Bichon Frise Dog
Family:
Bichon, companion, water dog
Area of origin:
France
Original function:
companion, performer
Average size of male:
Ht: 9.5-11.5, Wt: 7-12
Average size of female:
Ht: 9.5-11.5, Wt: 7-12
Other names:
Tenerife dog, Bichon
Tenerife, Bichon a Poil Frise
Temperament
Perky, bouncy and playful, the Bichon Frise's happy-go-lucky
outlook endears him to all. He is friendly toward strangers and other dogs and
pets, and is very good with children. He is sensitive, responsive and
affectionate, as eager to cuddle as he is to play. He can bark a lot.
Care
Although small, the Bichon is an active dog and needs daily
exercise. His needs can be met with a vigorous indoor game or, better, a romp
in the yard or a short walk on leash. The white powder-puff coat needs brushing
and combing every other day, plus scissoring and trimming every two months. He
doesn't shed, but the loose hairs become entangled in the coat and can mat. He
may be difficult to keep white in some areas. This is not a dog that should
live outdoors.
Health
Major concerns: patellar luxation
Minor concerns: tooth loss, cataract
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: knee, eye
Life span: 12-15 years
Minor concerns: tooth loss, cataract
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: knee, eye
Life span: 12-15 years
History
of breed
The Bichon Frise has his roots in the Mediterranean,
originally produced by crossing the Barbet (a large water dog) with small,
white lap dogs. This cross eventually produced a family of dogs known as
Barbichons, which was later shortened to Bichons. The Bichons were divided into
four types: the Bichon Maltaise, Bolognese, Havanese and Teneriffe. The
Teneriffe, which was to later become the Bichon Brise, developed on the Canary Island
of Teneriffe, probably having been taken there by Spanish seafarers in ancient
times. In the 14th century, Italian sailors brought specimens back from the
island to the Continent, where they quickly became favored pets of the upper
class. Following a series of French invasions of Italy in the 1500s, the little
dogs were adopted by the French. They were special pets of Francis I and his
successor, Henry III. They also enjoyed popularity in Spain, but for some
reason, the breed's popularity waned throughout Europe. He did experience a
brief resurgence during the reign of Napoleon III in the early 19th century,
but once again quickly faded from favor. This began a new chapter in the
Bichon's history, as he sank from court favorite to common street dog. The
Bichon survived, however, because of his propensity for performing tricks, he
teamed with peddlers and organ grinders to entertain passerbys or fair-goers
for money. With the advent of World War I, the little dogs were nearly lost. A
few dogs were brought back home by soldiers, but no real effort to save the
breed was made until a few French breeders began an earnest effort to establish
the breed. In 1933, the name officially became Bichon a Poil Frise (Bichon of
the curly coat). The breed was threatened once
again, this time by World War II, and it was not until he came to America in
the 1950s that his future became more secure. Even then, the Bichon Frise did
not catch on until he received a new hair cut and greater publicity in the
1960s. The breed suddenly caught the attention of fanciers and was recognized
by the AKC in 1971.
