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Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise, sometimes called as Tenerife Bichon, is a sturdy little dog that makes a delightful family companion and a glamorous show dog. He also has a strong, independent spirit with a robust tenacity. Bichons love children and enjoy socializing with other household pets. Bichons do not tend to have skin problems that some all-white breeds have and are free from any "doggy" odor. Responsible Bichon Frise breeders will screen their dogs for inherited eye problems.
Bichons are gentle, playful, affectionate and delightful family companions. They are well-suited for apartment living and for families with older children. Their silken coats, which consist of spirally formed hair give them the appearance of powder puffs. Their bouncy stride and plumed tail carried jauntily over his back gives them a happy, carefree presence. The Bichon loves to be the center of attention.
The Bichon is very intelligent and can be independent. He needs people to be happy. Bichons do very well when in the company of other dogs and pets and are excellent with children. They should be groomed daily and bathed every month if not more often. Clean the eyes extensively to prevent staining.
Bichon Frise Breed Outline
| Country of Origin: | France/Belgium |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 9: Companion and Toy Dogs. Bichons and related breeds. |
| Utilization: | Companion Dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Toy Group |
| Size: | Small |
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Height: | 9.5-11.5 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: |
White. There is some allowance made in the AKC standard for shadings in small amounts. Puppies are often born with shadings of buff, cream, or apricot. However, these shadings usually disappear by the time the dog is 12 months old. |
| Other Names: | Bichon |
| Average Litter Size: | 4 |
| Life Span: | 15 years |
| Personality: | They are friendly,
loving, and great companion dogs. Bichons adjust very quickly to new surroundings and people. They love to be the center of your attention. |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Daily brushing is recommended to prevent mats that can result in skin diseases. Regular baths and grooming are also recommended. |
| Shedding: | None |
| Social skills: |
Bichons get along with other animals. |
| Suitability for Children: | Bichons love to play with children as long as the children remember they are playing with a living animal and are not too rough.
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| Exercise Needs: | 0-20 minutes a day. |
| Train Ability: | They are very intelligent but are not always cooperative with house training. |
| Health & Issues: |
1. Allergic Dermatitis (Atopy)
2. Cataracts
3. Congenital hypotrichosis
4. Corneal Dystrophy
5. Immotile ciliary dyskinesia
6. Patellar Luxation
7. Hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency)
8. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
9. Shaker dog syndrome
10. Deafness
When choosing a Bichon puppy, genetic testing of BOTH parents is very important.
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| Health Issues: | PRA, cataracts, hip dysplasia, , , skin allergies, , patent ductus arteriosus, haemophilia B (also known as Christmas disease or factor IX deficiency). |
COMMENTS
My Bichon is my best friend
"...My Bichon is my best friend. I have never owned a dog or any other type of animal before due to allergies. I got my Bichon two years ago when he was only eight weeks old. My Bichon was truly a gift from heaven. I needed companionship and could not manage a difficult training situation as I have had no experience with pets..."
Posted by monalisa on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The recent addition to my family is a Bichon puppy called Teddy
"...The recent addition to my family is a Bichon puppy called Teddy.He is now 5 months old and fitting in to the family nicley.
I won't tell you the
usual facts about getting a puppy/dog, i'll assume you have checked you will be
a responsible owner etc. I'm just going to tell you about Bichons.
Teddy,
as all Bichons are, is friendly, happy, affectionate and desperate to please. ..."
Posted by runner on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
When we brought the bichon in and cleaned him up, I brought my 10 month around him
"...When we brought the bichon in and cleaned him up, I brought my 10 month around him. My baby pulled on his ears and stepped on him, and never once did this bichon ever growl or show his teeth. For this dog to get so attached to us in a short time and treat us as family is amazing to me..."
Posted by aurora on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Eye-Problems??
I have the cutest Bichon named Bailey Madison (so darling I named her twice!!) So far she is the picture of health, just 12 days shy of her 1 year birthday...or would that be 7?? Anyways, my love for her is so deep, I worry about her developing an illness such as cataracts that I may not be aware of until it's too late. Does anyone have any experience with this condition? maybe preventative care or perhaps what to look for?
Thanks--
KMR
Posted by kreo on Thursday, August 09, 2007
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