The Bichon Frise is a wonderful happy little dog that is in love with life and her family. She wants to go everywhere and loves attention. She is ideal for an apartment because she needs little exercise, although she can be difficult to housebreak. She is a good watch dog but do not expect her to attack a prowler. She barely sheds but she does require extensive grooming to achieve that fabulous look. She is generally not a barker. She does very well with other dogs, pets and children. As a reminder, never leave any child unsupervised with any dog for any length of time.



*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Bichon Frise male is 9 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and the female ranges from 9 to 11 inches to the withers. Both sexes range between 7 and 12 pounds on weight, males slightly heavier.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Bichon Frise is no exception. Look for skin problems, blocked tear ducts, epilepsy (common in dogs) cataracts, flea bite allergy, dislocated kneecaps, ear ailments, low blood sugar and watery eyes.

This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots.

*Grooming. The Bichon Frise needs frequent grooming and monthly bathing. She should be professionally groomed every month or so. If her coat is left to its own, it will turn tight and curly and she will lose her snowball look. Clean around her eyes daily to control tear staining. She sheds very little hair. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Bichon Frise can live between 14 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean area and they are decended from the Water Spaniel. They became popular and then forgotten in such places as France under Francis I and later under Napolean III. When World War I ended, some people realized that the breed could be valuable and the lines started to be established. March 5, 1933 found the official standards of the breed enacted by the Societe Centrale Canine of France. She was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1972.:

Some Registries:

*Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc.

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 5 Bichon Frise puppies

Category: Non Sporting.

Terms To Describe: Active, friendly, bold, charming, affectionate, sociable, obedient, happy, loving, lovable,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Very good with children.

Very good with other pets.

Easy to train.

Very intelligent.

Not a noisy dog.

Get along well with other dogs and pets.

She barely sheds which is good for allergy sufferers.

A very happy dog.

Requires little exercise.

She can act like a clown.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Very poor guard dog.

May be difficult to housebreak.

Can be stubborn.

*Other Names Known By: Bichon Tenerife, Bichon a poil Frise, Tenerife Dog

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.