The Bichon Frise is a breed of dog with a long history. It has roots back to 600 B.C. and has existed in its current form since at least the European Renaissance. The Bichon Frise began as the Barbichon, a companion to Spanish sailors on trade expeditions. The name was shortened to just Bichon until the French added Frise to reference the breed's most striking feature, its white, curly fur.



The Bichon Frise was the most beloved pet of the French royal family until it became over bred and Bichon Frise puppies overran the streets of France. The breed had a third metamorphosis as a tightrope walker and trick dog in European circuses. Its intelligence and charisma became as well known as its powder puff appearance. The Bichon Frise did not become popular in the United States until the 1960s and 70s but was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1973.

The name of the Bichon Frise has changed over time. It descended from the Barbet, was called the Barbichon for many centuries, then called the Bichon, and finally the French added Frise to the name to reference the breed's curly fur. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in the non-working group under the name Bichon Frise in 1973.

The American Kennel Club sets the breed standard for all registered dog breeds in the United States. The most desirable traits of the Bichon Frise are its white, curly fur and its friendly disposition. The fur coat consists of two layers: a dense undercoat and a springy, velvety topcoat that springs back when touched. Bichon Frise fur must be at least ninety percent pure white according to the AKC.

The Bichon Frise breed does not shed its fur as much as other breeds and is hypoallergenic to most humans. However, like most white breeds, the Bichon Frise is prone to allergies. Bichon Frise puppies should be screened for allergies and their parents should be screened as well.

Choosing the best Bichon Frise puppies starts with choosing the right Bichon Frise breeder. Bichon Frise puppies should be raised in a clean, adequate kennel owned by the breeder where puppies have received socialization. Most breeders sell puppies when they are approximately eight weeks old. A good breeder will have begun housebreaking and disciplining puppies and setting a schedule for them.

Bichon breeders usually keep puppies until they are approximately eight weeks old. Buyers need to make sure they know how the Bichon Frise puppies have been raised within the first eight weeks so that they can continue with the same set regimen.

Another way to ensure that the buyer is choosing the right Bichon Frise puppy is to obtain full documentation such as pedigree, medical records and registration papers. Good breeders will offer some form of warranty or guarantee on the puppy's health. The best breeders will interview buyers and will have them sign a form stating they will return Bichon Frise puppies to the breeders if the placement does not work out.