Bichon Frise Information

Widget Stevens during a football game

Breed Name: Bichon Frise

Dog Group: Non Sporting (I guess football isn't a sport)

Registration Organizations: American Kennel Club

National Club Name: Bichon Frise Club of America

National Club Address:

Bernice Richardson, Corresponding Secretary,
186 Ash Street North, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
208 734 6262
National Bichon Rescue

Laura Foxmechen
1309 63rd Dr
Union Grove, WI 53182
414 878 4446

Breed Description:

The Bichon Frise is a white powder puff dog with black eyes, nose, eye rims and halos, lips, and footpads. As puppies, some Bichons have shadings of buff, cream or apricot on the ears or body, which usually fades with age. The tail is well plumed and carried jauntily over the back. The coat is naturally curly, but when brushed and scissored in the proper style, it is like velvet plush. The adult dog is sturdy and muscular, approximately 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulders. Bichons weigh about 10 to 18 pounds, depending on size.

Original Purpose: The Bichon Frise were great favorites with Italian nobility in the 1300s. The breed was pampered, beribboned and perfumed, and carried on silver trays. In the late 1800s, the Bichon Frise fell out of favor to become the 'common dog', running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, and doing tricks in circuses. Breed History:
The Bichon Frise descends from the Barbet or Water-Spaniel, from which came the name "Barbichon", later contracted to "Bichon". Bichons are close relatives to the Maltese and Toy Poodle. The Bichons were divided into four categories: the Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Havanais and the Bichon Teneriffe. All originated in the Mediterranean area. However, the Bichon Frise has been a distinct breed since about 1400. Appreciated for their dispositions, the dogs traveled much through antiquity. Frequently offered as items of barter, they were transported by sailors from continent to continent. A few Bichons came to the United States in the 1950s, and the Bichon Frise Club of America was founded in 1964. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1972.

Earliest record: 1300s

Country of Origin: Mediterranean area

First Year of Registry with AKC: 1972

Breed Registration Statistics: 10,817 (1995)

Litter Registration Statistics: 6,601 (1995)

Size:

Height (inches): 9 - 12 (dogs); 9 - 12 (bitches)

Weight (pounds): 10 - 18 (dogs); 10 - 18 (bitches)

Eye color and shape: Round, black or dark brown and are set in the skull to look directly forward. An overly large or bulging eye is a fault, as is an almond shaped, obliquely set eye.

Lips: Black, fine, never drooping.

Ear type: Drop type and covered with long flowing hair; when extended toward the nose, the leathers reach approximately halfway the length of the muzzle. They are set on slightly higher-than-eye-level and rather forward on the skull, so that when the dog is alert they serve to frame the face.

Cosmetic Surgeries: Front dew claws may be removed, but it is not required.

Color: White, may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body. Any color in excess of 10% of the entire coat of a mature dog is a fault for AKC conformation showing and should be penalized, but color of the accepted shadings should not be faulted in puppies.

Coat Type: The texture of the coat is of utmost importance. The undercoat is soft and dense, the outercoat of a coarser and curlier texture. The combination of the two gives a soft but substantial feel to the touch that is similar to plush velvet and, when patted, springs back. When bathed and brushed, it stands off the body, creating an overall powder puff appearance. A wiry coat is not desirable. A limp, silky coat, a coat that lies down, or a lack of undercoat are very serious faults. The coat is trimmed to reveal the natural outline of the body. The longer head hair is trimmed to create an overall rounded impression. The topline is trimmed to appear level. The coat is long enough to maintain the powder puff look which is characteristic of the breed. When wet the coat is curly and must be blown dry, and brushed when drying, to create the powder puff appearance. It is, for sure, not a wash and wear dog.

Temperment: Gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate are traits of the Bichon. The Bichon does not require a great deal of running around room and, as such, is a good dog for apartment dewelling. The Bichon is happiest when they are with their family. They are very unhappy when left alone for great lengths of time. The Bichon are not a yappie dog, however, they will announce strangers and the mailman. Bichons are intelligent and outgoing. They love to play in the house or outside in a fenced yard.

Special Requirements:

Grooming

Grooming the Bichon is imperative since they do not shed. The coat mats and must be brushed frequently (daily is best). "Frise" means curly in French. The natural coat is long and curly, and the Bichon look is created by brushing the curl out while drying the coat (this is time consuming to get the look just right). The coat is then scissored (no clippers) to have the appearance of velvet plush. You can do this yourself (with lots of time and practice) or have it professionally done (much easier).
The reason that mats are a serious concern in a dog with this sort of coat is that they may result in skin sores, tearing and skin disease. Heavily matted animals must be shaved to solve the problem. Grooming means a thorough brushing at least once a week (and then you will find mats but they shouldn't be too bad). Daily brushing is much better. If done on a daily basis, it will take approximately 15 minutes.
"Pet Cut" Bichons will have a shorter coat and should go to the groomers for cuts every 6 to 8 weeks. "Show Cut" Bichons, in full show coat, (the coat is kept longer) should go to the groomers at least monthly or sooner. It is very important if you maintain the Bichon in show coat to brush them on a daily basis. The cost for grooming varies but the average cost is between $35 and $50. For a lot of the groomers, it will depend on how many mats they find and how long it takes to get them out.

Housebreaking:

You must be consistent and patient while housebreaking a Bichon. They are very intelligent but Bichons are not always cooperative with housebreaking. Housebreaking can be difficult but not impossible. Housebreaking works best if you confine the dog while you are not watching them or else you will end up with numerous accidents. Crate training makes it much easier to housebreak the dog. The main rule to follow is keep the dog confined to the room you are in and give them access, on a regular basis, to the place where you want them to go. Bichons can be paper trained or trained to go outside. Establish a routine and follow it. Bichons can even be trained to go on cue with patience and consistency. Each time they do it where you want it done, praise them, which they love. Bichons are not as easy to housebreak as some other breeds but of course it can be done.

Staining:

Staining to the face (under the eyes and around the muzzle) is of a particular concern to many Bichon owners because it detracts from an otherwise white coat. This is primarily a cosmetic problem, however, tear stains may be due to eye problems, blocked tear ducts, ingrown eyelashes, or other physical problems. A vet should see the dog to eliminate these as a cause. Staining can be difficult to control and in most cases cannot be entirely cleaned up. Some success has been seen with a change of diet or drinking bottled spring water. Commercial eye washes and tear stain remover are on the market for those who are particularly concerned. You must remember all animals tear stain to a degree. It is not harmful, just more noticeable in a white coated dog.

Typical Competitive Activities for this Breed: Agility, obedience (though not known as an obedience dog, there has been some success with patience), and conformation shows.

Breed Pluses: The Bichon has a non-shedding coat and is hypo-allergenic. Bichons are lap dogs that are loving companions. They are excellent "Therapy" dogs because of their affectionate, playful, and sensitive nature. Bichons love to entertain and expect everyone to love them including other animals. They are good with children as long as the children are not rough with them. Bichons are, after all, small dogs even though they are sturdy. No dog should have to tolerate mishandling or abuse from anyone. Bichons do very well with crate training and are happy to sleep in the crate at night. However, they enjoy sleeping in bed with you even more. (Don't forget they are small dogs and don't take up too much room.)

Breed Minuses: It is imperative that the Bichon is groomed otherwise the coat mats. This means regular brushing and care. You must be consistent and patient while housebreaking a Bichon. Housebreaking a dog works best if you confine the dog while you are not watching them or else you will end up with numerous "accidents".

Who should own this breed? Anyone who wants a loving family member to spend time with playing indoors or outside is a good candidate for a Bichon. Taking walks and being social with everyone are the favorite hobbies of the Bichon. They have no trouble bonding with new owners and bond almost immediately.

Who should not own this breed? Anyone who expects to ignore the Bichon, because they cannot be ignored or you will have a very unhappy dog with numerous problems. Anyone with an extremely busy lifestyle that does not include time for a loving companion should not consider a Bichon.

Excerpts from Net.Pet Breeds List | Net.Pet Home Page|