Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise: BREED BOX
Country:	Belgium/France
Size:	7-12lb(3-6kg), 9-11in(23-30cm)
Temperament:	Bold & Lively
Grooming:	Daily
Recognition:

History - The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean, thought to have been brought over by Spanish sailors to one of the Canary Islands. Italian sailors took a liking to this little white dog, and carried them back to their homeland. When France invaded Italy, they too were captivated by this breed and the dog became a favorite companion to the wealthy, until the nineteenth century when it dropped out of the main focus of the rich and famous and became a common street dog.

Die- hard French dog breeders made a concentrated effort in the 1930’s to re-establish the breed into mainstream society. In the 1950’s the breed finally arrived to America, but the Bichon Frise did not immediately gain popularity there. Only in the 1970’s did the breed finally become recognized by the AKC arriving into the dog world sporting a new hair-cut. After that, the Bichon Frise became a coveted companion dog.

Placed in the Non-Sporting Group by the AKC, although some consider the Bichon Frise to be a Toy Dog, they are not. They are simply small in stature.

Appearance - The Bichon Frise has a double coat and is always white with sometimes shading of cream. The outer coat is curly, similar to that of the poodles. They have a fluffy-like appearance. The tail is carried curved over the back but never curled up.

Description - A charming lap dog, the Bichon Frise is full of life and ready to play. With the special rounded cut of the hair on his head, the little dog looks endearing and friendly. Not reserved with strangers, accepting of small children, this sensitive dog is quite popular today.

The Bichon Frise needs daily exercise where he can run and jump and play. Agility courses are ideal for this energetic animal. If you live in a rainy climate, although this dog has a thick coat of fur, he is better suited living indoors. Not to mention, he will be cleaner for it as well.

Ideal Owners: The Bichon Frise are great companion dogs, popular with the elderly and good with children. Time is required however to groom the dog daily.

Coat Color: White

Other Names: Tenerife Dog

Life Expectancy: 14 years

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Bichon Frise Reviews

Grooming (40%)

Exercise (80%)

Feeding (60%)

Temperament (60%)

Watchdog (60%)

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Number of reviews: 1

Mallie

Bichon Frise

6/27/2006

Rating: TBA (31vote/s)

I wouldn advise against this breed unless you have an EXTREME amount of patience. Bichons are very headstrong and stubborn and tend to think they are the Alpha in the house unless they're shown otherwise early on.
They are difficult to house train and, after knowing 4 other Bichon owners in addition to myself, I feel confident in saying that they never fully get house trained. They have a tendency to urinate in the house when upset no matter how old they get. Ours is 4 and has even urinated on the couch when she got upset because we wouldn't sit down and pet her! They are good with children and ok with other dogs, they can be affectionate (when it suits them) but they're a little high strung and demanding unless you exercise them enough (very vital for your own sanity). Out of the four Bichon owners I know, only one says that they really love the breed and would get another. Just some things to think about!

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