Instructions
Learn about bichon personality and grooming requirements to determine if they are a good match for you and your family. If you want a friendly, Velcro-type dog who loves attention and greets everyone who walks in the door, the bichon is a great choice. If you want a guard dog to protect the family silver, they won't do the job. Bichon frises have a non-allergenic coat that requires regular grooming, much like the poodle.
Read and understand the bichon frise standard as set by the Bichon Frise Club of America and the AKC (American Kennel Club). The bichon frise is between 9 1/2 and 11 1/2 inches tall at the shoulders. They are at least 90 percent white, with a fluffy, long coat. They are sweet, gentle, playful and affectionate dogs who love people and attention.
Decide if you can handle the possible health problems associated with the breed. A good breeder doing proper testing of the parent stock can circumvent these problems, but no tests make breeding 100 percent foolproof. Bichon frises are prone to skin allergies, bladder infections and stones, cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, various cancers, liver and spleen disorders, metabolic diseases like Cushing's, diabetes, or pancreatic problems, ear infections, gingivitis and early tooth loss, patellar luxation, disk degeneration, Legg-Calve-Perthes, and cardiac problems.
Find a reputable breeder. Buying a bichon frise from a puppy mill or backyard breeder invites long-term problems and increases the risk of potential health problems and faulty structure and temperament. You can find a breeder by searching the AKC website or looking for breeder referrals on the Bichon Frise Club of America website.
Talk to several breeders and let them know what you are looking for in a puppy. They will need to know what your desires are for the future. Do you want a puppy that will be able to show in the breed ring? Do you want to compete in agility, obedience, rally or flyball? Bichon frises are excellent at all of those sports, and getting involved in them strengthens the bonds between owner and dog. Be sure to tell the breeder if you just want a family companion. That's a wonderful task for any puppy, but it lets the breeder know that while you want a healthy, happy puppy, it doesn't have to be a perfect specimen, or have a high activity drive. The breeder who you feel the most comfortable with after talking will help you select the puppy with the right personality for your family.
Wait for puppies. Good breeders often have waiting lists and do not always have puppies, or pregnant females, but it is worth waiting for the right family member. Once puppies are born, visit as frequently as your time, location and the breeder's schedule allow. Some breeders restrict visitation to try to protect against illness, but any good breeder should be willing to let you see their home and the parents of the puppies, and spend time before deciding on the puppy of your choice.
Look at the puppy's parents. They should be good representatives of the breed physically and fit the proper temperament. Bichon frises are bouncy, happy and friendly. If the parents are aloof or shy, they are not well-socialized. If the breeder hasn't taken the time to make sure her own dogs are properly socialized, it's not likely she will do better for the puppies in her care.
Look for signs of each puppy's personality. Even though puppies will resemble their breed temperament and disposition, they will also have variations of their own within the given parameters. Avoid an overly shy or timid puppy. It may be cute, but timid puppies grow up to be scared and timid adults who don't adjust well to many situations. Look for a wagging tail. The "happy tail" is still one of the best temperament readings you will find on any dog.
Make noises by snapping your fingers, dropping keys or jumping around. Do the puppies remain happy, or recover quickly after startling, or do they slink and tuck their tails between their legs? Look for self-assured puppies that aren't afraid and adjust quickly.
How Do I Pick Out a Good Bichon Puppy?
Buying a bichon frise puppy is the start of a long-term commitment. The new addition to your family will likely be with you for over a decade, providing lots of fun and love along the way. It is wise to spend as much time as necessary to ensure you find the right puppy for you.