Bichon Frise : Dog Breed Selector : Animal Planet Watch Video Although small, the bichon is an active dog and needs daily exercise. Its needs can be met with a vigorous indoor game or, better, a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash. The white powder-puff coat needs brushing and combing every other day, plus scissoring and trimming every two months. It doesn't shed, but the loose hairs become entangled in the coat and can mat. It may be difficult to keep white in some areas. This is not a dog that should live outdoors.  Major concerns: patellar luxation  Minor concerns: tooth loss, cataract  Occasionally seen: none Watch Video The bichon frise has its roots in the Mediterranean, originally produced by crossing the barbet (a large water dog) with small, white lap dogs. This cross eventually produced a family of dogs known as barbichons, which was later shortened to bichons. The bichons were divided into four types: the bichon Maltaise, Bolognese, Havanese and Teneriffe.

The Teneriffe, which was to later become the bichon frise, developed on the Canary Island of Teneriffe, probably having been taken there by Spanish seafarers in ancient times. In the 14th century, Italian sailors brought specimens back from the island to the Continent, where they quickly became favored pets of the upper class. Following a series of French invasions of Italy in the 1500s, the little dogs were adopted by the French. They were special pets of Francis I and his successor, Henry III. They also enjoyed popularity in Spain, but for some reason, the breed's popularity waned throughout Europe. It did experience a brief resurgence during the reign of Napoleon III in the early 19th century, but once again it quickly faded from favor. This began a new chapter in the bichon's history, as it sank from court favorite to common street dog. The bichon survived, however, because of its propensity for performing tricks, and it teamed with peddlers and organ grinders to entertain passerbys or fair-goers for money. With the advent of World War I, the little dogs were nearly lost.

A few dogs were brought back home by soldiers, but no real effort to save the breed was made until a few French breeders began an earnest effort to establish the breed. In 1933, the name officially became bichon a poil frise ("bichon of the curly coat"). The breed was threatened once again, this time by World War II, and it was not until it came to America in the 1950s that its future became more secure. Even then, the bichon frise did not catch on until it received a new hair cut and greater publicity in the 1960s. The breed suddenly caught the attention of fanciers and was recognized by the AKC in 1971. Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information and Pictures Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog. When the dog is clipped in a show cut the body gives off a round appearance. The skull is slightly rounded. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, is not pointed, and has a slightly pronounced stop. The round eyes are black or dark brown. The ears are dropped covered in long hair.

The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The legs are straight and medium boned. Dewclaws are usually removed. The tail is carried over the back. The double coat is soft to the touch. The outer coat is 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) long and is coarser and curlier than the soft dense undercoat. Coat colors include solid white, cream, gray or apricot. White is preferred in the show ring. The coat is hypo-allergenic. Pet owners usually clip the dog in an easy care puppy cut that is the same length all over the body. The dog can be shown with its coat clipped like a poodle or with a long, puffy coat with the feet and muzzle clipped. Temperament The Bichon is a fluffy, little white dog that loves human company. It has an independent spirit, is intelligent, affectionate, bold and lively. This charming, gentle dog is not a yapper. It has a self-assured, happy temperament that is easy to live with. These bright little dogs are easy to train and just plain old love everyone. They need people to be happy.

They are naturally sociable and are happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere. This sociable trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs and pets and are excellent with children. Used as watchdogs and to perform tricks, this breed is competitive and obedient. Like a lot of smaller breeds, the Bichon may be difficult to housebreak . The Bichon Frise needs rules to follow, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do. They also need a daily pack walk . Do not allow this little dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome , a human induced behavior where the dog feels he is pack leader to humans . This can cause varying degrees of a wide variety of behavior problems . including, but not limited to, obsessive barking, guarding , separation anxiety , snapping, and even biting. These are not Bichon traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way the dog is treated. If you begin to be your dog’s pack leader, and are consistently self-assured, calm and assertive toward the dog, providing daily pack walks, the Bichon will be a very stable-minded, trustworthy dog.

Height, Weight Height: Males 9 - 12 inches (23 – 30 cm) Females 9 - 11 inches (23 – 28 cm) Weight: 7 - 12 pounds (3 – 5 kg) Health Problems Some are prone to watery eyes, cataracts, skin and ear ailments, also epilepsy and dislocated kneecaps. They can be very sensitive to flea bites. Living Conditions The Bichon Frise can live in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Exercise These are active little dogs that need a daily walk . Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off-lead, such as a large fenced-in yard. Life Expectancy About 15 or more years Litter Size 1 - 6 puppies, average 4 - 5 Grooming This breed should be groomed frequently and bathed every month.

Professional grooming is recommended every 4 weeks. Trim around the eyes and ears with a blunt pair of scissors and clean the eyes extensively to prevent staining. Show dogs are trimmed with scissors. The body of pet dogs may be clipped with electric clippers though the rest of the dog must still be cut with scissors. The Bichon sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers. Origin The Bichon Frise dates back as far as the 13th century. The breed is a descendent of the Barbet Water Spaniel and the Poodle . The Bichon was traded all over the world by Spanish sailors. The dog eventually became a favorite of the 16th century French royal courts. In the 19th century it was a popular organ grinder's dog and also a circus performer. Today the Bichon Frise is primarily a companion and show dog. The Bichon Frise was first recognized by the AKC in 1972. Group ACA = American Canine Association Inc. ACR = American Canine Registry ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.

BFCA = The Bichon Frise Club of America CKC = Canadian Kennel Club DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. NKC = National Kennel Club NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club UKC = United Kennel Club Casey the Bichon Frise at 7 1/2 years old Marco Jack the Bichon Frise at 10 months old Sunny the Bichon at 19 months old—"She's a purebred Bichon Frise and is a wonderful dog who loves everyone...especially children!" "Muffin the Bichon Frise at about 5 years old—Muffin likes long walks and runs which he gets often! I like walking Muffin and seeing him prance and dance through the fields! It’s very good because we live in the countryside with lots of big fields!" Adult Bichon Frise "This is Callie. She is a newly adopted 2-year-old Bichon Frise. She was never potty , leash , or crate trained ...

but with the techniques of Casar, she is learning quickly. Callie is the sweetest, most laid back dog. She is fun and gentle around the kids. We are so glad we took her in, and now is very much a part of this family." Example of a show Bichon, photo courtesy of Bev Busse, Heaven's Bichons Example of a show Bichon, photo courtesy of Bev Busse, Heaven's Bichons Examples of show Bichons, photo courtesy of Bev Busse, Heaven's Bichons "This is Max, our Bichon rescue at 15 years old. We rescued him when he was a year old and he has been a part of our family ever since. He is blind, but that doesn't stop him. He loves attention and going for long walks . He is happiest when he has his whole family home with him. He loves to eat dog bones and on special occasions he gets doggie ice cream." Suzi the Bichon Frise at 5 years old Suzi the Bichon Frise at 5 years old Suzi the Bichon Frise at 5 years old Bichon Frise: What's Good About 'Em?

What's Bad About 'Em? Bichon Frise Temperament, Personality, Behavior, Traits, and Characteristics, by Michele Welton . Copyright © 2000-2016 2016 Westminster Dog Show Winner The AKC Standard calls the Bichon Frise "a white powder puff of a dog whose merry temperament is evidenced by his plumed tail carried jauntily over the back and his dark-eyed inquisitive expression." The Bichon Frise is easy to live with, a cheerful, pleasant house dog who enjoys playing games, snuggling into laps and pillows, and perching on the back of the sofa so he can peer out the window. Exercise needs are easy to meet: a daily walk or two, plus a small yard in which to trot around and stretch his legs. Bichons are peaceful with everyone, including other pets. There is timidity in some lines, so early socialization is important to develop their confidence. Though he does have an independent streak, the Bichon Frise is not a dominant dog and responds well to nonforceful training. He prefers learning tricks to formal obedience and is especially bright-eyed when food treats are offered as rewards.

Harshness only makes him spiteful. The three most common behavioral issues with the Bichon Frise are: 1) housebreaking: Bichons are usually difficult to housebreak; 2) separation anxiety: most Bichons are so sociable and dependent on human companionship that they don't do well when left for long periods of time; and 3) some Bichons are barky -- and some have a high-pitched bark that can set your teeth on edge. If you want a dog who... Is small but sturdy More traits and characteristics of the Bichon Frise If I was considering a Bichon Frise, I would be most concerned about... Grooming. To keep their coat free of mats, Bichons require regular brushing and combing, and also clipping and trimming every 6 weeks. Just don't expect your pet Bichon Frise to look like the "puff-ball" Bichon Frise show dogs you've probably seen on the Westiminster Kennel Club show on TV. That particular look takes hours of work by experienced show groomers and then they can never let the dog out in the yard to play. You don't want that!

Instead, just clip your Bichon's coat short so that brushing and combing is minimized – an additional benefit is that he will look like an adorable puppy throughout his life. Housebreaking. As a behavioral consultant, I put the Bichon Frise on my Top 10 List of "Hard to Housebreak." Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary, and it should lead out to a COVERED potty yard, as Bichons often won't go out in the rain. Housebreaking issues are a major reason why Bichons are turned over to rescue organizations. Read more on housebreaking your Bichon Frise. Finding a healthy one and keeping him healthy. Many Bichons live a good long life, but unfortunately they are very prone to scratching and chewing themselves into horrendous skin conditions. They are often allergic to fleas, chemicals, grass, pollen, and so on. Urinary problems and bladder stones are another concern in the breed, along with loose knee joints, ear infections, cataracts, diabetes, heart disease, and more. To avoid these problems, you need to buy your Bichon Frise from the right breeder .

And once you have your puppy home, you need to keep him healthy, starting with feeding the best foods. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, the Bichon Frise needs a great deal of companionship and does not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. Barking. Like most small dogs, the Bichon Frise is often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop your Bichon from turning into a barker. To do this successfully... You must teach your Bichon to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." My book Teach Your Dog 100 English Words , gives you a unique vocabulary to use with your dog AND teaches my Respect Training Program. Your dog will look at you when you speak and do what you say. Not just when he's hungry for a treat or feels like it. But all the time. Because he respects you. MORE OF MY ARTICLES YOU MIGHT ENJOY.....

bichon frise | breed of dog | Britannica.com breed of dog chordate Bichon frise, ( French: a modification of bichon à poil frisé, “curly-haired lap dog”) breed of small dog noted for its fluffy coat and cheerful disposition . For many centuries it was known as the “bichon” or “Tenerife.” Descended from the water spaniel, it is about 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) tall and features a short blunt muzzle, silky ears that drop, and a puffy, silky, curled coat and an undercoat. Its colour is for the most part pure white, though some have shadings of cream, buff, or apricot around the ears or on the body. Bichon frise. © Paddy Cutts/Animals Unlimited The bichon frise originated in the area of the Mediterranean Sea , as did other breeds of bichons—for instance, the Maltese , Bolognese, and Havanese—to which the bichon frise is related.

Spanish sailors are believed to have introduced bichons frises to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands , and there, in the 14th century, Italian sailors found them and returned them to Europe. The breed enjoyed four centuries of favour from royalty and the new middle class, especially in France in the late 16th century, when King Henry III carried the little dogs in a basket attached to ribbons around his neck. They appeared in paintings by Francisco de Goya , but by the late 19th century aristocratic fancies had turned to other dogs, and bichons frises performed in the circus and with organ-grinders or were pets belonging to commoners. French breeders began breeding them after World War I . In the 1930s, renamed “bichons frises,” they became recognized as show dogs. Bichons frises were first brought to the United States in 1956, and the first litter was delivered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The breed was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972.

Learn More in these related articles: Adopt a Bichon Frise | Dog Breeds | Petfinder Adopt a Bichon Frise Tenerife dog, Bichon Tenerife, Bichon a Poil Frise ••••• See more adoptable Bichon Frise dogs available on Petfinder Watch Video About Bichon Frise Dogs Dogs 101: Bichon Frise Bichon Frise Dog Temperament Perky, bouncy and playful, the Bichon Frise's happy-go-lucky outlook endears him to all. He is friendly toward strangers and other dogs and pets, and is very good with children. He is sensitive, responsive and affectionate, as eager to cuddle as he is to play. He can bark a lot. Bichon Frise Dog Care Although small, the Bichon is an active dog and needs daily exercise. His needs can be met with a vigorous indoor game or, better, a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash. The white powder-puff coat needs brushing and combing every other day, plus scissoring and trimming every two months.

He doesn't shed, but the loose hairs become entangled in the coat and can mat. He may be difficult to keep white in some areas. This is not a dog that should live outdoors. Bichon Frise Dog Health Minor concerns: tooth loss, cataract Occasionally seen: none Tibetan Terrier Interested in the history of the Bichon Frise dog breed? The Bichon Frise has his roots in the Mediterranean, originally produced by crossing the Barbet (a large water dog) with small, white lap dogs. This cross eventually produced a family of dogs known as Barbichons, which was later shortened to Bichons. The Bichons were divided into four types: the Bichon Maltaise, Bolognese, Havanese and Teneriffe. The Teneriffe, which was to later become the Bichon Brise, developed on the Canary Island of Teneriffe, probably having been taken there by Spanish seafarers in ancient times. In the 14th century, Italian sailors brought specimens back from the island to the Continent, where they quickly became favored pets of the upper class.

Following a series of French invasions of Italy in the 1500s, the little dogs were adopted by the French. They were special pets of Francis I and his successor, Henry III. They also enjoyed popularity in Spain, but for some reason, the breed's popularity waned throughout Europe. He did experience a brief resurgence during the reign of Napoleon III in the early 19th century, but once again quickly faded from favor. This began a new chapter in the Bichon's history, as he sank from court favorite to common street dog. The Bichon survived, however, because of his propensity for performing tricks, he teamed with peddlers and organ grinders to entertain passerbys or fair-goers for money. With the advent of World War I, the little dogs were nearly lost. A few dogs were brought back home by soldiers, but no real effort to save the breed was made until a few French breeders began an earnest effort to establish the breed. In 1933, the name officially became Bichon a Poil Frise (Bichon of the curly coat).

The breed was threatened once again, this time by World War II, and it was not until he came to America in the 1950s that his future became more secure. Even then, the Bichon Frise did not catch on until he received a new hair cut and greater publicity in the 1960s. The breed suddenly caught the attention of fanciers and was recognized by the AKC in 1971. Copyright © 1998, 2005 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. based on ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Shelters with Bichon Frise Dogs Some animal welfare organizations with Bichon Frises ready for adoption: No matches found Bichon Frise | Dogs 101 | Animal Planet Bichon Frise show more details show less details Just try resisting these small, curly-haired dogs. Bichons were used as circus dogs in the past and this breed still loves attention!

Related Videos Meet the breed: Bichon Frise Meet the breed: Bichon Frise Oct 26, 2013 Tumble Combined comments & shares on social media With over 160 American Kennel Club-recognized breeds, choosing your pet can seem overwhelming. We're here to help you meet the breed that's right for you. If you're looking for a four-legged friend that's low on dander and easy on your allergies, find out everything you need to know about the playful Bichon Frise. Loving temperament Great with kids Overview The playful, spunky and sweet Bichon Frise was bred to be the star of the show. This former circus dog still loves a spot in the limelight and with its adorable sparkling eyes and cotton-ball exterior, it's tough to ignore the adorable Bichon Frise. This breed loves to be hugged, loved and cuddled by everyone and anyone, making them excellent pets for families with young children. Breed standards Coat appearance: Thick, curly, dense Coloration: White Other identifiers: Small and compact body, sparkling dark eyes Possible alterations: May have a tan or gray coat coloring near the ears. Is this breed right for you?

This breed needs infinite amounts of love and attention in order to thrive. Bichon Frises live for companionship and if you travel often or work extensive hours, this breed may not be the right choice for you. Families with time to frolic and play are best suited for this attention-loving breed. This breed's all white, non-shedding coat is ideal for cleanly families and those sensitive to allergies. Due to its elaborately coarse coat, owners must be prepared to handle regular brushing and cleaning to maintain a healthy appearance. A dream day in the life of a Bichon Frise Being the star of any household makes this pup smile. A day spent making you laugh makes a perfect day for any Bichon Frise. This breed knows no strangers — a day at the park making new friends would also make this friendly pup happy. After an afternoon of stealing the spotlight, a long grooming session to maintain that fluffy coat is a must. Finish up the day with hugs, kisses and cuddles and you’ll have the happiest Bichon Frise on the block.

Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – Dogtime Males and females stand about 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh 7 to 12 pounds. Personality A cheerful attitude is the outstanding trait of the Bichon's personality. This dog loves to be loved, enjoys being the center of attention, and is adept at charming his family, neighbors, groomer, or veterinarian with his winning personality. The Bichon has a playful, independent streak, but that doesn't mean he likes to be alone. In fact, this breed hates being alone and commonly suffers from separation anxiety if left alone for many hours. In such situations, Bichons may become destructive , chewing and tearing up anything in sight. Obviously the Bichon is not a breed of choice for people who are away from home for long periods of time (indeed, no dog is). The highly intelligent Bichon needs to be taught proper canine manners, so it's essential to sign up for obedience training , beginning with puppy classes. Bichons are quick studies, so taking them to such classes can be very satisfying. They're also good at tricks and some canine sports.

Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents — usually the mother is the one who's available — to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Like every dog, the Bichon needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Bichon puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health Bichons are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.

Not all Bichons will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Bichons, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Bladder Problems: Bladder stones and bladder infections: are not uncommon in this breed. Many factors can cause bladder stones, including excessive protein, magnesium, and phosphorus in the diet or long periods of time between urination. Bladder infections can be traced to bacterial or viral infections.

If your Bichon needs to urinate frequently, has bloody urine, or seems to have difficulty urinating and loss of appetite, take him to the vet for a checkup. Allergies: Allergies can afflict Bichons due to several different causes, including contact allergies and food allergies. Bichons are well known for being sensitive to fleabites as well. If your Bichon is scratching, licking at his paws, or rubbing his face often, suspect that he has an allergy and have him checked by your vet. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity: Some Bichons are affected by this sensitivity, and many suffer even from routine vaccinations . Symptoms usually include hives, facial swelling, soreness, and lethargy.

In rare instances, a vaccine-sensitive dog will develop complications or even die. Watch your Bichon carefully for a few hours after he's been vaccinated, and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don't display outward signs of discomfort. (X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem.) Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred — so if you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. Juvenile Cataracts: Cataracts sometimes develop in relatively young (less than six years old) Bichons. This is thought to be hereditary. When buying a Bichon puppy, be sure to ask if the breeder her breeding stock is certified by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), and ask to see the certificates yourself.

Care Bichons are active dogs but do well as apartment dwellers with proper exercise and play — and they live to play. Don't leave your Bichon alone for long periods of time. To prevent destructive behavior , the wise owner leaves the Bichon in a crate when leaving the house for even a short time. Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. Keep your Bichon in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him.

You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise. Bichons, like many small breeds, are prone to urolithiasis (stones in the urinary tract). Diet is an important part of treating and managing this condition; therapeutic diets and increased water intake can help prevent and control it. For more on feeding your Bichon, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog . Coat Color And Grooming The Bichon Frise is a double-coated breed, always white. The soft and dense undercoat and course outer coat combine to create a soft but substantial texture. The coat stands away from the body, giving it a powder-puff appearance. The most popular trim for a Bichon follows the lines of the dog's body, leaving the coat long enough to give him the signature "poufy" look. Bichons have a reputation for not shedding, which isn't exactly true. All creatures with hair shed.

With double-coated Bichons, however, the shed hair is caught up in the undercoat instead of falling to the floor. If this dead hair isn't removed by brushing or combing , it can form mats and tangles, which can lead to skin problems if left unattended. Grooming a Bichon is not for cowards: this is a high-maintenance breed. You'll need to allot considerable time for grooming and bathing: you should brush him at least twice a week or more, and you'll need to bathe him whenever he gets dirty in order to keep that white coat clean. Be sure to make sure the coat is free of mats and tangles before bathing, or the mats will tighten and become nearly impossible to remove. You should check your Bichon's ears often to make sure they're clean. Sometimes it's necessary to pluck out the hair that grows in the ear canal (which a groomer can do if you don't feel comfortable with the job). If you notice a buildup of wax, redness, or a foul odor, or if you dog is scratching his ears and shaking his head, take him to the vet to be sure he doesn't have an ear infection.

Most Bichon owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every four to six weeks for a bath, brush, haircut, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. If you want to learn how to groom your Bichon yourself, check out the many good grooming books and videos on the market for instructions. Keeping a Bichon's face clean and trimmed is important for health as well as looks. Mucus and discharge from the eyes tend to accumulate in the hair that grows around the eyes, and eye problems can result if you don't clean the area regularly. Tearstains are common, as a result of eye problems or even food allergies . Because Bichons are prone to a number of eye diseases, it's best to have your vet check your dog if tearstaining becomes a problem. Bichons are prone to blocked or small tear ducts, eyelashes that grow toward the eyeball, or eyelids that turn inward and cause the lashes to rub against the eye. Your vet will be able to determine if any of these conditions, or something else, is causing tearstains. Brush your Bichon's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it.

Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers. Begin accustoming your Bichon to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Children And Other Pets Bichons are good family dogs and wonderful companions for children. They enjoy palling around with kids, joining in their games or sitting in their laps. They're very tolerant of the noise and commotion associated with children. As with every breed, however, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. The Bichon enjoys the company of other dogs, as long as he receives his fair share of attention from his owner. With proper introductions and training, the Bichon can get along with cats and other animals. Rescue Groups Bichons are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Bichons in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed.

If you don't see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Bichon rescue. Bichon Frise Bichon Frise Bichon Frise Good Things Come in Small Packages Looking for a compact, cuddly friend who will love you to pieces? The Bichon Frise fits the bill. This powder-puff pup with dark eyes and a gorgeous white coat easily makes friends with those whom he encounters. The Bichon has long been a favorite pet, even making it to the American Kennel Club’s top 25 most popular in years’ past. The Bichon breed loves human companionship and hails from the Mediterranean. His ancestors were the Barbet water spaniel and the poodle . In fact, the breed’s current name was derived from the Barbet ancestors — it was originally called “Barbichon.” The name Bichon Frise translates roughly to “curly lap dog.” Historically, the Bichon was a favorite of Italian and French nobility. The Bichon is a great dog to rescue, as it adapts easily to new people and surroundings.

So what is it about the Bichon Frise that makes him such a good pet? Here are just a few of the traits that make the breed so popular: The Bichon is active indoors, which makes him great for apartment dwellers. He is perky, playful and affectionate, making him a great family pet. He loves to be around people. He learns tricks easily, and is happy to show them off. He gets along well with other animals. Though he might be stubborn, he is very bright. His coat does not shed. Though Bichons can make wonderful pets, you must be sure you have time to devote to dog training and dog grooming . Bichons are notoriously difficult to housebreak so consistent crate training (and patience) is recommended. Some owners choose to install doggy doors to get around this problem. This breed needs plenty of attention and interaction, as it tends to suffer from separation anxiety . This condition manifests itself in bad behaviors such as destructive biting and barking. The Bichon Frise is a small dog, weighing 10 to 18 pounds. His coat is always white — you won’t find any other coat color within this breed.

A Bichon Frise lives to be 12 to 15 years old. Bichons have a beautiful white coat, which is part of what makes them so attractive to potential owners. Keeping your Bichon Frise’s coat bright and well-maintained requires a lot of work. A Bichon undercoat does not drop when the hair dies, so it must be combed twice weekly to avoid hot spots and prevent mats and tangles. Grooming to maintain the shape and overall health of the coat is needed at least once a month. Frequent bathing is a must, if you hope to keep that white coat white! While these medical conditions are known to occur in the breed your Bichon Frise will not necessarily develop any of the conditions listed below. Choosing a reputable shelter, rescue group or breeder from which to purchase your pet will help minimize the risks. Atopy is an allergic disorder that causes itching, hair loss and infections of the skin and ears a strain of the herpes virus that happens to affect canines. Bladder infections and stones are a result of high levels of uric acid in the blood. This lead to the development of kidney stones and urinary bladder stones.

These conditions can be controlled with special diets and medication. Patellar luxation is caused by anatomical defects of the bones that make up the knee joint. It is manifested by the kneecap (patella) slipping in and out of its normal location in the knee. Mildly affected dogs may carry the leg for 2 or 3 steps while walking. Severely affected dogs may become severely lame and refuse to use their rear legs. Surgical correction of this condition is very rewarding. Gingivitis: Symptoms of this periodontal disease include red and inflamed gums. It can be limited to one tooth or widespread throughout your dog's mouth, affecting numerous teeth. Routine dental care is required to prevent the infection from spreading to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Without routine care, your dog's teeth are likely to fall out and bacteria can quickly spread to other parts of the body, targeting your cat’s organs and potentially leading to organ failure. Cataracts: an opacity of the lens of the eye. May cause blindness if not treated surgically. As with any pet, be sure to regularly consult a veterinarian for routine care and medical advice for your four-legged friend.

The Bichon’s warm, loving temperament is a strong base for a rewarding pet-owner relationship. If you have the time to spend with and care for your Bichon, you will find great companionship that will last a lifetime. ShareArticle

Question: What animal is a Bichon Frise?
Answer: Dog