The Bichon Frise is descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, much like his cousin the Caniche and was originally known as a Barbichon, which was later shortened to Bichon. In addition, there are four different categories of the Bichon, which include the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Maltais and the Bichon Tenerife as well as the Bichon Havanais, and all of these categories came out of the Mediterranean region. The breed was always bred to be companion dogs and nothing more.

It was only in the sixteenth century that the Bichon Frise appeared in France where its popularity rose and fell depending on who was pulling the reigns of power in France, though notables such as Francis I, Henry III and Napoleon III were largely instrumental in making the Bichon Frise very popular. In fact, many portraits from this time featured the Bichon Frise along with royals, which lent to their fame and enhanced their stature.

The Bichon Frise was forgotten and only rediscovered in the fourteenth century by Italian seamen. It was they who brought this breed back to the Continent and the Italian nobility immediately developed a strong liking for the Bichon Frise. And it was only during this time that the Bichon Frise got its characteristic lion style cut. A century or so later the Bichon Frise came to France during the reign of Francis I who was the major figure of the Renaissance.

However, it was only during the reign of Henry III when the Bichon Frise got to be pampered, and also perfumed and even beribboned. Then it even became popular once more in Spain and was greatly loved by the Infantas and was often the subject of painters, as witnessed in the works of Goya. Sad to say, the Bichon Frise was soon to become a commoner in France, and soon descended from being a favorite of the nobility to roaming in the streets in France.

The history behind the Bichon Frise is both interesting and intriguing, which saw him being elevated to the favored pet of nobility and royalty until later becoming a street dog following the end of the reign of Napoleon III. In the late nineteenth century he had to become a commoner.

Interest in the Bichon Frise was once again renewed after World War I, and it was bred under strict control, and on March 5, 1933 the official Bichon Frise Standard was adopted by Societe Centrale Canine of France.

However, the Bichon Frise wins over hearts because he is very docile and also affectionate and this has ensured his continuing success in finding good homes, even if they are not those of aristocrats and royalty.

And, in October 1972, the Bichon Frise entered into the American Kennel Club Stud Book as a non-sporting group, which is the brief history of this breed in the U.S.