Getting a new dog can be exciting! A dog is a new addition to your family. You get to love and pamper your new pooch and have to take care of it responsibly. Once you have decided to get a dog, you need to decide which breed is right for you. This depends on various factors, such as your lifestyle and living space. Some dogs require regular exercise so having a yard is a good idea. Some breeds are not overly active and can also be kept in apartments.
In this article, I’ll discuss the answer to the question, “is a Bichon Frise is the right dog choice for you?”
The Bichon Frise is an attentive, loving and energetic breed. You can trace this happy go lucky breed’s origin to the Mediterranean islands. In fact, they are one of the sweetest and highly affectionate dog breeds. They are good family pets through the Bichon Frise might not be a great idea if you have young kids. They are medium-sized low maintenance dogs that have a medium activity level. They are cheerful, mischievous and enthusiastic companions. Bichon Frises adore their owners.
Whatever amount of love you give them, be prepared to get twice as much love back!
The Bichon Frise has a lifespan of 14 to 15 years and can weigh up to 12 to 18 lbs. This breed gets along well with other dogs, cats, older children and even seniors. They have a high intelligence level and outgoing temperament. They shed infrequently and don’t drool as much as other dog breeds. The Bichon Frise is a non-sporting breed with a short, curly coat. They usually come in white or cream color. They are easy to train and a good choice if you are a first-time pet owner.
Bichon Frises have an entertaining and quirky personality. They are alert and curious by nature and like to keep themselves busy. They are amazing family dogs but need to be supervised around children. As they are small in size, they can easily get hurt and may nip a child in the process. Generally, Bichon Frises love human companionship and love being on the go. They are also good with other pets if you have other dogs. They are a great choice for families with older children as well as elderly couples. As they are small in size, they are suited for apartment life.
The Bichon Frise breed also makes good watchdogs despite their small size. They are extremely alert and can bark pretty loudly. Your Bichon Frise will let you know if the neighbors have arrived or if when the mail has been delivered. You will probably need to train your dog when to bark and when to stay quiet so that it doesn’t bark excessively.
This breed has a gentle attitude and love to snuggle with their humans. They are also great performers and entertain everyone around them. Due to their sociable nature, they hate being left alone.
Generally, the Bichon Frise is a low maintenance dog breed. They don’t shed much and don’t drool much. They can easily be kept in an apartment but will need to be exercised regularly. If living in an apartment, take your Bichon to a nearby dog park where they can run around and play with other dogs. If you live in a house that has a yard, you can play games with your Bichon there, so they get daily exercise. Even though they are low maintenance, they do require a substantial amount of grooming. They need to be brushed at least a few times a week. They also need frequent haircuts and nail trimming. Also, make sure you brush your Bichon’s teeth at least a few days a week.
Enthusiastic and sociable, the Bichon Frises are quick learners. This enables them to be trained easily. They can quickly learn tricks and commands. This breed is also frequently seen participating in dog shows. Always use positive reinforcements to train your Bichon Frise. This will make them more receptive to you and learn faster. A firm yet gentle hand is required to train this intelligent yet mischievous breed.
As the Bichon Frise is a curious and adventurous breed, make sure you puppy proof your home before you get a Bichon. You should make sure to put all electrical chords and valuable items away from the dogs reach. Also, remove all plants that might be poisonous for the dog. As this breed is prone to chewing, discourage such behavior from the beginning. A good tip to puppy-proof your home is to bend down and examine the room from the Bichon’s eye level. If you spot anything dangerous that your dog can chew, remove it from there.
At times, the Bichon Frise breed can get nervous and snappy. Therefore, it’s important never to leave them alone with very young children. This breed also requires frequent attention from family and hates being alone. If they are left alone too much, they can show signs of separation anxiety, which is extremely unhealthy for dogs. Getting a Bichon means being extra attentive to grooming and brushing. This breed can develop painful skin conditions if they are not brushed regularly. You will also have to train your Bichon not to bark unnecessarily; otherwise, it can become bothersome.
Still wondering whether a Bichon Frise is the right dog choice for you? Consider all the points discussed above carefully. If you feel you can manage a Bichon Frise, then definitely go for it. These dogs and loving, adventurous and playful. They make perfect companions that you can carry in your arms.