Bichon Frise

Height: 9.5 - 11.5 inches
Weight: 10 - 16 pounds
Life span: 12 - 15 years
AKC group: Non Sporting
AKC rank: 26

Breed History | Background:

The bichon is a descendent of the barbichon family of dogs, which in turn descends from the barbet, a large water dog.
Bichons were divided into four types: Maltaise, Bolognese, Havanese and Tenerife.
The Tenerife, developed on the Canary Island of Tenerife, was brought to Italy in the 14th century. They quickly became favored pets of the upper class.
After a series of French invasions of Italy in the 1500s, the dogs were brought back to France where they once again became favored pets of the aristocracy.
For some unknown reason, the breed fell out of favor with the upper class. It survived as a street dog, performing tricks with organ grinders to entertain passersby for money.
World War I nearly brought about the demise of the breed, but a few people tried to save it.
In 1933, a breed standard was drawn up and it became an official breed, the bichon frise.
Bichons came to America in the 1950s, and received AKC recognition in 1971.

Behavioral concerns:

Suggested exercise needs:

Makes a lively and alert housedog.
A walk around the block once or twice daily, plus a vigorous game, will meet its exercise needs, not counting bathroom breaks.
Many bichons have been trained to use indoor potty systems.
Dog parks can work out well as long as bichons are not expected to mingle with much larger dogs.
Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise.
Its thick coat provides some protection against cold weather, but its fairly small body size nonetheless makes it vulnerable to the cold.

Grooming:

Coat is curly, coarse and dense.
Brushing and combing every other day is necessary to prevent matting.
Most people have their dogs professionally clipped every month.
Shedding is below average.
No breed is actually non-allergenic, but bichons may cause fewer allergies compared to most other breeds.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Bichons tend to stay in good weight. The thick coat can sometimes obscure weight problems, so be sure to use your hands to feel.
Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.

Medical conditions seen:

Glossary