Bichon Frisé
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| Bichon Frisé | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Alternative names | ||
| Bichon à poil fries Bichon Tenerife |
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| Country of origin | ||
| Belgium / France | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 9 Section 1 #215 | Stds |
| AKC: | Non-Sporting | Stds |
| ANKC: | Group 1 (Toys) | Stds |
| CKC: | Group 6 - Non-Sporting | Stds |
| KC (UK): | Toy | Stds |
| NZKC: | Toy | Stds |
| UKC: | Companion Breeds | Stds |
A Bichon Frisé (French, literally Curly lap dog; often spelled Bichon Frise in English) is a small breed of dog. They are popular pets, similar to poodles. They are often devoted to their masters. They also have a common fondness of licking their owners.
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[edit] History
Bichons originate in the Mediterranean region (possibly the Canary Islands), and were bred as lap dogs for the French royalty. They were originally called the Bichon Tenerife. The dogs ended up on the streets during the French Revolution, where they were caught and trained to be circus dogs. But their earliest origins are traced to the African subcontinent.
The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973.
[edit] Personality
Bichons love people and other dogs, and are happiest when there is a lot of activity around them so that they can be the center of attention. People who are considering adding a bichon frise to their household should know that these dogs are smart and playful, but require a lot of human attention. Bichons will return your love a thousand-fold, but they expect their human owners to keep them happy and cater to their needs.
[edit] Care
Care must be taken to keep the face of a Bichon Frisé clean and trimmed, as eye discharge and mucus tend to accumulate in the hair that grows in front of their eyes, which can lead to serious problems. Furthermore, Bichon owners must take care to thoroughly clean their dog's hind (anal) area with a damp cloth after each bowel movement, as the breed's curly hair will quickly tangle in an environment of dried excrement. You should always try to brush their hair daily, but if that is not possible, at least 2-3 times a week. The hair will puff up if groomed correctly, and their tails curl over their back. This breed is also prone to knots in their hair. As a result, it is important to remove any hair tangles prior to shampooing a bichon. If not, more tangles may develop resulting in matting.
[edit] Appearance
Color - Almost completely white, sometimes with cream, apricot or buff shadings usually around the ears. At least 90% must be white in a purebred Bichon for show. At least 50% must be white in a Bichon Puppy for show. Color fades during the first year of life. During this time the coat also changes from puppy fluff to frise.
Face - Expression should be alert, soft, inquisitive. The eyes are usually very dark, either black or dark brown. The skin surrounding the eye is also very dark. The nose and lips are always black. The ears are drop and covered in long, flowing hair.
Coat - The undercoat is soft and dense while the outercoat is curly, giving it a powderpuff look. The coat feels thick and should spring back if touched.
Muscle-The muscle tone is of exceptional quality, especially the lower thighs and buttocks area.
[edit] Challenges
Bichons can be difficult to housebreak, and new owners should be patient and consistent in their training. Many bichon owners cite success with crate training - keeping the bichon in the crate, except to toilette. Also, many owners will recommend a fenced-in yard with a "dog door", allowing a dog to go outside to toilette at will.
[edit] Health
The Bichon lives around about 13-16 yrs. Primary health problems consistent with this breed include bladder infections, bladder stones, and subluxating kneecaps.
[edit] Trivia
1. A Bichon makes an appearance in Shrek 2, as a present the Fairy Godmother gives Fiona.
2. A Bichon is the family pet in the Discovery Health Channel program, "Paralyzed and Pregnant".
[edit] External links
- Breed Clubs
- Bichon Rescue
- Information
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