This Is a Bichon Frise
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Bichon Frise dogs are often recommended for first-time owners, and they are certainly very cute and friendly dogs, who want to say hello to everybody. They are little fluffballs, often mistaken for poodles, and they have some poodle in their ancestry. Their muzzles aren't as pointy as a poodles, and they tend to be livelier. They usually get on very well with children, though since they are small dogs, children need to remember to be kind and gentle with them.
Other dogs seem to like Bichons, which is just as well, since Bichons like to go up to other dogs to greet them, and don't always hear their owners calling them back. Bichon Frises love walks, though they can be happy running round a garden, so long as they have human company. They do need regular grooming to avoid mats, though it's easier give them a short trim so that grooming is less necessary. Like poodles, they don't shed much, and are often recommended for people with allergies, though there is no guarantee that an allergic person will not be allergic to a Bichon Frise.
They sometimes get tear stains under their eyes, so a daily clean is a good idea. They can be barky, especially if they don't get enough exercise. Housetraining can be slow, and you may have to be patient and inventive, confining your pup to a small space until he or she is trained. Common health problems include eye trouble, flea allergies, kneecap (patella) problems and epilepsy, though they are generally healthy, long-lived little dogs.
This book is a classic, and gives full coverage of the breed. It might seem a little outdated for some people, but does convey the enjoyment of owning one of these dogs.
