Buying a pedigree Bichon
Frise puppy is not like buying a purse or pair of shoes. The purse may not go
with your favorite outfit and the shoes may pinch your toes; no problem, you can
return them for something else. This is not the care with a puppy. You cannot
return him for another if he does not suit you. And as sensitive as Bichon Frise
puppies are, throwing it back or pushing him aside because you are too busy can
inflict deep emotional scars. This is a breed that need as much affection and
attention as it gives. Puppies will need even more attention during those formative
weeks and months.
But you have thought this out, weighed the differences,
and decided that you and your family are ready for the responsibility of training
and raising a puppy. There is still more involved with buying a Bichon Frise puppy
than that pair of shoes. The search alone for “the one” could go on for weeks,
or months even. This is a decision that the entire family should be in on, as
a new puppy will affect everyone in the household.
Puppy Buying Pitfalls
The
biggest pitfall that most people fall into when buying a Bichon Frise puppy is
not being knowledgeable about the breed, and what they are doing. Their mistake
is ignorance, and it is what trips up more well-intentioned buyers than anything
else. They do not ask enough questions, or the right questions when looking for
a breeder. Or worse, they use a puppy broker or buy through a pet store. Despite
what the pet shop owner or manager will tell you, their puppies come from puppy
mills. The only way to absolutely know where your Bichon Frise puppy came from
is to deal directly with a breeder.
Not all breeders are the same. Just
because they are in the business does not necessarily mean they are looking for
the animals’ best interest. If you encounter a breeder that has sold and/or is
selling to pet shops, cross that name off your list and move on. A respectable
breeder selects whom he or she will consider selling one of their Bichon Frise
puppies to. They are very concerned and invested in where their puppies go. These
are the breeders you want to talk to and purchase from.
Make sure you have
read about the breed you are interested in. Bichon Frise puppies are absolutely
adorable, and absolutely need a good deal of attention and patience if they are
to become the happy, playful dogs you have certainly read and heard about. If
they are not cared for and handled properly, either by you or the breeder, you
could end up with a temperamental and snippy dog.
