Thank you for all the comments!

Quote Originally Posted by IRescue452 View Post
I must be meeting the wrong bichons. All the ones I've met have been pampered house pets who are one owner dogs and unsocialized with anybody else (plight of the small dog?). I'd loose my fingers if I tried to pet some of the bichons I know. Kudos to the good owners who socialize their dogs though. Just because they can get all of their exercise in the house or yard doesn't mean they should be kept from learning social skills.
I do spend tons of time socializing them, both with humans and with other dogs. We discuss the need for this a LOT on the bichon forum I frequent. Sorry you are not seeing the happy go lucky types of bichon, as they are a nice breed when trained properly. They DO need a disciplined owner, as they can quickly take over and become bossy.