| The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed descended from | | | | white, mouth and nose are black, eyes are brown or |
| the poodle, Barbet and a generic white lap dog | | | | black eyes and have a "human expression", and fur is |
| originating in the Mediterranean region as early as | | | | groomed appropriately according to the breed |
| 600-300 B.C. The breed has been everything from a | | | | standard. |
| companion to Spanish merchants, to a lap dog of | | | | A Bichon Frise that is going to compete must be |
| French royalty, to a circus performer, to a | | | | brushed regularly and professionally trimmed at least |
| sheepherder, to an American Kennel Club registered | | | | every three months. The fur is styled with full volume. |
| competitor. | | | | A Bichon Frise that is not competing can have its fur |
| Known for its white, curly fur and intelligent, sociable | | | | cropped in a puppy cut, which is a shorter style similar |
| disposition, the Bichon Frise has continued to gain | | | | to the natural length seen in Bichon Frise puppies. |
| popularity. Today, this breed is often mixed with other | | | | The basis for finding the best Bichon Frise puppies is |
| purebred dogs to create new designer dogs that have | | | | finding the best and most reputable breeder possible. |
| features of both breeds. Mixed breed Bichon Frise | | | | Eliminate from your potential breeder list any breeder |
| puppies are highly desirable due to their resemblance | | | | that sells puppies to pet stores or that will ship puppies |
| to fluffy white cotton balls. The name of the Bichon | | | | overnight delivery, sight unseen, all over the country as |
| Frise has changed over time. It descended from the | | | | long as the payment is received. These are signs of |
| Barbet, was called the Barbichon for many centuries, | | | | puppy mills, places where dogs are bred and whelped |
| then called the Bichon, and finally the French added | | | | in dirty, unsocial conditions. |
| Frise to the name to reference the breed's curly fur. | | | | Some questions that a potential Bichon Frise buyer |
| The American Kennel Club registered the breed in the | | | | can ask before purchasing Bichon Frise puppies include |
| non-working group under the name Bichon Frise in | | | | whether or not the breeder can provide heritage |
| 1973. | | | | documentation, health certificates, a tour of the kennel |
| The American Kennel Club sets breed standard traits | | | | and introduction to the puppies and parents. Reputable |
| for every breed of dog registered in the United States. | | | | breeders care about the puppies they help to produce |
| For the Bichon Frise, some of the breed standard traits | | | | and want them to all go to fantastic homes, so buyers |
| include a double coat of fur consisting of a dense | | | | should expect to answer quite a few questions also. |
| undercoat and a curly, springy topcoat, ideal weight is | | | | Bichon Frise puppies bought from a good breeder with |
| between seven and twelve pounds, ideal height is | | | | ensure that you have a good resource fro which to |
| between nine and twelve inches, disposition is friendly | | | | get advice about the care of your new pet. |
| and outgoing, at least ninety percent of fur is pure | | | | |