Bichon Frise's.. my dream dog

[doglovertina]

I have asthma that is allergy induced among other things, and I am allergic to dogs. I have five of them... but I don't really get to be the dog lover I want to be. Sometimes I have to totally avoid them for weeks because of allergies and it's really frustrating not to get to play with them or even just give them a pat on the back.

Anyway, I did some research and found out the Bichon Frise produce very little dander and are therefore a good breed for asthma/allergy sufferers.

I also read though that, and I'm posting so that I can be corrected and get the right info... they can have nuerotic disorders as a result of their breeding, and that it was in fact, not uncommon.

So, does anyone here have a Bichon and do you have any advice for me in searching for a breeder? I honestly don't know if I could incorporate such a small dog into my pack of five right now anyway, but I'd like to learn a little more on the topic all the same.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Renee750il]

I don't know about the Bichon - Fritz could tell you a lot about them, though. Why don't you PM him?

Another breed that's recommended for those who are allergic is a Poodle. A Standard is big enough to hold its own with other larger dogs. Poodlesmom can tell you about her two.

[poodlesmom]

Renee is right - I have 2 standard poodles. They do not shed and for most people with allergies they don't cause a problem. Farley is 64 lbs & Chloe is 48 lbs. They are a very intelligent breed & a joy to train. My 2 get along with all dogs altho I would be hesitate to allow them free rein with a small breed off lead as I would be concerned of them being too rough & unintentionally hurting a little one. On-lead they are fine with the little ones and actually quite gentle, My 2 both play like boxers - using their front legs & feet alot. I keep both of mine in a short clip with no shaving - they get clipped approx every 8 wks. Their favorite things to do beside play w/each other or snuggle with me is to play fetch, swim or chase all the squirrels out of the yard. Chloe's favorite pals at obed. school are a huge german shepherd, a great pyrennes, a bernese mt. dog and a great dane - so you can be assured this breed can easily interact with the larger breeds. Farley's pals are a couple of black labs & a german shepherd.

[candy722]

I also heard yorkies don't shed. I think all dogs shed but theres a few breeds that just don't shed as much. hehe I also have allergies to dogs and cats but it's not so severe. Im only allergic to Toki when I blow dry his hair after his bath and also the perfume scent from the shampoo. I can't stand going inside grooming places and sometimes petsmart because I can smell doggy hair everywhere.

[Kelly blackwell]

Hi Tine...i would keep in mind ''house-trained bichon''is an oxymoron.

[Saje]

I'm sure that bichon lovers wouldn't be happy to hear that.


I don't know anything about the breed or neurological disorders. I'll see if I can find some info for you.

[Saje]

I found this link for you http://www.bichon.org/movement.htm

It says that there are only four cases so far. I think it's a good site since a .org and represents the breed.

Hope that helps

[Saje]

This might help with the house training issue.

http://www.bichonfrise.org/faq.html#housetrain