Bichon Frise Advantage and Challenges
Bichon Frise Physical Characteristics
Bichon Frise Personality
With its white fur, mischievous black eyes and fun-loving personality, the Bichon Frise has been a favorite of pet owners around the world for centuries – small wonder that this cheerful and friendly little dog is the 26th most popular breed registered with the AKC in the United States. Small but sturdy, this loyal and loving dog is well-suited for apartment living and requires little exercise.
Bichon Frise History and General Information
History and Origin
Born in the Mediterranean, the Bichon Frise has ancestors dating back to the Phoenicians before the time of Christ. The Bichon Frise was originally called the Tenerife Terrier from TenerifeIslandin the Canary Islands, off Africa. In the 1300s, Italian sailors brought the Tenerifeto the European continent, where it soon became a royal favorite. A few centuries later, (and featured in several Old Master paintings of the era), the renamed Bichon Frise was especially popular during the Renaissance as well as in the Napoleonic era.
The Bichon Frise craves your company, so if your schedule pulls you away from home for more than a few hours each day, you’ll want to consider a different breed. Playful and affectionate, this dog loves the entire family but is not well suited for households with small kids, who might unintentionally frighten or hurt the little dog.
Bichon Frise Health
This breed is relatively healthy, but the Bichon Frise can be susceptible to skin problems, allergies, dental ailments, bladder stones and ear infections.
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