Bichon HIstory

The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog whose merry temperament is evident by their plumed tail carried jauntily over their back. Bichon Frise (Bichons) loves to be the center of attention and is always eager to please. They make a delightful and amusing companion. Gentle-mannered, sensitive, very playful and affectionate the Bichon Frise is good with children and other pets.

Other Names: Tenerife Dog, Bichon Tenerife, Bichon a poil Frise

Height: 9 - 12 inches
Weight: 7 - 12 lbs.

Colors: White, cream or apricot up to 18 months of age.
Coat: Long and loosely curling.

Temperament: Bichon Frise are friendly, active, gentle-mannered
With Children: Yes, exceptionally good with children.
With Pets: Yes
Special Skills: Family pet.

Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: Very Low

Care and Training: The Bichon Frise requires daily coat care. Brushing, periodic trimming, regular bathing. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt nosed scissors. Clean the eyes to prevent staining. Most of their exercise needs can be met with just playing, but they do love to walk and romp in open areas.
Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - Very High, Problem Solving - Very High

Activity: Outdoors - Medium, Indoors - Very High.
Living Environment: An apartment is fine if daily walks are given. An owner of a Bichon Frise should be patient, consistent and be able to take time to train, exercise and socialize them. Bichon Frise do well with the elderly or disabled.

Health Issues: No known heritable problems. Some problems with knees, block tear ducts, skin ailments, cataracts and epilepsy.

Life Span: 15 + years
Litter Size: 3 - 5

Country of Origin: France
History: The exact origin of the Bichon Frise is still unknown today. Though many agree that they existed before the time of Christ. Some say they descend from the Maltese, others claim they were a dwarf breed that resulted from crossing of a miniature Spaniel and a miniature Poodle with Cayenne dogs. After World War I both French and Belgian breeders sustained an active interest in the breed. A challenge came when it was time to name the breed. Madame Nizet de Leemands, head of the Breed Standards Committee of the FCI asked her colleagues in desperation, "What does it look like?" She was told it was a fluffy, little white dog. "well then," she said, "It shall be called Bichon Frize (fluffy little dog)."

First Registered by the AKC: 1972
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Class: Non-Sporting
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC (GB), UKC