The Bichon Frise, also known as the Bichon, is an incredibly gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate little dog who loves to be the center of attention. The Bichon likes to think it runs the household with it’s amazing sweet personality and will want to be at your heels or in your lap at all times. They are naturally gentle, sensitive, intelligent, playful and happy. They make excellent family pets; a great choice for families with small children on up to senior citizens. They get along well with other household pets and enjoy lots (and lots) of interaction and attention from their owners.
The Bichon is a fluffy little white dog that loves human company. Remember this is a breed of dog that was bred to site on your lap and look pretty. Being your companion and loving pet is what it does best. It is dedicated, intelligent, affectionate, bold and lively. This charming, gentle-natured dog is not yappy in any way, but they do make excellent watch dogs. It has a self assured happy temperament that is easy to live with. These bright, little dogs are easy to train, and just plain old love everyone. Because they are a small breed dog they are slower then larger breeders to housebreak. They are slow to mature therefore they are slower at picking up the housebreaking concept. But once they figure it out, they “get it!” They need people to be happy, and are happiest when pleasing their people. They love to do whatever their people are doing. They just adore their people. They are naturally social and are happiest when they are included in family activities. This social trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs and pets, and are excellent with children. They do not take harsh punishment well at all. If you show them what is expected of them they understand it. Remember they want to please their humans and are disappointed with themselves if they let you down. They thrive to make their people smile.
Because of the Bichon’s small size, it is ideal for apartment living, if it gets enough exercise. They are fairly active indoors, and will do okay without a yard. These are active little dogs that do well with a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs.
The Bichon needs rules to follow and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do. They do very well with a daily (pack) walk. Do not allow this little dog to develop (small dog syndrome) a human induced behavior where the dog feels he is the pack leader to humans. This can cause varying degrees of behavioral problems, including, but not limited to, obsessive barking, guarding, separation anxiety, snapping and even biting. These are NOT Bichon traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way the dog is treated. If you begin to be your Bichons pack leader, and are self-assured, calm, kind, and loving, but assertive toward the dog, the Bichon will be a very stable minded trustworthy dog.
The Bichon can live about 15 or more years. The color is white, but may have shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around the ears or on the body. This is especially common in puppies and most will outgrow it and become white as adult.
Choosing Male or Female
When choosing a Bichon as your pet and family companion, many people feel that one sex is better than another. Most people think a female is the better choice, when in actuality, both make satisfactory pets.
A neutered male “does not mark” inside or out, if he is neutered at the appropriate age; nor does he exhibit other undesirable “bad boy” characteristics many associate with male dogs. The male is more affectionate and willing to please it‘s owner, where as the females tend to be a bit more independent and bossy.
If this is your first Bichon, it probably won’t be your last. Bichon owners become loyal fanciers and seldom want another breed. Many say the only thing better than owning a Bichon, is owning two! (or more)
Please contact us when you are ready for a friend for life. Located in Clarksville VA ~ 1 hour north of Raleigh NC,
1 1/2 hrs. south of Richmond VA, 2 1/2 hrs. west of Virginia Beach Phone inquiries only ~ 434-374-2969
