>>4113155
>>4113163
>>4113173
>>4113178
Bichon Frise
Bred specifically to be a companion, the Bichon Frise is a wonderfully affectionate dog. Because his job was to entertain, his nifty repertoire of tricks made him an ideal circus dog. Today, though, he’s more often found entertaining his people at home.
He loves to be the center of attention, which isn't surprising given that he used to be adored by royalty and performed tricks to the roars of the circus crowds.
Bichons were born to cuddle doesn't mean they don't need exercise and training; they do. Suggesting that you never indulge your Bichon is pointless, but make sure that your training on the important matters – such as nipping, snapping and barking – is gentle and consistent. Don't turn your bold, happy dog into a yappy tyrant.
-
The Bichon belongs to the same family of dogs as the Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese and Coton de Tulear, but he differs because he is the only one with a double coat.
-
The name is pronounced BEE-shawn FREEzay. The Bichon’s name is French and means “curly coated,” certainly an apt description.
-
The Bichon’s white cloud of a coat needs daily grooming, plus professional styling, but it doesn’t shed.
-
The Bichon can be difficult to housetrain.
The History of Bichons
The Bichon is one of the few breeds that truly has existed for at least 2,000 years, although, of course, he was not always known by that name. Little white dogs were found throughout the Mediterranean and made their way throughout the known world as popular trade items. They flourished because of their small size and charming personality. During the Renaissance they could be found at the royal court of France, and they are often seen in portraits as the companions of fine ladies.
By the 19th century, Bichons had come down in the world. They accompanied organ grinders and performed on the street for the amusement of passersby. Some were popular circus dogs. With the Bichon’s love of attention and clownish personality, he probably was just as happy with this life as he had been when he was a royal favorite. A few Bichons held important jobs, leading people who were blind. And they still had a reputation as excellent companion dogs. French breeders took them in hand in the early 20th century, wrote a breed standard for them, and gave them their new name: Bichon Frise, meaning “curly coat.”
A French family who moved to Michigan in 1956 brought their Bichons with them, and that was the start of the breed in the United States. The Bichon Frise Club of America was formed less than 10 years later, in 1964. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1973. The Bichon is currently ranked 37th among the breeds registered by the AKC, down from 25th in 2000, but he is sure to remain among the most beloved of dogs.
Bichon is a happy, curious dog with a cheerful attitude toward life. His gentle manner and playfulness endear him to everyone he meets, and few people fail to be amused by his clownish antics. With people and other pets, the Bichon is affectionate and lively. He loves attention and will take all you have to give.
Always alert, he makes an excellent watchdog. A Bichon is always keeping an eye out for anything new going on and he will let you know that the neighbors are home, or that they’re leaving, or that the mail has just been delivered. Help him learn when to alert you and when to be quiet so that he doesn’t become a nuisance barker.
Bichon is smart. You can teach him just about any trick in the book as long as you train him with rewards such as praise and treats. Keep training sessions short and fun, and always end on a high note.
He has a reputation as one of the most difficult dogs to housetrain,
http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/bichon-frise