Appearance of the Italian-Bichon
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Slender, lean and compact best describe the Italian-Bichon's general appearance. These hybrids tend to have small but long, narrow faces, dark-brown eyes and ears that are mostly semi-floppy and thin. Their legs are long for a small dog, but are often straight and muscular. Their tails are long, smooth and sickle-shaped. Their coats can be a variety of colors, with markings such as apricot or red. They have sparse coats that are often shaggy or straight-looking. Their eyes are dark and express intelligence. |
Temperament of the Italian-Bichon
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The Italian-Bichon is a quiet, shy dog when meeting new people, but is rather cheerful, playful and affectionate when surrounded by family members. These gentle dogs make good pets and do well with other pets such as other dogs and cats. They can be okay with children who respect their personal space and aren't too clingy. For the most part, however, these dogs are not aggressive, but may simply become irritated if disturbed by young children. These perceptive dogs are easy to train and highly intelligent. Always pleasant to be around, they love to be pampered and always want to be where you are. |
Needs and activities of the Italian-Bichon
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The Italian-Bichon is a small, compact hybrid that can have bursts of energy throughout the day. These hybrids are best suited to temperate climates, but can do well in cooler climates if provided with a pet coat. The Italian-Bichon is a dog with average energy levels. They need to be walked at least 2-3 times a day for a minimum of 10-15 minutes each time. If your hybrid is young and more energetic, rolling it around for about 30 minutes should tire it out. These dogs are social and playful. To meet their energy needs, owners are advised to involve their dogs in play with toys and interaction with other dogs. These hybrids can become quite anxious and vicious if left alone for too long or if bored. Provide your pet with mental stimulation in the form of visits to dog parks, swimming and trick training. |
Maintenance of the Italian-Bichon
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The Italian-Bichon is very different from having the long, dense coat of the Bichon frise. They are generally seen with finer coats, sparsely distributed over their entire bodies. If these dogs inherit more of a Bichon Frise coat and appearance, they may be hypoallergenic. Their coats can be brushed with a soft bristle brush at least once every 2 weeks, as they are not really prone to matting but can trap a lot of dirt in their fur. Their teeth should be cleaned weekly, ears monitored and cleaned regularly, and nails trimmed if not worn. Bathing should be done as needed, but more often than not, owners can choose to simply use a damp cloth to wipe off their dog's dirt. |