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Bichon Frise breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Bichon Frise one of the world's great personality dogs: small but sturdy and resilient and a canine comedian that has relied on charm and intelligence since antiquity.
A good-size Bichon Frise stands a shade under a foot tall, with a plush, velvety white coat and a rounded head of hair that sets off large dark eyes.
Temperament
Bichon Frises are adaptable companions that get along with other dogs and children. Alert and curious, they make nice little watchdogs, but they are lovers and not fighters and assume there are no strangers, just friends they have not met.
They have a reputation for being hard to housebreak and are very easy to train in every other respect, learning tricks quickly.
Lifespan
Bichon Frises live 14 to 15 years. Breeders screen for allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella and cataracts and other eye diseases.
Early tooth loss or gum infection complications can follow if dental care and regular tooth brushing are not a priority and regular ear cleaning helps avoid ear infections.
Care
Bichon Frises need brushing at least two or three times a week, though every day is best and a bath and clipping at least once a month. Show owners learn to do it themselves, but most pet owners visit the groomer every four to six weeks.
The Bichon Frise is somewhat active: long stretches of calm are broken by brief bursts of high activity, often a run through the house or yard. Daily play sessions plus walks are required.
History
Bichon Frises belong to the clan of little white Barbichon dogs that also includes the Bolognese, Havanese and Maltese, which began their modern development on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. One of them became so popular with the island's sailors that it was called the Bichon Frise Tenerife, the primary ancestor of the Bichon Frise.
The breed's close association with European nobles began sometime in the 13th century. It endeared itself to the royal courts of Spain, Italy and France.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 4 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 1 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 2 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |