Bichon Frise Breed Description

An Owner's Bichon Frise Description
This is my little Chiffon when she was just a puppy. I toyed with the idea of adding my photo here too, because you couldn't imagine the two of us together - I'm six three, 275 and an ex-football player - but this is definitely the breed for me, and no matter how silly we look together, I'd choose a Bichon Frise all over again.

Don't ask me to explain how I came to acquire Chiffon. Just know that our compatibility couldn't have been better. I guess I was taken by how sensitive she was as a pup. How she acted as though she actually preferred me over my wife. She was so little and so fluffy, and when she'd snuggle into my arms, her faint cries would change to contented little rumbles.

She's so easy to take when we travel and even where there are 'no dogs allowed' policies, she wins them over with her charm. Just look at that face! Could you say no to such a cutie? Neither could I. Sure, I had to take some ribbing at first, mostly from the guys. But when they discovered that Chiffon prefers the company of men, suddenly it's much more 'manly' than they first thought to cuddle up with her.

Chiffon thrives on human contact and if we go somewhere without her, or leave her alone for any amount of time, she sulks and becomes very upset. She definitely expects to be included in all that we do and can't understand when she isn't. But she is very obedient and easily trained so in spite of how she feels towards us at any particular moment, she'll follow the given command, even if she was busy pouting. She's just glad to be with us whenever she can. That makes three of us!

 

 

Introduction

The Bichon Frise, pronounced “bee-shaun free-zay” has a varied history for such a small dog that began in the 14th century. It came from the Mediterranean and has the water spaniel, or then called Barbet, in its makeup. The Bichon Frise is a merry little dog with a characteristic plumed tail that it carries over its back. They are happy, well-tempered little dogs. Since the visual appeal of this dog is so strong, it will be important to find a skilled groomer and have your dog professionally groomed routinely. It is considered a toy dog and can even do well in small apartment living. It is a happy, playful, and energetic dog of high intelligence and easily trained. It has a wither height of 9 to 11 inches and comes only in the color of white with possible shadings of buff, cream, or apricot.

History

Bichon Frise dogs are descendants of Water Spaniel Poodles or the Barbets. They are originally from the Mediterranean area; hence the name 'Bichon' which was shortened from the name 'Barbichon.' Due to their cheerful nature these dogs traveled widely and were used for barter trade on sea voyages. They are believed to have been introduced to the Canary Islands by Spanish seamen. Italian sailors took them back with them to Italy, where they also became popular, especially among the nobles who later rediscovered them. Appreciated on sea voyages because they do not shed and because they enjoy water, Bichons require very little exercise. They were used to cheer up tired seamen and the breed is one of the few that have almost human eyes, capable of showing recognizable expressions.

Description

Bichon Frise literally means a 'curly lap dog' in French. The name generally refers to the powder white fur on the Bichon Frise dogs. They are described as a small but sturdy, white colored dog with round, dark eyes and black prominent noses. Their fur consist of an undercoat that is silky and an overcoat which is curly with small patches of cream around the snout, ears, paws or body. Their ears hang and have flowing hair covering them. They also have strong lower jaws and fine black lips that do not droop. Their legs and heads are proportionate to their body size and their tails are natural, meaning they are not cropped or docked.

Temperament

The Bichon frise breed of dogs are cheerful, playful, intelligent, happy and loving. They are especially happiest around people, particularly men. They are also very obedient and are therefore very easy to train. Bichon Frise dogs are also sensitive and affectionate and make very good companions for children. They also get along very well with other pets. These dogs move cautiously but freely with no effort and are very adaptable. They thrive on human contact and love to be included in family activities; when left alone they tend to be miserable.

Health and Care

Bichon Frise dogs are the only dogs that do not shed hair and for that reason they can be brushed daily to prevent matting. As a result of this, they make excellent pets for those who are allergic to dog hair. The coat on their bodies should be trimmed and kept clean and the same applies for the hair on their face which could accumulate mucus and eye discharge. Owners should also be watchful of tear staining around the eyes which is usually a result of infections, allergies, tear ducts that are blocked and foreign materials or loose eyelashes in the eyes. The ears should be checked regularly, kept clean and the excess hair removed. Their toes should also be clipped regularly and excess hair from the foot pads removed.

Important Information

Just like other breeds of dogs, these dogs also have inherited diseases which include cataracts, cherry eyes, warts, ligament problems, knee dislocation, liver shunts, Immune-mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP), cancer, epilepsy and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA). The Bichon Frise was favored by Spanish painters and was often included in their paintings. One such painter was the famous Francisco de Goya. Other famous Bishon Frises include Snowy of the famous Tintin comics by the Belgian author Herges and Molly who appeared in the American TV mini series Meweth. This has led to the demand for these dogs particularly in the eastern U.S.

Colors

The color of the Bichon Frise is white, with some bloodlines having cream or patches of cream shadings in the hair.

Living Area

Apartment or small living establishments are for small dogs, large low-level energy dogs, or pet owners who can offer on a routine schedule a vigorous plan of exercise to their pet and themselves. And the Bichon Frise is a breed that should not live outdoors due to its gentle nature and small size--not needing a lot of space to move around, the Bichon does well living in an apartment or small trailer. Their well-being is highly important, more important than their living conditions, as they are

Recognized By

CKC, AKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Bichon Frise breeders with puppies for sale.