I did just post a question above re. blue-eyed american eskimo dogs. Problem is there was also a cute bicon-poo cross and having trouble deciding between the two. Listing the pros and cons of each. Are blue eyes a concern and any other advice to help with the desicion?

where are you planning on buying the dog from? if you say a byb or a puppy mill then blue eyes will be the least of your concerns.

what is a byb? sorry we're new to this

a byb is a backyard breeder. they breed dogs just to breed them, like a business for money. They do not genetic testing and do not care what kinds of homes their puppies go to...they'll sell to just about anyone with the cash.

If you find a good breeder who does genetic testing and breeds as a hobby because they love the dogs, the better off youll be. a good breeder will provide you with an excellent health guarantee as well.

is a one year health guarantee a good one?

no, most problems don't come to surface until after they're a year old.

any advice on what to look for in an unhealthy dog or will it take a year to spot any problems?

BICHON- POO for sure!!! =)
They are adorable and many people breed them that are reputable.

thanks for the input!

" BICHON- POO for sure!!! =)
They are adorable and many people breed them that are reputable."

PLEASE disregard that remark, it is completely uneducated and untrue.

http://hometown.aol.com/debradownsth/
This should help you out

The American Eskimo breed standard lists blue eyes as a disqualification. In dalmations, there is a connection between blue eyes and deafness. Not all blue eyed dals are deaf, but dals with blue eyes have a higher rate of deafness than do dals with brown eyes. I don't know if American Eskimo dogs have the same connection between blue eyes and deafness, but given that the AKC counts blue eyes as a disqualification, I would suggest avoiding any American Eskimo breeder who breeds for blue eyes.

If you are considering a blue eyed pup from a breeder who breeds for brown eyes and happened to have a blue eyed one show up in a litter, you should spend some time investigating if blue eyes are connected to deafness in AEs, and if so, make sure you have the pup's hearing checked.

Where ever you decide to get a puppy...check to see if there's a time period in which you have to get the puppy vet checked. Usually within 48-72 hours after purchase. Then your vet should be able to tell you about the puppy's health. Make sure that you have a very clear contract when you purchase your puppy and READ it, don't just trust the person selling you the puppy. Don't sign or give over money if you're not sure.

BICHON- POO for sure!!! =)
They are adorable and many people breed them that are reputable.

No person who intentionally breeds mutts is reputable. That is a sadly misinformed statement. They may be adorable, but so are many dogs in rescue and shelters. Don't encourage irresponsible breeding.

those are 2 very different dogs you are considereing...similar only in color. i would suggest you do some investigating into the eskie, and spitz, breeds to make sure it is something you are truely up for.

they require intense attention, play, & soicialization, their whole lives. they also require a firm hand in boundaries, as they are notorious for pushing the envelope every chance they get. NILIF would be your new best friend. eskies are true companion animals, and often do best in pairs. if you get one, it wont be long before you get a second. i was only able to hold out 8 months or so.

they do ok if you work, but thats where a second one comes in "handy".

they are hearty animals despite their small stature, and while they LOOOVE being lap dogs, they require lots of stimulation, physical AND mental, to keep them from becoming destructive. they are smart little suckers and love to learn, and also please their people. they were used in the circus years ago because of their beauty and intelligence. they are a grooming dream, provided you dont mind hair all over. but, they only need baths every few months and never smell in between, so its a fair trade off. they need brushing a few times a week, and daily during the coat blows, which is twice a year. also, the type of hair they have is usually friendly for allergy sufferers. i have a deathly allergic friend and she has no problem around my eskies. i think its the dander, or lack thereof, that makes them easy on many allergy sufferers.

they are so smart they can be stubborn (eskie-tude, i call it) and that is why they need firm boundaries. its easy to get sucked in my that eskie smile, but you.must.resist..... :)

they generally take to one person in the family, but love everybody. they are great warning dogs, and love the sound of their own voices.... they need to be included as much as possible and are absolutely not outdoor dogs.

eskies are great partners, i cant imagine life without mine. we take them running, hiking, swimming, boating, they are just like little people and each has a distinct face and personality. if you are interested in adoption, there are a few wonderful rescue organizations that specialize in the eskie i could refer you to.

i cannot comment on the bichon-doodle as it is a mix of two very different breeds, neither of which i am familiar with.

here are my babies:
snoopy: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/jennsigg/snoopyoutside.jpg

snowball: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/jennsigg/snowballoutside.jpg

swimming: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/jennsigg/swimmingpuppies.jpg

zooming: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/jennsigg/fall2.jpg

wrasslin': http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/jennsigg/fall%202005/fall4.jpg

their favorite pasttime ever, SNOW: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/jennsigg/pups%20in%20snow/jan%2022-23/IMG_0374.jpg

omg eskie, i love them. those pictures are priceless, especially the one of them swimming...you should frame that one. they look like little...seals or something lol. soo cute :D give them a hug for me!!!

acey...it is framed...one of many...the album is public if you'd like to poke around it :)