Buying a Bichon Frise Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease
- full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases, particularly hereditary cataract, and other issues such as distichiasis)
- Distichiasis
- extra misplaced eyelashes that rub the eyeball
- Hereditary cataract
- opacity of the lens, causing impaired vision or blindness
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- Atopy
- (skin allergies)
- Cushing’s disease
- progressive hormonal disease, causing increased thirst and lethargy
- Dental problems
- more likely in small dogs with crowded teeth
- Ear infections
- more likely in dogs with long, hairy ears
- Luxating patella
- abnormal kneecap causing pain & lameness MVD (mitral valve disease) – leaking heart valve (usually only in old age)
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- None currently recommended
Other Tests
- Putnam scoring for patella luxation