The Bichon Frise of today has its ancestry in the Bichon Tenerife breed line, which found its way to the Mediterranean area, onto the Canary Islands or rather, "the Island of Tenerife." Called the Dog of Love, sailors used to bring these little puppies into the area for the women they admired and sought favors with. Eventually, the Bichon's popularity developed under Henry III. Carrying his little white Bichon around in court, other court individuals did as the king did. The term "bichonner" became one with the beautiful, beribboned, and pampered little Bichon Frise from then on. As human nature does with mankind's whims and whistles, by the end of the 1800s, the cute little court favored cuddly pet was out on the streets. The little white dogs learned how to earn their keep by doing tricks in the circuses or fairs. The characteristics of the pampered darling of the court demonstrated to the world that its charm, cunning ability, and physical sturdiness brought the little dog to where he is now.

Description :

They are happy, playful and mischievous. The Bichon is happiest when around people. Bichon Frises are very obedient if training is started early and continued consistently.

Bichon Frise will be difficult to housetrain or appear not to be housetrained if not happy or left alone too much.

The Bichon Frise is a charming puffball of a dog with a loosely curled double coat consisting of a textured outer coat lined with a soft, fine, silky undercoat that is 3 to 4 inches (7-10cm.) long and is virtually hypo-allergenic. It is usually all white, but cream, gray or apricot hairs are permitted. It can be shown clipped like a poodle or long-haired with clippings only at the feet and muzzle. This breed should be trimmed for a rounded appearance. It has a moderate muzzle that is not pointed. Its stop is only slightly accentuated. It has a scissors bite with round dark intelligent eyes and hanging ears that are well covered with hair. The neck is long and the chest is well developed. Its tail is curved over its back.

With Children : Yes, exceptionally good with children. The Bichon Frise does very well with in a family environment.

Type : Companion Dog; Non-Sporting Dog

Breed Group : Non Sporting Dogs

Weight : 7-12 lbs
Height : 9.5-11.5 inches

Color : Color is white, may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body. Any color in excess of 10% of the entire coat of a mature specimen is a fault and should be penalized, but color of the accepted shadings should not be faulted in puppies.

Coat : The Bichon Frise has a double coat, consisting of a curly outer coat with loose hair and a soft, silky undercoat. This double coat keeps the dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But good grooming is required once shedding begins, as the undercoat needs to be removed once the weather begins to warm up or excessive shedding will leave piles of hair throughout the home. Many people, instead of grooming their dog or having them professionally done, will shave the hair off completely in order to keep the dog cool in the summer. But what they do not know is that the hair being removed is what cools down the dog's body. Once this protective layer of hair is gone, the dog will become more susceptible to the sun, wind, and bugs. Shedding treatments, such as Furminator, help keep the extra undercoat cleaned out, so hair will not get all over the furniture or routine grooming--which is always better as it becomes bonding time for the owner and the dog.

Temperament : The Bichon Frise has an extremely appealing nature. They are highly social and are at their absolute best as full members of a family. They get along very well with other dogs and pets, and are excellent with children. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their family to visitors or danger. This breed is inquisitive and energetic, dignified and charming. 

Intelligence : These are bright little dogs who quickly catch on to what you want them to do therefore there is no real problem training them.

Health : Bichon Frises are fairly healthy dogs, but some common health concerns include luxating patellas, bladder problems, block tear ducts, skin ailments, cancer and autoimmune disease, as well as cataracts and epilepsy.

Life Expectancy : 12 - 16 years, although some have been known to live up to 21 years.

Living Environment : An apartment is fine if daily walks are given. An owner of a Bichon Frise should be patient, consistent and be able to take time to train, exercise and socialize them. Bichon Frise do well with the elderly or disabled, as well as children. Bichon Frises are very good family dogs.

Recognition : AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC (GB), UKC

 

Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for Sale

Subscribe to Cutepuppydog.net - Find a cute puppy dog - Gain a companion