The Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shawn FREE-say; plural: Bichons Frises) is a happy, tiny dog breed with a penchant for mischief and an abundance of affection to share. The Bichon appears like a child's toy with its black eyes and fluffy white coat.

Even though they are purebred canines, they may end up in shelters or rescue organisations. Keep in mind to adopt! If you want to bring a dog home, don't go shopping.

It doesn't take long to discover that the Bichon can be the happiest and most energetic friend you've ever had. They're extremely lively and clever, and even inexperienced pet owners and apartment dwellers will enjoy their company. They do, however, require a lot of playing and movement, and they don't like being left alone for lengthy periods of time. You'll gain tenfold from a loving Bichon if you can offer your dog a lot of attention and love.

Bichon Frisé Dogs Highlights
Breed Size	Small
Nature	Playful, Friendly
Energy Level	Active
Intelligence	High
Barking Level	Infrequent
Coat Length	Short
Breed Group	Working
Droll Amount	Low
Good with	Seniors, Cats, Dogs, Children, Familes
Feed Level	Medium, High
Colour Type	Bicolor
Other Facts	Hypoallergenic, easy to train, requires lots of grooming, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners.

Dog History

The Bichon Frise's precise origin is unknown, as it is with many dog breeds. The Bichon is said to have descended from the Barbet, a medium-sized woolly water dog, and that the name Bichon comes from barbichon, which is a diminutive of the word barbet. The Bichon Frise, Bolgnese, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, and Maltese are all members of the Barbichon canine family. All hail from the Mediterranean and share a similar appearance and demeanour.

The Bichon Frise breed was first documented in the 14th century, when French sailors brought dogs back from Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. Bichon Frise dogs are supposed to have been transported there by traders via the Phoenician trade route, and the Bichon Frise originally developed in Italy.

Others say that Spanish sailors brought the species to Tenerife, and that Italian (rather than French) sailors carried them back to Europe in the 14th century. When the French invaded Italy in the 1500s, several Bichon Frise dogs were transported back to France as war loot, according to this version of the event.

Regardless of how the Bichon Frise arrived in Europe, it rapidly became a favourite of European royalty. During the reigns of France's King Francis I and England's King Henry III in the 16th century, bichons were fashionable at royal courts. King Henry III adored his Bichons so much that he carried them around in a special basket he wore around his neck. Bichons became popular.

During Napoleon III's reign, the Bichon Frise remained popular, but the little dog went out of favour with royalty until the late 1800s. It was a common dog at the time, commonly owned by organ grinders or circus performers, and occasionally taught to assist the blind. The breed would have gone extinct at this time if it hadn't been for the Bichon's intellect and charm.

However, after World War I, French breeders developed an interest in the Bichon and tried to maintain the species. The Société Centrale Canine de France approved the official breed standard on March 5, 1933, at which time the tiny dog had two names: Tenerife and Bichon. When the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (an international kennel association) recognised the Bichon Frise later that year, Madame Nizet de Leemans, the FCI president, dubbed the breed the Bichon à poil frisé ("Bichon with the curly coat"), and the appellation was anglicised to Bichon Frise. The first Bichon Frise was admitted to the French Kennel Club's studbook on October 18, 1934.

In 1956, Bichons Frises were introduced to the United States for the first time. In September 1971, the breed qualified for the AKC's Miscellaneous Class, and in October 1972, it was accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club Studbook. The breed became permitted to compete in AKC dog shows in the Non-Sporting Group in April 1973. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognised the Bichon Frise Club of America in 1975.

Health and Care

Bichons are typically healthy, however they are susceptible to some health issues, as are other breeds. Although not all Bichons may contract any or all of these illnesses, it's vital to be aware of them if you're thinking about getting one.

Find a reliable breeder who will show you health clearances for both your dog's parents if you're buying a puppy. Health clearances demonstrate that a dog has been checked for and cleared of a certain disease. 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; thrombopathia from Auburn University; and normal eyes from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) should all be expected in Bichons.

• Bladder Problems
• Allergies
• Patellar Luxation
• Vaccination Sensitivity
• Hip Dysplasia
• Juvenile Cataracts

Care

Bichons are lively dogs who thrive in apartments if they get enough exercise and play — and they love to play. Never let your Bichon alone for an extended amount of time. When leaving the house for even a short period, the sensible owner places the Bichon in a box to minimise destructive activity.

Dog Breed Care Tips and Important Instructions

A bichon's trademark poofy white coat won't keep its beauty forever. Brushing, washing, and visits to a professional groomer are all expected.

If a bichon's hair isn't combed at least a few times a week, mats can form, causing unpleasant skin conditions. In addition to brushing at home, bichon frises should see the groomer every four to six weeks for a wash, haircut, and nail trim. You should also wash their teeth twice or three times every week. They will be even more protected against dental disorders if they practise good oral hygiene on a daily basis.

Bichons have a lot of energy, yet they just need modest exercise. A couple of times a day of romping in the yard or playing with toys should enough. They also like competing in events such as obedience trials and agility courses to demonstrate their sharp wits.

Training is one of the finest methods to bond with a bichon frise. The breed is well-known for its ability to learn tricks and orders, and it is no stranger to dog shows. The bichon may be quite responsive to learning, yet they can also be devious. "They believe they are smarter than you," Hollan explains. "Because they are so intelligent, you must be quite meticulous in your training." Scolding will make a Bichon take offence, so always use positive reinforcement to encourage learning. To teach a bichon frise, you'll need a firm yet compassionate touch.

Feeding

1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals, is the recommended daily quantity.The amount of food your adult dog consumes is determined by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity. Dogs, like people, are unique individuals that require different amounts of food. It practically goes without saying that a dog that is very active will require more than a dog who is sedentary. The type of dog food you buy makes a difference as well; the better the dog food, the more it will nourish your dog and the less you'll have to shake into his bowl.

Rather than putting food out all the time, measure his food and feed him twice a day to keep your Bichon in good form. Give him the eye and hands-on tests if you're not sure if he's overweight.

Look down at him first. There should be a waist visible. Then, with your thumbs down his spine and fingers stretched downward, place your hands on his back. Without pressing too much, you should be able to feel but not see his ribs. If you can't, he'll need to eat less and exercise more.

Urolithiasis is common in Bichons, as it is in many petite breeds (stones in the urinary tract). The importance of food in the treatment and management of this illness cannot be overstated; therapeutic diets and increased water consumption can help avoid and control it.

Fun Facts

• Tori, a South Korean bichon frise, has over 300,000 Instagram followers, as well as her own wardrobe and miniature Mercedes Benz convertible.
• During the 18th century, the great Spanish painter Francisco Goya included several bichons in his works. "The White Duchess" is the most well-known.
• Artists have been painting them for years.
• They were also popular with the French. During the Renaissance, when Francis I was in power, Bichons found their way to France, where they flourished.

Home Training Tips and General Information

• There are four things you must do correctly.
• It doesn't have to be difficult to train your Bichon Frise puppy. You can influence your puppy's behaviour and make training easier right now by doing four simple things.
• Love is all a dog requires.
• One of the most prevalent dog claims I hear as a canine behavioural consultant is that all a dog requires is love. Is that correct or incorrect? You might be surprised by my response!
• What Should You Teach? (and When)
• Dog training begins the minute your puppy arrives at your home. If you utilise the incorrect training approach, your puppy will begin to make decisions about how he wants you to fit into his life, which will lead to conflict and behavioural issues. You must respond appropriately to anything your puppy does, or he will learn the incorrect things. Here's how I propose teaching your Bichon Frise puppy (what to teach, when to teach it).
• Instill respect in your Bichon Frise.
• I utilise and suggest "Respect Training" as a dog training approach for Bichons. When you say "No," a dog who respects you will stop what he's doing and do what you say. Teach your dog how to respect you.
• Teach The Correct Words In The Correct Context
• My training approach for Bichons includes teaching certain phrases in precise ways so that your dog not only learns the words, but also develops the respectful attitude that makes him want to obey you. Teach your dog to comprehend what you're saying by teaching him words. Teach those terms in the proper context, and he will follow your instructions.
• Housebreaking Your Bichon Frise is adorable.
• There are two essentials to breaking into a house. There are only two, but you must get them both correct. And I don't mean 50 percent correct; I mean 100 percent correct. Otherwise, you'll wind up with a dog that is only 50% toilet trained, which no one wants. So there you have it — your two housebreaking keys.
• Getting to Know Your Bichon Frise
• Socialization is teaching your Bichon how to interact with strangers and other animals in a pleasant manner.

FAQS

Bichon Frisé Dogs Unique Name

Male Name	Female Name
Benji	Casey
Bingo	Daphne
Bubba	Delilah
Dexter	Destiny
Elmer	Fiona
Finn	Hailey
Goose	Kallie
Gus	Kira
Henry	Liberty
Hunter	Lily
Jack	Maya
Petey	Mocha
Rusty	Nell
Sammy	Pepper
Wyatt	Sasha
Zeus	Brodie
Wagner	Charisma
Banjo	Chelsea
T-bone	Kellie
Tinky	Tequila