| The Bichon Frise is a pure breed that originated in the | | | | and nose, and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is |
| Mediterranean region. This curly lap dog descended | | | | prone to allergies even though the fur is hypoallergenic |
| from a mix of the Barbet breed, poodle and a generic | | | | to humans. The ears are prone to ear mites. A |
| white lap dog. As early as 600 B.C. Spanish sailors | | | | breeder must make sure dogs for use in AKC |
| used the breed, which at the time was referred to as | | | | competition meet all the breed standard characteristics. |
| the Barbichon, during trade to help with diplomacy. The | | | | Purebred dogs have two coats of fur consisting of a |
| dog had a naturally outgoing and friendly disposition, | | | | dense undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to |
| which made the breed incredibly likeable and effective | | | | twelve pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in |
| in building relationships. | | | | height and have a friendly, confident, intelligent and bold |
| The attractive and friendly Barbichon's name was | | | | personality. |
| shortened to Bichon and later had Frise added by the | | | | Bichon Frise buyers should attempt to find a reputable |
| French to reference the breed's soft, curly fur. The | | | | breeder. There are a number of questions that should |
| Bichon Frise was popular in the French royal family | | | | be asked to distinguish between good and bad Bichon |
| during the Renaissance. Its popularity spread | | | | Frise breeders. Buyers also want to make sure that |
| throughout Europe, to Australia and then to the United | | | | breeders ask them questions. |
| States in the 1930s to 1970s. Two breeders in the U.S | | | | Buyers should ask the following questions of breeders: |
| helped the breed become registered by the American | | | | Do you have your own kennel? (A good breeder will |
| Kennel Club in 1973. A Bichon breeder must meet | | | | maintain his/her own clean kennel.) Can I visit the |
| specific AKC breed standards to register dogs in | | | | kennel/meet the parents of the puppy? (This should be |
| competition. | | | | encouraged.) Have puppies and parents been |
| Because the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise | | | | screened for genetic defects? Will I receive |
| is its white, curly coat, breeders try to retain that | | | | registration papers, pedigree, and medical records? |
| characteristic. The American Kennel Club only allows | | | | (Yes to all.) Can you tell me the history of the breed? |
| less than ten percent of the fur to be off-white. Often | | | | (Breeders should be experts.) Are you affiliated with |
| the ears, tear stains around the eyes, and the muzzle | | | | rescue centers? Can you tell me how to care for my |
| are off-white or even apricot in color, which is | | | | Bichon Frise? Is there a warranty? (A good breeder |
| acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is hypoallergenic. It must be | | | | will want the dog returned to them rather than sold.) |
| groomed regularly to maintain its luster and fluffiness. | | | | There are many other questions that can be asked |
| Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth | | | | but these are a good start to finding a good breeder. |