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Frequently Asked Questions
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Created September 21, 1996 and updated as necessary. Copyright 1996 - 2003 by Janice Sheehy-Metz
Table of Contents
The preferred size range is 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches for dogs and bitches. However,
according to the AKC, dogs and bitches, 9 to 12 inches, are still considered in the
Standard. The AKC does not specify how much the dog should weigh. However, the normal
Bichon weight is approximately 10 to 18 pounds, depending on the size of the dog.
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 The Bichon Frise is a white dog. The contrast between the white coat and the black
nose, halos, eye rims, and etc. is what the ideal specimen is known for and should be
adhered to. There is some allowance made in the AKC
Standard for shadings in small
amounts. Puppies are often born with shadings of buff, cream, or apricot (see
this puppy's ears). However, these
shadings usually disappear by the time the dog is 12 months old.
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It is imperative
that the Bichon undergo regular grooming otherwise the coat mats. Since the Bichon does
not shed, mats are a serious concern, as they may result in skin sores, tearing and skin
disease. Heavily matted animals must be shaved to solve the problem. Grooming means a
thorough brushing at least once a week (and then you will find mats but they shouldn't be
too bad). Daily brushing is much better. If done on a daily basis, it will take
approximately 15 minutes. Pet cut Bichons will have a shorter coat and should go to the
groomer for a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks. Show cut Bichons, in full show coat, (the coat is
kept longer) should go to the groomer at least monthly or sooner. It is very important if
you maintain the Bichon in show coat to brush them on a daily basis. The cost for grooming
varies but the average cost is between $50 and $100. For a lot of the groomers, it will
depend on how many mats they find and how long it takes to get them out.
 Pet or show cut, Bichons
may need to be bathed in between grooming appointments. First, brush and comb them out
completely and remove any mats. If mats are left in, they are impossible to get out after
the coat gets wet. After the bath, you will need to blow dry while brushing the coat out.
The average time it takes to bathe and brush out a Bichon is 1 1/2 to 2 hours, if the dog
is in pet cut, much longer if the Bichon is in show coat. These times do not include the
time it takes to trim the nails (on a weekly basis) and pluck the hair from the ear.
Also, you should trim the hair covering the Bichon's pad. Never use a
clipper on their feet.
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Every Bichon is a pet, however,
some are show, too. In order for a Bichon to be show quality, the dog needs to match the
AKC Standard as closely as possible. If you answer yes to all of the following questions
(honestly), you should have your Bichon evaluated by a reputable handler for show
possibilities, if you are interested in showing your Bichon.
Temperament-Does your Bichon have a friendly and outgoing personality to
everyone, not just you?
Attitude-Does the Bichon have the "here I am, you gotta love me
attitude"?
Size-Is the Bichon 9 1/2 inches or more but less than l2 inches?
Color-Is the Bichon white with less than 10 percent shadings of cream or
buff? (Puppies are excluded from this test.)
Eyes-Does the Bichon have black/dark eyes?
Pigment-Does the dog have black lips, pads, and nose?
Bite-Does the Bichon have a scissors bite?
Halos-Does the dog have black or dark brown skin surrounding the eyes?
Proportions-Does the Bichon match the AKC Standard proportions?
Movement-This is very difficult to evaluate, it is best left to an
expert.
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Yes, the Bichon Frise Club of America was
founded in 1964. The corresponding secretary's address is: Joanne
Styles,
Corresponding Secretary, 32 Oak Street, Centereach, N.Y. 11720.
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Yes, there are local Bichon Frise Clubs across the United States. A full listing is
posted at: National & Local Bichon Frise Clubs in the United
States.
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The best way to find a quality Bichon Frise is to attend an American Kennel Club
sanctioned dog show in your area. You can find out about upcoming shows in your area from
the American Kennel Club Upcoming Events. Talk
to the Bichon Frise exhibitors at the show. Ask them if they have a litter or if they are
aware of any litters that will be available in the time frame you are looking for. Ask the
breeder if they have the CERF (eyes are tested on a yearly basis) and OFA (x-ray of the
hips done once after the dog is two years old) certificates for BOTH
parents. If the breeder does not test
their dogs, walk away. This is not what I would consider a reputable breeder.
Don't let the breeder get away with saying it isn't a problem in their line of
Bichons. How do they really know if they don't test their Bichons to see
if they do have a problem?
Another way to locate a quality breeder is to contact your local Bichon Frise club. There
is a full listing of all the local Bichon clubs and the National club,
please write to the club that is located near you. If there isn't a local club, contact
Bernice Richardson, Breeder Referral for the Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc.,
612 Hayes Dr, Twin Falls ID 83301-4129, Telephone Number (208) 734-6262. Ms.
Richardson will
be able to inform you of any breeders in your area.
I would be extremely careful of "Puppy Brokers". These people usually obtain
their puppies from puppy mills. Another source of puppies I would stay away from is pet
stores. Again, their source of puppies is usually puppy mills. I would be leery of anyone
willing to deliver a puppy to your doorstep. You should be able to see where the puppy was
born and raised and in what conditions. Also, you should always be able to see the mother of the puppy. I
would be concerned with the fact that the person is willing to deliver the puppy. This
could be because of poor conditions that the puppies were raised in that the breeder does
not want you to see.
There is not an overabundance of Bichon puppies. Do not expect to find the perfect puppy
quickly. It took me over a year to locate my first Bichon and over six months to locate my next
Bichon. You need to take your time and thoroughly check out the puppy, after all this
will be a member of your family for the next twelve to fifteen years. You want to make
sure you get a quality Bichon. Again, genetic testing of BOTH parents is very important. You do
not want to fall in love with your puppy only to find out he/she has a genetic problem
that testing could have determined.
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You must be consistent
and patient while house training a Bichon. They are very intelligent but Bichons are not
always cooperative with house training. House training can be difficult but not
impossible. House training works best if you confine the dog while you are not watching
them or else you will end up with numerous "accidents". Crate
training makes it much easier to house train the dog. The main rule to follow is keep
the dog confined to the room you are in and give them access, on a regular basis, to the
place where you want them to go. Bichons can be paper trained or trained to go outside.
Establish a routine and follow it. Bichons can even be trained to go on cue with patience
and consistency. Each time they do it where you want it done, praise them, which they
love. Bichons are not as easy to house train as some other breeds but it can be done.
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Staining to the face (under the eyes and around the muzzle) are of particular concern
to many Bichon owners because it detracts from an otherwise white coat. This is primarily
a cosmetic problem, however, tear stains may be due to eye problems, blocked tear ducts,
ingrown eyelashes, or other physical problems. A vet should see the dog to eliminate these
as a cause. Staining can be difficult to control and in most cases cannot be entirely
cleaned up. Some success has been seen with a change of diet or drinking bottled spring
water (NOT distilled water). Commercial eye washes and "tear stain remover" are on the market for
those who are particularly concerned. Most of them don't really work. You must remember all animals tear stain to a
degree. It is not harmful, just more noticeable in a white coated dog.
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Halos are the black or dark brown skin that surrounds the eyes. Proper skin coloring
around the eyes, accentuate the eyes and enhances the expression. A lack of skin pigment
gives the impression of a blank look instead of an expressive look.
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Yes, Bichons get along great with children as long as the children are well mannered
and not abusive to the dog. Bichons love to play with children as long as the children
remember they are playing with a living animal and are not too rough. Parents should
supervise younger children playing with the small dog to make sure the children do not
hurt the dog.
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Overall, yes Bichons do get along well with other pets. Of course, it will depend on the
personality of your other pet. We had a one year old male neutered cat in our household
when we added our first Bichon. My cat decided that he loved Bichons. Each
morning the cat washes a few of the dogs' faces and the Bichons return the
favor and wash his. He has his favorite Bichon but
overall he plays with all of them. Not all cats are going to be as great as my Nicky.
Supervise their play to begin with to make sure they get along. You would not want your
cat to scratch your new Bichon puppy.
I would be extremely careful if I was adding a Bichon to a household that has a large dog
for fear that the large dog would hurt the smaller Bichon. Supervision is required in the
beginning until you know for sure that the animals will play nicely together.
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No, Bichons do not have trouble bonding to new owners. The hallmark of the Bichon breed
is their temperament. They are friendly, loving, and great companion dogs. Bichons adjust
very quickly to new surroundings and people. They love to be the center of your attention.
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Bichons normally live from twelve to fifteen years or longer.
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