Bichon Frise breed guide

Bichon Frises are adaptable companions that get along with other dogs and children. Alert and curious, they make nice little watchdogs, but they are lovers and not fighters and assume there are no strangers, just friends they have not met.

AKC says they have a reputation for being hard to housebreak and are very easy to train in every other respect, learning tricks quickly.

Bichon Frises live 14 to 15 years. Breeders screen for allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella and cataracts and other eye diseases.

Early tooth loss or gum infection complications can follow if dental care and regular tooth brushing are not a priority and regular ear cleaning helps avoid ear infections.

Bichon Frises need brushing at least two or three times a week, though every day is best and a bath and clipping at least once a month. Show owners learn to do it themselves, but most pet owners visit the groomer every four to six weeks.

AKC classes the Bichon Frise as somewhat active: long stretches of calm are broken by brief bursts of high activity, often a run through the house or yard. Daily play sessions plus walks are required.

Bichon Frises belong to the clan of little white Barbichon dogs that also includes the Bolognese, Havanese and Maltese, which began their modern development on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. One of them became so popular with the island's sailors that it was called the Bichon Frise Tenerife, the primary ancestor of the Bichon Frise.

The breed's close association with European nobles began sometime in the 13th century. It endeared itself to the royal courts of Spain, Italy and France.