| Description: The Bichon Frise is considered to be a toy | | | | excellent with children. As mentioned above, the Bichon |
| dog. This dog will range in height at the shoulder from 9 | | | | will do well learning tricks, but will not be so dependable |
| to 12 inches and will weigh 7 to 12 pounds. Although | | | | with obedience training. It gets along well with other |
| this dog is small, it has a sturdy build. The Bichon | | | | dogs and household pets. It can be difficult to |
| always has a white coat, with perhaps a touch of | | | | housebreak. |
| apricot or cream shading around the ears. The coat is | | | | Health Issues: The Bichon Frise has a tendency to |
| soft and silky and curly. The coat is 3 to 4 inches long | | | | developing cancer, especially in its later years. This |
| and is considered to be hypoallergenic. The Bichon is a | | | | breed can also suffer from a condition known as liver |
| long-lived breed and can attain 15 years or more, the | | | | shunts. This condition can be corrected surgically if |
| oldest on record having lived until the age of 19. | | | | caught early, so keen observation and perhaps testing |
| History: The Bichon Frise is an old breed, with | | | | of a young Bichon might be in order. The Bichon can |
| references to it from the 1200s. This dog has its | | | | also develop cataracts and epilepsy. The skin is |
| ancestry in the Poodle and Barbet Water Spaniel. | | | | sensitive to flea bites. |
| Because of its happy nature, attractive appearance, | | | | Grooming: One look at the luxuriant coat of the Bichon |
| and small size, the Bichon was used as an item of | | | | Frise will tell you that this dog needs daily grooming. |
| barter by Spanish sailors during this time. It was by this | | | | The coat must be brushed every day to prevent |
| means that it found its way to France, and by the | | | | tangles and matting. The coat should also be clipped |
| 1500s was a member of the French court. Because | | | | and trimmed regularly. The Bichon can be bathed |
| the Bichon enjoys learning how to do tricks, it has also | | | | anywhere from once a week to once a month, |
| be used in circuses and as a helper to organ grinders. | | | | depending on how dirty the coat has become. Some |
| Temperament: The Bichon Frise was developed | | | | owners give their Bichon Frise a puppy cut for |
| exclusively to be a companion dog, and this is | | | | convenience. The ears should be checked daily and |
| reflected in its cheerful and merry disposition. This dog | | | | dried and cleaned if necessary. |
| is made for close relationships with people and is | | | | |