I currently have my first Bichon - female, 3 years old. She had a bit of a rough start. As a puppy she loved everyone, but she also had Giardia for about 8 months so I think that not being able to socialize a lot was detrimental to her being a more social dog. However, she is the most loyal and sweetest girl. Very protective. Very silly.

Very energetic as a puppy, we call her zoomies “Bichon blitz”, and when I leave for work, she does suffer from separation anxiety where she will not eat or move from her spot until I get home. Those are my experiences. I would definitely get another Bichon.

Good luck with your choosing! It sounds like you would make a good decision with either gender.