The Elegant Bichon Frise: A Charming and Social Companion

Overview

The Bichon Frise is a small, friendly dog breed with curled, fluffy fur, often compared to the Barbet, which led to its earlier name, 'Barbichon.' This sociable breed is known for its cheerful personality and is well-suited as a companion animal.

Origins and History

The Bichon Frise was introduced to France from Italy during the Renaissance. Due to its resemblance to the Barbet, it was originally called 'Barbichon,' which was later shortened to 'Bichon.' The breed was highly popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, often depicted alongside royalty and nobility in paintings. It saw a resurgence during the time of Napoleon III when it was also referred to as 'Ténériffe.' Although the breed nearly vanished after the two World Wars, dedicated breeders in France and Belgium helped bring it back. Notably, the first Bichon registered in Belgium was 'Pitou' in 1924, while 'Ida' was the first to be registered in France in 1934. Today, the breed is known as the 'Bichon à poil fries,' particularly in reference to its French-Belgian heritage.

Temperament and Behavior

The Bichon Frise is the ideal companion dog, known for its easygoing nature and adaptability. It does not bark excessively or act aggressively, making it a great pet to take almost anywhere. The breed forms strong bonds with its owner and exhibits a high level of sociability with both people and other dogs.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

This small, lively dog walks with an energetic gait and carries its head high with pride. Its most distinguishing feature is its coat, which is similar to that of a Mongolian goat, long and loosely curled. The eyes are dark and expressive, complementing its playful and alert demeanor.

Body Proportions: The body is rectangular, being longer than it is tall. The length from the shoulders to the hips exceeds the height at the withers.

Head: The head appears rounded due to the fluffy fur, but the skull is relatively flat to the touch. It is proportional to the body, with a ratio of 3:2 for the skull to muzzle length. The nose is round and black, with thin lips that are also pigmented black. The eyes are medium-sized, dark, and round, without being overly large or protruding. The ears, covered in long, curly fur, hang close to the cheeks and are triangular in shape.

Size: The height ranges from 25-29 cm, with males allowed to be 1 cm taller and females 2 cm shorter. The average weight is around 5 kg, but it should match the overall size of the dog.

Coat and Grooming

The Bichon Frise has a distinctive double coat, featuring a soft undercoat and an outer coat that forms loose curls. The coat should be dense but not matted or overly tangled. While the coat is predominantly pure white, puppies may show slight beige or champagne shading, which should not exceed 10% of their fur by the age of 12 months. Grooming standards allow for trimming in specific areas: the face, chin, and whiskers can be clipped shorter, while the body remains elegantly shaped, particularly around the hips and thighs. The fur on the legs is kept cylindrical, and the tail is left untrimmed.

Movement and Gait

The Bichon Frise moves with a smooth and agile gait, keeping its head high and its tail gracefully arched. The back legs provide strong propulsion, and all four legs move in parallel, creating an elegant motion.

Common Issues and Faults

Deviations from the breed standard are considered faults. This can include poor pigmentation of the nose or lips, a pointed muzzle, or underdeveloped chest. Behavioral issues like a lack of confidence or being overly shy are also seen as faults. More severe issues, such as noticeable jaw misalignment or coats that lack curls, can result in disqualification in dog shows.

Conclusion

The Bichon Frise is a beloved companion breed known for its friendly demeanor, unique appearance, and adaptability. Whether as a family pet or a show dog, this breed's lively personality and charm make it a favorite around the world.