Characteristics, history, care tips and other useful information for Bichon Frize dogs. The Bichon Frize is a small, sturdy dog with a lively and cheerful personality. Because of its soft, white, curly fur, this breed is said to resemble cotton wool or fluff. Many call it a «living plush toy».
The Bichon is an energetic, people-oriented dog, so it’s ideal for active families who want a small companion dog to share adventures with. This breed’s playful and affectionate attitude makes it a great choice for families with children.
The Bichon is a «clingy». It’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular small dog breeds. The breed is loving and cheerful, making it a wonderful companion for almost anyone.
Overview
GROUP: toy (small dogs)
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HEIGHT: 23-30 cm
WEIGHT: 3–5 kg
FUR AND COLOR: fur created and white (may have traces of beige-peach or cream)
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-15 years
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Characteristics of Bichon Frize dogs
| Level of affection | Mare |
| Friendliness | Mare |
| Friendship with children | Mare |
| Friendship with other animals | Mare |
| The need for physical exercise | environment |
| Desire to play | Mare |
| Energy level | environment |
| Training | environment |
| Intelligence | Mare |
| Tendency to bark | microphone |
| mute | microphone |
History of the Bichon Frize breed
The Bichon Frize has its origins in the Mediterranean area, descends from the Water Spaniel and the Standard Poodle. It is a relative of the Maltese, Coton de Tulear and Havanese. Bichons once traveled with Spanish sailors, were used in trade and later taken to Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands.
In the 1300s, the Bichon was discovered by Italian sailors and became the dog of Italian nobles. Eventually, the breed gained enormous popularity throughout France. This is probably where its name evolved from. Frize means «hedgehog» in French and bichon is believed to be a diminutive of the word «biche» (female dog).
You can see Bichon Frize in portraits of Spanish nobility painted by Francisco de Goya in the 18th and 19th centuries. But their popularity waned and they were often seen wandering the streets of Europe, alongside bagpipers or as circus dogs.
The Bichon arrived in the United States in the mid-20th century and became a registered breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1972.
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Caring for Bichon Frize dogs
The bichon’s soft, silky fur grows continuously. Because of this type of coat, routine grooming is an absolute must, otherwise it will become tangled and matted. Bichons should be brushed at least three times a week and may need to be trimmed every few weeks.
They also need to be washed quite frequently as white dogs get dirty quite easily. They are prone to watery spots around the eyes. It is recommended to keep the hair around the eyes trimmed.
Nails should be trimmed regularly to keep feet healthy and comfortable. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent periodontal disease by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly.
The Bichon Frize is one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds. Their curly hair helps prevent fur from spreading into the air, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
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This does not mean that the Bichon Frize cannot cause any allergic reactions, but this breed may be suitable for those who are mildly or moderately allergic to dogs. Be sure to spend some time with a Bichon Frize before adopting one to see if it triggers allergic conditions.
The Bichon needs proper training and socialization to be happy and well-adjusted. Don’t make the mistake of skipping training just because the Bichon is a small dog. This breed tends to learn quickly, although some find that they have some difficulty learning to relieve themselves outdoors, requiring extra effort in puppy training.
Being an active little dog, a Bichon should get daily exercise. Walks and fun activities like games are important to keep your Bichon mentally and physically stimulated. The Bichon-blitz is a well-known phenomenon when your dog suddenly starts running around the house for a minute or two, then calms down.
Bichons enjoy playing with other dogs and can get along well with cats and other pets. They do well with children old enough to understand how to handle a small dog. Being a small dog, the Bichon Frize can be easily injured during rough play.
If you have to be away from home for long periods of time most days, a Bichon may develop separation anxiety and destructive habits. Having another dog to play with can help. Getting your puppy used to being in a crate from a young age can also help reduce destructive behavior when away from home.
This breed is usually not a problem barker, but will most likely alert you to visitors. Proper training and socialization can help your dog not be overly cautious and learn to bark only once as a signal.
Common health problems
Responsible breeders are committed to maintaining the highest breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the AKC. Dogs bred to these standards are less likely to inherit health problems. However, some breed-specific hereditary health problems may occur. Below are some diseases you should be aware of:
- Patellar luxation
- Urolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Cataract
Diet and nutrition
Feed your Bichon Frize two meals a day of 1/4 to 3/4 cup of dry dog food. The amount will depend on the dog’s size, activity level, age and other factors. You will have to resist the temptation to feed your dog human food as a treat. This breed is prone to kidney and gallbladder stones and may require a special diet and more water to prevent these problems.
Obesity can shorten a dog’s life, and even 1 extra pound is significant for a small dog. Be sure to monitor your dog’s weight and discuss appropriate nutritional interventions with your veterinarian.
Advantages
- Small active companion dog
- Hypoallergenic fur, which can be tolerated by some dog allergy sufferers
- It’s no big deal, barker
disadvantage
- It needs regular grooming as the fur tends to get tangled.
- Prone to separation anxiety
- He needs constant training and socialization
Other dog breeds and additional information
If you want a small, cute, happy, fun dog, this breed could be a great choice for you.
As with any breed, if you think the Bichon Frize is right for you, be sure to do your research before purchasing one. Talk to your veterinarian, other Bichon Frize owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers, and rescue groups to learn more.
If you are interested in similar breeds, research them to compare the pros and cons.
There is a whole world of breeds that could be right for you. With a little research you can find the perfect puppy to bring home
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