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Coat - The undercoat is soft and dense while the outer coat is curly,
giving it a powder-puff look. The coat feels thick and should spring back if
touched. The coat may feel velvety if is groomed correctly. The fur makes this
particular dog look like a marshmallow puff dog.
Muscle-The muscle tone should be of exceptional quality, especially
the lower thighs and buttocks area.
History
The Bichon Frisé descended from
the Barbet or Water Spaniel, from which came the name "Barbichon", later shortened to "Bichon". The Bichons were divided into
four categories: the Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Havanais
and the Bichon Tenerife. All originated in the Mediterranean area.
Because of their merry disposition, they travelled much and were often used
as barter by sailors as they moved from continent to continent. The dogs found
early success in Spain and it is generally felt that Spanish seamen introduced
the breed to the Canary Island of Tenerife. In the 1300s, Italian sailors
rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning
them to the continent, where they became great favourites of Italian nobility.
Often, as was the style of the day with dogs in the courts, they were cut "lion
style." The Bichon Frise has a mild attitude but can be over excited.
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Picture of Cyprus Poodle sent in by Trish - Thanks |
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Brilliant site,
having had Bichons for many years in the UK, then being without a dog for seven
years and emigrating, then felt the need to obtain a dog.
The attached dog
is called a Cyprus Poodle, but believe me she is so like the Bichon it is
unbelievable. Not the best of photos as she is squinting with the sun being too
bright, but just thought you would like to see the so called Cyprus Poodle to
compare. Regards,
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The Bichon went to sea as a working Spanish boat dog. They were perfect for a
boat because they do not shed, don't need a lot of exercise and do not like to
get wet. This dislike of water makes them unlikely to jump or fall overboard and
be lost at sea. The Spanish bred the spaniel out of the breed, the dog's job was
not to hunt or point but instead meet and greet people with great enthusiasm.
Their purpose was to make weary people smile and feel at ease, but most of all
to cause these people to like the Spanish. It is one of the few dogs that has
eyes like a human, that it shows the whites of its eye as well as expressions of
happiness in them. The bichons were the little happy ambassadors for the Spanish
at every new port of call.
The "Teneriffe", or "Bichon", had success in France during the Renaissance
under Francis I (1515-47), but its popularity skyrocketed in the court of Henry
III (1574-89). The breed also enjoyed considerable success in Spain as a
favourite of the Infantas, and painters of the Spanish school often included
them in their works. For example, the famous artist, Goya, included a Bichon in
several of his works.
Interest in the breed was renewed during the rule of Napoleon III, but then
waned until the late 1800s when it became the "common dog", running the streets,
accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind and doing tricks
in circuses and fairs.
On March 5, 1933, the official standard of the breed was adopted by the
Societe Centrale Canine of France. As the breed was known by two names at that
time, "Tenerife" and "Bichon", the president of the International Canine
Federation proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented
- the Bichon Frisé. ("Frisé" refers to the dog's soft, curly hair.) On October
18, 1934, the Bichon Frisé was admitted to the stud book of the French Kennel
Club.
The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955, and was recognized by
the American Kennel Club in 1973.
The first US-born Bichon litter was whelped in 1956. In 1959 and 1960, two
breeders in different parts of the USA acquired Bichons, which provided the
origins for the breed's development in the USA.
The Bichon Frisé became eligible to enter the AKC's Miscellaneous Class on
September 1, 1971. In October, 1972, the breed was admitted to registration in
the American Kennel Club Stud Book. On April 4, 1973, the breed became eligible
to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows.
Temperament
The well-bred Bichon Frisé is feisty, sensitive, playful, and affectionate. A
cheerful attitude is a prominent personality trait. Most Bichons enjoy
socializing with people and most dogs. They dislike being left alone. Bichons
may be relatively stubborn, but are also said to be patient. They may tend to
nip gently in play. They may have sudden bursts of energy resulting in the
"blitz" or "buzz", where they race around in circles.
Special Considerations
Because Bichons do not shed, they are suitable for many people with
allergies, however human sensitivity to dog fur varies considerably. People with
dog allergies should first visit with a Bichon to test their individual reaction
before committing to ownership.
Like most non-shedding dogs, Bichons are high-maintenance. They require
regular grooming, which can be expensive and/or time-consuming.
Grooming and Skin/Coat Care
Because Bichons are so susceptible to skin problems and allergies, good
grooming practices are very important.
Bichons being shown in conformation (i.e., in dog shows such as the
Westminster Kennel Club show) have their coat styled in the full-volume cut
required by most show standards. Bichons not being shown are more often kept in
a "puppy cut," which is shorter and requires less maintenance.
Like all dogs that require frequent grooming, Bichons should be accustomed to
grooming from a young age and care should be taken to keep grooming pleasurable.
Bichons should be brushed several times a week to prevent tangles. Frequent
grooming creates a puffier coat. To prevent matting, the coat should be kept
clean, brushed thoroughly before bathing, and brushed and completely dried after
bathing. Hair dryers designed for dog grooming are generally preferred over
human hair dryers. Dog dryers are cooler and blow air with more force than human
hair dryers. Some breeders use products such as baking soda or cornflower to dry
the hair but this can lead to the hair becoming brittle. Excess hair should be
removed regularly from ears and between foot pads. Owners should clean their
dog's hind (anal) area with a damp cloth after each bowel movement to keep feces
from sticking to the hair.
The fur on the face of a Bichon Frisé should be kept clean and trimmed, as
eye discharge and mucus tend to accumulate in the hair that grows in front of
their eyes. In common with most white dogs Bichons are prone to tear-staining
around the eyes. Tear staining may be caused by allergies, infections, blocked
tear ducts, stray eyelashes, or foreign material in the eyes. It is generally
good practice to wipe away the tears on a daily basis. A saline solution may
help. There are topical wipes available from pet stores that have been shown to
help some dogs..
If skin problems develop or if eye discharge is excessive, a veterinarian
should be consulted. Problems due to allergies may be require medication or a
change in diet.
Health
Morbidity (Illness)
Although Bichons are often considered a "hypoallergenic" breed for people
prone to dog allergies, Bichons themselves are unusually prone to allergies.
Between a quarter and half of Bichons (depending on the particular survey) in
USA/Canada surveys have skin problems and allergies, including atopy (inhalant
allergies). Skin
problems in Bichons were less often reported by owners in a 2004 UK Kennel Club
survey, but were still more prevalent than among other breeds. Other health issues
unusually common in Bichons include dental disease, patellar luxation and
cruciate ligament tears, and bladder and kidney stones.
Mortality (Longevity and Causes of Death)
Bichons in (combined) UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median life span of
about 12.2 years, with Bichons in the UK tending to live longer than Bichons in
the USA/Canada. This
breed's longevity is similar to other breeds of its size and a little longer
than for purebred dogs in general. The longest lived of 34 deceased Bichons in a 2004 UK survey died at 16.5 years.
The oldest Bichons for which there are reliable records in various USA/Canada
surveys have died at 19 years.
In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the leading causes of Bichon death were old
age (23.5%) and cancer (21%).
In a 2007 USA/Canada breeders survey, the leading causes of death were cancer
(22%), unknown causes (14%), hematologic (11%), and old age (10%).
Hematologic causes of death were divided between autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)
and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). AIHA and ITP were responsible for
the greatest amount of Bichon "years lost." "Years lost" is a measure of the
extent to which a condition kills members of a breed prematurely. While cancer
is a more common cause of death than AIHA/ITP, Bichons that died of cancer died
at a median age of 12.5 years.
Hematologic deaths occurred at a median age of only 5 years. Bichons in the UK
survey had a lower rate of hematologic deaths (3%) than in the USA/Canada survey
(11%).
AIHA and ITP
Because autoimmune haemolytic anemia (AIHA, also called immune-mediated
haemolytic anemia, or IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) are
responsible for so many premature Bichon deaths, Bichon owners should be
particularly alert to the symptoms of these conditions. In AIHA, the dog's
immune system attacks its own red blood cells, leading to severe,
life-threatening anaemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of energy, lack of
appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, dark urine,
and pale or yellow gums.
Thrombocytopenia often accompanies AIHA.
In ITP, blood platelets (which cause blood clotting) are destroyed. The most
common clinical signs are haemorrhages of the skin and mucus membranes.
Owners of Bichons showing suspicious symptoms should seek immediate veterinary
care as these diseases can strike with little or no warning and kill very
quickly. Mortality rates of 20% to 80% are reported.
Wiki Source
Pictures of your dog wanted
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Send a picture of your dog attached to this
Email,
tell us a little about him or her and we will show it here. |
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Comments |
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I'm about to buy one of these dogs, thy seem very friendly. |
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My mom has one of these dogs, she rescued him. She does a lot
of rescue work and has always referred to Charlie as her "ambassador". He is
always the first dog to meet and greet, esp other dogs. He's quite the love, and
so enjoys being scratched. He also loves to "blitz" through the back yard with
his buddy Mac (an unknown poodle mix). |
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