Mini Bichon Frise

 No such thing as a "mini" bichon frise...anyone selling a bichon labeled as "mini" automatically should go down as an irresponsible breeder.  Many times, these "breeders" use runts to produce these "mini" dogs and it ends up causing TONS of health problems because the foundation dogs were not healthy to begin with.

Yeah that's what I thought do they have "toy" bichon? I have no idea fluffy white dogs not high on my list of interest hehe

It could be my mum has no idea and called them that?! But the worst thing is the breeder is a wife of a guy that my dad works with. This is the only real reason they are considering this pup they get first pick which is a bonus I s'pose. Basically my mum knows I am not happy about it but I have been told by my sister to be "supportive" so I guess I just need to find as much info as I can. Good or bad if I can get a decent list together of health issues etc I may be able to put them off

Likely a VERY expensive dog to vet -- any dog that has been produced for it's 'white coat' tends to have a TON of skin/allergy problems -- particularly if you are in a very warm climate.  At least over here there are lots of skin/allergy issues.  and everything that was said above about 'mini' -- there IS NO such thing and they're likely going to have all sorts of spinal/body type problems to boot.

Well, I have 2 bichons (yes, no such thing as a "mini" or "toy" bichon, it's just bichon frise).  They are 15-18lbs (ideally, if bred well).  Health problems are ALLERGIES/skin issues, luxating patellas (slipped knee caps), PRA (retinal detachment), bladder stones.  Look for a breeder who does OFA (hip/patellar certifications) and CERF (eye certifications). 

They are hard to housebreak, stubborn, not the easiest to train.  They require lots of brushing and combing, and monthly grooming. 

If you can get past all that... they are wonderful dogs!  My girls are both couch potatoes (retired show dogs, I bred/showed myself).  One really enjoys going for a walk. The other would rather stay at home.  They play together, which is very cute.  THey are my cuddlers at night (after I put the hu-kids to bed).  They are very patient with my kids, very eager to please me, not one ounce naughty (but that just might be the way our training worked, since I'm used to being "pack leader" with my very dominant minpin).

 Anyway, I adore both of mine. The world would be a different place w/out them in it.  They are wonderful sweet loving souls, that's for sure! They are not as cuddly as something like a poodle or shih tzu, because they are a bit hot natured.  They like to lay belly down on a cool tile floor rather than a fluffy blanket (mine like a fluffy blanket if it's winter and cool in the house).

They've had allergy (still do) issues, seasonal and environmental.  But then again, so do I.  I say, tell her to save up, go to the bichon frise club of america's website, find the breeder referral and get a nice one there. :)  Good luck!