Bichon Frise Information for Proud and Loving Owners or the Soon to Be…
Articleby Ken Caracciolo
“Bichon Frise”, literally meaning Curly lap dog in French is a small breed of dog. They are popular pets, similar in appearance to, but larger than, the Maltese. They are a “non-shedding” breed that requires daily grooming. Bichons are often considered one of the “dogs for people with allergies.”
Appearance of the “Bichon Frise”Build: Small, sturdy Weight: 7-12 pounds Height: 9-12 inches Coat: Textured outer coat lined with a soft, fine, silky undercoat that is 3-4 inches long Color: White, often with shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body but if these colors exceed 10% of its body then it is a fault. Head: In proportion to the body Teeth: Scissors (maybe) Eyes: Round, dark brown or black (any other color is a fault) and set in the skull to look directly forward Ears: Covered with long, flowing hair Tail: Well plumed, with hair of tail resting on the back. Sometimes curled back. Limbs: Straight Feet: Tight, round, cat-like Life span: Median 15+ years
Temperament
The well-bred Bichon Frise is affectionate, adorable, feisty, sensitive, and playful, their cheerful attitude is a prominent personality trait. Most enjoy socializing with people and most dogs. Though the “Bichons” may be relatively stubborn, they are also said to be patient. They may tend to nip gently in play. They may have sudden bursts of energy resulting in the “blitz” or “buzz”, where they race around in circles until they collapse happily onto their backs. Great around children and also good watch dogs. They tend to be very friendly towards people even outside of the immediate family.
Bichon Frise Grooming and Skin/Coat Care
Good grooming practices are very important. It’s a good idea to have your Bichon professionally groomed.Bichons should be accustomed to grooming from a young age and care should be taken to keep grooming pleasurable. Frequent grooming creates a puffier coat. To prevent matting, the coat should be kept clean, brushed thoroughly before bathing, and brushed and completely dried after bathing.
Like all dogs that require frequent grooming care should be given to excess hair from ears and between foot pads, their face kept cleaned and trimmed, the dog’s hind and of course the Bichon’s nails.Tear-staining around the eyes may be caused by allergies, infections, blocked tear ducts, stray eyelashes, or foreign material in the eyes. It is generally a good practice to wipe away the tears on a daily basis.
If skin problems develop or if eye discharge is excessive, a veterinarian should be consulted. Problems due to allergies may be require medication or a change in diet.
Special Considerations
“Crate training puppy” is usually the best method. The puppy should come to see his/her crate as his personal space so avoid using it as discipline for bad behaviour to maximise house training potential.As mentioned earlier, because “Bichons” do not shed and are great “non allergic dogs”, they are suitable for many people with allergies; however human sensitivity to dog fur varies considerably. People with dog allergies should first visit with a Bichon to test their individual reaction before committing to ownership.
Bichon Frise Health Problems
Although Bichons are often considered “hypoallergenic” and one of the best “breeds of dogs for allergies sufferers”. Bichons themselves are unusually prone to allergies.Some health issues reported which are common to other breeds of dogs as well may include dental disease, and skin problems, though skin problems in “Bichons” were less often reported by owners in a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey.
Mortality
In a combined survey in the USA/Canada, Bichons had an average life span of about 12.2 years
Bichon Frise History
Descending from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, Poodle, and a generally white, small “lap” or ladies’ dog, which existed in the Mediterranean area as far back as 600-300 B.C. from which came the name “Barbichon”, and later shortened to “Bichon”.
With their merry disposition, they traveled much and were often used as barter by sailors as they moved from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally felt that Spanish seamen introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Tenerife. The Bichon Frise went to sea as a working Spanish boat dog.They were perfect for a boat because they do not shed, don’t need a lot of exercise, and are fine companions, as well as obedient and are easily trained.
In the 1300s, Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to the continent.
The “Tenerife”, or “Bichon”, had success in France during the Renaissance under Francis I (1515-47), but its popularity skyrocketed in the court of Henry III (1574-89). Interest in the Bichon breed was renewed during the rule of Napoleon III, but then waned until the late 1800s when it became the “common dog”, running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind and doing tricks in circuses and fairs.
On March 5, 1933, the official standard of the breed was adopted by the Societe Centrale Canine of France. As the breed was known by two names at that time, “Tenerife” and “Bichon”, the president of the International Canine Federation proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented – the Bichon Frise.(“Frise” refers to the dog’s soft, curly hair.)
October 18, 1934, the Bichon Frise was admitted to the stud book of the French Kennel Club.
The Bichon became popular in Australia in the mid 1960s, largely thanks to the Channel Nine mini-series Meweth, starring Bruce Gyngell alongside his pet bichon, Molly.
Bichon Frise Information with regards to the US and the AKC:
The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955, and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973.The first US-born Bichon litter was whelped in 1956. In 1959 and 1960, two breeders in different parts of the USA acquired Bichons, which provided the origins for the breed’s development in the USA.
The Bichon Frise became eligible to enter the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class on September 1, 1971. In October, 1972, the breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book. On April 4, 1973, the breed became eligible to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows.
Little known Bichon Frise Information
The Bichon entered Pop Culture when a comic strip series Pooch Cafe by comic strip artist Paul Gilligan features a pink male Bichon Frise, Poo Poo, as one of the characters in the series.
I hope the Bichon Frise Information you have found here has been helpful.
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About the Author
Ken Caracciolo writes about various topics