Showing posts with label Bichon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bichon. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

BICHON FRISE - Perfect Apartment Dog?

Deutsch: reinrassiger Bichon Frisé
Bichon Frisé (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Bichon Frise is a white powder puff of a dog with black eyes, eye rims and halos, lips, nose, and footpads. Known for less barking problems than other small dogs, the Bichon Frise is a charming dog as a pet but you need to adjust to certain life routines as this particular breed do need attention. Today the Bichon Frise is primarily a companion and show dog. An independent, affectionate, charming breed, the Bichon Frise is very social and is competitive and obedient.

Breed Characteristics
A cheerful attitude is the hallmark of the breed and one should settle for nothing less. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Bichon Frise as in any other breed, even though such faults may not be specifically mentioned in the standard. Any color in excess of 10% of the entire coat of a mature specimen is a fault and should be penalized, but the color of the accepted shadings should not be faulted in puppies. On March 5, 1933, the official standard of the breed, as written by Madam Abadie of Steren Vor Kennels, was adopted by the Societe Central Canine de France. The International Canine Federation recognizes the Bichon Frise "as a French-Belgian breed having the right to registration in the Book of Origins from all countries". When seeking a Bichon be sure to find a reputable breeder to get the best personality traits this breed has to offer. Another way to locate a quality breeder is to contact your local Bichon Frise club.

Puppies
Puppies are very fragile creatures and can easily break bones if they are dropped, kicked, or fallen on. Puppies commonly have the buff, apricot or cream color on their ears or head that will almost always fade to complete white. Puppies learn valuable lessons in the first eight weeks of life from their mothers that cannot be learned from anyone else or at any other time in life. As puppies, some Bichons have beige to apricot markings on the head or body, but this color usually fades during maturity. Talk to different breeders and ask them about their puppies and temperament of the dogs what care and needs are needed for their specific breed. Then check out dog rescue agencies, adoption dogs for sale and puppies for adoption as they would all make great pets. Pride and integrity are an integral part of raising great Bichons and placing beautiful puppies in qualified homes.

Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested to have been rated clear of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or by Penn HIP. Because of the Bichon Frise Puppies lively personality, they usually get along well with most other animals in the household. These puppies are best house-trained in a suitably sized dog crate; one that is big enough for an adult Bichon to stand and turn around freely.

Training
The Bichon Frise is an intelligent breed, but they typically are difficult to housetrain. Housetraining is not difficult provided you follow instructions and set aside some time to do it right. Crate training makes it much easier to house train the dog. The Bichon Frise dog can become spiteful and stubborn if he isn't treated with positive training methods and lots of love. Without having to spend a small fortune and without having to spend hours grooming and training. This personality-filled and intelligent companion will definitely require guidance and loving training to become an exceptional performer (no doubt, it's his/her nature) that also doubles as your best friend. Plus training your dog is not only for your benefit, but also for your Bichon Frise's happiness, health, safety, and overall well-being. Consistent, firm, caring and positive love is important in training your Bichon Frise. Basic obedience training should be commenced as early as possible to ensure that the Bichon develops into an enjoyable friend and is acceptable to society in general.



The right dog for you?
Though not much of a guard dog, the Bichon Frise is a more than respectable watchdog. The Bichon Frise is a companion that has been compared to a cloud, but not because he is a lightweight. The Bichon Frise is similar in size to many toys at 9-11" and finely built he is a merry little dog who is lively enough to enjoy playing with children but perhaps not one too well-suited for country rambles. The average lifespan of the Bichon Frise is about 14 years. The Bichon Frise is known as a friendly and playful dog that is rarely aggressive. The Bichon Frise is suited to anyone who wants a companion dog.



Friday, December 29, 2017

The Beauty Of CAVACHON Puppies

Alfie
Photo  by Bev Goodwin 
Few things make a home more welcoming that the addition of an animal who provides the right amount of companionship, love and other great comforts. Dogs, in particular, are very good at filling these needs since the different breeds are as diverse in lifestyle needs and personality characteristics as humans are. Some individuals may find that the Cavachon puppies offered by breeders in Kent, OH are the best match for them.

When searching for a dog to bring into the home, it is important to select one based on more than just their looks or their cuteness factor. One should take the time to understand the breed as adopting a pup means a commitment that lasts their lifetime. Choosing a canine type that fits the lifestyle of the household and the personalities of the humans within it will make the blending smooth and satisfying.

This particular breed is a hybrid between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. The combination of the two makes for an undeniably adorable physical result but they have many great traits that will be pleasing to many. By that same token, they may be lacking in certain characteristics that other individuals are seeking.

As far as size goes, they only grow to a maximum height of about 16" and 20lbs, which classifies them as small to medium. They can be white with spots of black, red or sable, or they may have a tortoiseshell mix of all three colors in one blotch. Though absolutely beautiful and classy, they are not purebred and therefore not recognized by the AKC.

The coats on these pups may either grow in loose curls like the Bichon, or in gentle, silky waves as those of the Spaniel. The shorter styles require no regular maintenance, however, the longer strands need to be brushed daily and should be trimmed by a professional groomer on a routine basis. Regardless of fur type, the dogs are virtually non-shedders and do not produce a noticeable amount of dander which makes them a favored option among individuals with allergies.

Affectionate, loving and gentle are just a few of the words commonly used to describe this breed. They tend to be naturally happy and cheerful and show an intelligence level that is beyond average. Aggression is not in their nature but they will growl or bark protectively if they think their family is threatened by strangers or odd noises.

Cavachons are deeply family oriented and love children, especially those who are gentle and considerate. Much like those little playmates, the pups also crave lots of attention and can exhibit unsavory behaviors when left home alone for hours or when they feel ignored. This can usually be avoided by having additional pets in the home or simply letting a radio or television play while the people are away.

Every creature has some sort of health issue and this breed is no different. They may be prone to skin conditions due to sensitivities, heart conditions, hip dysplasia and ear infections if not properly tended. Anyone considering adding one of these pups to their household should make sure they will easily fit into their existing lifestyle.

    About the Author: Iva Cannon



Saturday, November 25, 2017

BICHON FRISÉ - Dogs of the World

Bichon Frisé - Dogs of the World




Thursday, November 23, 2017

The BICHON FRISE - The Cotton Ball of Canines

Redhill Kitchen - Sept 2011 - Dad, You Can't Think I Did That
Photo  by gareth1953 New Profile 
The Bichon Frise is a small, solid white dog with the curly hair typical of a poodle. These little guys are appealing for many reasons, including the fact that they just look so cuddly.

As is the case with many breeds, the Bichon Frise saw a rise in popularity after a group of nobles became enamored with these dogs. In this case, it was the French nobility who used the dogs as companions, even going so far as to include the Bichon Frise in their social activities. It's believed that these dogs originated sometime in the 13th or 14th Century. They were quickly picked up by traders who saw the potential for profit from carrying these attractive little dogs to the rich in other countries.

Their natural intelligence combined with their small size has made them a favorite performing dog. They've traveled with any number of performing people, ranging from individuals who collected a few coins performing on street corners to the largest circuses. As a rule, the Bichon Frise will grow no larger than 10 to 12 pounds and some are much smaller.

Blanca, the Bichon of the Operator of this Site - Photo: Werner Cappel

Their small size has also made them a popular dog for people with very limited space. These little guys will play either indoors or out and you can often achieve sufficient exercise simply by playing games with them in the confines of your living room. They like to play with toys and will also get quite a lot of their exercise on their own. Some apartment dwellers have opted to box-train their Bichon Frise to eliminate the need for walking in inclement weather since these dogs can get the needed dose of activity inside.

As a rule, the Bichon Frise is solid white, though some variations occur and are generally acceptable. These dogs are never dark-colored but may range from a pure white to apricot or a very pale tan. Usually, they are solid colored with no color markings. Because of the close relationship to the Poodle, these dogs are often sought out by people who have allergies. Typically, the Poodle breeds - including the Bichon Frise - are non-shedding and may be tolerated by those with an allergy to most dog dander.



The intelligent eyes of the Bichon Frise seem almost to be questioning and the tail wagging is a sure sign of approval. Grooming is typically not an extensive task for the Bichon Frise. The coat consists of two separate layers. The under layers is much finer than the outer. For families, keeping the coat groomed to a fairly short length will ensure that the dog is easy to care for. One of the few routine tasks needed is cleaning the ears. Because these dogs have that "poodle-curl," the hair inside the ears tends to curl inward, causing potential problems. Plucking and cleaning should be performed routinely to keep the ear canal clean and clear of wax build up and infection.

Bichon Frise that are well-socialized love people and will quickly become happy members of almost any family. Their joyful nature makes them a sought-after pet, and their size and intelligence make them ideal for a show.



Tuesday, July 11, 2017

How To Choose The Right HAVANESE For You!

The sweet, playful expression of the Havanese has caught your eye. You are hooked by their fluffy fur and affection. You excitedly scope the classifieds and internet for a Havanese breeder. You can't wait to bring home a new puppy today!

Gizmo
Photo by Kirt Edblom 
Slow down. Take a moment and breath. Don't be too quick with your decision. It is optimal to find a Havanese that has the personality, physicality, and connection that is top notch. Therefore, it is beneficial to take the following factors into account before selecting your specific Havanese.

While purchasing a new dog can be emotional, do not let your emotions outweigh your practical side. You will have your dog for their entire life which can be close to 20 years with a Havanese. Therefore, you want to make sure that you find the Havanese that is going to fit in with your family and enjoy its new home. You must think about your dog's needs as well as your own.
Set a goal to make an informed decision when choosing your Havanese. The following are some of the issues you need to take into account when you are faced with several different sweet Havanese puppies to choose from.

The issues you should consider when searching for a Havanese include:

o Finding A High Quality Breeder
This is probably one of the most if not the most important considerations to make before you choose your Havanese Puppy. Choosing the wrong breeder may mean you either buy a puppy that is not Pure Havanese, or one which may not be as healthy as you would like and end up costing you enormous in Vet bills.

o Male Versus Female
This, for many remains a personal decision. Whether you prefer a Male or Female Havanese puppy is up to you and what you are looking for in a puppy.

o Age of the Havanese
There are many owners who for some reason or another no longer want their Havanese and give them up. This means there are many older Havanese dogs that are waiting for a new owner. You have a choice when you buy your Havanese. You can either choose to buy a puppy or rescue an older dog.

o Temperament / Personality
When you visit each Puppy you are trying to choose between, you will certainly notice that they each have their own personality. You will need to have an idea as to what temperament or personality you are looking for in your new puppy.


o Health of the Havanese
To save you expensive Vet bills and possibly heartache, it is important that the Havanese you choose is as healthy as can be. This also goes back to making sure you choose the right Havanese breeder.
These are practical issues that must be evaluated so as to avoid any troubling situations or unmet expectations in the future.

    By Fiona Kelly
    Fiona Kelly is a passionate Havanese owner that has uncovered exactly how to have the perfect, happy, healthy and best behaved Havanese.
    Article Source: EzineArticles



Saturday, July 1, 2017

HAVANESE DOGS - What to Expect

The Havanese dog is a breed that came back from a crisis in the last century to become a popular family pet today. This dog is especially popular in the United States, with some breeders still charging up to $1000 for a pup, despite the fact that the Havanese dog is becoming more readily available today.

Havanese Taimi

Bichon Havanese - Photo by Hemlit

The reason for their popularity is mainly in their personality: Havanese are fiercely loyal, eternally playful and consistently cute entertainers. This makes them a good choice as a family pet for many families, including those with children and other animals in the house. These dogs are also quite brave, despite their small size, and can make excellent watch dogs. One of the best things about this breed is the fact that they never seem to lose their zest for life that they have as puppies. You will rarely see a grumpy adult Havanese dog, but you are likely to see one that is always ready to play.

The Havanese dog is characterized by a submissive temperament that is intelligent and eager to please his master. Unfortunately for Havanese owners, this doesn’t always mean that these dogs housebreak quickly and easily. In fact, the opposite is often true, and Havanese tend to take longer to get through the process than other breeds. To assist in the process, some breeders are now recommending the use of a litter box that contains a hard, cylindrical paper pellet. This pellet can attract the dog to the box, encouraging the pup to use the box earlier and more often.

This has become a popular method of housebreaking a number of toy breeds, including the Havanese. Because this dog has a lot of energy, a fenced back yard will allow him a safe place to run and play. He will also want to spend plenty of time with his family, in play and cuddle time, so make sure you have the time to give him. A Havanese that does not receive sufficient attention from him family may become destructive.

If you are thinking about a new family pet, the Havanese dog can be a great choice for your family. With energy to spare and an intelligent, eager personality, you will find the Havanese to be fairly easy to train and plenty of fun to play with. This dog usually comes with a sweet, gentle temperament that makes him a loyal and loveable pet. However, don’t let his docile nature fool you, because a Havanese can also make a pretty fierce watch dog, at least with the amount of noise he can produce at the possibility of a stranger approaching.


These dogs are not afraid of much, and are always ready to protect their families. If you believe that a Havanese dog might be the right breed for your next family pet, your next step will be to find a responsible, reputable Havanese breeder that an offer you a puppy that will be healthy and bred in the proper way. You can also continue to research the Havanese breed and gather as much information as possible to assist in your selection and care of your new pup.


By Fiona Kelly
Article Source: EzineArticles


Thursday, June 8, 2017

COTON DE TULEAR - Canine of Royalty!

If you're in the market for the addition of a fury little canine buddy into your life, consider your quest fulfilled. The Coton de Tulear is what you're after.

Brief History
Coined as the Royal Dog of Madagascar by Dr. Robert Jay Russell, the Coton de Tulear is a relatively new and somewhat unknown breed, the first ones being brought to America in 1973. These social little critters developed on the island of Madagascar and still are today the island's national dog. The Coton de Tulear was the canine companion of choice for the Merina, or ruling tribe, in Madagascar, and they were the only ones with the privilege of having a Coton.

Deutsch: Hündin „Dhana“, Coton de Tular
 „Dhana“, Coton de Tular
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)

Appearance
Picture a miniature sheep dog - that's your Coton de Tulear if you let their fur grow out. But it's hardly accurate to call it fur, fluff is a better description. A cotton ball on short puffy legs! It is a hypoallergenic dog which simply means you won't be forever sweeping and vacuuming and picking up tuffs and clumps of hair around the house all day long - that's right, the fluff-ball doesn't shed. That fact alone brings a smile to my face. You also don't get that "doggie smell" with a Coton, which is a big plus for an inside dog, especially one who is allowed to sleep on the bed! My smile just faded to a disconsolate frown as the "sleeping on the bed" issue is a touchy topic between my wife and I... but you know what they say, "happy wife, happy life". So guess who will continue sleeping on the bed?

As far as colour is concerned, the Coton de Tulear come in only a few colour variations: white, white with light spots of brown, black and white, and black; although black is not an acceptable colour.

Temperament
The Coton is an affectionate little clown, both happy and inquisitive. They have an amiable personality, much like a lab, and become attached very quickly to their extended family. They are charmers and pleasers, love people, enjoy playing and are great with kids. These little fluff-al-uffal-gusses (I just coined that term!) love to rip around the yard in boisterous play and in the next instant curl up on your lap for a snooze. The Coton is an attention seeker and very sociable and does not fare so well if left on their own for long periods of time. They are very trainable, but have a fragile personality so you must be sure to incentivize the training with praise instead of punishment.

Health
The Coton de Tulear is, overall, a very healthy breed and has far less disorders than many other breeds, due in large to very little inbreeding. It has only been in recent years that the AKC (American Kennel Club) has recognized the Coton, thus allowing for the breed to remain relatively rare and, in turn, not enduring inbreeding on a large scale - inbreeding being the source of many health issues. The average life span of a Coton de Tulear is 16-21 years.

Size - As governed by the international Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Weight: The male Coton de Tulear should weigh between 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs) and the female 3.5-5 kg (8-11 lbs).
Height: The male should be 25-30 cm (10-12 inches), and the female 22-27 cm (8.5-10.5 inches).
By contrast, the Coton de Tulear Club of America standard specifies the weight as no more than 18 lb (8 kg) with the average being between 11-15 pounds. The standard height is 9 to 13 inches (33 cm), except for the rare Tall Coton, which is 14 to 16 inches (43 cm) high.

The Pros of Coton de Tulears:
Small but tough and sturdy. Doesn't have the feel of "breakable" like a toy breed.
Hypoallergenic - great breed for allergy sufferers.
Doesn't need lots of exercse.
Is social with people and other animals.



The Cons of Coton de Tulears:
Can be prone to "separation anxiety" if left alone for long periods... but hey, so am I!
May show shyness or be suspicious if not socialized enough.
Can sometimes be a challenge to housebreak.
Has a potential for excessive barking.

So, if you secretly consider yourself of noble decent and a fantasized heir to the throne, you would do well to introduce a Coton de Tulear - Canine of Royalty into your kingdom!

    By Dan B. Morgan
    I love to write... about anything and everything. Being the privileged owner of a Coton de Tulear, I thought I might write a brief history and description of this intriguing breed. I hope you have found this article both interesting and informative. Thanks for taking the time to read it.
    Article Source: EzineArticles


Monday, May 1, 2017

The HAVANESE Puppy – Where Did It All Start? Part 1

The Havanese puppy is a loveable dog that unknown to many is a member of the Bichon breed family.  What does Bichon mean?  “Bichon” is a French word that means “fleecy dog”.  The Bichon breed is often related to the Barbet.  The Barbet is the French name for a poodle like water spaniel that is thought to be an ancient ancestor of the current day Bichon breed varieties.

English: Havanese cd2
Havanese cd2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Of course there are several different types of Bichon dogs that include:  the Maltese, Bichon Frise, Bichon Bolognese, Lowchen, Coton de Tulear, and the Havanese.  These Bichon breed varieties have various geographic origins.  

Most of these breeds were around in ancient Greece.  When the Spanish Empire swept across the world in the 1500’s, so did the Bichon breeds as well.  The Bichon breeds were known to be perfect companions for long voyages on maritime ships.

Originally the Bichon breeds were developed in the Canary Islands, France, and as well as Cuba.  Now of these breeds can you guess which Bichon breed came from Cuba?  That’s right, it was the Havanese!

Like so many dog breeds the Havanese breed was named after the world famous seaport in Havana, Cuba.  It’s not surprising then that the Havanese is the national dog of Cuba.  In Cuba, the Havanese dogs  descended from a dog breed called “Blanquito de la Habana”!.

So what is the best way to describe the Havanese? The Havanese breed is a small, white fluffy dog that has a well defined face.  The Havanese breed is very affectionate, loyal and a special companion that just loves to sit on your lap.  They not only want your love and attention but they will give their admiration in return.  Their attentiveness paired with their beautiful coat and features made the Havanese a well sought after breed.

Although the aristocratic society of Cuba embraced the Havanese breed.by the turn of the century into the 1900’s brought a change in the interests of the social elite.  The upper crust of society no longer favored the Havanese breed!

Why did this happen?  Especially after 200 years how could such a high demand for the Havanese breed diminish?  We part of the reason is due to the influence of North America.  Prior to 1900, Cuba was dominated by European, and in particular Spanish, influences.  The Cubans as a result conducted the majority of their business with Spain.  Therefore this European influence created the prevalence of the European Bichon Frise lapdogs.



Around 1900 North America then began to conduct more business with Cuba.  As a result of this new business partnership it also introduced different types of dog breeds to the wealthy Cubans.  The wealthy Cubans soon wanted to be on par with North Americans regarding the latest trends and this included the current “it” dog breeds.

So this desire to keep up with the North American “Jones’” lead to the Havanese breed to be overlooked in the wealthy Cuban households as they searched for a new breed to adore.  This transition left the Havanese to become a house pet in common households.  In effect, the Havanese garnered a wider audience of admirers and owners.

Author: Fiona Kelly


Sunday, March 19, 2017

BICHON FRISE: Hot Spots


Photograph of a Bichon Frisé, wearing a collar...
Photograph of a Bichon Frisé -  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Hot spots” are surface skin infections caused when populataions of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance. They ae generally curcular patches that lose hair, can be swollen, in extreme cases may exude smelly pus, and can be painfully itchy causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of self mutilation. Untreated hot spots can spread and provoke a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when touched.

Dogs most susceptible to hot spots are those with heavy coats and histories of allergies, ear infections, fles infestations, iritated anal sacs and grooming problems such as hair tangles and mats. The most common location for hot spots is the legs, feet, flanks and rump. These localized infections can also appear on the ears, neck, and chest if the dog is continually scratching.

To treat hot spots trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the infection and expose the edges of the lesion. Wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic. Thjee are over-the-counter products to deter the dog from licking and chewing. The #1 product for most breeders and handlers is called “tea tree spray” or melaluca alternifolia. It is supposed to have healing qualities as well as discouraging the dg from biting or licking himself due to the bad taste.

I also use a product called Sulfodene which specifically for hot spots. I have had good results with this and it can be purchased almost anywhere that sells pet products. (Department stores, grocery stores, etc.) If treated early hot spots may disappear in day or two. Sulfodene is a good early treatment product. Or, medicated powder. Dust the spot several times a day to dry any moisture and soothe the itch. This can also be purchased over-the-counter.



Creams and ointments are not recommended because they can seal in the infection and hinder recobery. Although, a prescribed ointment may be necessary if the area becomes infected. At this stage the hot spot needs to checked bya veternarian for treatament. Some pet owners demand a quick fix for the problem and aren’t tolerent of vets who require return visits. Some vets will give you that quick fix by prescribing steroids for allergies. This quick fix is called “Prednisone”. However, you are setting your Bichon up for serious problems later in life if you do this repeatedly. If you use the Prednisone do so sparingly. Once or twice a month during allergy season followed by antihitamines. 

A steroid given over and over can affect the balance of cortisol in the dog resulting in a condition called “Cushings Syndrome”.

Author: Janet Combs

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

All About the BICHON FRISE

The Bichon Frise is a small dog that weighs between 10-20 lbs and stands only 23-30 cm. The dog's skull is slightly rounded and the tail is usually long and curly. The coat colors are solid white, grey or apricot. To make the hair even in length, it's recommended that you regularly trim it.

Blanca Photo: DAC
Temperament
The dog is said to have a merry and cheerful temperament. He is also gentle mannered, playful, affectionate, and playful. He loves human company; therefore, you should not chase him when he starts following you. The dog is also friendly to children and he tends to be very playful.

While he is very social, he can become very territorial if he is affiliated with a particular territory and encouraged by owners.

Caring for the dog
Proper care for the dog involves giving him the right foods, water, and exercises. Proper care also involves taking your dog for regular checkups. The most common diseases that affect the Bichon Frise are: cancer, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Training the dog
One of the best things about Bichon Frise dog is that he is very intelligent and obedient which makes him very easy to train. For ideal results, you should start training him while still a puppy. To potty train your puppy, you should let him sleep in a crate then when he wakes up you should let him outside to relieve himself.

When he urinates outside, you should reinforce the good behavior by playing with him. Before the dog sleeps, you should take him outside and let him relieve himself in the yard. Again, you should praise him when he does the right thing.



As he grows up, you should use the crate less and less. You should not feel guilty for using the crate. You should know that the crate can't harm the dog.

To make your dog comfortable, you should give him a lot of care and attention. To reduce the risk of aggressive and anxious behavior, you should start socializing him early enough. Here you should let him freely interact with the members of the family and other dogs.

The dog is known to be highly energetic which can result to destructive behavior if the energy is not reduced. To reduce the high energy you should take the dog for walks. To ensure that you are in control, you should always put a leash around your dog.



Friday, January 27, 2017

TEDDY BEAR Breed Information

Teddy Bear (Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise)

The Teddy Bear (Zuchon, Shichon) is a hybrid dog that is a result of a few different designer dog breeds. They can be the result of the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise, the Shih Tzu and the Poodle and the Bichon Frise and the Toy Poodle. In many cases the Teddy Bear breed can be a mix of all three of these breeds.
Size

zuchon shichon teddy bear puppy
Photo Flickr blsbee blue
The size of Teddy Bears will vary but generally the dog is rather small weighing in between 12 to 14 pounds and measuring no higher than 12 inches.

Coat and Color
All color variations of parent breeds are available in the Teddy Bear. Since they are multiple breeds mixed, sometimes more than just 2, they can come in so many different coat and color options all depending on the parents.

Grooming
This breed is a minimal shedding dog that has a very soft, fluffy coat that is reminiscent of the stuffed animal. This breed of dog needs frequent grooming in order to prevent their coat from becoming tangled. They need to be brushed daily and like all dogs they also need basic grooming such as brushing their teeth and trimming their nails on a regular basis.

Character and Temperament
They are a very people oriented dog that is extremely well mannered and friendly. The temperament of your Teddy Bear will depend on their breeding however they are typically affectionate and very playful. They are also extremely outgoing and very social and the get along with everyone especially children, other pets and dogs. They can grow very attached to their family and if left alone for too long can develop separation anxiety.

Training
Every combination of the parent breeds of the Teddy Bear is extremely intelligent so this means that they are extremely intelligent and eager to learn as well. They are people pleasing dogs so it is easy to train them as they do well on picking up commands and different tricks. However like other small dogs they can often be difficult to house train. A consistent routine can help them along with this.

Activity level
The Teddy Bear is not a very active dog so they need some kind of physical exercise either inside or outside to keep them in shape. They do need regular play on a daily basis but simple games and a daily walk will make a world of difference in behavior and energy level.



Friday, January 20, 2017

The Unique Characteristics Of The BICHON FRISE Breed

Bichons are a very popular dog breed to those who are allergy sufferers because they are one of many Hypoallergenic dogs. If you are interested in other dogs that are great for those who suffer with allergies, the following is a list of a number of Hypoallergenic dogs. This list is not exhaustive. However, you can easily research the many other Hypoallergenic breeds on the internet.

Non-Sporting Group
Non-Sporting Group (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1) The Schnauzer
2) Yorkshire Terrier
3) Bedlington Terrier
4) Shih Tzu
5) Basenji
6) Chinese Crested
7) Samoyed
8) Italian Greyhound
9) Poodle
10) Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

Your Bichon Frise is unique and has a personality all his or her own. Even so, just as there are general guidelines for taking care of a baby, here are a few basic similarities in this particular breed that most Bichons will exhibit:



  • They do not like to be left alone for long periods. A Bichon left alone for more than a few hours on a regular basis can develop separation anxiety, which could mean chewed shoes!


  • Bichons can be hard to house-break. Be sure to stock up on puppy pads, plenty of paper towels, and patience. A kennel can help, too.


  • They love attention. Expect to see those two sparkling eyes and nose up-close often. It's a good thing Bichon Frise dogs do not shed, or you would likely be covered in white hair.


  • They are watchdogs, and will be kind enough to alert you to any guests, mail men, paper boys, visiting squirrels, and unique cloud formations.


  • There is a lot of home grooming needed so your Bichon Frise looks, and feels velvety soft. If you are not able to brush his or her coat out once a day, it should be done at least twice a week. Otherwise, the coat will become matted and tangled. 


  • Professional grooming visits are highly suggested every four or five weeks. Consider it a spa day for your pup. 


  • Bichons can be stubborn, but they are known to respond very well to training; especially when treats are involved.


  • Your Bichon Frise is a lively entertainer. They love to learn new tricks and show them off. Consider taking the time to teach them a few and don't forget those treats!




  • If you are interested in purchasing a Bichon Frise, it is always best to purchase your Bichon from a reputable breeder. The American Kennel Club is a great resource for finding one. A lot of how your puppy responds to you depends on how they've been treated before they arrive in your home. No animal acts out without reason and Bichons are not any different. If they are withdrawn and/or edgy there is most certainly a reason why. The American Kennel Club has specific standards for breeders they recommend. Starting your breeder search at their website would be a great place to start in finding your Bichon or any other breed.