The Bichon Frise is a pure breed that originated in the Mediterranean region. This curly lap dog descended from a mix of the Barbet breed, poodle and a generic white lap dog. As early as 600 B.C. Spanish sailors used the breed, which at the time was referred to as the Barbichon, during trade to help with diplomacy. The Barbichon had a naturally outgoing and friendly disposition, which made the breed incredibly likeable and effective in building relationships.
The attractive and friendly Barbichon's name was shortened to Bichon and later had Frise added by the French to reference the breed's soft, curly fur. The Bichon Frise was popular in the French royal family during the Renaissance. Its popularity spread throughout Europe, to Australia and then to the United States in the 1930s to 1970s. Two Bichon Frise breeders in the U.S helped the breed become registered by the American Kennel Club in 1973. A Bichon Frise breeder must meet specific AKC breed standards to register dogs in competition.
The American Kennel Club's breed standard for Bichon Frise to participate in AKC competition is as follows: a double coat of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and curly topcoat, between seven and twelve pounds in weight, between nine and twelve inches in height, a friendly, alert, and charming disposition, all white fur with less than ten percent being less than pure white, a black mouth and brown or black eyes and groomed according to AKC standard.
Competition Bichon Frise must be groomed or professionally trimmed every three months. When not competing, fur can be kept in a shorter puppy cut which requires less maintenance. The full volume look used in competition requires daily brushing. Every Bichon Frise breeder, along with retaining breed standard characteristics, must be aware of the health issues prone to Bichon Frise. For example, though Bichon Frise fur is hypoallergenic to most people, the Bichon Frise suffers from many allergies of the ears, eyes and skin. A good Bichon Frise breeder will explain the breeds' positive and negative traits to buyers prior to purchase.
Bichon Frise buyers should attempt to find a reputable
Bichon Frise breeder. There are a number of questions that should be asked to distinguish between good and bad Bichon Frise breeders. Buyers also want to make sure that breeders ask them questions. Buyers should ask the following questions of breeders: Do you have your own kennel? (A good breeder will maintain his/her own clean kennel.) Can I visit the kennel/meet the parents of the puppy? (This should be encouraged.) Have puppies and parents been screened for genetic defects? Will I receive registration papers, pedigree, and medical records? (Yes to all.) Can you tell me the history of the breed? (Breeders should be experts.) Are you affiliated with rescue centers? Can you tell me how to care for my Bichon Frise? Is there a warranty? (A good breeder will want the dog returned to them rather than sold.) There are many other questions that can be asked but these are a good start to finding a good Bichon Frise breeder.
Reputable
Bichon Frise breeders informs buyers about the breed. This article provides
Bichon Frise information and information about breeders.