Every Bichon Frise owner loves their pet, finds it completely adorable and believes it would make a wonderful show dog. Unfortunately, that is not all that is required. In order for you to show a Bichon Frise, your dog must meet the standards set by the American Kennel Club. If you find that your dog meets most of the AKC standards, there are reputable handlers that can evaluate your dog and let you know if it has show possibilities.
Some of the many standards a Bichon Frise must meet in order to show include a gentle mannered temperament. He or she should have an outgoing personality and a friendly, playful, cheerful, obedient attitude. The overall appearance is a balanced or proportioned look with sound movement. Your Bichon Frise should be a minimum of 9 1/2 inches tall and a maximum of less than twelve inches. All Bichon Frise are white but can have ten percent or less shadings of apricot, cream, or buff on the body or around the ears. Their eyes and halos are either very dark brown or black with a black nose and lips. Bichon have a scissors bite and they severely fault the dog for missing teeth. Their well-plumed tail curves over the Bichon Frises back gracefully. You can contact the American Kennel Club for a complete Breed Standard list for a Bichon Frise.
Even if your Bichon Frise meets all the physical standards to show, there is training that makes it easier on both you and your pet. Invest in a good quality crate. Crate training is necessary because your pet will spend time in it traveling, at the dog show site, in motels, and other places. Your dog should not only be comfortable in its crate but also quiet and settled. You must train your dog to eat in different places so he is comfortable when away at a dog show event. Always carry a copy of your dog's vaccination records including rabies.
Once you are at the dog show and have your Bichon Frise settled, give yourself time to not only pick up your armband but also find out such things as where the washrooms are. Purchase a catalog that tells you where to take your dog and the times so you will not be late at the ring. Part of the key to winning is having your dog well groomed, including bathing and brushing. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment such as a grooming table and brush kit. Also, wear comfortable, suitable shoes and clothing. Carry plastic bags and always clean up after your Bichon Frise at the dog shows and the motels you stay in when traveling to and from the shows. People should always clean up after their pets because the ones who do not, make it very difficult for all the conscientious pet owners.
It can be very exciting and a lot of fun showing your Bichon Frise as long as both you and your dog are prepared.
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