The Bichon Frise was developed in the Mediterranean region and existed well before the medieval period. The ancestors of the Bichon were the Barbet Water Spaniel and the Poodle. Not only was the Bichon developed from these breeds, but their name was also derived from their Barbet ancestors, as they were originally called "Barbichon". This name was later changed to the simpler name Bichon.
The Bichon Frise of today has its ancestry in the Bichon Tenerife breed line, which found its way to the Mediterranean area, onto the Canary Islands or rather, "the Island of Tenerife." Called the Dog of Love, sailors used to bring these little puppies into the area for the women they admired. Eventually, the Bichon's popularity developed under Henry III. Carrying his little white Bichon around in court, other court individuals did as the king did. The term "bichonner" became one with the beautiful, beribboned, and pampered little Bichon Frise from then on.
The Bichon Frise became eligible to enter the AKC's Miscellaneous Class on 1 September 1971. In October, 1972, the breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book. On 4 April 1973, the breed became eligible to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows.
The Bichon coat is unique. The undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs coarser and curlier. When trimmed, the coat follows the lines of the body and is left long enough to give the breed's characteristic poufy appearance; with hair left longer on head, ears, beard, and tail. The coat should not be wiry, limp, or over-soft.
The Bichon Frise is a most appealing little white dog that loves human company and is always eager to please. They make a delightful and amusing companion. They are naturally sociable and are happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere.
The Bichon does not shed often, and its fur is unlikely to cause allergic reactions. No special cleaning is necessary when you have this breed in your home.
The Bichon Frise stands tall at 9.5-11.5 inches at the withers and weighs seven-to-12 pounds. His compact body is medium-boned and is slightly longer than tall. His sassy expression is enhanced by halos of dark skin around black eyes and by black eye rims and nose leather.
He's fairly active indoors, so owners must teach some manners for control. However, he will seldom need more than a couple of class sessions unless the owner gets bitten by the competition bug.
Most Bichon Frise dog breeders are more than happy to answer questions related to the purchase of one of their Bichon Frise puppies and will be just as concerned about the type of person/household they are releasing one of their puppies to. Remember: It is up to both the Buyer and the Breeder to be comfortable with one another and to ensure that the puppy has been and will be treated properly.