The Bichon Frise (formerly called the Tenerife Bichon) is one of the oldest breeds of dog kept as a companion, coming from France. This term means a small white dog with clear black eyes and a black nose.
This breed is closely related to the Bichon Bolognais (Bolognese), the Bichon Maltais (Maltese), the Bichon Havanais (Havanese) , the Coton de Tulear and the Bichon Petit Chien-Lion (Little Lion Dog).
Bichons used to be very popular among aristocracy and nobles. In the 16th century these dogs were kept as pets at royal courts and in noblemen’s homes; their owners were often ladies from the upper classes. In France the Bichon gained popularity during the reigns of Francis I (1515 – 1547) and Henry III (1574 – 1589). Ladies used to carry their pet dogs, perfume them and spoil them without any limits.
In 1933 the Bichon was recognized as an official standard by the Societe Centrale Canine of France.
In 1934 the breed was registered in French pedigree books. The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) recognized the Bichon as a French-Belgian breed.
Bichons are most popular in France, Belgium, Scandinavia and the Czech Republic. They are also liked in Germany, Canada, the USA, Hungary and Slovakia.
Representatives of this breed first came to Poland in the late 90s of the 20th century.
Health
These small ubiquitous dogs are full of life and energy. Practically, they do not suffer from any genetic diseases. In the best of their health, they live to be 16 or 18 years old, or even more. The Bichon Frise is much tougher and cleverer than you could tell by his elegant appearance.
Taking care of your dog
The Bichon Frise is an extremely effective-looking pet, which resembles a toy dog rather than a live animal. This is obviously due to taking care of his fur and a specific haircut.
However, there is one thing that everyone agrees about: the Bichon will look elegant and effective only if you care for him properly. He should be bathed and brushed when necessary, whenever his fur needs a bath; that is, when he is dirty.
The Bichon Frise is a breed which does not shed fur. These dogs do not smell bad , and their fur is like angora wool, so they can be kept by allergic people.
Temperament
The Bichon is known all over the world as “an anti-stress dog”, and in the West the breed is used in animal-assisted therapy. He is extremely affectionate, sensitive and cheerful. Bichons love close contact with people. They make great companions, for stay-at-homes as well as for people who like long walks.
Bichons make excellent watchdogs, yet they aren’t noisy. They are very playful, always willing to play with anything. A Bichon is fully devoted to his owner and to the whole family. His presence at home fills every gap, so that no one can feel lonely, by day or by night. However, he is not an intrusive kind of dog. He needs mild and delicate approach, but you shouldn’t do whatever he wants, or else he will “twist the whole family round his little finger”. Bichons shouldn’t live a sheltered life because, if treated in this way, they might start to fear strangers and other pets. They are intelligent and good at learning, so you can easily teach a Bichon to sleep in his own place, as well as other rules of cleanliness and good manners.
I keep three such dogs. Next litter of puppies planned for 2010.