Origin
The Bichon Frise dates back as far as the 13th century. The breed is a descendent of the Poodle and the Barbet Water Spaniel. Now days they would probably be named a Spanielpoo! The Bichon was traded all over the world by Spanish sailors. The dog eventually became a favourite of the 16th century French royal courts. In the 19th century it was a popular organ grinder's dog and also a circus performer. Today the Bichon Frise is primarily a companion and show dog.
Description
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, little dog. When the dog is clipped in a show cut the body gives off a round appearance. The skull is slightly rounded. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, is not pointed, with a slightly pronounced stop. The round eyes are black or dark brown. The ears are dropped covered in long hair. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The legs are straight and medium boned. Dewclaws are usually removed. The tail is carried over the back.
The double coat is soft to the touch. The outer coat is 7-10cm. long and is coarser and curlier than the soft dense undercoat. Coat colours include solid white, cream, grey or apricot. White is preferred in the show ring. The coat is hypo-allergenic.
Pet owners usually clip the dog in an easy care puppy cut that is the same length all over the body. The dog can be shown with it's coat clipped like a poodle or with a long, puffy coat with the feet and muzzle clipped.
Temperament
The Bichon is a fluffy, little white dog that loves human company. It has an independent spirit, is intelligent, affectionate, bold and lively. This charming, gentle dog is not vocal. It has a self-assured, happy temperament that is easy to live with. These bright little dogs are easy to train and just plain old love everyone. They need people to be happy.
They are naturally sociable and are happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere. This sociable trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs & pets and are excellent with children. Used as watchdogs and to perform tricks, this breed is competitive and obedient. Like a lot of smaller breeds, the Bichon can take a while to house train. The Bichon Frise needs rules to follow, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do.
They also need at least one walk a day with what they consider to be their pack. Do not allow this little dog to believe he is the number one, the pack leader alpha dog. This can cause varying degrees of a wide variety of issues Including: obsessive barking, being over protective, not being able to be left alone, snapping, and even biting. These are not Bichon traits, but rather behaviours brought on by the way the dog is treated. If you begin to be your dogs pack leader, and are self assured, calm consistently and assertive towards the dog, providing daily pack walks, the Bichon will be a very stable minded, trustworthy dog.
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 23-30cm. Bitches 23-28cm.
Weight: 3-5kg.
Health Problems
Some are prone to watery eyes, cataracts, skin and ear ailments, also epilepsy and dislocated kneecaps. They can be very sensitive to flea bites.
Living Conditions
The Bichon Frise can live in a flat if it gets enough exercise. They are fairly active indoors and can live without a garden.
Exercise
These are active little dogs, which require at least one good walk a day. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfil their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behaviour problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years
Litter Size
1 - 6 puppies - Average 4 – 5
Grooming
This breed should be groomed frequently and bathed every month. Professional grooming is recommended every 4 weeks. Trim around the eyes and ears with a blunt pair of scissors and clean the eyes extensively to prevent staining. Show dogs are trimmed with scissors. The body of the pet dogs may be clipped with electric clippers though the rest of the dog must still be scissored. The Bichon sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy suffers.
Group
Toy
