Small but sturdy with a plush white coat, the Bichon Frise oozes personality and possesses a real zest for life. It has confidence in abundance and is friendly and affectionate with everyone it meets.
This dog makes the ideal companion and thrives on contact with its family and is good with young and old alike. It does well with other dogs and cats if reared with them or introduced to them gradually. It enjoys walks and playtime but is always ready to snuggle up for a cuddle. The Bichon Frise is considered to have a hypoallergenic coat, so could make a suitable choice for those with allergies. Its coat is plush and velvety feeling and requires regular grooming, and, as it doesnt shed, it should be cut regularly too.
History
The Bichon Frise is part of a family of white breeds known as Barbican types, which also includes the Bolognese, Havanese and Maltese, which originated in Tenerife as far back as the 14th century. The Bichon Frise was taken to mainland Europe by traders where it soon found popularity amongst the royal courts of Spain, Italy and France, as a pampered lapdog. However, with the French Revolution in 1789, the breed soon fell from favour and many dogs were abandoned, only then to be taken in by street entertainers who took advantage of the breeds comedic and cute characteristics. The breed suffered and almost became extinct following the World Wars but thanks to French and Belgian breeders dedicated to this breed, the Bichon Frise survived.
