A Bichon Frise is a small dog breed of the Bichon variety. They are popular pets, comparable in look to, but larger than, the Maltese. They are a non-shedding dog breed that requires daily grooming.
The Bichon Frise is a petite but tough dog that weighs approx. 7-17 lbs and stands 23-30 cm/9-15in at the withers, but somewhat bigger dogs are not unusual. It has a black nose and dark disk-shaped eyes, and its white coat consists of a wavy outercoat and a sleek undercoat. A small degree of buff, cream, or apricot shade can be seen surrounding its ears, nose, paws or body, but generally these colors do not go beyond 10% of its body. The head and legs are balanced in size to the body, and ears and tail are natural (not docked or cropped). Frequently the coat is trimmed to make the hair give the impression of even length. Bichon Frise's may be medium-high intelligence.
The AKC refers to the Bichon Frise as "merry" and "cheerful", and the breed standard calls for a dog that is "gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate". Bred to be companion dogs, the Bichon Frise tends to get along fine with both kids and other animals. Bichon Frises are very obedient if training is started early and continued consistently.
Bichon Frises are appropriate for people with allergies, as they are bred to be hypoallergenic. Yet, it is crucial to note that, human sensitivity to dog fur, dander, and saliva varies significantly. While hair, dander, and saliva can be minimized, they are still there and may attach to "clothes and the carpets and furnishings in your home"; inhaling the allergens, or being licked by the dog, could prompt a reaction in a susceptible individual.
The Bichon Frise descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, from which came the name "Barbichon", later condensed to "Bichon". The Bichons were divided into four categories: the Bichon Malteise, the Bichon Bolognaise, the Bichon Havanese and the Bichon Tenerife. Every one originated in the Mediterranean region.
Because of their merry personality, they traveled to a great extent and were often} used as barter by sailors as they moved from continent to continent. The dogs found first success in Spain and it is generally believed that Spanish seamen introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Tenerife. In the 1300s, Italian sailors rediscovered the small dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to the continent, where they became fantastic favorites of Italian aristocrats. Frequently, as was the fashion of the day with dogs in the courts, they were cut "lion style," like a modern-day Portuguese Water Dog.
Despite the fact that not considered a retriever or water dog, the Bichon, owing to its lineage as a sailor's dog, has an affinity for and enjoys water and retrieving. On the boats however, the dog's job was that of a companion dog.
The "Tenerife", or "Bichon", had success in France through the Renaissance under Francis I (1515-47), but its popularity skyrocketed in the court of Henry III (1574-89). The breed also enjoyed considerable success in Spain as a favorite of the Infantas, and painters of the Spanish school frequently} included them in their works. For example, the celebrated artist, Francisco de Goya, included a Bichon in several of his works.
Appeal in the breed was improved during the reign of Napoleon III, but then waned until the late 1800s when it became the "common dog", running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the sightless and doing tricks in circuses and fairs.
Author Resource:-
Please stop at my web site for additional information on Bichon Frise in addition to all the best dog breeds
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.natureezine.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
