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BICHON FRISÉ — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 83 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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| Origin: |
France/Belgium |
| Height: |
The ideal Bichon measures 9½-11½ in (25-28 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight: |
Approximately 10 to 18 pounds |
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The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean with his oldest ancestor being the Barbet. The group of dogs known as the Barbichon, later shortened to Bichon, evolved into four breeds: the Bichon Bolognese, the Bichon Havanese, the Bichon Maltese and the Bichon Tenerife who came to be named the Bichon Frisé.
The Bichon Frisé was bred as a companion dog because of his friendly and affectionate disposition. He is cheerful, stable, gentle, sensitive, playful, outgoing, alert, and makes a wonderful family companion. He gets along with people of all ages, with other pets, and in varied living conditions. He loves to play but is not overly energetic. His delightfully entertaining personality and his talent for performing tricks turned many a Bichon into a circus dog. He is not a guard dog but will announce strangers.
Described as a white powder puff with black eyes, eye rims and halos, lips, nose and footpads. The coat is naturally curly but when brushed and scissored, it appears to be velvety plush. The long plumed tail is also a distinguishing feature of the breed. The Bichon is small and sturdy with an intelligent expression creating an overal appearance of elegance and dignity.
The undercoat is soft and dense and the outercoat coarser and curlier. These combined together give a soft feel to the touch similar to plush or velvet and, when patted, should spring back. His colour is white with possible shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body. His coat is non-shedding and may be suitable for those with allergies. If you do have allergies, however, it is important to test your allergies before purchasing a puppy by spending several hours with a Bichon.
CLICK HERE for more Calendars, Books, Gifts & Collectibles
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Health Issues:
The Bichon is generally a healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. Some live to be as old as 18 and a few even longer. According to the Bichon Frisé Club of America, the oldest reported Bichon recently died of natural causes at the age of 21 years.
Like all breeds, however, the Bichon can be susceptible to some health concerns. The primary health problems in this breed are: Skin and allergies; Dental problems; Bladder infections and stones; Patellar Luxation; Ear infections; and Eye Disease. The most prevalent forms of cancer found in older Bichons are prostate in the male and mammary gland carcinoma in the female.
If you are considering the adoption of a Bichon Frisé puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Touch a Bichon
and you have touched a bit of heaven...
Hold a Bichon
and you have held the world...
Love a Bichon
and you will love life forever...
Author Unknown
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AKC Bichon Frisé DVD
20 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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Grooming:
The Bichon's non-shedding coat does mat and, therefore, it is imperative that he undergo regular grooming. Matting of the coat can result in skin irritations, tearing and skin disease.
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Bichon, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Bichons Across Canada — An information/educational website for the Bichon Frisé designed and made possible by the hard work and cooperation of dedicated Bichon Frisé owners involved in various aspects of the breed..
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on various sports and activities, including agility, flyball, conformation, and much more, along with listings of non-breed specific Clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section includes information and listings of organizations who are involved with various working dogs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police K9s, and Search and Rescue Dogs.
- Euro Bichons — Euro Bichons is Europe's only Multi-Bichons Breed Community - Bichons Frisé, Havanese, Bolognese, Lowchen, Maltese, Coton Du Tulear.
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Now you can give a precious reminder of special four-legged friends with this first-of-a-kind dog-themed tote bag — the perfect pet lover gift! This unique gift for her is even more special because you can choose her favorite breed from a wide selection, including the Bichon Frisé. Bearing an adorable image of the breed she loves, this Ardleigh Elliott exclusive lets her take her beloved pup wherever she goes!
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For a great selection of books, visit Amazon.com by selecting one of the links above, or see the Bichon Books Section for even more books from Dogwise.com and Amazon.ca.
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Ch. Talewagon's Xpectations (B.B.)
