Looking for a puppy

smokey

smokey

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Hi, I don't usually post here, but looking for a bit of dog advice. We lost our lab last year, and I swore I'd not get another dog. However, I miss having her so much, I'm beginning to think again. Don't want another lab, as she couldn't be replaced.
Am thinking small dog this time, in particular a Bichon Frize. Anyone here got one? Can you give an idea of what they are like as family dogs?
Thanks in advance.
 
A friend of mine had one. Pretty little dog and full of fun but you have to be serious about the grooming/bathing etc.
 
Not my sort of thing the only ones I know have had some serious health issues and bitten everything in sight but they were not good examples of the breed. Have you tried running through the Kennel Clubs 'Buying A Dog' ? It gives some ideas on potential breeds that will suit you and your lifestyle, how to choose a good breeder (and they are worth their weight in gold). If you have time and you fancy a jolly to London you could also go to the Discover Dogs event in November http://www.discoverdogs.org.uk/ you get to wonder around all the different breeds in all the groups, can talk to the owner/breeders and make yourself a decent list of potentials for you to research.

The other alternative is a rescue they aren't all waste of spaces some are fabulous dogs that have lost their homes through no fault of their own, lots of people losing their homes, having babies and binning the older dog or and this is awful puppies, yes lots and lots of perfectly good puppies because too many people are breeding and not enough are buying them. Or are buying them then chucking them out. Lots of breed rescues, RSCPAs, Dogs Trust etc all brimming with dogs waiting for a new home.

Whatever you decide good luck :D
 
We had Bichon frise in the family for 25 years.
They are a breed much loved by puppy farmers but a well bred one is a delight if you can cope with the coat.

Try the breed rescue for honest information and although they don't cover Scotland they may be able to send you along to meet reputable breeders.
The breed clubs have puppy buying guides and please note that the Kennel Club assured breeders scheme is no guarantee of quality - just that minimum standards are attained.
 
s4sugar said:
We had Bichon frise in the family for 25 years.
They are a breed much loved by puppy farmers but a well bred one is a delight if you can cope with the coat.

Try the breed rescue for honest information and although they don't cover Scotland they may be able to send you along to meet reputable breeders.
The breed clubs have puppy buying guides and please note that the Kennel Club assured breeders scheme is no guarantee of quality - just that minimum standards are attained.
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second that about the Assured Breeder Scheme, great point! it sounds great but the reality is that its really only a basic level of care which most decent breeders will excel anyway, all the breeds have different criteria its not a one size fits all so its very hit and miss with regard to health testing. And the Breed Club member badge could be ANY breed Club and there are good and bad it doesn't have to be a Breed Club for that breed so its misleading. Lots of the members haven't actually been checked by their area reps either so they are only going by whats been submitted on the paperwork.
 
Thanks for the sensible advice guys. Will go and do a bit of research before making a decision. Made more difficult by the fact that my daughter has just picked a new lab pup today and picks him up in 2 weeks. I know I'm going to see him and want one!
Nothing is set in stone, and I may decide to leave it for a while.
 
Yes, the HHO paid-for classifieds :)

Smokey as mentioned, pick a good breeder, they are one of the dogs-du-jour for a lot of puppy farmers.

Put manners on early, they are great, feisty little dogs but without manners can be unholy terrors, we're plagued by a pack of three of them where we walk and could happily give them a flying lesson into next week - if it was the other way round and my dog running up to, barking and latching on to them, it would not be quite so funny or cute!
 
And yet the little lad in my street is adorable. I don't think his owner is strict, she clearly loves him but treats him like a dog and doesn't fuss madly. He holds his own against big bad Bear who thinks every dog wants to play roughly and just tootles round after his owner like an angel. Must ask her where she got him.
 
CaveCanem said:
Oh I do think they are fab little dogs - but I think as you say, they need to be treated like dogs, not little pixie frou frou teddies, gives so many small dogs all sorts of issues.
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Indeed. A friend came to visit me at the yard today carrying a tiny rescue chi. It had a massive padded coat on, was not put on the ground at all and had on a diamanté collar. With a pink flexi lead :eek: (I did mention that flexi leads are maybe not brilliant) When she left, a similar chi came on the yard, racing ahead of her owner, sniffing, happy as anything. I hope my mate treats the dog as such!
 
CaveCanem said:
Oh I do think they are fab little dogs - but I think as you say, they need to be treated like dogs, not little pixie frou frou teddies, gives so many small dogs all sorts of issues.
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Trust me, there is no chance any animal of mine will ever be treated like a toy to dress up! :D. I feel sorry for all these poor wee things, wrapped up like a baby and never let down to run about.
Mind you, all our animals are a bit not quite right in the head, so it may not act like a dog anyway! :D:D
 
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