This is written mainly for those who dream to have a Bichon Frisé as a show dog or who are about to give their breeder a promise to show their dog, but do not necessively have enough knowledge of what does it actually take to make a proper show Bichon. Also take a look at the dog show info (in finnish) from the link beside: all the necessary general data for a starter about how the dog shows run in Finland.

 

Dog shows are a fascinating hobby. And Bichon Frisé is (when properly taken care of) one of the best choises, if you consider having a show dog, thanks to the spectacular coat and self confident and happy nature. Bichon Frisé as a breed in Finland is nowadays of very high quality and to be truthful, today there are no realistic possibilities to do well in shows without certain seriousness and attention paid to at least minimum requirements to have a Bichon worth showing. For sure you can take your Bichon to a dog show just for fun and interest, without training or proper caretake of a coat or a proper show cut. But more than likely, all you take home is just a warm handshake from a judge.

 

Before you dream of success you need to be quite realistic and aware of the amount of work it takes with this particular breed. I am intoducing the main things to consider when thinking to have a show Bichon. These helps you to understand how you can increase the possibilities to have a successfull show Bichon. Still keep in mind that I am talking about the competition where judges make the winners and that "the beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

 

1. Get yourself informed enough of the world of dog shows and a Bichon Frisé as a show dog. Ask yourself, are you ready to actually do something to have a show dog. By itself it does not happen.

 

2. A good show dog is usually trained. It does not pull on a leash, is not afraid or angry and lets a judge touch itself all the way through. If both, a dog and a handler, are first timers, take part to your local canine club and attend to show training classes. This is a good way to learn if you are not familiar with dog shows yet. To succeed, the dog usually needs a capable handler as well. That you will learn only by doing so be realistic, do not dream of winning before you have trained yourself as well. Do not be afraid of getting also worse results in first times. It takes time to learn how to handle in a way you show the best parts of your dog and hide the less good ones. But this is learnable to everyone, and usually results get better together with handler´s and dog´s skills. You have all the chances to become a pro.

 

3. A Bichon Frisé competes also with its coat. To have a proper chance to succeed in dog shows, a coat actually needs to be in tip top condition. Too well you can not do. So do everything there is to be done to keep your dog´s coat at least in average shape ALL the time, not only for shows. For a show, you then have a chance to show your ultimate skills in preparing your dog´s coat. At a show day, there is not actually much to do, if the coat has earlier let in bad shape. So keep in mind, that show coat needs a constant caretake and no exceptions are to be allowed. For once you let the coat to get matted, it takes several months to be in proper show condition again. It is always easier to prevent mats than to concentrate in opening them. Listen to your breeder´s advices.

 

4. Take care of your show dog also by feeding it correctly. It is important to have a dog in right weight, not too fat or thin. Right kind of feeding also affects reducively on excess tear staining. Tear staining usually needs an extra care. Once again, breeder´s advice are worthy.

 

Now you know the main things what does it take to show Bichon Frisé successfully. If you feel you are willing and able to work for the success, you still need a dog quality enough.

 

5. Take care that you purchase your Bichon puppy from a well known breeder who has some proof of producing quality. In most cases, forget the sellers others than mentioned in the breed club´s breeder list. Breeders mentioned in the list usually have interests to keep their level at least high enough to get listed. Ask, ask and ask! Usually breeders who produce good show dogs, go to shows also themselves with their stock. If a breeder is not interested attending dog shows, you most likely will not get a quality dog enough from her. A breeder should be able to critically observe the good and bad sides of her dogs and also evaluate whether a puppy is promising enough or not.  If you are lucky and show the interest and ability enough, you will get yourself a promising puppy to start the hobby with. Still remember, no one can give quarantees how puppies will develop. A breeder and a puppy owner can only hope for the best and do everything that there is to be done to support the awaited development. Listen and follow the advice of your breeder!

 

It is almost artlike to show a Bichon. You can improve your  performance almost limitlessly. The more you do to help your dog to excel, the more rewarding this hobby is. But with a dog not good enough, succeeding is difficult (if not impossible), no matter what you do; and no matter how good dog you have, you are not going to get the good results, if you are not ready to make any effort.

 

Showing a Bichon Frisé is a hobby of quite an accurate and hardworking person. A certain amount of self-confidence and competitivness is good, but without an arrogance. You also need good nerves and sense of humour to "survive" long days and travelling without properly sleeping at previous night. And of course, it takes some money to show your dog. But still it is very popular hobby among our breed and I can warmly welcome you among us crazy ones:) It is a great feeling when your dog wins after all the work you did for it. What a good chance to be proud of your dog and yourself!