Originally developed in the Mediterranean, the Bichon Frise is a descendant of the Barbet, a variety of Water Spaniel that was common to that area. While he was first called the “Barbichon,” his name would eventually be shortened to “Bichon” and, originally, this unique little dog was divided up into four different categories: the Bichon Teneriffe, the Bichon Maltais (Maltese Dog), the Bichon Bolognais, and the Bichon Havanais (Havanese Dogs). Regardless of what number of names he was known by, he would eventually come to be one of the most popular breeds of small dog in the world. How was it that this little powder puff of a dog came to be so widely-known? Most Bichon fans will tell you that it’s all about the personality.

The Bichon Frise stands between 9 and 12 inches at the shoulder and is well known for his incredibly curly, soft coat. With their only variety being white, they are quite often referred to as powder puffs, simply because of their fluffy appearance. Coupled with a plumed tail which is always carried happily draped over his back and very dark, inquisitive eyes, the Bichon seems to radiate exuberance and a willing nature.

The Bichon is best described as a very open and "happy" dog, full of personality and generally friendly to all.  Rarely are Bichon Frise suspicious or aloof dogs, and skittishness is something that few Bichon will ever exhibit.  More likely than not, a properly-socialized Bichon Frise puppy will greet everyone at the door with a happy attitude and acting as if they are long-lost friends... even if he's never met them before!

Bichon are usually very friendly with other pets, including cats and other dogs.  Children are especially favored, particularly if they are big enough to play a gentle game of tug-o-war, but old enough so as to know better than to pull ears and tails.

While the Bichon Frise are playful and outgoing little dogs, they do not require a great deal of exercise. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to go for lengthy walks, but isn't adverse to a short trip to the park or you enjoy a light game of tug-o-war or fetch in the living room, then the Bichon Frise may be well-suited to you. While not a lazy dog, those short legs have to cover twice as much ground as that of their human counterparts, and can quickly get worn out, making them a good match for the elderly or for those who do not have a fenced in yard and enjoy taking the dog out for an afternoon walk.

The Bichon Frise possesses a very keen mind and sharp wit. More often than not, he is quick to learn obedience commands, as well as tricks. Provided he is properly encouraged and his good behavior is properly reinforced, the Bichon owner is sure to discover that her four-legged friend will learn a wealth of tricks. Just beware that the Bichon Frise enjoys playtime and is not adverse to playing the clown, if he thinks it will make his humans happy. His lack of seriousness can sometimes grate on the nerves of the more serious dog trainers.

• Unlike many purebred breeds, the Bichon Frise does not suffer from a long list of various maladies. Nevertheless, there are some various conditions that can affect your Bichon puppy and it’s best to be educated on the subject. Bichon Frise health concerns include, but are not limited to:

  • Dental problems
  • Bladder infections
  • Eye Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Skin conditions
  • Ear infections
  
  

Bichon Frise Breed In Brief | Bichon Frise History | Appearance
Bichon Frise Temperament | Exercise Needs | Grooming Requirements
 Bichon Frise Health Concerns | Training Your Bichon Frise
Is An Bichon Frise The Right Breed For You?
 Online Resources | Bichon Frise Pictures | Bichon Frise Breeders
Bichon Frise Rescue | Bichon Frise Dog and Puppy Names

Is the Bichon Frise the Right Breed For You?

Online Bichon Frise Information Resources

There are a wealth of resources online that can help you learn more about the Bichon Frise dog breed. We've compiled a list of Bichon Frise information sites to assist you in quickly locating quality information about the Bichon Frise dog breed, while avoiding the "garbage" sites that are nothing more than poor attempts to capitalize on the popularity of dog breeds in general. If you know of a Bichon Frise information site that offers unique, quality information and photos of the Bichon Frise breed, please contact us with the URL and a brief description so that our editors can consider it for inclusion in our list below.

• Wikipedia - Bichon Frises
• Bichon Frise Dog and Puppy Pages

Bichon Frise Breed In Brief | Bichon Frise History | Appearance
Bichon Frise Temperament | Exercise Needs | Grooming Requirements
 Bichon Frise Health Concerns | Training Your Bichon Frise
Is An Bichon Frise The Right Breed For You?
 Online Resources | Bichon Frise Pictures | Bichon Frise Breeders
Bichon Frise Rescue | Bichon Frise Dog and Puppy Names

Bichon Frise Pictures

Bichon Frises are a very photogenic dog breed. By looking at Bichon Frise pictures, you can usually gain more insight into what these dogs and puppies are like as a breed, and this can help you decide if you really want to become a Bichon Frise owner. The following sites below offer pictures of Bichon Frise dogs, Bichon Frise puppy photos, funny Bichon Frise photos and more. Enjoy!

• Bichon Frise Dog Pictures
• Database of Malamutes
• Photos of Malamutes

Buying a Bichon Frise Puppy

Now that you have decided that the Bichon Frise is the right breed for you, it's time to start the process of finding a responsible Bichon Frise breeder from which to buy a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Not all breeders are alike; there are good breeders - and bad breeders. Don't be in a hurry to buy the first Bichon Frise puppy you find at the cheapest price available! To buy a puppy from a responsible Bichon Frise breeder, you may need to pay more and wait longer. The additional money and waiting time will be well worth it. Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper ad, pet store or "backyard breeder", and you'll likely also purchase a great deal of additional expense and heartache, since you will likely end up falling in love with a puppy with health and behavioral problems that will likely need special care, plenty of veterinary visits, regular medication - or even euthanasia. But do your homework and find a responsible, caring Bichon Frise breeder who home-raises their puppies with love, screens their breeding dogs for health problems, offers a health guarantee and post sale support, and who genuinely loves the Bichon Frise breed and is in it for the love of the breed, rather than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of getting a healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family companion that will provide you and your family with many years of joy, laughter and companionship.

Further information about choosing a responsible breeder...

Here are a few breeder directory sites that we recommend. These sites attempt to screen advertisers to ensure that the breeders listed are responsible and sell healthy, home-raised Bichon Frise puppies to carefully screened buyers. There are many, many sites now online that advertise dog breeders - many are a Mecca for puppy mills and backyard breeders. We recommend that you steer clear of these resources in favor of sites that are more selective in the breeders whom they allow to advertise.

We Highly Recommend:

• Bichon Frise Puppy Dog Central
• Bichon Frise Dogs and Puppies For Sale
• Bichon Frise Dog Breeders
• Bichon Frise Puppy Stork
• Bichon Frise Breeders Showcase
• Bichon Frise Puppy Finder on Pet Net

• Bichon Frise Breed In Brief | Bichon Frise History | Appearance
  Bichon Frise Temperament | Exercise Needs | Grooming Requirements
   Bichon Frise Health Concerns | Training Your Bichon Frise
  Is An Bichon Frise The Right Breed For You?
   Online Resources | Bichon Frise Pictures | Bichon Frise Breeders
  Bichon Frise Rescue | Bichon Frise Dog and Puppy Names

  Bichon Frise Rescue

  Bichon Frise clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn even more about the Bichon Frise dog breed, help you locate a responsible Bichon Frise breeder, or help you find a Bichon Frise dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a loving, forever home. We've compiled the following list of Bichon Frise clubs and Bichon Frise rescues web sites for your convenience:

  • Bichon Frise Rescue United Kingdom - How to apply for a rescue bichon, adoption application, health and grooming tips, volunteer directory, and pictures of dogs in need of homes.
  • Bichon Frise ResQ - Frequently asked questions, rescue contact directory, guardianship procedures, ways to help, and rescue stories.
  • Central Illinois Bichon Rescue - Explanation of the adoption procedure, news, and photographs of available dogs. Urbana, Illinois.
  • Small Paws Rescue - Volunteers across the United States work to save dogs from shelters and puppy mills. Rescue stories, before and after photographs of dogs, photographs of available dogs, and information on how they can ship dogs to new homes by plane.

  Bichon Frise Clubs

  • Bichon Frise Club of America - Show results, healthcare articles, and training tips.
  • Bichon Frisé Club of Canada - Code of ethics, breed standard, newsletter, and membership application.
  • Bichon Frise Club of Great Britain - Object of the club is to safeguard and promote the interests of the breed. Application form, list of upcoming events, and club information.
  • Bichon Frise Lovers Club - Located in Singapore. Provides information on committee members, club objectives, breed history, and standards.
  • Southern Bichon Frise Breeders Association - Provides forthcoming events, grooming advice, future seminars calendar, and puppy register.
  • The Unofficial Bichon Frise Lovers' Club of Singapore - Members' photograph gallery, list of upcoming events, and rescue information.
    

  Bichon Frise Puppy Dog Names

  Choosing a name for your Bichon Frise puppy can be a daunting task! There are so many names to choose from that it can take a lot of thought and research to find just the right name for your Bichon Frise. Usually, it's best to get to know your puppy for a few days or weeks. Often your puppy's personality will help you decide on just the right name to choose. Does he have a sense of humor? A serious side? A goofy way of cocking his head to one side? A strange love of cantaloupe? By observing your new Bichon Frise puppy over the first days or weeks, you should at least have a clue about what type of name you want to give. There are a ton of dog names and pet names web sites on the internet. Some are wonderful information resources, while others, unfortunately, are just "garbage" sites set up with the sole purpose of cashing in on visitor hits for this popular subject.

  We recommend the following sites to assist you in choosing a name for your new Bichon Frise puppy. These sites offer inventive, unique, original and creative pet names suggestions that have helped thousands of new puppy owners in selecting just the right name for their new baby!

  • Unique Dog and Puppy Names
  • Choosing A Name For Your Dog Or Puppy
  • Pet Net's Pet Names Guide

  Bichon Frise Breed In Brief | Bichon Frise History | Appearance
  Bichon Frise Temperament | Exercise Needs | Grooming Requirements
   Bichon Frise Health Concerns | Training Your Bichon Frise
  Is An Bichon Frise The Right Breed For You?
   Online Resources | Bichon Frise Pictures | Bichon Frise Breeders
  Bichon Frise Rescue | Bichon Frise Dog and Puppy Names