Tell Me About Bichon Frise (dog)

[kilee]

So, a few days ago I posted that we were trying to adopt a rescue dog. The rescue group conducted the phone interview- and now they are trying to find someone to do the home visit.

Anyhow, they emailed me tonight and asked me to look at the "profile" of a shih tzu/bichon mix they have. Cute little guy- age, health, and all that fits perfect. I was looking for a Shih Tzu, Lhasa, or w/ one of these breeds. He's even in our state.

So, I'm wondering- what anyone can tell me about these little dogs from exp. I have the Shih Tzu knowledge- now I'm looking for info on Bichon's. I've only ever seen one Bichon and it was so hyper it couldn't sit still for anything. Is this typical- are they a more high strung dog (I've read Jack Russels can be hard to occupy- these aren't the same are they?) How is there shedding? A Shih Tzu is typically shed free, which I really like. The face on this one is all Shih Tzu even the hair-- but the body is all bichon- it does have shih tzu coloring though (because are not bichon's all white?). How is their temperment? How are they when they get older? Some breeds have a tendency to get nippy as they age (which the shih tzu does- so I guess that won't really matter).

I appreciate any insight. Thank you!!!!

 

[paigevz]

I don't know about temperament/activity level, but I am fairly sure I read they don't shed much, if at all. They are beautiful little dogs.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I babysit for a family who has a bichon frise. She's an absolutely adorable dog and I love her so much!!! She just loves to be with people. But must say she has been difficult to house-train, and still (at age 6) can have accidents. I noticed that bichon frises seem to be popular among families who want to keep their houses super clean at all times, since they don't shed.

I just love that dog!

 

[nuke]

I had a bichon. She was a great little dog. She was very loveable but also needed her space so she wasn't glued to us all the time.
We had no problem housebreaking her but I have heard of people that had that problem with Bichons. I don't know why because they are pretty smart little dogs. We were able to teach her all kinds of tricks and she would preform for cookies.
They don't shed but they do need regular grooming or their coat gets matted. You need to brush them at least every other day.
I wouldn't hesitate to get another Bichon.

 

[janette]

We have 2 Bichons. We got one as a puppy and the other as a senior from the pound. My youngest DD is allergic to dogs and they are one of the best breeds for anyone allergic. They don't shed at all but do need regular grooming.

They have a very sweet temperment. Very home bodies, our puppy has gotten out of the fence and come to the front door crying to get in. He's a little skittish around people he doesn't know but really just scared of them, he'll hide behind us and bark Neither is hyper at all, their favorite activity is sleeping. The younger one will play some and likes to run outside but when compared to other dogs we've had he's pretty calm. A perfect lap dog.

I think the mix you describe would be adorable, I love Bichon's faces and a little color wouldn't be a bad thing

 

[kilee]

Looks like it will be a non-shedder then. Since the shih tzu's don't shed either. This dog is 3 and according to it's foster mom- he's already 100% housetrained. So, that's a plus. As for grooming- not a problem because shih tzu's need to be groomed too. My dog is usually mostly shaved down- but the hair around his face, leg joints, and tail needs to be combed everyday otherwise it would mat really easy. Same thing when we grow it into the "puppy cut" style.

They thought he'd be a good fit for our family based on what I described w/ our family and current dog- so I'm going to ask for more info on him. Since it sounds like the breed has the qualities I would be looking for.

 

[POB14]

We have one and a half Bichons. (One was supposed to be a Bichon, but it's got to be at least part Havanese instead.) They are SO good with the kids, and not hyper at all (although they do need their play time). Our DD5 was 2 1/2 when she came home, and was terrified of the dogs at first, but within weeks thought they were the greatest thing in the world. DD6 was a baby when she came home, and her first word, I swear to you, was "Arf."

Adult Bichons are indeed all white; puppies have some apricot.

No shed, but grooming is a must.

 

[Jeafl]

We had a Bichon and had to get rid of her because she put me in the hospital. The breeder told us they were a non-allergic breed, which proved to be false. I had a severe asthma attack and ended up in the hospital for a week.

In any case, she was/is a great dog as far as temperament. My sister has her now, and neither one of us could ever totally housetrain her. She has had accidents all her life, and she is 11 now. Our neighbors had the same problem with theirs as well. However, some other friends got one and they had no issues housebreaking at all, so I think it is a crap shoot.

She has had a lot of medical issues over the years, and now has cancer in her digestive tract. The vet says she doesn't have long to live

They are great around kids though, and are very loving. Good luck!

 

[Bichon Barb]

Be afraid. Be very afraid. They are demanding little things that suck the life and love out of you.

No really--not a good breed if no one is home all day, because they are PEOPLE dogs. They think they are one of the kids. I can't work on my computer at home without one of the clammouring to get on my lap. As my husband says, our dogs don't sleep with us, we sleep with our dogs.

They are a lot sturdier than they look. They love to blitz and fetch and go on walks, and they love kids. Of course, there are always exceptions.

Be sure to find out of this dog is in rescue because of housebreaking problems. Bichons can be tough to housebreak. Also be aware that they need lots of brushing and grooming. Otherwise they mat up and need to be cut very short.

Good luck!

 

[Bichon Barb]

one more...

 

[PaulaSue]

My ILs have 2 and the one's eyes are always running/stained bad. They bark a lot which scares the girls but I think that may have to do with not being trained well enough.

Good Luck with your new little one!

 

[POB14]

Great pics, BichonBarb. (Good advice, too!) The one with the head on the kid's shoulder -- that is so Bichon!