Historians believe the Bichon descended form the Barbet or water Spaniel from which came the name the Barbichon. This name overtime was shortened to Bichon. The four breeds of Bichon (bolognais havanais maltaise and the Tenerife) are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area.
They are thought to have been used as barter items and transported from continent to continent by Spanish sailors. The dogs were popular in Spain and it is generally thought that SpanishSailors introduced then to the Canary Islands.
By 1300 Italian sailors had reintroduced them to the continent. The Bichons were very popularwith Italian nobles, and as with many other dogs at the time the Lion trim was very popular.
After a very brief renewal of interest during the rein of NapoleonIII. The Bichon breed Fell from grace.
In the 1800 s the Bichon was known as the ?common dog? often seen running around the streets, accompanying organ grinders, the blind or performing tricks in circuses and fairs
By the end of World War 1 interested in the Bichon had increased, four breeders in France saw the potential in the Bichon and started to establish their lines through a controlled breeding program. By 1933 the official standard of the breed had been reached.
As the breed was known as Tenerife and Bichon.
The president of the national canine federation proposed a name based on the characteristics of the dogs presented. The name became Bichon Frise. ?frise? refers to the soft curly hair of the dogs coat.
After successful breeding in the U.S in the late 50s
.The Bichon was admitted into the Non-Sporting Group in the American Kennel Club in 1973.
Good points
The Bichon frise breed, as with humans all have different character traits. You will get lively and friendly bichons, introverted and shy bichons, stubborn bichons and sweet natured bichons. These traits are can be caused by breeding lines or how the puppy was raised.
The bichon frise is a small sturdy little dog that doesn't need much exercise, and their curly coat doesn`t shed, however it is recommended that they are groomed and bathed every month. They love human company, they are vary sociable animals which makes them fine in the company of other dogs, pets and especially children.. They have a very high life expectancy of around 15 years. Their litter sizes average around 4-5 puppies.
