| We begin this article with the basic facts about the | | | | show a lot of affection toward others and they are |
| breed, then follow up with an in-depth look at their | | | | also very confident and charming. |
| personality. | | | | Care |
| Breed group: Non-sporting | | | | The Bichon Frise is a dog that requires a lot of |
| Weight: 7-12 lbs | | | | maintenance, and should be brushed often and bathed |
| Height: 9.5-11.5 inches | | | | once a month. It is recommended that they are |
| Overview | | | | groomed by a professional every 4 weeks. The hair |
| The Bichon Frise is a cross between the Poodle and | | | | around their ears and eyes should also be trimmed |
| the Barbet Water Spaniel, and made its first | | | | with a pair of blunt scissors - it is also advised that their |
| appearance during the 14th century. The Bichon was | | | | eyes should be cleaned to prevent staining. Electric |
| traded by Spanish sailors traded the Bichon, and during | | | | clippers should be used to trim the body of the dog, |
| the 16th century they became a firm favourite of the | | | | but a scissor should still be used to trim the rest of the |
| French royal courts. These dogs were circus | | | | dog. The Bichon does not shed a lot of hair, and is |
| performers and very popular organ grinder's dogs. | | | | therefore ideal for those suffering from allergies. |
| Today they are primarily show and companion dogs. | | | | Training |
| Temperament | | | | The Bichon Frise is a very intelligent dog, but they are |
| The Bichon Frise has a very sweet, lively, bouncy and | | | | fairly difficult to housebreak. They are slow to grow up, |
| active temperament. They are very fond of playing, | | | | and they males are usually somewhat easier to train |
| and will have erratic bursts of liveliness that will lead | | | | than females. Crate is recommended for the Bichon |
| them into many unfamiliar adventures. This is usually | | | | Frise, and it is vital that the training should be conducted |
| outside of the yard, or when they are off the leash. | | | | in a consistent and patient manner. These dogs will do |
| This breed is very playful and friendly toward | | | | well with obedience and agility training, especially if it is |
| strangers - they also make excellent watchdogs. The | | | | started at a young age. The Bichon Frise flourish when |
| Bichon Frise is one of the very few smaller dogs that | | | | they can socialise, and they are very fond of |
| get along very well with children. You will find that | | | | performing tricks. |
| these dogs are very care free, and that they get | | | | Health problems |
| along well with other dogs and animals. They are | | | | Some of these dogs tend to suffer from watery eyes, |
| however very sensitive and they like to cuddle up one | | | | cataracts, skin and ear ailments, epilepsy and also |
| a member of their family's lap. The Bichon Frise is a | | | | dislocated kneecaps. The Bichon Frise is very sensitive |
| very independent dog that is also highly intelligent. They | | | | to flea bites. |