by Shawna L. Krautheim &
Debbie Moore
Copyright© 2007 Dog and
Puppy Central
All rights reserved
The Bichon Frise
Dog Breed In Brief:
|
| Origin: |
|
Mediterranian
|
| Height: |
|
9 to 11 inches |
| Weight: |
|
7 to 13 pounds |
| Exercise Needs: |
|
Minimal |
| Grooming Needs: |
|
High |
| Life
Expectancy: |
|
12 - 14 years |
| Good
With Kids: |
|
Yes |
| Trainability: |
|
Easy |
|
Yappiness: |
|
Low |
| Breed Group: |
|
Toy Breeds |
|
Originally developed in the Mediterranean, the
Bichon Frise is a descendant of the Barbet, a variety of Water
Spaniel that was common to that area. While he was first called the
“Barbichon,” his name would eventually be shortened to “Bichon” and,
originally, this unique little dog was divided up into four
different categories: the Bichon Teneriffe, the Bichon Maltais, the
Bichon Bolognais, and the Bichon Havanais. Regardless of what number
of names he was known by, he would eventually come to be one of the
most popular breeds of small dog in the world. How was it that this
little powder puff of a dog came to be so widely-known? Most Bichon
fans will tell you that it’s all about the personality.
The Bichon Frise are generally very happy and cheerful
individuals, and they seem to have a great love of traveling. Quite
often, sailors would barter with these little white dogs, using them
as trade items as they traveled across the seas and from continent
to continent. It is believed that it was the trading practices of
the Spanish sailors that first introduced the Bichon Frise to the
Canary Islands, but as far back as the early 1300’s, Italian sailors
claimed to have discovered this unique little island-bred dog and
they eagerly reintroduced it back to the Continent. In no time, they
became a favorite of the Italian nobility and, amongst those that
frequented the courts, the Bichon Frise was often clipped in a
fashionable style, resembling a lion.
In addition to their popularity in Italy, the Bichon also
remained a favorite of the Spanish Infantas, and the painters of the
Spanish school frequently painted the Bichon Frise in many of their
works. During the Renaissance, this adorable little white dog also
captivated the French, though it wasn’t until the court of Henry
III, that the Bichon truly gained a place amongst the French
nobility. Of course, as court fashion came and went, it wasn’t long
before the powder puff Bichon was set aside for something else that
was new and exciting.
The Bichon Frise would enjoy a brief popularity peak while
Napoleon III ruled, but he would soon become known as the “common
dog” and was then left to the peasants, where he ran loose in the
streets or performed in local fairs and circuses. Popular amongst
the organ grinders from Barbary, this happy-go-lucky white dog
enjoyed his place in the spotlight and eagerly learned new tricks
that endeared him in the hearts of many. Common dog or not, he was
determined to make his mark in the dog world.
In 1933, the Societe Centrale Canine of France adopted an
official standard for this fluffy white dog. At this time, they were
known as either the “Bichon” or the “Teneriffe,” so the president of
the International Canine Federation proposed that a single name
would be decided, that would identify the traits of this unique
little dog and, with that, so he was named the Bichon Frise (“Frise”
making reference to the breed’s soft and curly hair).
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One of the most fluffy dog breeds of all time, the
Bichon Frise stands between 9 and 12 inches at the shoulder and is
well known for his incredibly curly, soft coat, that is usually
groomed to the appearance of a walking powder-puff. With their only
variety being white, they are quite often referred to as powder
puffs, simply because of their fluffy appearance. Coupled with a
plumed tail which is always carried happily draped over his back and
very dark, inquisitive eyes, the Bichon seems to radiate exuberance
and a willing nature.
Bichon Frise dogs are almost human! They can
literally speak to you with their actions and expressive eyes.
Bichons live just to be with you, and would very happily spend their
entire lives nestled into your lap. Cheerful, extremely intelligent,
affectionate, playful and gentle, the Bichon Frise makes a wonderful
house pet and companion. Very attached to their owners (they usually
bond closely to one person in particular), Bichons need closeness
and human companionship constantly. They do not do well when left
alone and are not a good choice for people who work all day and
cannot be with their pet (unless they can be left at a doggie
daycare, or with another, compatible dog). Bichons are an excellent
choice for elderly dog lovers looking for a constant companion and
friend. They don't need a lot of exercise, and can do very well in a
small apartment. Unlike some of the toy dog breeds, Bichons are not
barkers or yappers.
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While Bichon Frise dogs and puppies seem to have
boundless energy for play, these charming little dogs really don't
require a lot of exercise. They are happy with a daily walk, and the
occasional play session, whether in your living room - or the back
yard. This makes the Bichon such an exceptional choice for elderly
dog owners or people with limited mobility. While the Bichon doesn't
need a lot of exercise, your Bichon will happily partake of your
daily walking regimen, just so long as he gets to go along with you!
Fluffy and fast-growing best describes the soft,
curly coat of this moving powder puff! If you're not prepared for a
visit to the groomer every 2 to 3 months, then the Bichon may not be
a good choice (unless you want to learn how to do your own grooming
at home with a set of good quality clippers). The Bichon's beautiful
coat needs to be cared for constantly to prevent matting and
tangling. A daily brushing is essential, and a bath every 2 to 3
weeks should also be given.
Dental care is a daily activity that should also be
performed - brush your Bichon's teeth and gums to help prevent tooth
decay and dental problems.
Ear cleansing is extremely important. At least every
week, you'll need to thoroughly cleanse and dry your Bichon's ears
with an acidifying cleanser made specifically for that purpose. It's
best to purchase this from your veterinarian's office. Bichons, with
their adorable, floppy ears, are very prone to ear infections caused
by the damp inner ear environment, so keep yeast at bay with a
regular ear cleaning routine.
Finally, keep your Bichons nails trimmed. You can do
this yourself with a good quality set of nail clippers for dogs, or
you can usually have this done at your groomer's on a walk in basis
for a few dollars.
Although the grooming requirements of the Bichon dog
breed are demanding, this furry angel will give back so much more
than you give out. Most Bichon owners will tell you that it's all
worth the effort of being blessed with the company of one of these
white, fluffy angels!
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Bichons are really, really smart little dogs. (Move
over, German Shepherds!). They have a long history of performing
elaborate tricks in circus acts, and can be trained to do many
things. The excel in obedience training, and make charming,
well-behaved companions.
On the flip side, Bichons are somewhat notorious as
being difficult to housetrain. (Some have jokingly referred to the
breed as "Pee-chons"). This tendency can be overcome with
prevention, praise and perseverance, as outlined in our informative
Bichon Training Article: How to House Train Your Bichon Puppy.
Bichon Frise Dogs can be prone to certain hereditary health problems. That is why choosing a responsible
breeder from which to purchase your Bichon Frise puppy
is very important. Responsible Bichon Frise breeders
will be well educated about the breed and carefully screen their
breeding dogs for disorders that can affect these dogs.
Health concerns in the breed include:
Many of the problems listed above can be avoided by
purchasing your Bichon puppy only from a responsible Bichon breeder
that is thoroughly educated about the breed, problems that affect
Bichons, and selective breeding practices that help to prevent
passing these genetic conditions on to new generations of Bichon
puppies.
Dental problems and ear infections can be prevented
by following a proper dental care and ear cleansing regimen. Skin
problems and allergies can also be prevented or managed by feeding a
high quality diet, supplemented with vitamins and nutritional
supplements created especially for use in dogs. These include Omega
3-6-9 supplements and multivitamins for dogs that include vitamins
B, C & E. Always check with your veterinarian for specific
instructions on feeding and supplementing your Bichon's diet.
Avoid the use of chemicals in your home and yard to
help prevent the development of skin problems and allergies in your
Bichon. There are many natural alternatives to expensive cleaners
that you can use to keep your home clean and germ free. Good, old
fashioned vinegar, baking soda, borax, and "elbow grease" work
wonders, and will not cause problems for people or pets in your
home.
You can find more detailed information about these
conditions and testing that should be performed prior to breeding
Bichon Frise Dogs on this page:
http://www.bichonhealth.org/Health.asp
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The Bichon is a wonderful companion animal and is generally happy
and friendly. Rarely snappish, they are a favorite amongst the
elderly, as well as with those who are allergic to most dogs, due to
the fact that they don’t shed like many breeds. Bichon also love
children and tend to get along, very well, with cats and other dogs
as well.
Bichons do not shed, and this makes them a good choice for some
allergy sufferers. Although no dog breed is 100% hypo-allergenic,
the Bichon is a dog breed that will potentially cause less allergy
symptoms. Of course, this will vary from person to person - and dog
to dog. Keeping your Bichon clean and well groomed will help keep
dander, the usual offender where dog allergies are concerned, to a
minimum.
There are three main concerns to keep in mind, if you’re thinking
about getting a Bichon Frise puppy. The first of these is the amount
of time that you have to spend with your puppy; Bichons are
companion animals and they enjoy company. While they can be taught
to stay in a crate happily, they dislike being left alone for long
periods of time, and they do love to travel. The second and third
concerns have to be the safety issues within your home - do you have
larger, more aggressive dogs? If you do, you may want to have them
meet on a more neutral territory and make sure that they get along.
The last and one of the most important concerns has to deal with
children. While the Bichon Frise is an excellent family dog, and is
very good with children, be wary of getting any puppy until your
child is over the age of 5 years. Puppies are very fragile creatures
and can easily break bones if they are dropped, kicked, or fallen
on. Be sure to protect your baby Bichon, just as you protect your
own baby.
For more information on the Bichon, or to examine whether or not
a Bichon Frise will do well in your home, contact your veterinarian
or local breeders and be sure to ask lots of questions. If you
decide on one of these adorable little dogs, discuss with the
breeder, ahead of time, what will be needed for your new puppy. You
definitely won’t regret having such a warm and happy individual
cross paths with you!
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Additional Bichon Frise Dog Resources
Available on Dogs and Puppies Central:
