Bichon Frise
Pic - Bichon Frise Rescue - If looking for one of these cuttie pies please do contact a Breed Rescue first and foremost. They have a wealth of knowledge on the breed, help to pair the right dog with the right home, and can help point you in the right direction. Link below, but if not near you, do search for a rescue that is. https://bichonrescueoc.org/
General
This is one of the hypoallergenic breeds, so ideal for those that suffer from allergies.
The Barbichon group of dogs evolved into four breeds: The Bichon Bolognese, the Bichon Havanese, the Bichon Maltese and the Bichon Tenerife. From the Bichon Tenerife came today’s Bichon Frise.
These lively and affectionate dogs found their way from the Mediterranean area to the Canary Islands, specifically to the Island of Tenerife, possibly as companions to sailors, who may have used them to barter. They then ended up in Italy in the same manner, where they attracted the attention of nobility and merchants. This is where the Lion style type of grooming of this breed seems to have originated.
Late in the 1400's France invaded Italy and this breed spread to France where it again found favout with royalty, nobality and upper class merchants due to King Henry loving his Bichon so much that he carried it everywhere with him - the rest of his court then followed suit. From this time on-wards, it was not unusual to see this lovely little dog portrayed in paintings.
The breed was then recognized in France, Belgium and Italy as a breed, but it was the development of the breed in the USA that brought about the recognition in other countries of the world.
These are lovely, cuddly and adorable dogs. They do not need excessive exercise, but do need basic training, especially when doors are open, as they will make a dash for outside!
Being a toy dog, one has to be careful not to drop, or injure such a small body.
This is one of the hypoallergenic breeds, so ideal for those that suffer from allergies.
The Barbichon group of dogs evolved into four breeds: The Bichon Bolognese, the Bichon Havanese, the Bichon Maltese and the Bichon Tenerife. From the Bichon Tenerife came today’s Bichon Frise.
These lively and affectionate dogs found their way from the Mediterranean area to the Canary Islands, specifically to the Island of Tenerife, possibly as companions to sailors, who may have used them to barter. They then ended up in Italy in the same manner, where they attracted the attention of nobility and merchants. This is where the Lion style type of grooming of this breed seems to have originated.
Late in the 1400's France invaded Italy and this breed spread to France where it again found favout with royalty, nobality and upper class merchants due to King Henry loving his Bichon so much that he carried it everywhere with him - the rest of his court then followed suit. From this time on-wards, it was not unusual to see this lovely little dog portrayed in paintings.
The breed was then recognized in France, Belgium and Italy as a breed, but it was the development of the breed in the USA that brought about the recognition in other countries of the world.
These are lovely, cuddly and adorable dogs. They do not need excessive exercise, but do need basic training, especially when doors are open, as they will make a dash for outside!
Being a toy dog, one has to be careful not to drop, or injure such a small body.
Is this the right dog for you?
Even though this is a small breed, it is still important to take it for puppy socialization on on going socialization to keep the social skills in place. One of the mistakes people seem to make is presuming that just because a breed is small in stature that socialization is not required. Another mistake often made, is to pick up the dog when a bigger dog comes along. There is a fine line here, you do not want to reinforce making the dog scared of bigger dogs, however you do not want the breed to be hurt by another dog.
They are a very adventurous breed, and will think nothing of sneaking between your legs when you open the door to go for an adventure. Training for situations such as this is required.
They do require regular grooming, so be prepared to pay for professional grooming. Highly motivated owners can learn the technique, but it isn't easy and requires a lot of time.
This is not a breed to be left alone for long periods of time. It is advisable to train some Alone Time training right from being a pup, so that the dog can cope being by itself for a period of time - they are well known for developing separation anxiety.
They are known to be hard to house train in general, so extra attention has to be be given to avoid accidents in the home.
This breed can live up to 17 years of age, so be prepared to have this lovely little companion for a long time!
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average the Bichon frise, does not tend to be aggressive to other dogs, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average the Bichon frise, does not tend to be aggressive to other dogs, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dog
Yes, on average they do get on with other dogs, however, due to their small size, avoid large breed or very exuberant dogs who could accidentally injure them. As mentioned previously, you should take your pup for puppy socialization and ongoing socialization to keep good socialization skills in place.
Yes, on average they do get on with other dogs, however, due to their small size, avoid large breed or very exuberant dogs who could accidentally injure them. As mentioned previously, you should take your pup for puppy socialization and ongoing socialization to keep good socialization skills in place.
Do they get on with other animals?
On average yes. However the earlier the dog is socialized with different animals the better.
On average yes. However the earlier the dog is socialized with different animals the better.
Are they good with children?
Oldrer children are better, espeically when a pup, as then they are incredibly small, and a small child can easily hurt the breed. As with all dogs, they should be exposed to children of all ages and sizes when a pup and the child shown how to interact with a dog and how to pick it up.
Oldrer children are better, espeically when a pup, as then they are incredibly small, and a small child can easily hurt the breed. As with all dogs, they should be exposed to children of all ages and sizes when a pup and the child shown how to interact with a dog and how to pick it up.
Health
Here are some of the common health problems that can occur: - HD (Hip Dyspacia), Patellar Luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Kartageners's syndrome. They are also prone to ear problems, so checking and cleaning the ears a few times a week is recommender,
They also tend to be prone to skin allergies and some of them are genetically predisposed to cataracts.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Here are some of the common health problems that can occur: - HD (Hip Dyspacia), Patellar Luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Kartageners's syndrome. They are also prone to ear problems, so checking and cleaning the ears a few times a week is recommender,
They also tend to be prone to skin allergies and some of them are genetically predisposed to cataracts.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialization - keeps solid social skills in place - just because this is a small breed, does not mean it should not attend puppy school.
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family, but dont give too much exercise.
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Dont pick this dog up and carry it around - it has legs, let it walk!
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop