Bichon Frise

About the breed

The Bichon Frise is one of the small and solid dogs, balanced and intelligent. The black eyes and muzzle contrast with the snow-white fur and the tail looks like a feather that curves around the spine.

The unique wool, similar to snow-white cotton, the miniature size and the abilities of the circus artist made the Bichon Frise an extremely popular dog. She is gentle, affectionate, intelligent and makes an ideal pet even for inexperienced owners. These French dogs used to be indispensable circus performers, now they can also be seen in the circus arena. But for the most part, the Bichon Frise acts as a decorative faithful companion of a person.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful little dog known for its fluffy white coat and friendly nature. Originating from the Mediterranean, this breed excels as a companion due to its playful and affectionate nature. Bichons are intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent family pets. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance. With their charming personality and love of human interaction, Bichon Frises are perfect for those looking for a loving and loyal companion.

La race, en bref

Country of origin

France - Belgique

Weight

3 – 5 kg

Height

23 – 30 cm

Hair type

Long

Size

Small

Type de poils

Court

The breed standard

The Bichon Frise is a sturdy little dog known for its cheerful nature and fluffy, curly white coat. With dark, expressive eyes and a black nose, this breed exudes charm. The Bichon has a feathery tail that arches over its back and typically weighs 3 to 5 kg. The height is 23 to 30 cm.

Bichon frise

Exigences de l’exercice

Compassion pour le propriétaire

Amitié avec des étrangers

Niveau d’énergie

Capacité de jeu

Avec d’autres animaux de compagnie

Breed Characteristics

With family

Physical qualities

Life expectancy

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curly haired dog breeds

Standards and Classifications

The Bichon Frise is recognized by several major kennel clubs around the world. These include the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), the Kennel Club (UK), and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Each of these organizations maintains breed standards and offers guidance on the care and showing of Bichon Frises, helping to preserve the breed’s unique characteristics and promote responsible ownership.

FCI Classification

  • Group 9: Toy and Companion Dogs.
  • Section 1: Bichons and Related Breeds -1.1 Bichons.

What to Expect When Caring for a Bichon Frise

Caring for a dog involves daily exercise, regular feeding, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning up after themselves and providing a safe environment.

In general, the health of bichons is good, but there is a predisposition to some diseases:

  • Eye diseases – volvulus of the eyelid, cataracts, corneal dystrophy.
  • Epilepsy – accompanied by convulsions, involuntary urination and stools, excessive salivation.
  • Hypotrichosis – with this disease, there is partial or almost complete hair loss.
  • Dermatitis – accompanied by itching, inflammation of the skin, covering all layers of the skin. Dermatitis can be infectious or allergic.
  • Diabetes mellitus – occurs due to a lack of insulin.
  • Urolithiasis is a very dangerous disease, it is difficult to treat, it manifests itself in the disorder of the dog.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Dislocation of the knee joint – can be congenital and acquired, manifested by lameness and pain.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Atlantoaxial instability – displacement of the epistrophy (axis) – the second cervical vertebra relative to the first (atlas). Leads to spinal cord injuries and the development of neurological deficits. It is accompanied by unbearable pain.

The Bichon Frise dog breed needs proper care, which mostly consists of combing and trimming (grooming). These dogs are usually trimmed at special hairdressers, although some owners learn it on their own.

Also, always keep your pet’s ears and eyes clean and trim its nails about once a week. Bathe your dog 2-3 times a month.

Being a small dog, the Bichon Frise does not require intense exercise, but its need for physical activity should not be ignored since it is a very dynamic dog. It is good that it exercises moderately every day, through at least two daily walks, playing (fetch the ball and other similar things) and playing with other dogs of its size.

The Bichon Frise is highly adaptable and thrives in both homes and apartments. Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them well-suited to apartment living, as long as they are regularly walked and played with. This breed enjoys indoor activities and is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion in a variety of living environments. Regular grooming is essential to maintain its fluffy, white coat.

Character and behavior

The Bichon Frise tends to be cheerful, energetic and playful, while being sensitive, affectionate and gentle. Due to its dynamism, it usually needs more exercise than other dogs of the same size, although it is not a nervous dog, but quite the opposite. The Bichon Frise is a dog that loves to receive affection from its family, rest with them at home and enjoy their company. Therefore, it is essential to pay enough attention to ensure that it leads a healthy and happy life.

The Bichon Frise tends to socialize easily, whether with people, dogs or other animals. It is especially sociable with children, a characteristic difficult to find in other small breed dogs. Despite this, it is important to socialize puppies to reduce the risk of shyness or aggression when the dogs are adults

Socialité

Relation avec la famille humaine

Attitude envers la solitude

Tendance à aboyer

Amitié avec les chiens

Adaptabilité

La vie en ville

Convient comme premier chien

Tolérance aux températures chaudes

Tolérance aux températures froides

Did you know?

  • The Bichon Frise is compared to a dandelion or a snowman, and the dog also resembles snow-white cotton candy.
  • The first bichons lived on ships, their duties included catching ship rats.
  • The coat of the Bichon Frise is similar to that of a Mongolian goat.
  • Representatives of the breed were considered an expensive trophy, they were often exhibited in barter transactions.
  • Henry III was madly in love with bichons, he kept several of these animals. The monarch never parted with them. Even when solving state affairs, the ruler took a basket with dogs to meetings. The basket hung around his neck. The reign of Henry III (1574-1589) was the peak of the fame of the Bichon Frise.

History of the breed

The Bichon Frise breed belongs to the ancient types of dogs, it has existed for more than two millennia. The history of the bichons is not easy and very interesting. They had to survive on the streets as mongrels, perform in circus arenas, catch rats on ships and even be pets of royalty. These snow-white dogs can be seen in portraits painted during the Renaissance in France. It was at that time that the bichons were very popular with wealthy nobles, they were kept even at the royal court.

Let’s take a closer look at the further history of the French breed:

  • Second half of the 19th century – Bichons began to appear in families of low-income French people. Together with their owners, the dogs often performed on the street, amused passers-by with their tricks and thus earned money for the family. They also gained fame as talented circus dogs. Bichon Frise is also used as a guide for the blind. During this period, their popularity is at the highest level.
  • The 20th century – French cynologists took up breeding work, improving the breed.
  • 1956 – French settlers brought several Bichon Frise dogs with them to America.
  • 1966 – the first Bichon Frise breed lovers club was formed.
  • 1973 – the breed was officially recognized in the USA.

Today, snow-white French dogs are very popular. They have proven themselves to be ideal companions who can cheer up anyone at any time.