Bichon Frise is one of the most famous breeds in the world. They are loveable dainty dogs that known for being delightful, loving, and adorable nature. Bichon Frise is recognized to be good around families with children, which is another advantage as a lot of smaller dogs find it difficult to handle that rowdiness of kids at home.
The breed is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean and is often called the "Tenerife Dog." Brought by the sailors in the 14th century from Tenerife's island, Bichon Frise found their way not only in the homes of dog lovers but also into the hearts of people all over the world. The breed adores being the center of attention. They are very confident and outgoing and highly intelligent, which makes them so enjoyable to have around. This dog breed is family-oriented, very sociable, very affectionate, and gentle. This makes Bichon Frise a faithful lap dog and a companion. Furthermore, Bichon Frise is an ideal pet, whether in an apartment in the city, a small house or a big countryside home.
- Exercise Needed Daily: 30 minutes 2/10
- Training: Medium 6/10
- Grooming: Everyday 10/10
- Shedding: Low 2/10
- Hypoallergenic: Intensive 10/10
- Watchdog Ability: Intensive 10/10
- Barking Level: Low 2/10
- Environment: City & Countryside 6/10
- Type of home: Apartment 2/10
- Good with Children: Yes 10/10
- Good with Other Animals: Yes 10/10
- POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS: No 2/10
Bichon Frise is thought to be a scion of the water spaniel and was recognized in the Mediterranean region as early as the Middle Ages. Some historians consider that the Bichon Frise originated in the Canary Islands and was carried to Europe by sailors.
In the 19th century, their popularity had decreased, but amplified again after World War I. In 1956, Bichon Frise was first carried to the United States by a French family named Picault. The dog breed was documented in 1973 by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting dog.
The Bichon Frise has a pure white, soft coat that showcases corkscrew curls in it. They are compact and well-proportioned small dogs. Their heads are somewhat rounded with a distinct stop and hair that highlights their heads' shape rather noticeably. They have big, black, soft, and shiny noses that add to their overall adorable appeal. A Bichon Frise's eyes are dark and round, emphasizing some striking black rims enclosed by haloes. These dogs have an eager and alert expression in their eyes that people find so appealing.
Their ears are well-covered with extended, flowing hair, and they hang close and high to the head. The Bichon Frise has a sturdy jaw, flaunting a perfect scissor bite. Their lips are black in color and relatively tight. Bichon Frise has long necks somewhat arched that gives them their proud appearance. Their shoulders are sloping with good straight strong legs. They have well-toned bodies. Lastly, their feet are tight and well-rounded with black nails and pads.
The Bichon Frise is famous for being a cheerful, active, and fun-loving little dog. They are also very confident and outgoing, always friendly and endearing. They hardly show any sort of aggressive behavior. They are funny and enjoy nothing more than to please and playmaking them fun to have around. Also, Bichon Frise is intelligent, and so they quickly learn new things.
While they are active and energetic in nature, Bichon Frise is calm too compared to other breeds of the same size. They are especially good around children that makes them great family pets. They are an excellent choice for first-time owners.
Bichon Frise needs an average of 30 minutes to an hour of walking and playtime every day. This means that they are an excellent choice of dog for older owners, particularly in environments where someone is home most of the time.
Bichon Frise is a very intelligent and confident little dog. However, note that their training needs to begin at puppyhood. Puppies need to be properly socialized at a young age to develop well-balanced and well-rounded dogs. It would be a lapse on your part as a dog owner to "spoil" a Bichon Frise just because they are so loveable and charming. Being trustworthy, consistent, and giving sufficient time to train a Bichon Frise is the key to developing them from being well-behaved, housetrained dogs.
Adult Bichon Frises are well-known for their white, wool-like coat; however, note that puppies also have overtones of other colours – like grey, apricot or buff. Their trademark curls catch the shorter undercoat as it molts. It means they don't shed as frequently as other breeds. This makes them suitable for some allergy sufferers.
Bichon Frise will require regular trips to a professional groomer. A professional groomer will be able to eliminate hair from the ears, allowing air to circulate this area more freely and reduce the risk of health issues such as ear infections. Additionally, you will be able to select between different cuts and grooming styles.
The Bichon Frise, with a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years, is susceptible to health problems like hyperadrenocorticism, patellar luxation, or less severe conditions like cataract and canine hip dysplasia. Legg-Perthes and liver disease may also impact the dog breed. Additionally, they are identified to suffer from specific genetic health issues that include the following:
- Hereditary cataracts
- Patella luxation
- Episodic cerebellar dysfunction
- Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
- Secondary glaucoma
Bichon Frise may be an excellent choice for people with small children or toddlers because they work well with children, but bear in mind that it is a little dog and can, consequently, be easily injured. It is highly recommended that an adult should always supervise any contact between a dog and a young child. When interacting with other small to medium dogs, Bichon Frise is generally excellent around them. This is because of their very smart, friendly demeanor and how they also love other animals' company, given they are properly socialized at an early stage.
The same with cats and other smaller pets, they could live well together. However, a bigger and dangerous dog can be tricky to the safety of your Bichon Frise. Make sure to have an adult to supervise any playtime with these kinds of dogs.