Breeds in the Toy Group of Dogs

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Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area and is also known as the 'Tenerife Dog',  It is reputed that French sailors saw the Bichon on the Island, were captivated by him and took him back to France from where he became a great favourite amongst the Royalty and Aristocracy of both France and Spain.  Other dogs of similar type were found in Malta and  this is known today as the Maltese, the Bolognese from Italy, the Havanese, now known as the National Dog of Cuba and the Coton de Tulear.

As time passed new Toy dogs took the fancy of the fashionable classes and the Bichon Frise's agility and winsome charm led to him being taken up by organ grinders and circuses. There was a resurgence of interest in this charming little dog after World War I and he was taken up by breeders who developed the breed to a consistency of type such that a French Breed Standard was drawn up in 1934.  He did not appear in the UK or USA until the 1970s since when he has won many friends.

The Bichon Frise is a happy little dog, a real extrovert who loves his home and family.  Certainly there are few breeds in the showring who can outshow a Bichon on form.  His coat is both his crowning asset and his drawback; the white soft, silky long corkscrew curls require regular grooming to  keep him looking smart and typical.  Dogs who are exhibited are trimmed minutely to arrive at the perfect shape you see in the ring.  If you want that kind of look then you will either have to start practising or allow for significant bills from the grooming parlour.

The Bichon Frise is similar in size to many toys at 9-11" and finely built he is a merry little dog who is lively enough to enjoy playing with children but perhaps not one too well-suited for country rambles.

Click here to read the Bichon Frise Breed Standard. 

Bichon Frise Breed Clubs

• The Bichon Frisé Club of Great Britain 
• Northern and Midland Bichon Frisé Club Mrs B Dickinson Tel: 01204 430328
• Southern Bichon Frisé Breeders Association 

Bichon Frise Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Bichon, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

BICHON FRISE RESCUE UK

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.