Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
How Does He Look?
The Bichon Frise is a white powder puff of a dog with black eyes, eye rims and halos,
lips, nose, and footpads. As puppies, some Bichons have beige to apricot markings on the
head or body, but this color usually fades during maturity. Since the Bichon's coat is
white, an older dog does not look old because there is no graying of the muzzle. The adult
dog is sturdy and muscular and of moderate bone. His height at the withers (top of the
shoulder blade) is 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches and he weighs 10 to 18 lbs. depending on
substance. His coat is naturally curly, but when brushed and scissored in the proper
style, it is like velvet plush. The long plumed tail of the Bichon is
one of his distinguishing features and the tail should never be docked.
By the way, the dog that develops "freckles" or brown or
black splotches on his body has skin pigmentation that is normal and that is
actually a sign of very good pigmentation.
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Are They High Strung?
The Bichon Frise is an affectionate, lively companion dog who gets along well with
other animals and with children. He prefers to spend all of his time with his family. He
is intelligent and outgoing, and he loves to play and clown around, but he is not nervous.
Although not a guard dog, he is a watchdog who announces strangers.
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What About My Allergies?
The Bichon has a non-shedding coat and therefore he maybe suitable for those with
moderate allergies. Before you commit yourself to any pet, it is best to spend several
hours at a breeder's home to test your allergic response. Dog shampoos and rinses are
frequently scented and may cause an allergic response.
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What About the Bichon's Allergies?
Some Bichons may have allergies, from mild to extreme scratching, biting at
the skin or licking the feet. Some develop hot spots (also called moist
dermatitis). For a more complete discussion, visit our web page
"Dealing
with the Allergic Bichon".
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What Does He Eat?
A commercial dry kibble
forms the basic diet of the Bichon. This may be supplemented with meat, cottage cheese,
some table scraps (no chicken or pork bones, please), or canned dog food. Fresh water must
be available at all times.
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What About Training?
The Bichon is easily
trained using the standard obedience commands. Housetraining is
not difficult provided you follow instructions and set aside some
time to do it right. To learn more about house training, please read "Your Bichon
Frise" listed on the Club Supplies web page.
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Is The Bichon A Healthy Breed?
Veterinary care consists of the usual immunizations and perhaps a worming when worms
are present. The breed is generally healthy. Additional information see
topic on Bichon health.
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How Long do They Live?
The average life span is 15-16 years, but many dogs live several years beyond this.
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Is Any Special Coat Care Required?
Grooming the Bichon is imperative whether you do it yourself or have it done
professionally. Since the coat does not shed, it mats and must be brushed frequently.
"Frise" means curly in French. The natural is long and curly, and the Bichon
look is created by brushing the curl out while drying the coat. The dog is then scissored
all over except for the ears, moustache, beard, and tail.
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What Is the Bichon's Origin?
The Bichon Frise is of Mediterranean ancestry. He descends from the Barbet or Water
Spaniel and is related to the Maltese. Bichons have been a distinct breed since about
1400. A few Bichons came to the United States in the 1950s, and the Bichon Frise Club of
America was founded in 1964. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in
1973.
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Where To Get One, Where Not to Get One?
There are breeders all over the United States who belong to the Bichon Frise Club of
America or a local Bichon Club whose aim it is to protect the breed by producing Bichons
which closely conform to the standard. The standard is a description of the most perfect
Bichon Frise as adopted by the American Kennel Club. A
list of breeders is available from
the Bichon Frise Club of America's Breeder Referral person. For other sources, contact
your local Kennel Club or Bichon breeders at a dog show.
You may be captivated by a puppy in a pet shop, and although it has all the proper
"papers" and its parents are purebred Bichons, you will never be able to
evaluate the puppy's parents nor do you know anything about the puppy's upbringing. Did
the parents looks conform to the standard and was their
temperament cheerful and outgoing?
How early was the puppy taken away from its mother? Was it brought up in a family
atmosphere or in a kennel without much human companionship? Additional questions you
should ask the breeder when purchasing a Bichon are. How long have you been breeding?
Where did you get your original breeding stock? Do you CERF/OFA? Do you belong to any
breed clubs? Will I receive a written contract? Why not rely on a breeder whose aim is to
produce beautiful Bichons through intelligently planned and researched breedings and who
guards their wonderful temperament.
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Show Dog or Pet?
All show dogs are someone's pet, but not all pets are show dogs. Dogs are measured
against the standard, the ideal word picture of a Bichon. If the dog does not closely
conform to this standard, he is considered a "pet", even though he is from a
litter bred for show. Pets may not have complete eye rims or halos, the proper kind of
bite, or are too small or too large. Even if you do not intend to show your Bichon at dog
shows, you should get a quality animal.
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Male Or Female?
In some breeds male dogs may be aggressive and females more subdued, but there is no
such distinction in the Bichon. However, males of any breed make frequent stops during
walks and females have a biannual season. Spaying will solve the latter problem. Neutering
is recommended for any Bichon who is a "pet", whether male or female. No, they
do not have to be bred once before being neutered.
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Where Do I Get More Detailed Information?
The Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc. has published an illustrated booklet entitled
"Your Bichon Frise" which will give you much more information about the care,
training, and history of the breed. The official standard for the breed as well as
detailed grooming instructions are also included. Please
order your copy from
Kathy Loynachan at ksl@lisco.com, BFCA Club
Supplies. The fee is $6 made payable by check in US funds to the BFCA. $1.00
of this fee is donated towards Bichon Health Research.
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