby boy and my grandmothers grand dog. They are amazing!
2007-01-05 16:35:21 · answer #5 · answered by kayla ree 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one growing up, they are so sweet they can be little lap dogs and with a click of a leash attend hikes with the family. Great breed !
2007-01-05 16:30:19 · answer #6 · answered by crazypranks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we have one. she is laid back, sweet, gets along with our big dog and our older dog, and also the cat, and she is really outgoing and playful. though, for hiking and the other outdoor activities you and your family do, i'm not sure is a bichon is suitable. i'd look into beagles, schnauzers, or airedales.
2007-01-05 16:40:41 · answer #7 · answered by alexie. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bichon's are wonderful family dogs. I've had one myself and my family have them as well. (My entire family really aunt uncle mum etc) We just love them.
They have great hair (Made from wool) so doesn't shed etc. I would imagine it would love camping if that's what it's accustom to. They just want to please there owners. Would go anywhere with you aslng as you were happy.
2007-01-05 16:43:34 · answer #8 · answered by Venessa M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋