Bichon Frise breed history
A cheerful, happy dog, the Bichon frise is small and sturdy with a dark-eyed inquisitive expression and a plumed tail it carries merrily over its back. They are usually no more than 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh 13 – 17 pounds. The Bichon is a delightful companion that loves human companionsip and children. The Bichon is an intelligent ,affectionate dog and can very quickly steal your heart.
The Bichon is a very versatile little dog. It is equally at home in a small apartment or on a large estate. Although the breed does not physically require a lot of exercise, they love to romp around the house and be taken for walks. They are the right size to “go anywhere.”
The Bichon has a non-shedding white coat which when trimmed properly has a powder-puff appearance. The breed is not low maintenance – they must be properly brushed and combed several times a week and trimmed approximately every five – six weeks.
Although ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back centuries, it is believed that it originated in the Mediterranean. Ancestors of the Bichon Frise appeared in the 13th Century as descendants from the Barbet or Water Spaniel. They were traded by Spanish sailors and transported form continent to continent. During the French Renaissance they became the darlings of royalty who pampered them. They also appeared in the paintings of several famous artists, Goya, Durer and others. Later on, these little dogs also became dogs of the street and the common people, sometimes performing in circuses and with organ grinders because of the affectionate nature and versatility they possessed.
After World War I a few fanciers in France and Belgium took an interest and began breeding the Bichon (then known as Bichon a Poil Frise as well as the Bichon Tenerife) and in 1933 a standard for the breed was written. The breed was recognized in France in 1934 and given the name “Bichon Frise” which literally translated from French means “curly lap dog” and often is loosely translated “curly coat.”
The Bichon arrived in the United States in 1956 when Helene and Francois Picault arrived from France with seven little dogs. It wasn’t long before American breeders took an interest in the breed and after much hard work on the part of the breeders and the Bichon Frise Club of America, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973. In 1976 the Bichon Frise Club of America held its first licensed Specialty Show. In February 2001, a Bichon Frise, Champion Special Times Just Right, won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club, Madison Square Garden, New York City.
In recent years, the Bichon Frise has had a meteoric rise in popularity which also has a downside. Unfortunately, puppy mills and backyard breeders thrive on breeding popular breeds for sale, often to pet shops. They breed for quantity, not quality and, as a result, many poor specimens are being bred, some of which hardly resemble what the Standard requires and some have health problems. BUY FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER.