Instructions
Breeding a Bichon Frise
Get a complete health check for the dog you have considered breeding and the chosen mate. Bichons typically suffer from allergies and luxating patellas, poor knee joints that could require surgery. They may also suffer from primary ciliary dyskinesia, a hereditary autoimmune disease that affects the respiratory system.
Wait until the dog is at least 18 to 24 months before breeding, as your dog's true personality won't appear until then. Though bichons typically have a likable and tolerable personality, you should be sure you aren't breeding an aggressive dog.
Visit your veterinarian for progesterone tests to determine when is the approximate date for breeding. Many females board at the male's house for the two weeks they are most likely to breed. However, the female will let you know when she's ready by swinging her tail low while backing toward the male. She may get aggressive toward the male, if she is not yet ready.
Supervise all interactions between the two since the female may show aggression toward the male. When the female is inviting, hold her underneath her belly during the interaction to stabilize her and help the male copulate with ease. Don't pull the two apart. Allow them to separate on their own.
Prepare for the birth by making a sterilized whelping box where your dog can give birth and raise her puppies.
Visit your veterinarian. Since bichons are small, the female may need an emergency C-section during a difficult birth. You should communicate with your veterinarian during the pregnancy to determine if natural birth is even an option.
How to Breed a Bichon
Unlike many dogs who were bred to work, the bichon frise was bred to be a companion animal. This makes it a good choice for a family because, though it requires exercise and training, it can live a happy life living as a family pet without an additional job to do. However, breeding bichon frise dogs can be difficult, since they are small and may not be able to give birth naturally.