If you're planning to buy a purebred Bichon Frise puppy, make certain that the breeder you buy from is reputable.
Little white puffballs, a Bichon Frise puppy looks like an adorable stuffed toy. The name "Bichon Frise" means "fluffy white dog."
Originating in the Mediterranean, this breed has been around for a long time. Bichons have been a distinct breed since about 1400. They're descended from Water Spaniel and are related to the Maltese. The first Bichons in the US arrived in the 1950s, and the Bichon Frise Club of America was founded in 1964. The American Kennel Club officially recognized Bichons in 1973.
Bichons are non-shedding, odorless and are promoted to be the most non-allergic dog for people with allergies. This makes them an ideal inside housedog. Their thick and curly coats require regular grooming. Bichons are not low-maintenance dogs in that regard. Adult Bichons weigh from around 10-18 pounds.
If you're interested in obtaining a Bichon Frise puppy, do your homework and take your time. The Bichon Frise Club of America recommends prospective owners attend AKC-sanctioned dog shows in your area, and to meet with Bichon Frise breeders and exhibitors showing their dogs. Ask if they have puppies available or can refer you to other reputable breeders. The Bichon Frise Club of America's headquarters in Lewisville, North Carolina maintains breeder referral lists. You also need to decide whether you're interested in a pet or in a dog you plan to show. ("Show quality dogs" needs to match the AKC standards for their breeds as closely as possible.)
Stay away""far, far away from pet stores and so-called "puppy brokers." They usually get their dogs from "puppy mills," where they are indiscriminately bred. It's not unusual for pet stores to claim their pups come from reputable breeders, but don't believe it. Reputable breeders do not sell their dogs to pet stores. Optimally, you should visit the breeders and meet the dam [mother] of the puppy you're considering, and to confirm the quality of their operation.
Breeding purebred dogs is hard work, and reputable breeders do it for the love of dogs and of their breed""not to make a quick buck. Some of the qualities you should look for in a breeder are:
Takes responsible care of all of his or her dogs (breeding stock & puppies), and provides:
Sufficient companionship, affection, interaction & attention
Provides high-quality food and shelter for their animals
Provides quality veterinary care and all required immunizations and anti-parasite treatments. (Immunizes their sires (fathers), dams (mothers) and their offspring against: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Corona, and Rabies.)
Spends time socializing their pups.
Abides by their breed club's Code of Ethics.
Tests their breeding stock for any congenital diseases and genetic conditions, and only breeds healthy dogs with good temperaments.
They check you out! A reputable breeder won't sell to just anyone, but screens potential customers.
Will take back a puppy or dog that doesn't work out.
At any given time, there's not an overabundance of purebred Bichon Frise pups, so be patient and take the time to find the dog that's right for you and your family. The best breeders have waiting lists for their puppies.
