Bichon Frise
Breed Distinctives
And Other Helpful Information
What Makes A Bichon Our Favorite Breed?
Activity Level
Moderate with the accational zoomies (running silly around the house) if not regularly taken on walks.
Trainability
Bichons are very smart and can be trained to many commands and behaviors. “Sit”, “Lay”, “Stay”, and “Come” are just the begining for these intelligent cuties.
Size
Females get to be 9 to 12 pounds and Males get to be 13 to 18 pounds.
Shedding Amount
None… Bichons are hypoalergetic and have a reduced amount of dander. For those owners with a sensitive nose this breed is for you!
Kid / Pet Friendly
These very friendly beauties are great companions and play well with others and children.
Average Lifespan
While remaining vibrant even during their sunset years, Bichons often live 12 to 15 years young!
Grooming Level
These little bundles of softness take grooming. The coat of a Bichon is unique and grows rapidly. As a result every 5-8 weeks your bundle of soft white cuteness will need grooming.
Temperament
Bichons are playful, cheerful, affectionate, feisty, sensitive, gentle, and very loving.
Watchdog
Bichons are very aware. While they will bark at intruders they are not normally known as a troublesome barker and can be trained to cease after just a few barks.
The History Of The Bichon Frise Breed
“Bichon Frise” means curly haired lap dog, and their name certainly matches their nature. With a personality that is bright and bubbly, this happy dog attracts compliments everywhere they go.
People have been drawn to this breed for more than 2,000 years. They were originally named Bichon Tenerife which was the largest of the Canary Islands, and later used for companionship and trade in Europe and along the Mediterranean trade routes. Bichons became a favorite pet of the wealthy in Italy and France during the Renaissance. When society changed during the French Revolution, these dogs accompanied street musicians and had jobs as performers due to the fact they were highly trainable and were able to walk long distances on their hind legs, wave both paws in the air, and turn somersaults. Today Bichons continue to entertain with their adorable silly personalities.
Bichon Frise were first admitted to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1971, as part of the Non-Sporting Group and became eligible to compete in 1973.
An interesting bit of trivia:
The painting “The White Duchess”, painted by Francisco de Goya in 1795, features the Duchess of Alba and her little white Bichon.
Physical Characteristics
There is no “toy” derivative of this breed, as Bichon Frise are known for their sturdiness and are medium-boned. Males and females are between 9 to 11 inches (24.1 to 29.2 cm) from the ground to their shoulders, and can weigh between 12-18 pounds when full grown.
Bichon Frise are known for their black eyes, nose, and mouth against their white face. In the midst is their cute pink tongue which often makes them look like they are smiling or laughing.
A Bichons coat ranges from white to cream, and may have various shades of apricot. They are known for their thick double coat, with the soft downy hair below the curlier overcoat. The other feature they are known for is their round head, long neck, and erect posture.
Hypoallergenic
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Bichons are rated very low on the allergic scale. The reason is Bichon’s produce very little dander, and saliva that may produce allergy symptoms. It recommended that you go to visit a Bichon to determine whether you will have an allergic reaction before you commit to raising one for it’s entire life.
Playfulness
Bichons love attention and they want you to play with them. They will repeat the same “trick” over and over as long you are playing with them. Conversely, when playtime is over, they are generally worn out and enjoy a log nap afterwards.
Bichons also enjoy the company of other dogs and will run around and around either jumping on top or chasing their buddy.
Trainability
Bichons are eager to please and they want to follow your rules. Of course, training takes patience and perseverance and being consistent. Bichon’s react well to positive reinforcement with compliments, treats, and physical affection. Never hit or punish your bichon as it will result in resentment that comes out in other ways.
