| They are naturally gentle and playful. They are | | | | This fact is the primary reason they are relinquished |
| generally gregarious with other animals, and usually | | | | into rescue groups. |
| also do well with children. They love activity and | | | | Since the popularity of the Bichon Frise has risen in |
| require regular exercise. Bichons are very much a | | | | recent years, there has been an increase in |
| companion dog and do not do well if left unattended | | | | commercial breeding in puppymills. These |
| for long periods of time. They have almost a | | | | mass-produced Bichons tend to not be well socialized |
| supernatural need to be with their people. | | | | and have poor temperaments. Most of this is |
| A Bichon has naturally curly hair like poodles. The coat | | | | attributed to poor breeding and the fact that most |
| must be white, but may have shadings of buff, | | | | are sold much earlier than the 10-12 weeks that a |
| cream or apricot. Any potential owner must commit | | | | reputable breeder will let puppies go to their new |
| time to grooming to maintain that that plush, | | | | homes. |
| cotton-ball-like look. They need to be bathed and | | | | Did you know that owning a dog can extend your |
| brushed at least once a week, with professional | | | | lifespan? Studies have shown that pet owners have |
| grooming and scissoring once a month. Because | | | | less stress, less cholesterol and lower blood pressure. |
| Bichons do not shed, they tend to be a good breed | | | | Many dog's are excellent protectors of there families |
| for allergy sufferers. | | | | and can act as a early warning system to intruders. |
| One of the biggest challenges with a Bichon Frise is | | | | Also if you walk your dog on a regular basis you will |
| that they can be notoriously difficult to housetrain. | | | | get good exercise as well. |