Size range:
Small: 10-20 inches; 15-30 pounds.

Kid-tolerance scale:
Excellent

Average lifespan:
15 years

Overall behavior of breed:
Affectionate, cheerful, gentle, sensitive, well-mannered, very playful, funny. They have been bred to jump; most can jump quite high.

Explain why this breed was good/not good with your kids:
These dogs are so lovable and so tolerant! They seem to express real emotion--a very good thing for kids! Our bichon seems to know when he's done wrong and displays signs that he feels bad, or he knows when someone is sad and just cuddles up or brings a toy to get some play going. Often Snowy will walk into the room where we're watching tv or doing something that to him doesn't look like fun and decide to change the mood. He'll go get a toy, and start teasing with it, until someone chases him. He's very smart! Bichons are small, they like to cuddle, they're smart and highly trainable. I can't think of a better dog breed to have with children!

Typical colors:
White. Some of them have a tad of tan in their coat, which is (I understand) not a desirable characteristic. Ours has some slight tan in his ears and we were able to get him at a considerably lower price because of that.

Does this breed shed?
No

Special grooming needs:
We have to take Snowy to the groomers every six weeks or so, and in the Boston area that costs around $35 a pop. It's like having an additional adult family member who needs a haircut every six weeks (price-wise).

Daily exercise requirements:
Snowy loves to run, jump, and play quite hard, but he also loves to cuddle up and take a nap. We walk him about a quarter mile three or four times a day. The rest of his exercise comes from his own instigation of games with us.

Other comments or suggestions
These dogs are sweet! I've never met a bichon that didn't truly have a sweet disposition.