The Bichon Frise: The French Lap Dog

The Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog, similar in size to a large cat, that in French means "curly lap dog." They are called this because in the past they were lap dogs for French royalty. Often devoted to their masters, Bichons are popular pets and are fairly similar to poodles.

Originating in the Mediterranean region and in existence since the Middle Ages, Bichons eventually ended up on the streets after the French Revolution in which their royal masters were dethroned. The dogs were then caught and trained to do tricks so that they would become dogs in the circus. Despite often being used as a dog for companionship, Bichons are also versatile and smart. Recently farmers in Norway have even used Bichons for rounding up sheep.

Bichons weigh between 7 and 18 lbs and stand between 9 to 12 inches tall. Their average lifespan is 12 to 14 years. Bichons are nearly completely white, as to be a pure bred Bichon one must be at least 90% white. The dogs sometimes have different shades of white around the ears, but white is the dominant color of Bichons. Their eyes are usually either black or dark brown. The area around the eye is also very dark. The nose and lips are also black, while the ears are droopy and covered with long hair. The coat of a Bichon is curly, making them look puffy. The underbelly of a Bichon is softer and denser than the outer coat. A Bichon's coat is thick and springs back in place if touched.

Bichons, who tend to not like the heat, must be groomed often to keep their neat appearance. The face is of special notice, as mucus and eye discharge can cause major problems as it tends to get in the fur right near their eyes. Their curled tails go over their backs and are often groomed to be longer in length than the rest of the coat.

Bichons tend to look attentive and soft. They are quite intelligent and present a curious personality. Though Bichons most like to stay close to their owners and lounge around, they are energetic and like to chew on bones, climb furniture, and go for long walks. Bichons are easily excited when seeing other people, but they are really friendly dogs. Bichons are great pets for families, as children and Bichons tend to be fond of each other. Though Bichons can become jealous when it comes to attention, they get along alright with other dogs. Male Bichons are usually easier to train than females.

All-white breeds tend to suffer from ear infections and skin problems, but the Bichon Frise is less prone than other all-white breeds. The dogs can suffer problems with cataracts and luxating patellas though.

Though some people can still be allergic to Bichons, it is less likely that most other breeds of dog. Since they do not shed their fur, Bichons are quite popular to people with allergies as they are of a hypoallergenic breed.

***************************************************
* Article Source: Michael Russell
* Your Dog Guide
* Visit us for more information.
***************************************************

Bichon Frise - Yahoo! News Search Results
Bichon Frise - Yahoo! News Search Results

?Powder puff? pups are cheerful
The three Bichon Frise dogs at the home of Henry and Susan Hooker have a happy look, as if they?re smiling.
OCEANSIDE: Man pleads guilty to animal cruelty
A Oceanside man pleaded guilty to an animal cruelty misdemeanor earlier this month in connection with the scalding of a 6-month-old bichon frise-mix puppy, officials with the San Diego Humane Society said Tuesday.
Pet of the Week: Rocky
Rocky is a male Bichon Frise. He is at least ten years old and was surrendered due to health of his family. Rocky is neutered and has been groomed by Yuppy Puppy and also has had dental surgery. The groomers said he was absolutely amazing for them.
Man To Pay $10K In Restitution For Burning Puppy
An Oceanside man who burned a six-month-old Bichon Frise puppy with hot water will pay more than $10,000 in restitution for the animal's extensive medical care, the San Diego Humane Society said Tuesday.
ND Sen. Conrad's dog battling cancer
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad's pet dog Dakota has become famous on Capitol Hill since Conrad adopted the bichon frise almost three years ago. The pooch is a familiar sight in the Capitol's corridors and at meetings - pretty much everywhere but the Senate floor, where pets aren't allowed.
Plot thickens in case of puppy stolen from Wallingford pet store
WALLINGFORD - Police investigating the theft of a Bichon Frise pup from a North Colony Road pet store are now looking at the possibility that a second person was involved with the crime.
Senate's top dog's health improves
Sen. Kent Conrad's popular bichon frise in remission after cancer diagnosis WASHINGTON - North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad's popular dog, Dakota, is in remission after a four-month battle with cancer.
Pronunciation Manual videos sound it out slowly, hilariously
In order to avoid the terrible faux pas .of ordering vichyssoise or acai or quinoa and fumbling over the word, one YouTube channel offers assistance: the Pronunciation Manual. In easy, short instructional clips, the channel sounds out some of the stranger words in our language. Read full article >>
Puppy Stolen From Wallingford Pet Store
A puppy was stolen from the All Pets Club on North Colony Road Monday night.
UPDATE: Victim of goat attack shares story
Debra Giuliani is having a good laugh about the goat that trapped her in her Abbotsford home on Monday afternoon.