Finding a Bichon

Sue writes:

I do not have a Bichon yet. I would like one for company. I can't afford to pay and arm and leg for one so I have been looking into rescue programs.
However, my problem I have been encountering is dogs with health problems.
Maybe someone can help me find one that just wants a good home.

Jean replies:

Sue,

Most rescue Bichons are products of puppymills and were bought at the Pet Shop. That is why they have so many medical problems. This was a huge discussion on another thread.

Rescue Bichons also come with a price tag (usually a few hundred dollars) -- mostly you are paying for their care and upkeep so the fostering agency can pay their bills.

You could try a couple of things.

One is to ask a local vet if they know of any available or who to contact.

Another is to put your name on the SPCA waiting list specifying a Bichon and see if one comes up. Now, no guarantee that it is not a pet shop one, but maybe someone is moving or may have to give up their dog due to circumstances, you never know.

The third way is to look in the pet ads in the paper.

Make sure you ask where the dog came from, who the parents are, and are they on the premise, when you inquire. Some may be products of backyard breeders, people who buy dogs from the pet shop and breed them breeding in loads of problems.

It would be rare if you found one from a reputable breeder in any of these circumstances as a reputable breeder would take back their dog at any time.

Which is another way to go . . . find a reputable breeder who you feel you can have a relationship with (to ask questions), primarily one that shows. Ask if they have any dogs they have had to take back or if they have any older dogs (breeding stock, retired show) that they need homes for that you would be interested in giving a home to.

Breeders that show have a huge interest in keeping the breed standard quality and to the AKC description.

I will tell you right now, a good breeder may not like your circumstances of constant travelling. You will find that good breeders are very protective of their dogs and who they will sell to. Some even do home inspections. Just be prepared for this sort of attitude and don't be offended by it as it can be shocking at first but they do have the dog's interest at heart.

HTH