New Member

Posts: 3
From:chapel hill, nc
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-29-2004 01:25 PM         

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hey guys!
so i am picking my first puppy ever! i am single, live in a spacious apartment and am in a masters program that allows me to be home more often than not. i will be workign fulltime in late 2005.

that said, i'm looking for a small, clean, quiet (no yipping) loving, cuddly dog. i've basically narrowed it down to 2 breeds - the bichon frise and a maltepoo. my first pick is th bichon, but i am concerned about their neediness (since, eventually, i will be working full time) and the special grooming. i understand that the maltepoo needs the grooming too (i grew up with a persian cat so i'm familiar with it) but i feel that they need less than the bichon... is this true? i need a quiet dog as well. whichever breed i get will be litter box trained. i'm very excited but want to make the very best decision. i've heard good and bad about both dogs and of course conflicting stuff as well so i know it comes down to how well of a puppy parent you are. any advice is greatly appreciated. i've found decent breeders of the bichon in north carolina, but only one lady who just sells the maltepoo pups when they are born and im worried that's too sketchy...
please help and thank you so much in advance for your advice
itmustbepuppylove

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Posts: 77
From:
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-29-2004 02:27 PM         

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Hi,

I'll just address the grooming question for you- yes, generally speaking, the cross will probably need less grooming than the bichon- in other words, the bichon will tend to mat up more quickly and easily. But coat type can vary with crosses, so you may just have to see. That said, it also depends upon the time you spend on its grooming at home, and how long you'd like to keep his/her coat. Some people just don't want to be bothered with any brushing at all- in a case like this, you should probably count on going to the groomer every 3 weeks for the bichon and maybe 4- 5 for the other. If you can keep them combed-out at home, you can definitely go for longer in between. And then again, you may decide you want to do all the grooming yourself. If you're living on a budget, I'd suggest looking into grooming costs. Good luck!

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Posts: 206
From:
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 02-29-2004 03:14 PM         

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Hi and WELCOME!

A few of my comments:

~Most Bichons are definite barkers, so that is something to consider if you don't want a yappy dog. Some people say that Bichons are not yappy, but from what I have personally experienced and heard from the majority of Bichon owners, they most assuredly are.

~Bichons are high maitenance, but *some* of the brushing time can be reduced if you choose to keep the coat at a shorter length as karma mentioned.

~Bichons thrive on human companionship and attention, and therefore most do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in this breed. That is also something to consider if you will be working full time.

~Karma is definitely right in what she said in regards to coat types in crosses. My two shih-poos are quite high maintenance. When I was keeping their coat long, I had to THOROUGHLY brush them out every other day. But, I got smart, and decided to keep their coat short. I still have to brush them out about 2-3 times a week, but I love the cut.

So, it does depend on their coat type, but brushing can be reduced if you decide to keep the coat at a shorter length.

~In summary, I have heard lots of positive things about both breeds, but there are many other factors to consider. I am glad to hear that you are doing your research though...kudos to you!!!

Good luck with your search!!!

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Posts: 275
From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 02-29-2004 05:22 PM         

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Poodles rock! =) You seem to like little white fluffy things so why not a toy or mini poodle? Keep in mind you can groom them however you like so they can look very very different from the poodles you see on tv =)

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Posts: 41
From:Killen, AL, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 02-29-2004 07:00 PM         

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I have no idea about Bichons, but I would just like to add that Maltipoos are quite yappy,also. At least mine is. If something moves--he'll let you know. If someone comes down the drive, he'll let you know. We are trying to correct this, hopefully he will get better. If you decide to get a Bichon, maybe you might consider getting it a companion-maybe another dog or cat. I have heard this helps. There is very good information about these and other breeds at www.dogbreedinfo.com, you can click on Breeder and maybe find breeders in your area. Oh yeah, Romeo has to have is hair cut about every two months, not that bad compared to other breeds, I think. Good luck, hope I helped.

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Posts: 41
From:Killen, AL, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 02-29-2004 07:27 PM         

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You know, I know that you said that you had narrowed you hunt down to the two breeds, but maybe those are not the best for you, I mean as far as a quite dog is concerned. Not trying to talk you out of it, they are both great breeds. I love my maltipoo, faults and all, plus Bichons are gorgeous! Love them too! I just was thinking, my mother-in-law has shih tzus and those are the quitest dogs that I have seen, as far as toy breeds go. Pretty cute too. Doesn't seem to mind being alone for periods of time, as long as she at least comes home on lunch breaks. Just a thought.

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Posts: 13
From:Deerfield, IL USA
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 03-05-2004 04:06 PM         

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I had a breeder disuade me from a Bichon because I was told they are not too bright and not as easier to train on the whole than poodle mixes. Of course, this is not a generalization about all Bichon's...just what I was told.

I bought a Shih-Poo who is delightful!!!! I keep his hair short in the spring and summer and longer in the winter. He is not a lap dog, but very sociable and wants to be with everyone!!! (Unfortunately, including the cats, who totally dislike him). He is smart and funny!!!!

Best of luck in whatever you decide!!!

Robin

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Posts: 177
From:Grant ,Alabama..USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-05-2004 04:18 PM         

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I am biased ,so I think the maltipoo is the best .Bichon poos are great babies too and so fluffy !

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Posts: 1179
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 03-13-2004 05:10 PM         

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I'm biased too. Poodles rule!!. For yipping. I think it really depends on how even tempered the parents were. My poodle is not yappy, but I've seen many a yappy poodle. Mine only barks if someone walks a dog down the street. And thats not too often.Now this is just what someone told me, that bichons can be hard to house train. I could be wrong. brush, lest you will have an ugly matted up dog.

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New Member

Posts: 6
From:Birmingham, Alabama
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-20-2004 08:45 AM         

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We have a maltepoo. He is a "model" puppy. He sleeps all night, he is not a yapper. He has the best disposition and personality. He is very playful. He gets along well with our other dog in this house (Rat Terrier). We have had him 3 weeks and I can't tell you anything negative about him.

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Posts: 3
From:chapel hill, nc
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 03-21-2004 04:31 PM         

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thanks so much! so now i've norrowed it down to a shih poo or the a maltepoo. my friend has a shih poo and he's pretty much PERFECT. he's as sweet and well behaved as can be and is very quiet. thanks for all of your advice. i've seen SOOO many good things on both the shih poo and the maltepoo so it probably won't matter. thanks so much everyone and i'll let you know when i get him!

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Posts: 34
From:Chicago, Illinois
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-21-2004 04:38 PM         

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[This message has been edited by Deb2950 (edited 03-21-2004).]

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Posts: 238
From:miami, fl, usa
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 03-21-2004 04:50 PM         

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bella is half shih tzu and half toy poodle.. when you get a mix you never know for sure how their coat will be..

a lot of members here with a shih poo say their babies have long coats like a shih tzu or a poodle would.. however, bellas coat never gets too long.. and luckily for me it doesn't matt very easily either..

either way.. let us know when you get your little fur baby and post pics

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Posts: 35
From:
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-21-2004 05:20 PM         

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In my opinion the Bichons are adorable but yappy. Of course maybe it's only the ones I know!!!!!

The maltipoos are sweeties but are a bit on the delicate side . Very fragile boned a teacup or small toy was used for the cross breeding.

Shih tzu's or Shih mixes are quite quite dogs from my opinion. To tell the truth I PREFER the staight haired kind and haven't had anytrouble grooming them .

Have you considered a Lhasapoo? I just love them and they are a bit more unique as not so many people have them. They do tend to have a bit harder hair to keep groomed though

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