advice on getting a bichon frise?

Question

im considering buying one of this dogs and was wondereing if anyone has any advice etc..
thank you

Answer 1

Be sure to do lots and lots of research, both on the breed and where you'll be getting it.
If you plan on buying one, go through the AKC and the National Breed Club and they can recommend a breeder to you.
If you plan on rescuing, try petfinder.com. They have a large database of rescue dogs available in your surrounding area.

Here are some links you can read up on:
http://www.bichon.org/
http://www.akc.org/breeds/bichon_frise/index.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bichonfrise.htm

Answer 2

hi i don't think you will go wrong getting a bichon, they are such sweet dogs, but they like loads of love an attentions, they dont like being left for hours, so if you work and are away for a long time in the day and the dog is going to be left on its own then a bichon is not a good idea, they love company they are a bit lazy when it comes to toilet training, but you will get there they dont like getting they little feet wet, but love to go for walks, dont feed them from the table. as its not good for them, give the dog factor 4 goats milk once a day about half a pint as it is realy good for them, keep the ears clean at all times, and there coat well brushed, but when you go to get a bichon make sure that the pup is KC reg, or can be and ask the breeder for the kc reg of both parents, and call the kennel club and check it out by giveing them both numbers they will then tell you that they are both kc reg, that way you will know that all is ok i have 3 bichons and i wouldnt be without them, im a kc reg breeder of bichon frise.

Answer 3

A friend of mine owns one, and I've been grooming him for 2 years. They are great dogs, very funny and loving. They can be difficult to housebreak and train, as they are intelligent and stubborn. They require a serious grooming committment though; daily brushing and combing is an absolute MUST, nails and ears must be done weekly, and professional clipping is required every 4-6 weeks (which can cost up to $50 or more depending on your area). They must be fed premium foods as they are very prone to allergies.

If you have the time and money to care for one properly, they will be the most loving companions you could ask for. But if time or money is an issue, you might want to consider a lower maintenance breed.

Answer 4

My great-grandmother had a Bichon mix and she gave her food from the table and no dog food. She got really fat and one of her kidney stones went to the wrong place in her body and had to put her down. So if you want to get one don't feed it anything but dog food.

If you like to brush your dog a lot then you might want to consider a Bichon.

Answer 5

these are great dogs they get attached to their owner and want to be on their lap all the time.they have a lot of energy that's how we got ours the lady that owned her just couldn't handle her they get the zoom's and just run all over the house but no real bad habits.you will need to keep up on dental hygiene like most small dogs.

Answer 6

Just wanted to back up what Anwen55 said (I'm doing a lot of that lately!!).

If you want a responsible breeder or rescue, use Anwen's links.

Good luck.

Answer 7

http://www.bichonfriserescue.co.uk/bichoncare.htm
Only buy a KC Registered puppy from a reputable breeder - far too many are in the hands of puppy farmers
http://www.bichonfriseclubofgb.info/

Answer 8

Well I don't know, but I know a good website which may be able to help you, I've used it myself a couple of times:

http://www.givemeahand.co.nr/

They advise you on pretty much anything.

Hope this helps!

Answer 9

My daughter is always bathing hers it is white!! It barks a lot, is lovely company, it is very small and quite a lapdog!

Answer 10

have had several purebreds
they are 10 times more expensive to own than mutts

and our cockapoos were adorable
and just needed shots each year and heartworm medicine

my next dog will be a mutt!