Is it normal for my dog to not make direct eye contact with me when close? ?

I've had my Bichon-Cairn for 1 year in March 2011. He will be 2yo on Nov. 1. I've noticed for quite some time that he will not look in my eyes directly when I'm holding him or playing with him. I purposely put my head to his and stare at him and baby him without any receptive eye contact on his part. I catch him staring at me when I'm watching TV or piddling around the house though. Help! (Also, this is the most spoiled dog in America. He gets a walk at 7am and 6pm. He only eats boiled chicken and rice. I make his doggie treat homemade We play frisbee or catch on my lunch break.) Is this a normal behavior?