Bichon Fris
Alternative names
Bichon poil fries Tenerife Dog
Country of origin
Belgium / France / Mediterranean region
Classification
FCI: Group 9 Section 1 AKC: Non-sporting ANKC: Group 1 (Toys) CKC: Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs KC(UK): Toy NZKC: Toy UKC: Companion Breeds
Breed standards (external links)
FCI (http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:0Y4gY86C9VQJ:www.fci.be/uploaded_files/215gb98_en.doc+site:www.fci.be+%22215+/+11.+05.+1998+%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8), AKC (http://www.akc.org/breeds/bichon_frise/index.cfm), ANKC (http://www.ankc.aust.com/bichon.html), CKC (http://canbichon.tripod.com/standard.htm) KC(UK) (http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/discoverdogs/toy/y904.htm), NZKC (http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br106.html), UKC (http://www.ukcdogs.com/breeds/companions/bichonfrise.std.shtml)

A Bichon Fris (French, literally Curly lap dog; often spelled Bichon Frise in English) is a small dog that is the size of a large cat. They are popular pets, similar to poodles. They have a lot of energy and enjoy licking people, climbing on furniture, and chewing on things. They can be seriously, almost worshipfully devoted to their masters.

The breed has existed since the Middle Ages. Its exact origins are unclear, although it fairly clearly originated in the Mediterranean region. Sailors had transported it to the island of Tenerife by the 14th century. They were further bred as lap dogs for the French royalty and were a court favorite by the 15th century. The dogs ended up on the streets during the French Revolution, where they were caught and trained to be circus dogs.

They are a versatile, intelligent, and hardy dog despite its popular use as a companion animal and lap dog; farmers in Norway have recently used the Bichon for rounding up sheep, which is not a commonly mentioned breed use.

Appearance

Bichons weigh between 7 and 12 lb (3 to 6 kg) and stand 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) at the withers. They have curly white fur that can be puffed up if groomed correctly and that must be groomed regularly and carefully. Their tails curl over their back except when the dog is relaxed.

Health

Although many all-white breeds suffer from a variety of ailments including deafness and skin problems, Bichons have escaped these problems. Bichons live an average of 14 years.

Care must be taken to keep the face of a Bichon Fris clean and trimmed, as eye discharge and mucus tend to accumulate in the fur that grows in front of their eyes, which can lead to serious problems.