| The Bichon Frise is a relatively small dog, also | | | | inside, and they are not very fond of too much activity. |
| commonly known as Tenerife Dog, Bichon Tenerife or | | | | The Bichon Frise can also be very independent, and |
| Bichon a poil Frise, originating in France. It was | | | | they have very high pitched barks, but are not at all |
| registered with the AKC first in 1972 despite having a | | | | aggressive towards nor strangers nor smaller animals. |
| very long history. Their name is of course in French | | | | In appearance the Bichon Frise is small and sturdy, with |
| and can be translated to "curly lap dog", which | | | | very curly fur commonly coloured in white, sometimes |
| describes both its appearance and lifestyle perfectly. It | | | | with traces of apricot or buff. Their dark eyes and |
| is a descendant from the Barbet breed or Water | | | | nose stand out in contrast to their very lightly coloured |
| Spaniel, both of which have existed in the | | | | fur. Their head is proportionate to its body, their ears |
| Mediterranean area for over 2000 years. More exact | | | | hang down on both sides of their head, and are usually |
| origins are not known. | | | | not visible at all from a distance. Even though they do |
| The Bichon Frise were often used as boatdogs earlier, | | | | not shed any hair at all they still need much grooming, |
| a job for which they were perfectly suited for as they | | | | preferably many times a week. They weigh in |
| did not shed any hair and did not need much exercise | | | | average between 3 to 5 kg (7 to 12 pounds) and have |
| either. In general this breed has a very sweet | | | | a height between 23 to 30 cm (9 to12 inches). They |
| personality, is very happy, and is always eager to | | | | have a lifespan averaging 14-18 years, which is much |
| please its owners. They make great companions and | | | | compared to other dogs of similar breeds. A number |
| can be quite entertaining as well, since they love to | | | | of common health issues include luxating patella, |
| perform various tricks and to show off. They are very | | | | epilepsy, cataracts, allergies, bleeding disorders, and |
| sociable and attention craving, and fit perfectly for both | | | | bladder stones. The leading causes of death are |
| experienced and inexperienced dog owners as long as | | | | cancer and various so far unknown symptoms. It is |
| the owners have a lot of extra time to devote to | | | | also important that the parents of your Bichon Frise |
| them. They enjoy walks, but are also comfortable | | | | puppy have both OFA and CERF certificates. |