Bichon
Frise
 Description:
The Bichon Frise used to be called the Bichon
Teneriffe because it was discovered on the island
of Teneriffe in the Canary Islands. This breed,
and its cousins, the Bichon Maltaise, the Bichon
Bolognese, and the Bichon Havanese, all descended
from the Barbet or Water Spaniel. When sailors
brought the little dogs back to the European continent
from the Canary Islands, they gained great popularity
as lap-dogs of the royalty. However, after four
centuries of luxurious living, royal tastes changed
and the breed found itself out on the street where
it soon worked its way into the hearts of the
common people. The breed's amiable and cheerful
personality assured its future, and after WWI,
several breeder's joined forces and determined
that the breed would be taken seriously. By the
end of the 1930s the breed was recognized by the
French Kennel Club, but was not recognized in
North America until the 1970s. The breed fits
well in a family where room and activity levels
are small or moderate, but where pampering is
abundant.
Height:
10 - 11" (25.4 - 25.4cm) for dogs, 9.5 -
10.5" (24.1 - 24.1cm) for bitches
Weight:
7 - 12 lbs (3.1 - 5.4 kg)
Coat Type:
The coat is at least 2" (5 cm) long and is
soft and silky and somewhat curly. The usual color
is all white but shades of cream or apricot are
allowed. Frequent grooming, including bathing
and clipping, is recommended to keep the coat
looking healthy and clean.
Temperament:
The Bichon Frise is an endearing little dog whose
charming ways and affectionate disposition have
won him favor the world over. He is also easy
to train and his antics are often entertaining.
Special Interest:
While the Bichon Frise was discovered by sailors
in the Canary Islands in the 14th Century, the
ancestors of these dogs actually originated from
the Spanish mainland centuries before.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
CKC: Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Toys
FCI: Group 9
ANKC: Group 1 - Toy
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