When selecting a dog that is best for you and your family, consider the dog breed, the lineage of the puppy, the health and the temperament of the breed and the puppy you like.
Overall, your new puppy should appear to be healthy and strong, energetic but not hyperactive, loving and interested in you. Your new Bichon Frise puppy should not be clingy, yet she should be spirited, but trainable.
That sounds like a pretty big order, but if you break it down into bite sized segments, you’ll be able to choose your new Bichon Frise puppy wisely
If you adopt or purchase a puppy that is too timid, too aggressive, too active, or too sickly, you may end up taking your puppy to a shelter.
Keep in mind that nobody wins if you select the wrong puppy. Not you, not the puppy, and not the shelter…
Learn about Bichon Frise adoption here.
Tips on Selecting a Dog
Will your new Bichon puppy grow up to be a show dog or will she just be a family pet? Your answer will determine exactly what you should look for, in a new dog.
However, no matter what your plan is, you should look for some common traits…
- Breed – I’m assuming that you have done your homework and decided that the Bichon Frise dog is the best breed for your family. This is an important first step.
- Breeder – Even before you look at a single puppy, you’ll need to do some homework to check on the reputation of breeders that you are considering. Ask for the names of people who have purchased puppies from the breeder, and talk to them to see what their experience was like. Were they happy with their new puppy, and if not, did the breeder make things right?
- Health – You’ll want to choose a puppy in good health. Your inspection should determine some basics. A puppy’s eyes should be clear and free from tearing or discharge. The puppy’s eyes should be dark, with dark rims. Her gums should be pink, and her teeth should be pure white. Your puppy’s ears should be pink inside, should not have a foul odor and you should not see a brownish discharge coming from them. Her coat should feel soft, clean and untangled. Your new puppy should not have a cough or diarrhea, as either of these conditions could be a sign of serious illness. A good breeder will not object to your agreement being contingent upon a clean bill of health from your veterinarian.
- Your Puppy’s Mother – Ask to see the puppy’s mother. The mother will have many of the characteristics that your puppy will have when grown. If there are any obvious defects, you may be able to see them, as well. Your breeder should willingly let you meet the mother.
- Dog Personality – Bichon Frises are outgoing by nature. If you call a puppy who is playing with its brothers and sisters, you should end up with a lap full of puppies. Bichons naturally love people. If one puppy cowers, afraid in a corner, do not choose that one. Bichons should not be afraid of strangers, and this is abnormal behavior for a Bichon Frise. You might want to avoid the most aggressive puppy as well, as that pup could be difficult to train.
- Pedigree and Registration – Your breeder should provide you with a copy of papers for each of these. File these papers in a secure place, just in case you decide to show your puppy later, when she is older and more mature.
Your Reward is a Special Puppy
Selecting a dog is not difficult if you have done your homework. Just make sure that you keep things in perspective. First, make sure that you have chosen a good breeder. Next, make sure your puppy is healthy and that you are compatible.
Then and only then, should you let yourself fall in love with your new puppy! That way, you’ll choose wisely, and you’ll have many years together, with your healthy and happy dog.
Now it’s time for you to get ready to bring your new puppy home!
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