Bichon Frise Dog

The Bichon Frise Dog is reputed for his unique temperament and vivid appearance. This is not a large dog, measuring 9-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 7-12 lbs. Bichons have profuse and curly hair, which, if combed properly, looks remarkably volumetric and feels exquisitely soft to the touch. The Bichon Frise shares ancestry with the Poodle, as both dogs are descendants of the Barbet (water spaniel).

Bichon Frise Dogs have white coats, sometimes with buff, cream or apricot shadings. However, the markings should not occupy more than 10% of the body. These dogs have dark brown or black skin around the eyes, which is called “halo”. They have black eye rims, nose and pads, which, combined with halos, add a little bit of expression to the dog’s overall appearance. This is one of the basic criteria for quality evaluation and it is highly indicative of the purity of a dog.

The Bichon Frise Dog is renowned for his sweet and bouncy temperament. This is one of the few breeds of dogs characterized by a tolerant attitude toward strangers and other pets. When introducing a Bichon to a home with another pet living in it, it is actually the pet’s reaction, not the dog’s, that you should be on the watch-out for. Bichons are also great playmates for children, as they thrive on rigorous exercise and games that stimulate their thinking.

Although Bichon Frise Dogs are intelligent and easy-going, they are not always cooperative in housebreaking. They are somewhat stubborn by nature, and hence they require a specific way of training. Not infrequently, it takes a specialist’s consultation for a novice Bichon owner to overcome this problem. Rough methods of training are absolutely ineffective with these dogs, as this may cause frustration and confusion to Bichon Frise Dogs.

The Bichon Frise requires thorough and regular grooming, because his soft and curly coat tangles easily. It is very important to get a Bichon accustomed to the comb from early on, so that your dog regards combing as something he cannot live his life without, like eating or drinking. Severe matting may lead to very disturbing skin problems, and sometimes necessitates close shaving. Bichons can be susceptible to patella luxation (dislocation of the kneecap), cataracts and allergies. Dogs affected by genetic diseases should not be bred. Bichon Frise Dogs have a long life span, amounting to 14-15 years.