There are many attractive and popular purebred dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC registered the Bichon Frise, which in French loosely translates to curly lap dog, in 1973. Prior to the breed becoming popular in America, both the French and the Spanish loved it. The breed descended from a blend of poodle, Barbet, and white lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C. Originally called the Barbichon, the breed accompanied Spanish sailors on trade missions. The dogs were loved for their intelligent, friendly and outgoing dispositions.
Its name was shortened to Bichon and later, expanded when the French added Frise to the name in reference to the breed's defining characteristic, its curly, soft fur coat. Four types of Bichon Frise existed as Bichon Frise breeders began to breed the dogs in Australia and America. In 1973, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the Bichon Frise in the non-sporting group.
The Bichon Frise is recognizable by its white, curly fur coat. The breed, rather comically, resembles a cotton ball. The fur consists of two coats: a dense undercoat and a springy topcoat. The topcoat, when touched, feels like plush and springs back into shape when the hand is removed. The fur is white and the AKC only allows less than ten percent of the fur to be off-white.
Often the ears, tearstains around the eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even apricot in color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to maintain its luster and fluffiness.
Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth and nose, and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is prone to allergies even though the fur is hypoallergenic to humans. The ears are prone to ear mites. A Bichon Frise breeder must make sure dogs for use in AKC competition meet all the breed standard characteristics. Purebred Bichon Frise dogs have two coats of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to twelve pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in height and have a friendly, confident, intelligent and bold personality.
Bichon Frise buyers should attempt to find a reputable Bichon Frise breeder. There are a number of questions that should be asked to distinguish between good and bad Bichon Frise breeders. Buyers also want to make sure that breeders ask them questions.
Other things that reputable breeders are concerned with include providing a warranty/return policy, interviewing potential buyers to make sure the puppies are going to good homes, either run or are affiliated with animal rescue centers and can be considered to be experts on Bichon Frise information and educate buyers on the breed. Professional breeders do not breed parents with known medical conditions or behavioral problems and do not sell puppies to pet stores.
Asking the right questions can help the buyer ensure a good match for a Bichon Frise puppy and that they can provide a permanent home for the Bichon Frise. It is also imperative that the Bichon Frise breeder ask questions of the buyer to make sure the buyer's home is appropriate and that the buyer has adequate knowledge by which to care for the Bichon Frise.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
About the author: Mary Stevenson is a passionate lover of the Bichon Frise and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Bichon Frise. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Bichon Frise Breeders plus a whole lot more.
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