Bichon Frise Dogs

The Bichon Frise has been recognized by the British and American kennel clubs only over the past 20 years. It is a most appealing and happy little dog, which will surely become more popular when the public becomes acquainted with the breed.

Origin and history

The Bichon, like its cousin Caniche, is a descendant of the Barbet (water spaniel), from which the name Barbichon originates; later it was abbreviated to Bichon.

The little dogs are said to have originated in the Mediterranean area and were certainly introduced by sailors to the Canary Islands prior to the fourteenth century. There were then four varieties: the Bichon Teneriffe, the Bichon Maltaise, the Bichon Bolognese and the Bichon Havanais. The breed later found favour with the French and Spanish nobility and was included in paintings by Francisco Goya (1746-1828).

A period of obscurity followed until, after World War I, soldiers took a few when they left France. A breed standard was written up in France in 1933, when the name 'Bichon a poil frise' (curly-coated Bichon) was adopted, and the word Teneriffe omitted from its title. Crufts Dog Show in London included a class for the Bichon Frise for the first time in 1980.

Bichon Frise Puppies

The Bichon Frise has been recognized by the British and American kennel clubs only over the past 20 years. It is a most appealing and happy little dog, which will surely become more popular when the public becomes acquainted with the breed.

Good points

• Good pet
• Happy temperament
• Attractive
• Lamb-like appearance

Take heed

. Requires meticulous grooming

Size

Height: less than 12in (30cm) , smallness being highly desirable.

Exercise

Will enjoy a romp but fits well into town living and regular walks. Will also enjoy the occasional off-the­lead country run and a game in the garden.

Bichon Frise Information

This gay, happy little dog has a coat falling in soft, corkscrew curls. The head carriage is proud and high; the eyes are alert and expressive.

Colour

Pure white. Under the white coat, dark pigment is preferred; black, blue or beige markings often found on the skin.

Head and skull

The skull is longer than the muzzle, but the whole head in is in balance with the body. The muzzle should not be thick or heavy; nor should it be snipy; the cheeks flat and not very strongly muscled; the stop should be slight and the hollow between the eyebrows just visible. The skull must be flat when touched, although the hair tends to make it look round. The nose should be round, black, soft and shiny.

Tail

Normally carried raised and curled gracefully over the back but never tightly curled. It should not be docked and should not touch the backbone, but the hair should always fall onto the back. Slightly low set.

Feet

Small, rounded and well knuckled up. Nails preferably black.

Bichon Frise Grooming & Feeding

Bichon Frise Grooming

This is not the breed for novice exhibitors, or for those who are not prepared to spend time in meticulous grooming, bathing, trimming and scissoring. The effect, when complete, should be of an elegant white 'powder puff', the head and body trimmed to give a rounded effect, but showing the eyes. Hair around the feet should also be trimmed. Ask the breeder for a showing and grooming chart, and for a demonstration.

Bichon Frise Feeding

Recommended would be 5-7 oz (142-198g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 1 cupful of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 1/2 cup of hot or cold watm Always ensure that the dog has ample water.

Bichon Frise Photos, Pictures & Pics

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