Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Does anyone own a bichon frise?

48 replies

Ilmb · 19/10/2018 14:33

If so I wondered if you’d kindly share with me your experiences of them in nature, life with one etc?

We hope to get a dog next year and have narrowed it down, have done my research but wanted some personal experiences?

Thank you

OP posts:
villainousbroodmare · 20/10/2018 00:31

Not to derail the thread but Kate123cl, your dog not being able to go out and pee during the day will almost definitely have been a factor in his developing urinary calculi. Is there any way to get around this now?

bertiecharles · 20/10/2018 07:56

We have one! Rescued at 6 months, he has loads of personality, wants to play all the time! Very bright, does all of the usual soggy tricks, plus throws stuff down the stairs for attention! Loves other dogs and doesn't know his size (probably about a foot tall!) less keen on humans, but he's working on that- it's a slow process, and we don't know how he was treated before he was ours.

He does have separation anxiety, I work from home too, so harder to train out of him. Also has some toilet training issues (we ended up hanging bells from the door, which he rings no issues should he want to chase cats and foxes, less interested in ringing them for going to the toilet)

They are fun, personable and rewarding little dogs, but can also be very stubborn!

Cozyblanket · 20/10/2018 09:18

I have a Bichon, he’s just 10 and is a lovely, well behaved dog. We found him easy to train and he never ever makes a mess in the house, in fact if it’s raining, it can be hours before he will go out. He’s gentle with children and loves other dogs.
As the earlier poster said, they do like to be with you whenever they can, he knows he has to be left and looks miserable but he is not destructive. We would have another Bichon in a heartbeat.

Original poster
Ilmb · 20/10/2018 09:20

Aw thanks for sharing everyone. I’m just so torn. We really want a dog, the kids have been very patient and understand it’s not a quick decision and that alt is thought has to go in it etc Bichons seem to have similar traits to dachshunds...

OP posts:
Original poster
Ilmb · 20/10/2018 09:22

Are there any specific health things I need to be aware of with Bichons? I’m aware or PRA and IVDD, I just wondered if there’s anything like that with Bichons? Also what sort of cost they are monthly roughly? I know I have to factor in a groomer..

OP posts:
bertiecharles · 20/10/2018 09:43

Health issues:
Allergies/skin issues we've been quite lucky so far- but know others who are not
Luxating patella- we don't have this but do have a "right leg weakness" which is currently being investigated!
I'm not sure if eyes go down as a health issue but some have lots of tear staining, mine only gets this now when he gets an eye infection.

There are some bichon Facebook groups which are interesting and you might get a broader view of health issues from there too.

Costs
Currently- insurance £35 per month
Food £40 a month (we pay a lot for food, and feed quite an expensive diet- we could pay less, but don't because, a) he's my baby! And b)we keep him on a grain free diet to keep his tear staining down)
Groomer £35 per 6-8 weeks
Vet vip scheme (covers a yearly blood test, microchip, vaccinations, 6 month health check, and 10% off treatment!) £15 a month

Plus his treats, toys, etc! Spent loads on harnesses when we first got him, along with crates, etc!

SheSparkles · 20/10/2018 10:54

I know mine is a cross, but we haven’t had any issues with separation anxiety, I don’t do it often but I can happily leave him for 4-5 hours and he’s fine, with no issues about toileting.
No skin issues so far either, although I know that can develop at any time
Can you tell he’s my favourite child? He never answers back and is always pleased to see me Grin

Kate123cl · 20/10/2018 12:50

@villainousbroodmare He's always weed in the house so not like he's held his bladder in and someone's always popped home to let him out at least once a day. But yes, I'll be starting maternity leave soon and then working very minimal part time hours so he'll VERY rarely be alone Smile

PinkPupZ · 20/10/2018 17:13

I have one she is amazing. I think many are in rescue like Many Tears as they are used a lot for so called designer breeds like poochon and cavachon.

Mine is only a pup but she is great for people with allergies and very social and friendly. I don't agree they are not clever. They are an intelligent breed. She's a typical pup boisterous and chewey.

Original poster
Ilmb · 20/10/2018 17:17

Yes it’s many years I was talking about. I didn’t realise that about the breeding, that’s really sad. I don’t want a puppy, which means re homing... but then I’m worried about getting one thats had ‘problems’ ie not been a pet or had trauma etc just in case it didn’t work out and I had to get it rehomed. Not that I’m saying I would give up of course not, I just mean me and the dc have been to hell and back the last couple of years so don’t want to bring anymore heartbreak into our lives if I can help it?

OP posts:
NicoAndTheNiners · 20/10/2018 17:22

I have a bichon/spaniel mix and she’s the best dog ever. Very chilled and laid back.

She’s 3yo and has never once asked to go outside. However she doesn’t have accidents, I just put her out at regular intervals. She can happily go all night without an accident. However it took nearly six months before she was accident free.

Original poster
Ilmb · 20/10/2018 18:01

Ah man now I’m confused. I thought I’d come on here and every one would put me off them!

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 20/10/2018 18:04

Contact the breed club for health info and details of reputable breeders. I’m going to guess the rescue you’ve seen quite a few in is Many Tears. They take ex puppy farmed dogs. There are a LOT of puppy farmers about and they hide it really well.

PinkPupZ · 20/10/2018 22:03

I know what you mean 're worried 're issues. We looked at MT first as my sister rescued one. But the criteria was too strict since we have younger children and no older dog (for company and it to learn from). My sister's one is bichon cross. She is v nervous and was locked in a shed for years. However she is gentle and lovely natured.

We decided to get a pup from a reputable breeder (difficult took us a while) and then we will rescue in a couple of years when kids are older and then we will have an older dog.

Worth trying other rescues too. There is a bichon rescue group and Facebook pages of the same.

GrimDamnFanjo · 21/10/2018 00:06

I live next door to one which has separation anxiety and will bark for hours :(

Original poster
Ilmb · 21/10/2018 07:30

That’s sad grin. Trouble is you have to live a life.... no dog could be with me 100% of the time... you can’t take it food shopping or to the cinema etc...so it would have to be left on it’s own at some point. How do peiple get around that?

OP posts:
Original poster
Ilmb · 21/10/2018 07:36

That’s also very sad wolfie. I didn’t realise they were one of the breeeda often puppy farmed. Can’t belive people still get away with puppy farming

OP posts:
Emelene · 21/10/2018 07:49

I grew up with a Bichon and have the fondest memories of my girl. Chilled, loving dog who was pretty food obsessed! Soft and lovely to stroke, patient with children. (She did get a bit cross with puppies / jumpy dogs in her older age, but this was after getting attacked by another dog).

I love Bichons. My parents have ended up getting a half Bichon half cavalier ("Cavachon") and he's mad! Much more spaniel like. I don't think I could get another Bichon but only because our first was so so lovely, I still miss her and don't feel I could ever replace her.

Comeandhaveago · 21/10/2018 07:56

They need a lot of grooming because of their curly hair too

Wolfiefan · 21/10/2018 08:05

When I was looking for my pup the figure I heard quoted was 8/10 pups sold in the UK are from puppy farms. No idea how they work out that number.
Whatever breed you go for please do go through the breed club. Do your HW. I’m afraid I assumed every breeder was dodgy until proven otherwise. Blush
Could you visit Discover Dogs at Crufts next year? Chance to see different breeds and ask questions.

Original poster
Ilmb · 21/10/2018 08:27

I know a groomer already so have factored that in if I do get one.

8/10!! I’d ether rehome then get a puppy. I’m not sure if I’m cut out for a puppy as I have no experience with one but Iv grown up around dogs.... a lot that are from rescues I guess you would hope to know their background from the rescue but at many tears they do all seem to have come from being breed and weren’t pets or even treated like pets. Again I don’t know if I’m cut out for a dog that has ‘issues’. I can’t think of the appropriate term. Mia treated maybe. I worry I couldn’t give one of those the best start or might mess up its psychology!

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 21/10/2018 08:31

I would contact the breed club. There may well be a breed specific rescue too.

llangennith · 21/10/2018 08:40

Although Bichons don't moult their hair still grows and curls so they need daily grooming and, even more important, they need clipping every 6-8 weeks.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page