Bichon Frize - a small and cheerful companion

Bichon Frize - a small and cheerful companion

Bichon Frize is a small dog that is distinguished by a very impressive appearance. Thanks to its beautiful and curly white fur, it resembles a slightly plush mascot, created for caressing. He is a cheerful and cheerful quadruped, willingly spends time with people and other domestic animals. He loves walks, enjoys playing and playing ball, as well as learning various tricks. He is an excellent companion dog and a great family friend.

Bichon Frize

Origin of the Bichon Frize breed

The Bichon Frize comes from the Mediterranean area, where it was found several hundred years ago. The breed was most likely created by crossing a Poodle with a Maltese and a Barbet. It is said that this dog came to the European continent from Tenerife with XNUMXth-century sailors. At the end of the Middle Ages, this sociable pet quickly gained great popularity in France, Spain and Italy, appearing at royal courts. However, the French Revolution changed the carefree life of dogs of this breed and their royal treatment became history. Then they found their way onto the streets - into the hands of traveling traders and organ grinders.

After World War I, bichon frize breeding was recreated in France and Belgium. In 1933, its standard was established for the first time, and the FCI recognized this breed as a French-Belgian breed. Currently, this dog is very popular in, among others, the United States, Great Britain, the Benelux countries and Scandinavia. The first individuals of the Bichon Frize breed arrived in Poland in the late 90s, but they did not gain wide popularity in our country.

Suggested sizes and widths of accessories for this breed of dog:

Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog ​​is different.

Bichon Frize - breed description

In our country, there were attempts to Polish the name of the Bichon Frize breed into "curly bichon", but this version was not accepted. The Bichon Frise dog breed is classified in FCI group IX, section 1, standard no. 215. This "candy-colored", small, snow-white dog resembles a Maltese in some respects. It has a harmonious body structure and elegant appearance. He moves with a proud, dancing step, with his head held high on a slightly bent neck.

Its height is from 24 to 30 cm, and the weight of an adult varies from 4 to 7 kg. Although it has a small body build, it is well muscled, especially the hind limbs and loins. The forelegs, viewed from the front, are straight and perpendicular. Deeply angulated hind legs with wide and muscular thighs. The paws are strong and the claws are black.

The skull of the Bichon Frize is rather flat, with a poorly marked stop. The eyes are dark, small and round, but not bulging, and necessarily with black rims. The bichon's eyes express the dog's cheerful temperament. This dog's ears are covered with hair and hang loosely. The tail set below the back line is slightly bent upwards (not curled). The large and black nose contrasts strongly with the snow-white fur. A Bichon's lips are usually black (up to the corners of the lips).

Bichon Frize
Bichon Frize

Bichon Frize - color

The fur is snow-white and downy. What draws special attention, apart from its expressive color, is its unique appearance and structure. The coat of the curly bichon, as the name suggests, is formed by loose and small curls, 7-10 cm long, resembling cotton candy. The fur is extremely delicate and silky. This quadruped has medium-length hair, but it is only covering hair. The Bichon Frize has no undercoat. The skin of a pedigree representative of this breed is dark or pigmented.

Character

The Bichon Frize is an extremely gentle, cheerful, friendly and affectionate dog. He always wants to be around people, likes to cuddle and be the center of attention. At the same time, he is very energetic and spontaneous and cannot stand loneliness. When left alone at home, he can lie down on clothes left by household members to smell their scent. However, it usually does not destroy equipment and does not howl with longing. In the company of people, he likes to sit on people's laps and loves to be petted. He is friendly towards guests and new family members. He welcomes them eagerly and accepts them quickly, and then plays happily with each person.

He learns with enthusiasm and shows a lot of cleverness. He is usually obedient, although he can also be stubborn, especially when he is used to excessive rewarding with treats. Even though the Bichon Frize does not tend to run away, you should pay special attention to your pet during a walk. It is better to keep him on a leash, as his curiosity and sociable nature can sometimes cause problems for the owner.

Bichon Frize skills

The Bichon Frize does not have hunting or territorial instincts, as it was bred for centuries as a companion dog. This fact makes it easy for them to become attached to their guardian and establish friendly contacts with strangers. This intelligent dog eagerly and quickly learns various tricks. He can successfully participate in agility or rally competitions. He is a great show dog and has a great talent for clowning. He will show off the tricks he has learned and repeat them many times, waiting for applause and rewards. However, you should not overdo it with treats, as you may quickly become overweight.

Bichon Frize
Bichon Frize

Health

The Bichon Frize is a long-lived breed, free from genetic diseases (some dogs live up to 20 years). However, due to its delicate fur, the bichon is susceptible to colds, so in winter it should be dressed in clothes, and after a walk in the rainy season, it is worth rubbing and drying its fur well. Another ailment that affects dogs of this breed is watery eyes, which is a consequence of blocked tear ducts. Yellow traces of tears that appear should be wiped off with special liquids. Moreover, due to the high sensitivity of the digestive tract, bichons may have digestive problems.

Bichon Frize Grooming

This dog's coat is its greatest asset and at the same time it is the source of many problems. Even though the Bichon Frize does not shed, its hair grows all the time. Therefore, it requires regular haircut (once every 2 months) or care at a grooming salon. He should be brushed at least twice a week, or when, for example, leaves and dirt get caught in his down fur. The ends of twisted hair are cut to the appropriate shape. The Bichon Frize also requires regular inspection of the condition of its eyes, ears, teeth and claws. A dog of this breed should be accustomed to frequent grooming from a puppy.

Who is this dog for?

Because the Bichon Frize easily adapts to various conditions, it will be a perfect companion for both a homebody and a lover of long walks. It can also be a good companion for lonely and elderly people, because it has few requirements and a gentle, cheerful disposition. The Bichon Frize is very patient and affectionate with children. His cheerful nature and tendency to play make him perfect in the company of children. However, contact with children must be under adult supervision, as they could unintentionally harm the pet while playing. The small size of the Bichon Frize makes it an ideal indoor dog.

He adapts to new conditions very well and accepts moving. Due to its small size and friendly attitude towards the surroundings, it tolerates traveling well. Representatives of this breed easily accept other animals. They are peaceful and do not show jealousy.

Most frequently asked questions

What is the history of the Bichon Frize breed?
The Bichon Frize is a breed with a rich and long history, dating back to at least the 14th century. Initially, these dogs were popular among the Italian nobility, and later they won the hearts of the French. They are related to breeds such as the Maltese or Barbet, and their name comes from the French term for "shaggy dog".

What are the distinctive features of the bichon frize's appearance?
The Bichon Frize is distinguished by its white, fluffy fur, which is both soft and elastic. They also have characteristic black eyes and noses, which give them an exceptionally charming look. Their fur requires regular care to maintain its beauty.

Is a bichon frize a good choice for families with children?
Yes - dogs of this breed are known for their friendly and sociable nature, which makes them perfect for families with children. They are patient and gentle, but as with any interaction between children and dogs, supervision must be maintained to ensure the safety of both children and dog.

What are the physical activity requirements for a bichon frize?
Bichon Frizes are energetic dogs that need regular exercise, but due to their size, they do not require much space. Short daily walks or playtime in a safe, fenced area is enough to keep them at a healthy activity level.

How to care for a Bichon Frize's fur?
The Bichon Frize's coat requires regular care, including daily brushing, to avoid mats and keep the coat in good condition. Additionally, regular bathing and visits to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks are recommended to keep the coat clean, healthy and well-trimmed.


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