| The Bichon Frise, a member of the Non-Sporting Dog | | | | groomed. The buttock and lower thigh muscles are |
| Group is a fantastic all around little dog. Known for their | | | | very powerful. They have black or dark brown eyes |
| great disposition. Could a Bichon be the right dog breed | | | | with a curious face. The lips and nose are dark and |
| for you? Here are the dog breed standards and other | | | | they have long ears. |
| important information you should read prior to buying a | | | | |
| new dog or puppy for your home. | | | | Personality and Temperament: They are generally |
| History: Originally from the Mediterranean, the Bichons | | | | affectionate and very friendly and will attempt to |
| Frises breed has descended from the Water Spaniel | | | | cheer you up when you are down. Though they are |
| or Barbet Species. These dogs were hugely | | | | patient, at times they can be stubborn. |
| successful with sailors in Spain and it is presumed that | | | | Care: Proper grooming is a must as the Bichons Frises |
| Spanish sailors introduced these dogs to the Canary | | | | are very prone to skin infections and shedding fur. The |
| Islands. Taking a liking to the helpful and pleasing nature | | | | fur should ideally be trimmed short so that there is no |
| of these dogs Italian sailors later brought them back to | | | | matting of foreign elements or entangling of fur. Get |
| the continent sometime during the 12th century. For a | | | | them into the habit of being groomed from a very |
| long time they were a favorite among the Italians as | | | | tender age and make it a pleasurable experience for |
| well as the French. Henry III of France often carried | | | | both of you. Frequent grooming will make their coat |
| two or three around in a shallow basket that he hung | | | | look fluffy and glossy. They should be dried and |
| around his neck by ribbon straps. Bichons Frises were | | | | brushed everyday and also after a bath. Preferably |
| commonly used in circuses by the 1800s. They were | | | | hair dryers for dogs should be used to dry fur rather |
| recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955. | | | | than human dryers, as they are cooler. Excess fur |
| Type of Work the Breed Does: These breeds of | | | | from ears and footpads should be clipped away. Hair |
| dogs are not particularly great at hunting and are not | | | | in front of eyes should also be trimmed to avoid |
| classified as the hunting dogs. They are better known | | | | mucus from forming in the eyes. |
| for their mild disposition, and can cheer you up when | | | | |
| you are feeling down. Thus, I have seen them used as | | | | Living Environment: In general, they hate to be left |
| great companion dogs for the physically and mentally | | | | alone and try to make friends with other dogs. At |
| disadvantaged. This is one of the very few dog | | | | times when they have bouts of energy in form of |
| species that have eyes that are similar to human | | | | "buzz" or "blitz" they tend to jump around in circles. |
| beings. They are capable of expressing their happiness | | | | At a glance: |
| through their eyes, making them even more endearing. | | | | - Breed Group: Non Sporting Dogs |
| Physical Representation: Their white fur is dense and | | | | - Height: 9.5- 11.5 inches |
| soft underneath and curly above, giving them a | | | | - Weight: 10- 18 lbs |
| powder puff look that is characteristic of these small | | | | - Color: White fur, often crème, buff or apricot |
| dogs. They have a thick coat, which springs back | | | | shades are seen near the ears. |
| when touched. The fur feels velvety when properly | | | | |