- How big will the dog get?
Bichons can range from 8 pounds (very small) to 20 pounds (very large). Our Bichons tend to be on the smaller size from 10 to 15 pounds, with the females being smaller than the males. We do not believe in breeding “toy/teacup/mini” dogs as they are much more prone to structural and genetic problems.
- How old will he be before he acts like an adult dog?
Most of our dogs act like a puppy until around 18 to 24 months of age. They will be goofy and require more patience during this time with training. However, consistent rules and gentle handling during this time will reward you with a great companion for the next 12 to 14 years of your dog’s life.
- How protective will the dog be?
Most Bichons will bark a little at strangers who are around your home, but I would not expect any actual protection from your little fluff ball. If barking bothers you, visit with me about how to discourage excessive talking. Most Bichons readily go to strangers and instantly consider them friends.
- How often will the dog need to be groomed?
Bichons have a gorgeous, thick, white, curly coat. As puppies it has a tendency to mat more easily and will need to be brushed daily to every other day. Once your dog grows in his adult coat, less frequent brushing will be required. Brushing and grooming your dog is a great bonding experience and should be pleasant for both of you, keeping the coat in good condition will help keep it beautiful as well as low stress for everyone. Bichons need a hair cut every 4 to 6 weeks to keep it looking great. How often you bathe your dog depends on your preferences. I bathe mine every 1 to 2 weeks. Professional grooming is recommended or I provide private grooming lessons if desired.
- How does he get along with other animals and children?
Your dog has been socialized to many types of animals and all ages of children. He should get along great with everyone. Use caution when introducing him to other household pets so that it is a positive experience for everyone. Go slow and offer many treats to both pets so nobody becomes jealous. Make sure children are gentle with your puppy and are supervised at all times. Puppies will nip and scratch when excited, so teach your child to gently place the puppy on the floor and walk away if he needs a time out to calm back down.
- How long can he be left alone at home?
As a puppy, your dog should not be left alone for more than 4 hours, once an adult 6 to 8 hours is possible, but your dog will need to be able to relieve himself at least that often to prevent house soiling and loss of house training. Dogs left for long periods of time (and dogs that never-ever get left alone) will probably develop separation anxiety. Crate training should be continued throughout your puppy’s early age.
- How much exercise does the dog need?
Most Bichons will enjoy a walk or two each day, but they are not high energy dogs. My adult dogs get along well with a romp around the yard and some “Bichon Buzz” playtime inside each day.
- What are the best training methods for this dog?
Bichons (and most all breeds of dogs) do best with gentle, consistent training. It is better to always reward good behavior and avoid or discourage bad behavior right from the start. Never physically punish your puppy by hitting or shaking, it will make your puppy fearful and does little to prevent the behavior in the future. Correct your dog by saying “not that—do this” followed by lots of praise. Your puppy wants to please you! Give him the opportunity to choose the right! Enrolling in a puppy class is excellent socialization and will give you more tools to shape those positive behaviors.
- What possible health problems might this dog develop?
We work hard to prevent most health problems by utilizing good breeding practices. We do not breed any dog that has a known problem. Bichons are “designed” to be free from structural exaggerations that could cause health problems. They are a well-built dog. (That is why, as a vet, I really like them.) However, as a breed in general, Bichons can be prone to allergies, bladder crystals and stones, and luxating patellas (bad knees). Prevention is the key to having a long-lived, healthy friend, regardless of breed. Visiting your veterinarian for regular examinations, vaccinations and health screenings, feeding your dog a high quality food, keeping him free of parasites, providing plenty of water and opportunity for potty breaks, and keeping your dog trim will go a long way in preventing/lessening many of these problems. If your dog develops a problem, please let us know so we can keep track of any hidden problems in our breeding lines.
