The Bichon Frise is an intelligent and affectionate dog with a calm temperament. Originated in the Mediterranean islands, this pooch is playful and fun. He is the perfect companions for families and seniors.
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BICHON FRISE CHARACTERISTICS
- Country of Origin: Spain.
- Breed Size: Small
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds (2.72 to 4 kilos).
- Height: 12 inches
- Energy Level: Moderate to Active
- Exercise requirements: 20 to 40 minutes daily.
- Lifespan: 12 to 15
- Coat: Medium and curly
- Colors: White, cream, and apricot.
- Patterns: Bicolor
- Tendency to shed: Low
- Tendency to Bark: Moderate
- Tendency to Dig: Low
- Grooming needs: High
- Attention needs: High.
BICHON FRISE APPEARANCE
The Bichon Frisé is a small dog that weighs approximately 10 to 20 pounds (6 to 11 kilograms) and is 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 centimeters) long. His nose is black and round, it has dark eyes; the white hair is dense and curly. Some dogs tend to have less curly hair than others.
The skull is slightly rounded, and the muzzle is not pointed. The tail is long and curly.
The head and legs are proportionally sized to the body, and the ears and tail are natural, not cropped.
The standard color is pure white, though some dogs may have a small amount of fawn, cream, or apricot around the ears, muzzle, paws, or body.
HISTORY
The Bichon Frisé is originally from Spain. These dogs first worked as herding dogs, and then, the French converted them into a gentile lapdog variety.
The Bichon breed is descended from the Poodle and Barbet-type dogs and from one of the Spaniel breeds.
Today the Bichon Frise has four categories:
- The Bichon Frise or Tenerife
- The Maltese
- The Bolognese
- The Habanero.
These four categories are now separate dog breeds.
These dogs were popular in Spain, and it is generally believed that Spanish sailors introduced the early breed to Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
On March 5, 1933, the Société Centrale Canine, the national kennel club of France, adopted the official breed standard.
On October 18, 1934, the Bichon Frisé was admitted to the book of the Société Centrale Canine.
The bichon arrived in the United States in 1955.
In recent years, Bichons have become more popular as people learn about the breed’s desirable traits.
BICHON FRISE PERSONALITY
The Bichon Frise is a playful but gentle dog. They can get along well with other pets and children. They are also easy to train although some owners think otherwise.
Although the Bichon Frise is an active dog, they do not need a lot of space to play and can easily live in small apartments or houses.
BICHON FRISE DOG HEALTH
A bichon dog can live between 14 and 15 years if its parents are healthy.
Bichons need regular dental cleaning to ensure they don’t get infections or oral health problems.
In addition, to avoid the dog being overweight and suffer from heart diseas, the Bichon diet must be balanced.
Bladder infections and allergies are also common in this breed, so consult a vet if there are signs of irregular urination or excessive scratching.
EXERCISE REQUIREMENT
Bichon Frise does not require much exercise. Adults Bichones need 30 minutes of exercise a day.
FOOD AND DIET
Bichon Frises puppies require high-quality food three or four times meals a day. After six months of age, you could feed them twice a day.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BICHON FRISE DOG
- Bichon Frises can live for as long as 19 years.
- They shed little compared to other dense-coat dogs.
- Bichon Frise is a friendly dog breed.
- They may suffer from separation anxiety.
- Italian sailors used the Bichon Frise to travel with them due to their character and cheerful spirit.