[Propaganda]

We are looking for a small breed of family dog.

I have read that while a Bichon Frise can be hard to toilet train, they are otherwise good family pets. We cannot offer a big dog the kind of life it deserves, so are looking at smaller breeds. My partner has no known allergies but does occasionally get a bit blocked up if we spend time with dogs that shed very fine, fluffy fur.

I understand poodles are often considered good for allergies, but that is one of the three breeds he has said he'd never own (including pomeranian and maltese).

Can you tell me what a bichon frise is like to own, or recommend other breeds and provide me some info on what they're generally like as pets. Known ailments would be really useful too.

[FiveAus]

Talk to Bichon Frise breeders. They are sweet little dogs, lots of grooming (non-shedding does not mean non-grooming, in fact it usually means lots of grooming), and I doubt they are any more difficult to toilet train than any other small breed. Gentleness, consistency and patience are the key with any pup.

Lagotto are another non-shedding breed, medium size, active dogs. Highly intelligent and very smart-looking.

[PopRocks]

They are lovely family friendly dogs but both my mil & sil's bichon's had knee problems which required major surgery and was very expensive. Both dogs came from reputable breeders in Vic but the knee issue is apparently very common with the breed. Definitely get pet insurance if you do get a bichon.

[gadfly271]

I grew up with a bichon that my mum used to show. She was a lovely dog and great with us kids. I'm don't remember the house-training process, but she was house-trained so it's definitely possible!

She did have a tendency to bark which we had to be strict about, but she did 'bark', not yap, and was a good guard dog, although she'd have licked someone to death if they actually got inside the house.

They do need more grooming than other breeds, but you can keep them in a closer clip, not show clip like we kept our dog. They also really like to be part of the family and probably wouldn't like being left alone for long periods or being kept outside.

Generally, she had a great personality and if I ever got a dog I would look at getting bichon from a reputable breeder.

[JKC81]

I have fallen in love with the Chinese crested hairless, easy to toilet train and are smart little dogs. Only downside that I know of is a lot of people think they are incredibly ugly lol

[FiveAus]

I have fallen in love with the Chinese crested hairless, easy to toilet train and are smart little dogs. Only downside that I know of is a lot of people think they are incredibly ugly lol

I thought they were kind of cute until I realised they aren't all that "hairless"........they have a fine fuzz of hair all over and they get shaved. Plus they get pimples and blackheads. They remind me of tiny ponies though.

[little lion]

Have you looked into lowchen or havanese? They aren't overly active and have low shedding coats (which means more grooming of course). Funny little personalities.

[JKC81]

I thought they were kind of cute until I realised they aren't all that "hairless"........they have a fine fuzz of hair all over and they get shaved. Plus they get pimples and blackheads. They remind me of tiny ponies though.

For a dog that's called a hairless, it takes me ages to shave it lol. But i think i might just need a lot more practise. I love their personality such great dogs