The Bichon Frise is believed to descend from the Barbet Water Spaniel and Poodle, with the breed's history dating back to around the 13th century. They were bred to be companion dogs and later became popular as circus performers and companions to street entertainers during the 19th century. Today, they continue to excel as loving family pets and are also successful show dogs.

The Bichon Frise is a small breed that, when groomed in the traditional Bichon style, has a distinctive round appearance. Their small ears are hidden beneath a soft, dense double coat that is most commonly pure white, although cream, apricot and buff markings are accepted in some breed standards, particularly in puppies.

The breed is considered low shedding. Their coat produces very little loose hair, which may make them more suitable for some allergy sufferers.
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Grooming is a significant commitment for Bichon owners. They require professional grooming approximately every four to six weeks, along with regular brushing at home to prevent mats. Their eyes also need frequent cleaning to help reduce tear staining and keep the area free from build-up.

The Bichon Frise is generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 14 to 15 years, although many live beyond this with excellent care.

Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain inherited conditions, including eye disorders, skin allergies, ear infections, epilepsy and luxating patellas. Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding dogs can significantly reduce the risk of many inherited conditions.

Don't let their small size fool you. The Bichon Frise is an energetic little dog that benefits from a daily walk and regular playtime.
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A structured daily walk provides valuable opportunities to explore, sniff and enjoy both mental and physical enrichment. Without enough exercise and stimulation, they can become bored and develop unwanted behaviours. Thanks to their adaptable nature, they are well suited to apartment or townhouse living, provided their daily exercise needs are met. They are also happy to play indoors and do not necessarily require a large backyard.

The Bichon Frise has always been bred for one purpose: companionship. Being close to their family is what they love most.

They are affectionate, gentle, entertaining and highly intelligent. Their eagerness to please makes them responsive to positive training, which should begin from a young age to help build confidence and prevent unwanted behaviours.

Bichons thrive in busy households where they can spend plenty of time with their people. They are naturally social dogs, so early exposure to different people, places and other animals helps them grow into happy, confident and well-balanced companions.
As with many small breeds, it's important not to baby a Bichon Frise. Doing so can contribute to Little Dog Syndrome, where a dog believes they are in charge of the household. This may lead to behaviours such as excessive barking, guarding, anxiety and snapping. Consistent training, clear boundaries and positive leadership help them become polite, well-mannered family members.

We get it. If you would love to open your home to an Assistance Dog in training but cannot commit on a full-time basis, volunteering can feel out of reach.

That is exactly why Assistance Dogs Australia offers its Weekend Care Program, giving volunteers the chance to support a dog in training while fitting the responsiblity around their lifestyle. 

The program allows volunteers to welcome a dog into their home from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, giving the dog valuable time in a loving home environment while they continue their Advanced Training Program during the week.
For volunteers, it is a wonderful way to experience the joy of having an Assistance Dog in training at home, while playing an important role in their development, socialisation and wellbeing.

Samantha, one of Assistance Dogs Australia’s Weekend Care Volunteers, knows this feeling well. She loves the opportunity to spend her weekends with a beautiful assistance dog, while helping support the incredible work these dogs go on to do for Australians living with disability.
Hear from her below; 

To learn more about Assistance Dogs Australia, their volunteer options and other ways you can support the amazing work they dog, visit their website here!

The key to avoiding jealousy or sudden behavioural issues from your dog when your new baby arrives is to make all the changes that you possibly can well in advance. If you wait until the baby arrives to start moving furniture, or to stop your dog from being allowed on the couch or bed, they will see these changes as happening only because the baby is here, and this can lead to serious issues.
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If you are going to be moving furniture around, bringing new items into the home, changing the place your dog sleeps, or limiting access to certain areas, introduce these changes as soon as you can. This will give your dog time to adjust to the new routine well before the baby arrives.

Preparing your dog for a new baby includes involving them as much as possible. As new items come into the home for your baby, allow your dog to explore them. Let them sniff and inspect the new items.

If you will be allowing your dog in the spaces where your baby will be, teach them how you want them to behave around the baby’s items. For example, teach them that jumping on the cot or bassinet is not allowed, and remember to always reward them positively for their good behaviour.
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When the baby is born, but before you arrive home, allow your dog time to sniff a piece of clothing or a blanket that has the baby’s smell on it. Keep this introduction calm and reward your dog for their good behaviour at this time to create a positive initial interaction before the physical meeting.

As much as we don’t want it to be the case, when a new baby joins our family, the time and attention we once had for other things, including our dogs, becomes less…. especially in the first few weeks of a new-born’s life. You may not be able to go out on as many walks as you used to, and you may be sleeping more frequently (when you can).
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Start to gradually wind back some time with your dog now so they are comfortable with being alone or not right next to you like they used to be. You can introduce new toys and enrichment activities (like puzzle feeders) to help keep their mind busy and occupied for when your hands are full.

Use the time leading up to your baby’s arrival to ensure your dog has their basic training skills down pat. Make sure your dog understands basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘leave it’, and ‘go to your place’. This will help at times when you may have your hands full or if you need to give a command from a distance away. Remember to always display calm and confident leadership skills to ensure your dog trusts and respects your commands.

When the baby does arrive, be sure to set clear boundaries with your dog. If there is a space in the home that is their space (like a crate or dog bed), make sure it is available to them at all times. Also, be clear about spaces or areas they are not allowed in.

​If you will be using a pram for your baby, set it up and start using it on your walks prior to the baby’s arrival. Preparing your dog for a new baby involves more than just their home environment; to ensure you are able to safely still walk your dog with the baby in the pram, you need to make sure your dog is comfortable walking alongside the pram before the baby is in there.

As much as we may trust our dogs, a new baby in their space with their family is a very new and potentially confusing situation for any dog. Your dog should never be left unattended with a baby.

This is never to suggest that your dog is dangerous, but they may react or behave in a way that is unintentionally harmful to a baby or small child. For example:

• If your dog is a lap dog and is used to sitting on other people within the home, they may try to sit on a baby in the same way.
• A baby can also be very grabby with their hands and may accidentally grab or pinch your dog, who may react instinctively in a way that can harm a baby.
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To avoid any negative situations, you should never leave your baby and dog unsupervised at any time.

As your baby grows, and also as other children may come into your home, it’s important to always practice safe behaviours and handling of dogs. Be sure that children are aware of how to approach any dog respectfully and to never grab or pull at any part of their body.
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Training both humans and dogs alike ensures a much safer and happier environment for everyone.

The Miniature Pinscher is alert, courageous, and deeply devoted to its family. Naturally wary of strangers, they make excellent watchdogs despite their small size.

It is essential that Min Pins are raised with clear boundaries and consistent rules from a young age. Without proper guidance, they can develop "little dog syndrome", becoming overly protective, reactive, or difficult to manage. When provided with calm, confident leadership, they are eager to learn and enjoy pleasing their owners.​

Well-socialised Miniature Pinschers can be wonderful with children and other animals. A happy and confident Min Pin is an affectionate family member that loves attention and enjoys spending time with its pack.

Despite their small stature, Miniature Pinschers are active dogs that require daily exercise. They enjoy walks, games, and opportunities to run, sniff, and explore. ​
Provided their exercise needs are met, they can adapt well to apartment living and smaller homes, even without a backyard. 

Miniature Pinschers are intelligent and love to show off their abilities. They often excel in agility, obedience, rally, and other canine sports.
​Training should be positive, consistent, and engaging. Their quick minds and eagerness to learn make them highly capable when given the right guidance.

The Miniature Pinscher has a short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to maintain. However, this coat provides little protection from cold weather, making the breed sensitive to lower temperatures.

During colder months, jumpers and coats can help keep them comfortable, and they generally do not enjoy spending long periods outdoors in cold conditions.
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Brushing a few times each week with a firm bristle brush or grooming mitt will help remove loose hair and keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. Baths are only required when needed.
The Miniature Pinscher is considered a low to moderate shedder.

The Miniature Pinscher is generally a hardy breed and can enjoy a long lifespan, often living between 12 and 16 years.

While generally healthy, some Miniature Pinschers can be prone to conditions such as patella luxation and certain eye disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups and responsible breeding practices help support their overall health and wellbeing.

Females can grow up to 28cm and weigh up to 4kg.
Males can grow up to 30cm and weigh up to 5kg. 

The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany and is believed to have been developed from breeds including the German Pinscher, Dachshund, and Italian Greyhound.

Although often mistaken for a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher is a distinct breed with its own history. In fact, the breed existed before the Doberman was developed.
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Originally bred as a ratter, the Miniature Pinscher's job was to control rat populations on farms and around homes.

The Miniature Pinscher is an ideal companion for people seeking a loyal, affectionate, and entertaining dog. They thrive with owners who can provide structure, leadership, daily exercise, and plenty of companionship.
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For those willing to invest time in training and socialisation, the Min Pin offers endless devotion, plenty of personality, and a lifetime of love and cuddles.

If you are researching how to get an Assistance Dog, the first step is ensuring the person seeking support has the correct paperwork confirming their diagnosis and receives a referral from their healthcare provider.
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Through advice from your healthcare provider or organisations such as the NDIS and DVA, you can begin researching which organisation may train a dog best suited to your specific needs.

Another important part of understanding how to get an Assistance Dog is learning about the approval and matching process.

Once you are approved through the organisation that can provide a dog best suited to your needs, you will either be paired with a suitable dog or complete a training program before being placed with one.

To be able to freely access public places together, both you and your new Assistance Dog need to be recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This requires you to pass a formal Public Access Test, which will be organised through the organisation providing your dog.
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This assessment ensures that your dog is safe, calm, and well behaved in public spaces while supporting you. 

If you would like more information on how to get an Assistance Dog, speak with your healthcare provider or reach out to one of the organisations that train and provide dogs in the specific area of support you are seeking.

Learning how to get an Assistance Dog can feel overwhelming at first, but the right organisation and support network can help guide you through every step of the journey.

The right Assistance Dog can truly change lives, providing greater independence, confidence, companionship, and daily support for those who need it most.
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Don’t forget, if you love the work of Assistance Dogs, every group survives on support and donations, so be sure to check out their websites above to see how your time could make a huge difference in supporting the amazing work these groups do! 

There are four stages in the life cycle of a strand of fur in a dog’s coat.

1. Growth (Anagen)
This is the active growth stage where hair grows from the follicle. Depending on the breed, this process can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years.

2. Resting (Telogen)
At this stage, the hair has stopped growing but remains attached to the follicle in a dormant state.

3. Transition (Catagen)
During this process, the hair stops growing completely and begins detaching from the follicle.
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4. Exit (Exogen)
The dead hair sheds from the coat, making way for a new Anagen growth cycle to begin.
The timing and function of these stages vary greatly between dogs. Factors such as genetics, age, hormones, health, breed type, and daylight exposure all influence how a dog’s coat grows and sheds.

Most dogs shed throughout the year, although some periods are much heavier than others.
Double and triple coated breeds usually experience two major shedding seasons each year, often during significant temperature and seasonal changes. This helps regulate body temperature for both warmer and cooler weather.
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Wool coated breeds, such as Poodles, shed very minimally because their coat continuously grows rather than cycling through heavy shedding phases like many other breeds.

Dead coat left trapped within the fur can become tangled with new or growing hair, eventually forming knots and tight matting.

As mats tighten, they pull on the skin and can become extremely painful for the dog. Moisture trapped beneath matting can also lead to skin irritation and hot spots, which may quickly become infected if left untreated.
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Over time, new fur continues growing into existing mats, creating an ongoing cycle of discomfort and skin damage. In severe cases, the only way to provide relief is to shave the coat down to the skin so healthy new fur can regrow properly.

he best way to manage dead coat is through regular brushing suited to your dog’s breed and coat type.

Some dogs require daily brushing, while others may only need brushing every few days or a few times per week. Regular grooming helps remove dead coat before it builds up and mats, while also clearing away dirt, debris, and garden material trapped in the fur.​

Removing debris from the coat also helps prevent knots from forming and keeps the skin healthier overall.

During heavy shedding periods, especially during seasonal changes such as Summer to Winter or Winter to Summer, daily brushing with the correct tools is recommended. When done properly, this process is completely safe and comfortable for your dog.
For heavy shedders, professional grooming can make a big difference. Groomers often use high velocity drying systems to safely loosen and remove dead coat quickly and effectively.

When brushing your dog, remember to focus on all areas of the coat, including:

• Behind the ears
• Under the arms
• The stomach area
• Around the hind legs
• Around the tail
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Any area with fur can trap dead coat and develop matting if neglected.

There are several grooming tools that every dog owner should keep at home to help maintain their dog’s coat properly. Different coat types require different tools, so it is important to choose brushes and combs suited to your dog’s specific fur type.

Common grooming tools include:

• Slicker brushes
• Undercoat rakes
• Deshedding brushes
• Wide tooth combs
• Grooming combs
  
  

Using the correct grooming tools and maintaining a regular brushing routine will help keep your dog’s coat healthy, comfortable, and free from painful matting.

The Affenpinscher is one of the most unique and recognisable small dog breeds in the world. Often referred to as the “Monkey Dog” or “Monkey Terrier,” this charming little breed is loved for its expressive face, shaggy appearance and confident personality.

​Despite their tiny size, the Affenpinscher carries a huge personality and a fearless attitude that has made them a favourite companion dog for centuries.

With their amusing facial expressions, loyal nature and entertaining character, the Affenpinscher makes a wonderful companion for owners wanting a small dog packed full of confidence and charm.

The exact origin of the Affenpinscher is not fully known, as they are considered an ancient breed of dog. Their appearance suggests close links to breeds such as the Brussels Griffon and several terrier-type dogs, although their precise lineage remains unknown.

The name “Affenpinscher” comes from the German language and translates to “Monkey Terrier,” which refers to the breed’s distinctive monkey-like facial appearance. It is widely believed the breed originated in Germany, where they were originally bred to work as ratters on farms and in homes.

Early Affenpinschers were thought to be much larger than the dogs we know today. During the 18th and 19th centuries, breeders gradually reduced their size, to cater to them becoming affectionate companion animals better suited to indoor living.
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The breed eventually made its way to Australia during the late 1990s and still remains relatively rare across the world today.

The Affenpinscher is a small dog with a truly distinctive appearance. Their longer facial structure, dark eyes and shaggy beard combine to create their famous monkey-like expression.
Their rough, wiry coat gives them a rugged yet adorable appearance and comes in a variety of colours including:

• Black
• Charcoal
• Silver
• Grey
• Black and tan
• Red

Although small in stature, the breed carries itself with confidence and pride. Most Affenpinschers reach up to 38cm in height and weigh under 4kg.

One of the appealing features of the Affenpinscher is their low-shedding coat, making them a great choice for owners wanting minimal hair around the home  and low grooming needs.

Their coat should never be clipped short if owners wish to maintain the breed’s natural appearance. Instead, they require brushing several times each week to prevent knots and matting.

Bathing should only occur when necessary, as excessive bathing can affect coat texture. Professional grooming is sometimes needed, particularly around the eyes where excess hair may cause irritation. Some Affenpinschers may also require hand-plucking of loose hairs to maintain coat condition, so it is important to choose a groomer experienced with the breed.

Grooming Overview

• 💈 Brush several times weekly
• ✂️ Avoid clipping coat too short
• 🛁 Bathe only when required
• 👀 Keep hair trimmed around eyes
• 🐾 Minimal shedding year-round

The Affenpinscher may be small, but they are full of confidence, determination and personality. They are affectionate with their family and thrive when included in daily life.
This breed forms strong bonds with their owners and generally prefers living indoors where they can remain close to their people. They do not cope well being isolated outside for long periods and are sensitive to both extreme heat and cold weather.
Although intelligent and trainable, the Affenpinscher can also be stubborn. Clear boundaries, consistency and early structure are essential from a young age.
They respond very well to positive training methods but can become bored easily, meaning mental stimulation and enrichment activities are extremely important.

Personality Traits

• Loyal and affectionate
• Confident and fearless
• Intelligent but stubborn
• Entertaining and playful
• Alert and curious

Despite their small size, the Affenpinscher still requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and well behaved.

A daily walk combined with enrichment activities is usually enough to satisfy their needs. Puzzle toys, training games and interactive play sessions can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviours.
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Because they were originally bred as hunters and ratters, they may still have a strong prey drive. Care should be taken around smaller household pets such as:

• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Mice
• Small rodents

The Affenpinscher adapts well to apartment and unit living, provided they receive enough exercise and companionship. They can comfortably live without a large backyard as long as daily walks are included in their routine.

They can do well with children when raised and socialised appropriately, however supervision is extremely important due to the breed’s fragile size. Serious injuries can occur if they are accidentally dropped or handled roughly.
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Early socialisation also helps the breed develop positive relationships with other dogs and animals.

Best Suited For ✅

• Apartment living
• Indoor homes
• Owners wanting a low-shedding breed
• People home regularly
• Families with older respectful children
  
  

May Not Suit ❌

• Homes with rough young children
• Outdoor-only living
• Owners wanting a highly obedient breed
• Homes with small prey animals

Like all breeds, the Affenpinscher can be prone to certain hereditary health conditions. Responsible breeders should complete appropriate health testing before breeding.

Some known concerns within the breed include:

• Fractures and injury due to their small size
• Luxating patella (slipped kneecap)
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a congenital heart condition

The average lifespan of the breed is approximately 10–14 years.

So, do I look like my dog? What did the research show?

Several studies have found that some owners may subconsciously select a dog that resembles them in certain ways. A key study published in 2015 discovered that the eye region is often the most similar facial feature shared between dog and owner.
     In the experiment, participants were shown pairs of photos:

• Half were correctly matched dog–owner pairs
• Half were mismatched
  
  When researchers masked different parts of the faces, participants were just as successful at matching pairs when only the eye region was visible — as they were when the full face was shown.
  
  

But when the eyes were hidden, their success rate dropped to chance level, which is about 50/50.
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This suggests that the eye area plays a significant role in how we perceive resemblance between humans and their dogs.

One hypothesis suggests we are drawn to what’s familiar. We tend to surround ourselves with people (and pets!) who feel comfortable and recognizable to us.
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So, it’s possible that when choosing a pet, people are naturally drawn to dogs that reflect their own appearance or personality traits.
For example:

• Long-haired owners may choose long-haired dogs 🐕
• Outgoing personalities may prefer high-energy breeds 🐾
• Quiet or introverted people might gravitate toward calm, gentle companions 💛

So, what do you think  does your dog look like you? 😄

Do you think we really choose our dogs based on appearance or personality similarities?
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We want to know! Share a selfie of you and your pooch — tag us and let’s see just how alike you really are.

You might be surprised by the results!
​🐶❤️📷 #TwinningWithMyDog

​Started in 2024, pups that go through the PADP (Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program) have specific training to learn certain tasks that will help their future owners to deal with their responses to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

These tasks range from placing a paw, or two, on their owner to calm them when they begin to display a certain tic to being able to press an emergency button for assistance in a dire situation. They can also jump into the lap of their owners to calm and relax them and retrieve items that their owners may need.

The primary goal of a Psychiatric Assistance Dog’s presence in their owners life is to assist in interrupting anti-social or anxious behaviours to help them to recognise this and regroup.
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As with all Assistance Dogs, they also go through the Public Access Test to ensure they can be with their owners at all times, both within and outside of their homes. 

These dogs, once fully trained are placed with Veterans who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a psychiatric condition that affects people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. As of 2024 it is estimated that the rate of PTSD affecting current ADF (Australian Defence Force) personal is 8%, with that number rising to 17.6% for ex-serving members. PTSD symptoms often start many years after the event and cause symptoms such as:

• reliving the event/s, sometimes in the form of flashbacks
• a desire to avoid anything that reminds a person of the event/s
• having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the event/s, including anger, fear, shame and guilt
• feeling on edge or keyed up
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These life changing dogs are provided to their new owners free of charge, thanks to the Lions Assistance Dogs. 

Along with Psychiatric Assistance Dogs, Lions Assistance Dogs also provide 

• Hearing Assistance Dogs
• Medical Assistance Dogs
  
  If you, or someone you know, may benefit from one of these Assistance Dogs in their life or to find out more about how these amazing dogs transform the lives of the people they live with, visit the Lions Assistance Dogs website here. 

There are several reasons why dogs may eat their food too quickly. These include:

😋 Excitement
For food-driven dogs or those that are only fed once a day,  mealtime can be extremely exciting. They simply can’t wait to dig into their delicious meal, which often leads to gulping their food down.

🩺 Medical Reasons 
Certain health conditions and medications can increase a dog’s appetite. Dogs with an increased appetite may eat as fast as they can because they feel hungrier than usual. If your dog’s appetite has suddenly changed, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

🐕 Instinct
In some breeds, eating quickly is instinctive. Dogs are natural scavengers, and for some, that survival instinct remains strong – they eat fast to ensure they don’t miss out on food.

🧬 Breed Disposition
Some breeds are naturally more food-driven than others. Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Pugs are well-known for their hearty appetites and may be more likely to eat quickly.

​🏡 Environmental Factors
​Dogs that grew up in a large litter, shelter, or foster home may have learned to eat quickly to avoid losing food to others. Even after those conditions change, the behaviour can remain ingrained.

Your dog eating too fast can lead to several health and behavioural issues for dogs, including:

🍖 Food Guarding
Dogs that become overly fixated on their food can develop protective or aggressive behaviours around mealtime. This poses a risk to other pets, children, and adults nearby.

🌀 Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
One major risk of eating too fast is bloat, a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists. Swallowing too much air while eating quickly is believed to be a contributing factor.
👉 If you’re unfamiliar with bloat, make sure to read up on the symptoms here – it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

😱 Choking
When a dog inhales food instead of chewing it properly, there’s a serious choking hazard. Large pieces of food can become lodged in the throat and block the airway.

🤢 Vomiting and Indigestion
Eating too fast can cause indigestion and vomiting. This not only upsets your dog’s stomach but may also lead to further digestive problems if they re-eat regurgitated food. Long-term, it could contribute to issues like  gastritis or irritable bowl syndrome.

​🥦 Lack of Nutrient Absorption
If your dog’s digestive system is overwhelmed due to constant fast eating, it may not properly absorb essential nutrients from food. Over time, this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.

The right approach depends on why your dog eats quickly, but the tips below are a great place to start.​

🧘‍♀️ Keep Mealtime Calm
Avoid building excitement around food. Make sure your dog is calm and relaxed before feeding. Ask them to sit or lie down before placing their bowl down, and use a release command before they start eating.
If your dog becomes overly excited, remove the bowl and wait until they settle before trying again.

🧩 Use a Puzzle Feeder or Slow-Feed Bowl
Puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls make your dog work for their food, encouraging slower eating and providing mental stimulation at the same time.

🍽️ Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Feeding your dog two or more smaller meals throughout the day helps prevent them from becoming overly hungry and inhaling their food all at once.

⏰ Create a Consistent Routine
Feed your dog at the same times each day so they know when to expect meals. Predictability can reduce overexcitement and anxiety around food.

🐾 Build Good Habits Early
​From the moment you bring your dog home, teach them that you can safely approach or handle their food. Gently place your hands near their bowl or remove it briefly while they’re eating. This helps prevent  food aggression and builds trust.
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🚪 Separate Other Dogs at Mealtime 
If your dog eats quickly because of competition from other pets, feed them separately. Giving each dog their own space allows them to eat at a comfortable pace without feeling the need to rush.

​You should always monitor your dog’s eating habits. If their fast eating appears to worsen or if you notice signs of discomfort, choking, or bloating, contact your veterinarian immediately.