Home Page Health Small Dog Breeds Bichon FriseThe Bichon Frise Is Popular and PlayfulThe Bichon Frise is listed in the Non-Sporting Group by the American Kennel Club, although the breed is small enough to be regarded as a Toy dog. The history of the Bichon Frise goes back as far as the thirteenth century and he is descended from the Water Spaniel, also known as the "Barbichon," which was eventually abreviated to Bichon. He first found favor in Spain and Portugal, particularly with travelling seamen.
Because of his size, he is an ideal dog for an apartment but you will need to control his barking, especially if there is considerable traffic (footsteps) past your door. This liitle dog is about 11 inches tall, at the shoulder and weighs about 11 pounds. The Bichon Frise is a very popular breed in the United States, at 37th in the American Kennel Club list of breed registrations in 2010. Grooming The Bichon FriseThe Bichon Frise has a silky and dense undercoat curly and a coarse outercoat, which is very curly. His hair grows continually and does not shed, so extensive, regular grooming is necessary to prevent mats. Bichons also tend to be a good breed for allergy sufferers. As there is very little loss of hair through shedding the coat needs to be trimmed to a manageable length every few months. Show dogs will need more extensive and expert grooming. Exercising The Bichon FriseThe Bichon Frise needs daily exercise (like most dogs) not only for the health benefits but also for mental stimulation. This is why outdoor walks and play are so beneficial, in addition to games and romps indoors, because they bring a change of scene from the familiar surroundings of the house or apartment. Bichon Frise will sometimes exhibit characteristics of sudden, unpredictable bursts of extreme energy, known as the "Bichon Buzz" . He will start running frantically at full speed throughout your home or yard. This is almost always accompanied by constant growling and barking. The buzz can last anywhere from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes. His path is completely at random, as he will go from one room to the next, jumping on and off couches, beds or chairs. Once the Bichon has spent his energy, he will lie down and collapse from exhaustion. Training The Bichon FriseThe Bichon Frise is intelligent and obedient, so training him is relatively easy, provided the sessions are kept short and interesting. He is ranked at equal 45th out of all dog breeds, in the intelligence stakes, with "average working/obedience intelligence and understanding of new commands". He can be stubborn and is difficult to housebreak. Training Your Bichon Frise is much easier, with this FREE email Course. The Bichon Frise's TemperamentHaving been bred for many years as a companion dog, The Bichon Frise has an excellent temperament, sociable and friendly and will become a welcome member of your family. He gets on well with people and other dogs and is great with children but they must be aware how small he is. He is not comfortable with very robust play. He just loves company, so he should not be left alone for long periods, certainly not all day. Need To Learn More?
|
The Bichon Frise was originally bred as a companion dog, so it has no hunting or prey
instincts, unlike many of the other dog breeds, which were normally bred for a specific purpose, such as
guarding or herding or rodent and vermin control. 