ABOUT BICHONS

Colors:

When you think of a Bichon Frise most people think of the solid white fluffy cloud.

While Bichons are mostly white as an adult, many have some shading of color that meet the AKC standard. 

Colors: White, White & Apricot, White & Buff, White & Cream. 

As puppies, these colors are much more noticeable. As your puppy grows from puppyhood into adulthood, you will notice the color fades becoming invisible or less visible. Typically this coloring will be most noticeable on the ears, but it can often be found on the top of the head and areas on the back. Any color in excess of 10% of the entire coat of a mature Bichon is a fault for show dogs, but color of the accepted shadings should not be faulted in puppies.

Size:

AKC standard for weight is roughly 12-18 lbs, height 9.5-11.5 inches. While Bichons can come in smaller and larger sizes, and weights. Show dogs height should not extend over 12 inches or under 9 inches.

Male VS Female:

Both male and female bichons are amazing. Personalities vary from puppy to puppy. In many cases males tend to be more cuddly and stay by your side, while females are a bit more independent. 

In our personal bichon experience, Males ask for attention more gently, by using their puppy dog eyes or gently pawing the air anytime you look their way. 

Females may be a bit more forceful when demanding attention such as rooting up your arm to get petted. When you stop petting, though, females are not afraid to hurt your feelings by getting up and laying by themselves. 

Females tend to be the more dominant than males. Females can have a stronger personality and could be a bit more stubborn. However, personalities can vary greatly. 

Grooming:

Bichons should be brushed at least two or three times a week, but every day is best. The Bichon is considered to be  hypoallergenic, as the breed sheds very little because the shed hair is caught up in the undercoat. That shed hair needs to be brushed out to prevent matting. Bichons hair continues to grow and will require cutting. Bichons will need grooming and trims every couple months, depending on your desired look more often may be necessary. 

​Chewing:

Bichons can be aggressive chewers especially when they are teething. Their adult teeth begin coming in around 4-6 months old, it can be closer to 1 year of age before all adult teeth are in.

​Spay/Neuter:

It is best to have your dog spayed or neuter at the appropriate age, roughly at 1 year of age. Small breed females go in heat twice a year. Their first heat typically starts around 6 – 8 months of age. Spay/Neuter can prevent marking of territory. Spay/Neuter prior to 10 months of age could have negative effects on your pet. We recommend spay/neuter between 10 months - 1 year of age.