Is a Bichon Frise the right breed for me?

YellowOnions

Hi everyone,
I want to get a second dog. I already have a greyhound/lurcher who is a house pet though loves her two runs a day too. She is a little shy though so I was thinking of getting a second dog who would be more confident and friendly when meeting people. Think it would be a nice balance.

The Bichon really appeals to me- I have no problem with the amount of grooming involved and I realise they can be hard to toilet train. I like that they are a nice small, confident and non shedding dog and yet hardy enough to enjoy a good walk in the countryside. It also appeals to have a different breed with different characteristics, though I absolutely adore my greyhound.

My only worry is that I hear the Bichons don't do well alone and I work 4 days a week. My greyhound gets exercised before and after work and I always leave the radio on and different things to keep her busy such as kongs and chews. She certainly has no problem with this arrangement but I worry that a Bichon would.

Do you think if I got a Bichon puppy, that they would adapt and cope with my lifestyle? I'm trying to do as much research as possible so would really appreciate advice from any Bichon owners.

Thanks a million.

Mo60

I have two Bichons that I rehomed together - they are as different as chalk and cheese. The female is lazy and finds it too energetic to play, whereas the male is full of beans and runs around like a lunatic when in play mood. They are both affectionate in their own way, and I have had no problem with either when they have been left alone. I do not work full time but they have been left with my other three dogs for long periods if we have gone out for the day.

tk123

Maybe go for an older dog who has the confidence and other qualities you're looking for? What stands out to me (as the owner of a shy/nervous dog) is that you're assuming the pup will be confident? EG my dog is afraid of buses - a trainer told me I'd probably have to walk a pup separately for months to be sure he wouldn't take his lead from his big brother and be afraid of the same things. Getting a pup is important to me because my guy has joint issues - I'd want a well bred pup to minimise the chances of problems.

YellowOnions

Mo60 wrote: »

I have two Bichons that I rehomed together - they are as different as chalk and cheese. The female is lazy and finds it too energetic to play, whereas the male is full of beans and runs around like a lunatic when in play mood. They are both affectionate in their own way, and I have had no problem with either when they have been left alone. I do not work full time but they have been left with my other three dogs for long periods if we have gone out for the day.

Thats great to hear yours cope well when you have a long day out. I suppose the fact that the two dogs would keep each other company would help. I'd probably go for a bitch and if she turned out to be lazy like your little one, then that would suit my lazy greyhound too! Thanks for your reply

tk123 wrote: »

Maybe go for an older dog who has the confidence and other qualities you're looking for? What stands out to me (as the owner of a shy/nervous dog) is that you're assuming the pup will be confident? EG my dog is afraid of buses - a trainer told me I'd probably have to walk a pup separately for months to be sure he wouldn't take his lead from his big brother and be afraid of the same things. Getting a pup is important to me because my guy has joint issues - I'd want a well bred pup to minimise the chances of problems.

I'll certainly consider that. I suppose there are pros and cons to getting an older dog and to getting a puppy. I know every dog has their own little temperment but as a general rule, a Bichon would be a happy friendly breed. Some of my greyhounds calmness could be good for settling a new puppy in. My bitch is very good with pups but I'd certainly consider an adult Bichon if I found the right one. Thought a pup might adapt better to my lifestyle though. Thanks for your reply- the advice is much appreciated.

elen88

I have a bichon and it is an adorable little thing, she is energetic and loves to play, however she does not seem to be too fond of long walks (1 hour walks) there's been a few times she sat down on the pavement looking up at me or asked to be picked up

She was very well socialised as a pup and is very confident. She tries to get attention and a pet from everyone even strangers when we are out for a walk.

They demand a lot of love and affection and mine hates being left alone. I think once the bichon has a friend there she will be ok, probably will bond more with the greyhound than you thought.

The part about house training may well be true, she is four months now and still not house trained :S but gettting there! However they are very smart and quick to learn basic commands.

Hope that helps a little with your decision!

SillyMangoX

Sorry if I'm picking this up wrong elen88 but are you saying you bring a 4 month old pup on hour long walks? If so, no wonder she is looking to be picked up, that's way too long! Generally they should only be brought for 5 minutes per month of age so at 4 months should only be having a 20 minute walk a day so as not to damage growing joints. OP, I think you would be better looking for an adult who is already used to being left along for periods of time, to a pup it can seem like a lot longer. It could be done with a puppy and it's great that you have a second dog so they will be great company for each other, but puppies won't be able to hold their bladder for that long so you most likely will come home to accidents even if toilet training is going well because their bladders are so tiny when they are young and they haven't developed proper control yet. Just something to consider, but if you don't mind mopping puddles then I'm sure it could be done!

elen88

SillyMangoX thanks for the advice I had no clue she should only be going on walk for 20 minutes!!!!

SillyMangoX

No problem best way to wear them out at that age is mental games. Training is fantastic as well as other games like hide and seek (put her out of the room, you hide then someone lets her in to seek you) or putting a treat under a plastic cup, mixing it up with others and get her to find it. Just a few ideas!

elen88

We love playing hide and seek it's her favourtite game. I will definiely try the plastic cups it sounds like it will be great fun.
Thanks for that SillyMangoX! Will have to do some reading, there is so much to learn!!!

boomerang

Just a word of caution OP, if you hadn't thought about it yet: Regardless of the breeds involved, I would never leave a puppy home alone unattended with an adult dog. The puppy will appreciate the company of the older dog while you're out, but I would recommend crating one of them, for now.

YellowOnions

boomerang wrote: »

Just a word of caution OP, if you hadn't thought about it yet: Regardless of the breeds involved, I would never leave a puppy home alone unattended with an adult dog. The puppy will appreciate the company of the older dog while you're out, but I would recommend crating one of them, for now.

Thats a good suggestion, thanks. I have a huge crate that I used before for my greyhound so could use that with the pup. I'm sure it will be helpful in several ways. Thanks for the tip.

Magenta

I would also be very very careful with a small puppy near a greyhound due to the greyhound's prey drive and instinct to chase small moving animals. It's bred into them and can be very strong in some.

YellowOnions

My greyhound is great with all dogs and particulary good with pups, of all sizes. She gets on great with cats too.

boomerang

Your greyhound is a legend! Such tolerant dogs, too.

There is one other thing I'd say about the Bichon, but I'm sure it's already crossed your mind. They need professional grooming about every eight weeks to twelve weeks, which usually costs about €40. That's really going to mount up. If you like I can check with a friend of mine who has a Bichon and is bang-on about getting her groomed, just to see how often she takes her. But then, you've got a really low-maintenance dog in your greyhound, to balance things out.

Mo60

boomerang wrote: »

Your greyhound is a legend! Such tolerant dogs, too.

There is one other thing I'd say about the Bichon, but I'm sure it's already crossed your mind. They need professional grooming about every eight weeks to twelve weeks, which usually costs about €40. That's really going to mount up. If you like I can check with a friend of mine who has a Bichon and is bang-on about getting her groomed, just to see how often she takes her. But then, you've got a really low-maintenance dog in your greyhound, to balance things out.

Bichons do need grooming quite frequently, but I groom my two myself. Probably not to professional standard, but they after a few times I now manage to do a fairly good job.

ekevosu

YellowOnions wrote: »

Thats a good suggestion, thanks. I have a huge crate that I used before for my greyhound so could use that with the pup. I'm sure it will be helpful in several ways. Thanks for the tip.

The crate / house shouldn't be too big for the dog as they will feel more secure in a cosier one (enough room to stand, turn, grow). We had an indoor plastic toilet pad thing for our female bichon and she learnt after four days to go there and not the floor but we were there the entire time, praising her, watching her and the usual tricks. Very very smart dogs but seperation anxiety is an issue.

YellowOnions

boomerang wrote: »

Your greyhound is a legend! Such tolerant dogs, too.

There is one other thing I'd say about the Bichon, but I'm sure it's already crossed your mind. They need professional grooming about every eight weeks to twelve weeks, which usually costs about €40. That's really going to mount up. If you like I can check with a friend of mine who has a Bichon and is bang-on about getting her groomed, just to see how often she takes her. But then, you've got a really low-maintenance dog in your greyhound, to balance things out.

Thanks yeh she is a dote and such a great pet. Ive worked in a groomers so quite happy to groom her myself thankfully. You're dead right, they do need a lot of grooming

ekevosu wrote: »

The crate / house shouldn't be too big for the dog as they will feel more secure in a cosier one (enough room to stand, turn, grow). We had an indoor plastic toilet pad thing for our female bichon and she learnt after four days to go there and not the floor but we were there the entire time, praising her, watching her and the usual tricks. Very very smart dogs but seperation anxiety is an issue.

Well done you for positive consistant training. It really pays off. I'm still very cautious of the separation anxiety issue. More for the dogs sake than mine. Obviously having a dog with separation anxiety is a stress and an issue that has to be worked on by me, but I am more wary for the dog as I don't want to take on a pet that will struggle with my lifestyle.

Everyone here has been so helpful and informative. Thanks so much to all who contributed. Its very much appreciated. Going to mull it all over and I'll keep ye posted!

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!