levelheaded , lovesome , and incredibly precious , the bichon frise could easily be mistaken for a child ’s toy . This happy - go - lucky strain originated in the Mediterranean islands , which could be why they ’re so easygoing and play - loving . Bichons are the sodding associate for families , elderly duet , and everyone in between .
The bichon frise ( say it with us : BEE - shon Free - ZAY ) is just as beautiful as their regal - sound French name suggest . This Snow White of hot dog is beautiful , dainty , and a practiced choice for people with allergies . They ’re intelligent and cunning , learning tricks and produce the whole family laugh . And because a bichon wo n’t get with child than 18 pounds , theythrive in apartmentsand planetary house likewise .
Debbie Hollan , secretary of theBichon Frise Club of America , has beenbreedingand showing bichons for over 35 years . " They are loving and delightful additions to almost anyone ’s menage , " Hollan says . They also have a mischievous streak , she adds : " They will keep you on your toes . "
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Appearance
Take one look at a purebred bichon frise and you ’ll fall in love , like a shot . Bichons can be anywhere from 12–18 pound and stomach between 9.5–11.5 inches tall . Theircoat is always blanched , their eyes and noses black .
While there is in reality no such affair as ahypoallergenic firedog , the low - drop coat and drivel - free tendencies of a bichon frise might make her a good conniption for those who tend to sniffle and sneeze around pups .
But take note : Even though she ’s miserable - shedding , her forked coat can be high upkeep when it arrive togrooming . The outer coating stands away from the body , give her that signature cotton plant orchis appearance .
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Temperament
" What is not to love about this silly , friendly , sociable breed ? " saysSarah Hodges , author , trainer , and apply behaviourist with theInternational Association of Animal Behavior Consultants . " spawn to be performing artist , their principal end is to make people well-chosen . "
Bichon frises love to please , and will impress their owners with their ready ability to learn ; it ’s not surprising that bichons frequent bounder shows . The breed has an attitude as easygoing and snuggly as her fur — she love to play and nestle up with her humans . Bichons alsoget along well with catsand other dogs , as long as they ’re still getting ample attention from you , her adore sports fan .
Living Needs
While bichon frises make splendid flat dogs because of their size of it and temperament , they will stillneed lots of playtimeto get their DOE out . If they experience in a sign of the zodiac with a grand , they ’ll love to run circles outside . They may have picayune pegleg , but they can run fairly tight . A fenced - in spaceis well to ensure a in love gap does n’t terminate in a secret plan of " charm me if you may . "
well-disposed and easygoing , the bichonenjoys the company of childrenand other pets . They do n’t beware a busy house full of people or beast to play with , so they’llfit right in with almost any family . They ’ll even curl up on a child ’s lick for a snooze . So long as they ’re get enough attention from their humans , they ’re an easy wiener to please .
A bichon frise can not be allow for alone often , if at all . They absolutely hate being without their humans . Bichons commonly support fromseparation anxietyif they ’re leave to their own devices , so likely owners need to prepare for a full - prison term obligation . " ignore or set apart , they will go wild with loneliness and confusion , " Hodges says . " They can be over - demand for affection . " A bichon frise needs a doting family line who will give her plenty of affection , and she ’ll give all her love in return .
Care
The characteristic poofy white coat of a bichon wo n’t remain gorgeous all on its own . Expectfrequent brushing , bath , and trips to a professional groomer .
If a bichon is n’t brushed a few time a calendar week ( at least ! ) , her hair will form mats , which can head to painful peel issues . Along with the at - home brushing , bichons frises necessitate to see the groomer every four to six weeks for a bath , haircut , andnail trimmings . You ’ll also require tobrush their teethtwo to three times a week . Daily unwritten attention will protect them even more from dental disease .
Bichons have a high energy level but only require a moderate amount of exercise . Romping in the grand orplaying with toysa duet of times a day will be enough to fulfil them . They also enjoy participate in competitions such as obedience trial run or lightness class to show off their bright mind .
One of the skilful way to bond with a bichon frise is throughtraining . The stock is highly able of instruct legerdemain and commands , and they ’re no stranger to click show . While the bichon can be very receptive to learning , they are also slightly cunning . " [ They think ] they are smarter that you are , " Hollan say . " Since they are so smart , you have to be very persevering in your training . " Bichons will take dress down to core , so alwaysuse confident reinforcer to incentivize learning . A firm yet gentle hand is require to train a bichon frise .
Health
For bichons specifically , breeders should provide health clearances from theOrthopedic Foundation for Animals(OFA ) forhip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , hypothyroidism , andvon Willebrand ’s disease , a circumstance that affects the stemma ’s power to in effect clot . If the parent pup are whole healthy , a bichon should live for a happy 14–15 days .
Bichons need regular dental attention to secure they do n’t get infections , as smaller click are more prone to unwritten wellness issues . In improver , the strain should be fed in mensuration rather than keeping the food bowl full 24/7 . accord toTraditions Vet Centersin Leonard , Texas , fleshiness can be a important wellness problemfor bichons frises . Further , the combination of dental problems and weight gain can ensue inheart disease . The serious way to prevent any heart and soul issue in bichons is to always keep an heart on their food and their teeth . Bladder infections and allergies are not uncommon for this breed as well , so retard with a vet if there are signs of irregular weewee or excessive scrape .
History
The bichon frise dates all the agency back to the thirteenth century . Originating from island in the Mediterranean , the breed is a extremity of the Barbichon family — little white dogs who have like feature film and temperaments . Close cousin-german to the bichon frise include theMaltese , theHavanese , and the Bolognese . agree tothe Bichon Frise Club of America , historian believe the bichon was stick in to Europe by leghorn who brought them back from the island . With her regal look , the bichon frise quickly find popularity with European grandeur . It’srumoredthat King Henry III had a particular field goal made to carry his bichons with him everywhere he went .
Decades passed , and the bichon frise got used to the upright life . That is , until the French Revolution in the previous 1700s , when the nobles ( and thus , the bichons ) lost their positions of mightiness and exclusive right . If it were n’t for their incredible intelligence , the bichon frise may have gone nonextant . or else , they found a raw home in showbiz , indicate off their tricks with street performers and circus human action . It was n’t until after the humankind war that an official breed measure was adopt and French stock breeder worked to preserve bichons . They nominate them bichon a poil frisé , which translates to " bichon of the curly hair . " later on , the name was shortened to bichon frise . The piddling ashen pups were bestow to the U.S. in the 1950s , and these piddling frippery balls were formally recognized by the AKC in 1972 .
Fun Facts
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