Bichon Frise

Dog Breed Profile

Home Dog Breeds Non-Sporting Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise History

The Bichon Frise is a white, curly-haired, toy-sized lapdog that originated in the Basque Country, a region in southern France, and northern Spain. The type was known to have existed in ancient Egypt, where it was known as a type of spaniel. The Bichon Frises earliest ancestors are believed to have been the Barbet, a now-extinct water retriever from southwestern France, and the now-extinct Caniche, a slightly larger water retriever from northwestern Italy and southeastern Switzerland.

Time of Origin

Ancient

Country of Origin

France

Ancestry

Barbet

Bichon Frise Physical Characteristics

The Bichon Frise is a small, medium-to-large sized breed of domestic dog. The breed was developed in 1850 by crossing a white Poodle and a now-extinct Maltese. The breed is noted for its curly coat of fur, heavy eyebrows, and small, round feet. The head is triangular and wedge-shaped, with a rounded, slightly domed skull. The muzzle is long and tapered. The nose is dark in color. The almond-shaped eyes should be dark brown. The ears are small, hanging close to the cheeks. The tail is carried either curled over the back or semi-erect. The neck is long and thick. The body is compact, sturdy, and well-muscled. The legs are also short, with straight, springing ribs. The coat is short and fine. There are two varieties: The “Show” type, which is curly, and the “Pet” type, which is wavy or very curly.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Unknown

Coat Colors

Unknown

Height Range

Male Height Range: 9 – 11 inches

Female Height Range: 9 – 11 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 11 – 16 lbs

Female Weight Range: 10 – 15 lbs

Bichon Frise Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-16 yrs

Bichon Frise Health Concerns

Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, Dental Disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Cataract, Urolithiasis, Allergies, Tooth Loss, Hemophilia, Atopic Dermatitis, Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Bichon Frise Temperament and Behaviour

The typical Bichon Frise is a playful, happy, and social breed of dog. They are well-tempered and get along well with children and other household pets. They are typically very attached to their families and will chirp or bark when they become excited or excited to see someone.

Bichon Frise Activity Requirements

The Bichon Frise is a small, friendly, and affectionate little dog that originated in the Mediterranean. They were originally bred as companion dogs, and today they enjoy a reputation as excellent family pets. While they are a fairly low-energy breed of dog, they do require regular walks and some playtime. While they are not an energetic or high-energy dog, they do need regular exercise. Because of their small size and easy-going personality, the Bichon Frise is an excellent choice for people who live in an apartment or who didn’t grow up with a dog. If you are looking for a small, low-maintenance dog, the Bichon Frise might be right for you.

Miles Per Day

Unknown

Activity Per Day

Unknown

Daily Food

1 cups

Kennel Club Recognition

American Kennel Club

Recognized by the American Kennel Club

Bichon Frise is part of the Non-Sporting group.

Visit the American Kennel Club website.

The Kennel Club

Recognized by The Kennel Club

Bichon Frise is part of the Toy group.

Visit the Kennel Club website.

Australian National Kennel Council

Recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council

Bichon Frise is part of the Toy group.

Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.

Canadian Kennel Club

Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club

Bichon Frise is part of the Non-Sporting group.

Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.