Introduction
The Bichon Frisé, also known as the Bichon à poil fries and the Bichon Tenerife, is a breed of dog in the Non-Sporting Group. This breed is most well known for its cotton ball like appearance and affectionate, lively, attitude. Throughout history the Bichon Frisé has been beloved by nobility and painters alike, and today they are an extremely popular house dog. The breed was approved by the AKC in 1988.
The average Bichon Frisé stands 9 to 11 inches tall at the withers and weighs between 7 to 12 pounds.
Temperament
As the Bichon Frisé was bred exclusively to be a companion and lap dog, their personality is friendly, happy, playful, outgoing, and welcoming. These dogs crave attention from their human companions, and their happy-go-lucky attitude is great for families with children. If left alone the Bichon Frisé will act out in bad behaviors including soiling in the house. These are not dogs for people who cannot spend very much time with their dogs.
The Bichon Frisé can be difficult to train, but if they are trained and socialized early they will have very little problems with their behavior. To ensure that their happy character is not affected, they should be trained gently and with patience using only positive reinforcement techniques. While they do not shed much, their fluffy coat requires daily brushing and frequent grooming.
Health
The Bichon Frisé has an average life expectancy of 15 years or more, and they are at increased risks for some health conditions which owners should be aware of. While these are not considered to be highly energetic dogs, they do need regular exercise and playtimes.
History
The history of the Bichon Frise began hundreds of years ago in the Mediterranean. They are related to the Water Spaniel, and because of their sweet disposition the breed spread rapidly throughout Europe. The Bichon Frise was introduced to the U.S. in the 1950’s, and they debuted at the AKC dog shows in 1973.
Bichon Frisé
Quick Facts
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Weight: 7-12 lbs
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Height: 9-12 in
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Coat: Loosely curled, double coat
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Temperament: Affectionate, lively
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Lifespan: 15+ years