Bichon Frise experiences

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Hi everyone! I'm looking to become a first time dog owner and have a few questions.

I've been doing some research and am currently leaning towards caring for purebred Bichon Frise. I'm wondering if people can offer some good and bad experiences with this breed. One person gave me an opinion that they are not easily trainable though many others have said otherwise. What they suggested, if I was set on a Bichon, is to get a cross between a Bichon and a Poodle as Poodles are highly trainable.

I want to get my dog at a breeder though, and I'm not sure, but do breeders never cross-breed? I do not want a dog from a pet store because I want to know where it came from and the history of it.

Also, if anybody can offer advice when choosing a gender either specifically for a Bichon Frise or otherwise.
Thank you!

[mafiaprincess]

With persistence, any breed should be trainable. Just some are more willing to please than others. I've known some great bichons. If you want one, get a bichon, not a cross, unless you are open to rescuing off petfinder.com.

You want a breeder who health tests, breeds to better the breed, shows, hopefully does other activities with their dogs.. a mixed breed breeder won't be doing that.

Research poodles, and bichons. Decide if a bichon is really what you want. If poodles sound good to you too, and you'd be happy with something in between both, there are many lovely dogs on petfinder for adoption. They are often in high demand, but you can go on waiting lists if you fill out the adoption forms.

Otherwise, start with the bichon club of america's breeder referral. Doesn't mean they are all great breeders, but it's a starting point.