Group: Toy/Companion
Weight: 7 � 12 pounds
Height: 9 � 12 inches
Life Expectancy: About 15 years, but frequently lives longer
Size of Litters: 1 � 6 puppies, with an average of 4 or 5
We recommend the Bichon Frise Complete Dog Ebook And Audio Package for any new Bichon Frise owners.
History The Bichon Frise has its origins in the 14th century Mediterranean area. It likely started off as a cross between the Barbet Water Spaniel and its close cousin, the Poodle. With its glamorous good looks and delightful temperament, the Bichon Frise became a favorite among the French royal courts in the 16th century. It has been a circus performer and an organ grinder�s dog, but the Bichon Frise�s favorite job is still that of family companion and pet.
Characteristics
The precious Bichon Frise is a charming snowball of a dog. Its puffy white coat is considered non-allergenic and does not shed. This breed is sometimes mistaken for a poodle, although the Bichon�s coat is not as tightly curled. The Bichon Frise�s tail is medium in length and usually curls up over the back.
Temperament
The Bichon Frise is known for its sweet, cheerful and loving demeanor. An ideal lapdog, this wonderful companion positively delights in spending time with its family. Its charms are not limited to family members alone, though. The Bichon Frise loves everyone it meets. This highly social dog loves to be the center of attention. The Bichon is gentle and quiet, not at all yappy. These dogs are very intelligent and love to perform tricks. Their cheery, playful nature makes them a great match with children and with most other pets.
Care
Special care must be given to the Bichon Frise�s lovely white coat. Professional grooming should be done about once a month and regular brushing is mandatory. The Bichon Frise does not shed, so excess hair must be removed by brushing or matting can occur. Mats that form close to the dog�s skin can causing pulling and become very painful. The eyes should be cleaned frequently in order to prevent staining on the Bichon�s sweet, white face. As mentioned previously, this dog does not shed, which makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. The Bichon Frise is considered nearly 100% non-allergenic. For more detailed info, take a look at the Bichon Frise Grooming page.
Training
Smart, cooperative and eager to please, the Bichon Frise is a joy to train. Make training fun and your Bichon Frise will exceed your expectations. These dogs do best with positive training methods and respond very well to verbal praise and treats. Like other toy breeds, the Bichon Frise sometimes can be slow to housetrain. Consistency and diligence are key in this area. Take your Bichon puppy outside frequently � they have tiny little bladders! The Bichon is not a hyperactive breed and tends to adjust its activity level to meet that of its family. It does enjoy a nice neighborhood walk, so long as its owner is right there at its side.