The Bichon Frise is an all-white, curly-furred lap dog that originated in the Mediterranean region. This breed is believed to be a mix of Barbet, poodle and generic white lap dog. The breed has an illustrious history. An early version, called the Barbichon, existed as early as 600 B.C. This dog accompanied Spanish sailors on trade routes throughout the Mediterranean region.

As years passed, the breed name was shortened to Bichon. During the Renaissance the Bichon became a favorite dog of French royalty. Unfortunately, the Bichon became commonplace and fell out of favor among the elite though it gained favor among the common people. Many were trained to perform tricks in traveling circuses. The French added Frise to the name to reference the breed's soft, curly fur.

The Bichon Frise was famous for walking the tightrope in traveling circuses. The breed's popularity later spread to Australia and America and in 1973, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the Bichon Frise. The breed has traits of the poodle, the Barbet and a generic white lap dog. A good Bichon Frise breeder attempts to retain the breed standard traits.

The most common and desirable trait of the Bichon Frise is its white, curly fur coat. The breed's powder puff coat consists of a dense undercoat and a springy, plushy topcoat. The fur springs back into shape when touched. Bichon Frise fur must be at least ninety percent pure white to meet breed AKC standards. The fur does not shed and is thus hypoallergenic. However, like most white breeds, the Bichon Frise are themselves prone to many skin, ear, and eye allergies. A Bichon Frise breeder can educate a potential buyer on how to properly groom and care for the Bichon Frise to keep its allergies under control.

When not competing, fur can be trimmed in a closely cropped puppy cut which is much easier to maintain. Other breed standard traits include brown or black eyes, mouth and nose, pendulous, furry ears, furry tail curled over the back and a human expression. The Bichon Frise must be seven to twelve pounds in weight, nine to twelve inches in height, and have a friendly disposition.

Spotting a faux Bichon Frise is not as easy as spotting a faux Bichon Frise breeder. A Bichon Frise puppy or adult dog may appear to have all the breed standard traits including a friendly disposition, but this doesn't necessarily mean it is a purebred Bichon Frise. Purebred Bichon Frise breeders will offer pedigree information, registration papers, and medical records as well as a warranty or guarantee on the dog's health.

Other questionable practices include a breeder that will not allow buyer to meet puppies or their parents prior to purchase, sells to pet stores, the prices seem either too low or too high, has too many puppies available at one time, and offers overnight or next day puppies while shipping puppies all over the country. In puppy mills the puppies have never been socialized and are not comfortable around people or other animals.

Buyers must ask many questions to make sure they are getting a real purebred Bichon Frise. The Bichon Frise breeder, if legitimate, will also have questions for the buyer to make sure the Bichon Frise will be going to a loving, appropriate home.