One popular purebred dog is the Bichon Frise. The breed has existed in its current form since the Middle Ages. The Bichon Frise has been a companion of Spanish sailors, a beloved pet of French royalty, and even a popular and charismatic circus performer! Intelligent and charming, the Bichon Frise is popular because of the breed’s powder puff white fur and human expression. The breed is also extremely friendly and outgoing and even helped the Spanish increase diplomacy on their trade routes.

As years passed, the breed name was shortened to Bichon. During the Renaissance the Bichon became a favorite dog of French royalty. Unfortunately, the Bichon became commonplace and fell out of favor among the elite though it gained favor among the common people. Many were trained to perform tricks in traveling circuses. The French added Frise to the name to reference the breed’s soft, curly fur.

From the 1930s-1970s, the Bichon Frise’s popularity rose and spread throughout Europe, to Australia, and then to the United States. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in the non-sporting group in 1973. Today, each Bichon Frise breeder must meet the specific AKC breed standard to register dogs in competition.

The American Kennel Club has breed standard traits required for every breed of dog. For Bichon Frise to participate in AKC competition, the breed standard includes a dense undercoat of fur and a curly topcoat, seven to twelve pounds in weight and nine to twelve inches in height, is outgoing and friendly in disposition, at least ninety percent pure white fur, a black mouth and nose with brown or black expressive eyes and groomed according to the AKC standard. Competition Bichon Frise are groomed regularly and fur is full volume in appearance.

When not competing, fur can be trimmed in a closely cropped puppy cut which is much easier to maintain. Other breed standard traits include brown or black eyes, mouth and nose, pendulous, furry ears, furry tail curled over the back and a human expression. The Bichon Frise must be seven to twelve pounds in weight, nine to twelve inches in height, and have a friendly disposition.

Spotting a faux Bichon Frise is not as easy as spotting a faux Bichon Frise breeder. A Bichon Frise puppy or adult dog may appear to have all the breed standard traits including a friendly disposition, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it is a purebred Bichon Frise. Purebred Bichon Frise breeders will offer pedigree information, registration papers, and medical records as well as a warranty or guarantee on the dog’s health.

No loving breeder would ship and sell puppies like merchandise to just any consumer. A second warning sign is if the breeder is reluctant, unwilling, or unable to provide proper information of the Bichon Frise such as pedigree, medical records, and registration papers. Finally, a bad breeder will not offer any guarantee on the dog’s health or behavior.

Reputable Bichon Frise breeders will have a warranty/return policy, supports animal rescue centers, has references from other breeders, explains in detail proper care instructions and asks many questions of potential buyers to ensure a good pet match.

Related posts:

1. Finding Bichon Frise Breeders The Mediterranean region is the point of origin for the dog breed now known as the Bichon Frise. In 600-300...
2. A Handy Guide to Finding a Bichon Frise Breeder Everybody loves a lap dog that is super affectionate - this describes the Bichon Frise perfectly! Small, white and cuddly,...
3. Bichon Frise: Wonderful Companion Dog The Bichon Frise is descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, much like his cousin the Caniche and was originally...
4. Shih Tzu Mixed Breeds Hybrid dogs, or "designer dogs," result from the mix of two or more pure breeds. Though the American Kennel Club...
5. The Information You Need From A Beagle Breeder Getting your next Beagle puppy (or even a dog) from a Beagle breeder is a lot more expensive than going...