Dog Breeds - Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

ATTRIBUTES: Curious, Playful, Peppy

GROUP: Non-Sporting Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Double, Curly

COAT LENGTH: Long

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Smartest Breeds of Dog, Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Hypoallergenic Dogs

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is inclined to show towards its family members or other individuals they are familiar with varies. Certain breeds tend to be reserved and distant towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds have a tendency to consider everyone they know as their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
Dogs should always be supervised when they are around young children or children with little exposure to dogs regardless of the breed. However, some breeds are known to have a higher level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior making them more family-friendly in general.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is important to supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs. However, certain breeds tend to have a higher predisposition for getting along with other dogs, whether it is within their own household or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed may shed varies and it can have implications for grooming and cleanliness. Breeds that are considered high shedders will typically require more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair. Moreover, they may pose additional challenges for individuals with allergies as they can trigger certain types of allergies more easily. Additionally, consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling might be necessary to keep up with the shedding in the environment.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other types of coat maintenance. The frequency of these grooming tasks will depend on factors such as the breed's coat type, length, and overall condition. Some breeds may require more frequent bathing to keep their coat clean, while others may need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Trimming may also be necessary for certain breeds to maintain a specific look or to keep the coat at a manageable length. It is essential to consider the time, patience, and budget you have available for grooming when selecting a breed. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming to ensure the dog's comfort and prevent issues with overgrown nails.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can vary significantly. Some breeds are more prone to drooling and may leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes. If you value cleanliness and are not comfortable with excessive drooling, it might be preferable to consider breeds that are less prone to drooling. This way, you can ensure a better match between your personal preferences and the characteristics of the dog you choose.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Curly
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcoming behavior varies among different breeds towards strangers. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers exhibiting less enthusiasm or wariness regardless of the location. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally more open and happy to meet new humans whenever they are around. It's important to consider these tendencies when choosing a breed especially if you desire a dog that readily interacts with unfamiliar individuals.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm for play can vary among breeds, even as they reach adulthood. Some breeds tend to maintain their playful nature and enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. They have a higher energy level and may seek out opportunities for play. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally more content with relaxing on the couch and enjoying a calmer lifestyle. They may have lower energy levels and prefer more leisurely activities. Understanding a breed's inclination towards play is essential to ensure that their activity level aligns with your own preferences and lifestyle.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The level of welcoming behavior varies among different breeds towards strangers. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers exhibiting less enthusiasm or wariness regardless of the location. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally more open and happy to meet new humans whenever they are around. It's important to consider these tendencies when choosing a breed especially if you desire a dog that readily interacts with unfamiliar individuals.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The ability of a breed to handle change can vary significantly. Some breeds are more adaptable and can easily cope with changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, and daily schedules. They tend to adjust well to new environments and are flexible in their routines. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and patience to adapt to new situations. They may feel more comfortable with consistent routines and familiar settings. When considering a breed, it's important to take into account your own lifestyle and the level of change or stability that the dog will likely encounter in their day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and willingness to learn new things can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are known for their eagerness to please their owners and their high level of trainability. They enjoy learning and are motivated to make their owners proud making the training process relatively easier. On the other hand, there are breeds that may have a more independent or stubborn nature. They may require additional patience and consistent training methods to achieve desired results. Understanding a breed's temperament and natural tendencies towards training can help set appropriate expectations and determine the level of effort and consistency required to train them effectively.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise requirements and mental stimulation levels vary between different dog breeds. High-energy breeds are always enthusiastic and eager for their next thrilling experience. They fill their days with lots of running, jumping, and playing. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more akin to couch potatoes. They find contentment in lounging around and enjoying leisurely snoozes.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency at which this specific breed vocalizes employing either barks or howls may differ among individuals. While some breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or bird visible through a window others limit their vocalizations to particular scenarios. Certain breeds despite not having a propensity for barking can still use alternative sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation required by a dog breed to maintain happiness and overall well-being can vary. Purpose-bred dogs often possess specific traits or skills that require regular mental exercise, such as decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, and more. Without adequate brain stimulation, these dogs may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with the desirable projects you have in mind for them. Providing appropriate mental challenges and activities tailored to their breed's needs is crucial to prevent behavioral issues and promote a healthy lifestyle.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed is inclined to show towards its family members or other individuals they are familiar with varies. Certain breeds tend to be reserved and distant towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds have a tendency to consider everyone they know as their closest companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

Dogs should always be supervised when they are around young children or children with little exposure to dogs regardless of the breed. However, some breeds are known to have a higher level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior making them more family-friendly in general.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

It is important to supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs. However, certain breeds tend to have a higher predisposition for getting along with other dogs, whether it is within their own household or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed may shed varies and it can have implications for grooming and cleanliness. Breeds that are considered high shedders will typically require more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair. Moreover, they may pose additional challenges for individuals with allergies as they can trigger certain types of allergies more easily. Additionally, consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling might be necessary to keep up with the shedding in the environment.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other types of coat maintenance. The frequency of these grooming tasks will depend on factors such as the breed's coat type, length, and overall condition. Some breeds may require more frequent bathing to keep their coat clean, while others may need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Trimming may also be necessary for certain breeds to maintain a specific look or to keep the coat at a manageable length. It is essential to consider the time, patience, and budget you have available for grooming when selecting a breed. Additionally, all breeds require regular nail trimming to ensure the dog's comfort and prevent issues with overgrown nails.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can vary significantly. Some breeds are more prone to drooling and may leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes. If you value cleanliness and are not comfortable with excessive drooling, it might be preferable to consider breeds that are less prone to drooling. This way, you can ensure a better match between your personal preferences and the characteristics of the dog you choose.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double, Curly

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of welcoming behavior varies among different breeds towards strangers. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers exhibiting less enthusiasm or wariness regardless of the location. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally more open and happy to meet new humans whenever they are around. It's important to consider these tendencies when choosing a breed especially if you desire a dog that readily interacts with unfamiliar individuals.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm for play can vary among breeds, even as they reach adulthood. Some breeds tend to maintain their playful nature and enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. They have a higher energy level and may seek out opportunities for play. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally more content with relaxing on the couch and enjoying a calmer lifestyle. They may have lower energy levels and prefer more leisurely activities. Understanding a breed's inclination towards play is essential to ensure that their activity level aligns with your own preferences and lifestyle.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The ability of a breed to handle change can vary significantly. Some breeds are more adaptable and can easily cope with changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, and daily schedules. They tend to adjust well to new environments and are flexible in their routines. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and patience to adapt to new situations. They may feel more comfortable with consistent routines and familiar settings. When considering a breed, it's important to take into account your own lifestyle and the level of change or stability that the dog will likely encounter in their day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and willingness to learn new things can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are known for their eagerness to please their owners and their high level of trainability. They enjoy learning and are motivated to make their owners proud making the training process relatively easier. On the other hand, there are breeds that may have a more independent or stubborn nature. They may require additional patience and consistent training methods to achieve desired results. Understanding a breed's temperament and natural tendencies towards training can help set appropriate expectations and determine the level of effort and consistency required to train them effectively.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise requirements and mental stimulation levels vary between different dog breeds. High-energy breeds are always enthusiastic and eager for their next thrilling experience. They fill their days with lots of running, jumping, and playing. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more akin to couch potatoes. They find contentment in lounging around and enjoying leisurely snoozes.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental stimulation required by a dog breed to maintain happiness and overall well-being can vary. Purpose-bred dogs often possess specific traits or skills that require regular mental exercise, such as decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, and more. Without adequate brain stimulation, these dogs may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with the desirable projects you have in mind for them. Providing appropriate mental challenges and activities tailored to their breed's needs is crucial to prevent behavioral issues and promote a healthy lifestyle.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White	199
White & Apricot	200
White & Buff	205
White & Cream	206

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Bichon Frise is a small but sturdy breed known for its exceptional personality. Throughout history, these charming dogs have relied on their charm, beauty, and intelligence to navigate through various times. Standing just below a foot tall at the shoulder, a well-sized Bichon possesses a captivating white hypoallergenic coat that is plush and velvety to the touch. This coat is complemented by a rounded head of hair that accentuates their large dark eyes, as well as the black leathers of their nose and lips.

Bichons are highly adaptable companions who tend to get along well with other dogs and children. Although they possess a certain level of alertness and curiosity, they excel at being affectionate rather than confrontational. They approach every encounter with an open mind considering everyone they meet as potential friends. Due to their confidence and compact size, they make excellent dogs for urban environments.

Bichons are trainable and take pleasure in performing tricks and commands for their loved ones. However, the standout attribute of the breed is their happy-go-lucky personality, which never fails to bring smiles and hugs wherever they venture.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A BICHON FRISE

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Bichon Frise: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Bichons are known to be generally healthy dogs and a reputable breeder will prioritize screening the breeding stock for various health conditions. Allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella (a condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position), cataracts, and other eye diseases are among the conditions that responsible breeders will check for. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	For proper Bichon maintenance, it is recommended to brush their coats at least twice or thrice per week, although daily brushing yields the best results. Additionally, they should undergo a monthly bathing and clipping routine. Bichon owners who engage in showing their pets become proficient in these tasks, while most pet owners prefer taking their Bichons to professional groomers every four to six weeks. The Bichon breed is known to be relatively hypoallergenic due to minimal shedding, as the loose hair gets trapped in the undercoat. Regular brushing is essential to avoid matting. Furthermore, similar to other breeds, it is important to trim the Bichon's nails on a regular basis.

Exercise

	The Bichon breed falls under the category of "moderately active," although this is merely an average assessment. Periods of tranquility are often interrupted by short bursts of intense energy, which can manifest as quick sprints within the house or around the yard. Aside from regular walks daily playtime sessions are necessary to keep them stimulated. While having a fellow canine companion can serve as a suitable exercise partner, it is still crucial for the Bichon to engage in quality playtime with their human owners. It is advisable to have a securely fenced-in backyard, as Bichons have surprisingly fast speed, and if they happen to make a break for freedom, it may prove challenging to retrieve or call them back to you. Many Bichons find great joy in participating in obedience, agility, and rally competitions.

Training

	Like any other breed, it is highly recommended to provide early socialization and enroll your Bichon in puppy training classes. Although Bichons are known for being challenging to housebreak, they are generally easy to train in other aspects. They thoroughly enjoy learning new tricks and tend to pick them up rapidly. Positive reinforcement training methods work exceptionally well with Bichons, as they respond positively to rewards rather than harsh or negative approaches. It is crucial for a Bichon to be in the company of their family, as leaving them alone for extended periods regularly may lead to undesirable behaviors.

Nutrition

	For optimal nutrition, the Bichon Frise should be provided with high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. The chosen diet should align with the dog's specific age category, be it puppy, adult, or senior. Since Bichons have a tendency to gain weight, it is important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight level. While treats can be beneficial for training purposes excessive indulgence can lead to obesity. It is essential to be informed about which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet consulting with a veterinarian is recommended. Finally, ensure that clean and fresh water is always accessible to your Bichon Frise.

Historiography

Bichons belong to a group of small white dogs known as Barbichon types, which include the Bolognese, Havanese, and Maltese breeds. It is believed that these ancient breeds originated from the Canary Islands primarily Tenerife. Among them, the Bichon Tenerife gained popularity among sailors and eventually became the primary ancestor of the modern Bichon Frise. The breed became closely associated with European nobility starting in the 13th century, particularly finding favor in the royal courts of Spain, Italy and France during the Renaissance period. However, during the French Revolution in 1789, the Bichon Frise lost its privileged status as its aristocratic patrons faced imprisonment and execution. Numerous Bichons were abandoned and left to navigate the streets on their own. Street performers took in these intelligent and agile dogs training them to entertain passersby and collect coins. This led to the Bichon Frise finding success as circus performers, leveraging their trainability and charming appearance. In the 20th century, the breed faced challenges due to the hardships brought about by the world wars resulting in many Bichons being left without homes once again. Fortunately, a few dedicated enthusiasts rescued Bichons from the streets of France and Belgium, leading to the breed's survival. In 1933, it was officially recognized in France as the Bichon à Poil Frisé, translating to "Bichon of the curly hair." The Bichon Frise Club of America was established in San Diego in 1964 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted the breed recognition in 1971, initially in the Miscellaneous class, and then as a member of the Non-Sporting Group two years later.