Bichon Frise: The Ultimate Breed Guide 2020
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The Bichon Frise is a tiny fluffy dog with a bountiful personality.
Tighten your seatbelts; it's going to be one hell of a ride on the Bichon Frise Ultimate Guide.
This breed is recognized for its cheerful character and delightful spirit. There is nothing a Bichon Frise adores more than to be the focus of attention. This answers one question why in addition to being beautiful companions, Bichon Frise makes great presentations and dog shows. Once you adopt your Bichon Frise pup, it won’t take you long to notice that it can be your jolly and enthusiastic compatriot!
See below the detailed description of this breed's characteristics.
Adaptability- 4 out of 5 stars
All-Around Friendliness- 5 out of 5 stars
Health and Grooming Needs- 2 out of 5 stars
Grooming is a must with this diminutive breed. If you lack the time for specialized grooming, be prepared to pay for professional dog grooming services to keep this neat and beautiful pooch. Highly motivated dog parents can learn this art, but a fair warning, grooming isn't natural, and you need to devote a lot of your time.
Trainability- 3 out of 4 stars
Physical Requirements- 4 out of 5 stars
The exact history of the Bichon is unknown; however, common legend perceives that the breed came from the Barbet, a medium-sized water dog. Bichon comes from barbichon, which is translated to barbet. The Barbichon dog family consists of Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese, Bichon Frise, and the Coton de Tulear. They all came from the Mediterranean and had similar features.
The first Bichon Frise was recorded in the 14th century when French sailors shipped them from Tenerife (an island in Canary). However, the Bichon was initially developed in Italy then transported to the Canary Islands by Phoenician traders.
Other historians claim that the Bichon Frise was taken to Tenerife by Spanish (not French) sailors in the 14th century. According to this version, when the French took over Italy in the 1500s, they carried many Bichon breeds back to France.
The Bichon Frise rapidly became a favourite of many nobilities in Europe. They were extremely popular in the 16th century during the reign of King Francis I of France and King Henry III of England. King Henry III adored his Bichons that he would carry them everywhere he went in a basket, which he hung around his neck. The Spanish royalties also loved this breed; artists such as Goya made several paintings of the Bichon.
The Bichon Frise’s popularity continued during the reign of Napoleon III; however, it stopped being a royal dog until the 1800s. It was then considered a typical dog owned even by circus performers and trainers to help guide the blind.
After the 1st World War, French breeders retook an interest in the Bichon and strived to preserve it. The Societè Centrate Canine of France embraced the formal breed criterion on 5th March 1933, whereby the breed has a couple of names: Bichon and Tenerife. The same year, the Bichon was acknowledged by the Fèdèration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) whereby the president Madame Nizet de Leemans, called the breed the Bichon à poil fries (Bichon with curly hair). On 18th October 1934, the principal Bichon Frise was accepted to the French Kennel Club's studbook.
Bichons were introduced to the U.S.A in 1956 and were enrolled in AKC in September 1971 under the Miscellaneous Class. In October 1972, the Bichon was adopted in the American Kennel Club studbook, and in April 1973, it was declared fit to take part in Non-sporting AKC dog shows. In 1975, Bichon Frise was acknowledged by the Bichon Frise Club of America.
Bichons began to be introduced in Australia in the 1970s, whereby they were launched as successful show ring performers and equally hailed as companion dogs.
When you get your Bichon pup, you will immediately notice its cheerful personality. This breed loves attention and affection and is masterly at striking everyone around with its triumphant character.
A combination of independence and playfulness-but it doesn’t mean the Bichon enjoys alone time. As you noted under the characteristics section, the Bichon Frise often suffers separation anxiety when left in solitude for many hours. This leads to destructive behavior such as chewing and tearing; therefore, this breed is not suitable if you are a constant traveler and often away from home.
It is vital to sign up for puppy classes and obedience training to teach your Bichon pup good canine behavior. Bichon Frises are quick learners, so you will find the types quite satisfying. They’re also superb at canine sports and dog tricks.
To end up with an all-rounded Bichon pup, early socialization is necessary. You can also have visitors over regularly and take the pooch to busy parks, restaurants, and stores that permit dogs and recreational strolls to visit neighbours to assist your Bichon in polishing its social techniques.
Bichon Frises are healthy breeds; however, similar to humans, they're vulnerable to certain health constraints. Watch out for any of these diseases and their symptoms and immediately consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual health status with your Jack pup.
If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, ensure they provide you with health clearances for both parents from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation to certify the eyes and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals elbows and hips. Because some health issues are non-detectable until the dog is fully grown, health clearances aren't provided to pups younger than two years old.
Some Bichons may have allergies ranging from food to contact allergies. They are often sensitive to flea bites as well. If your pup seems to rub its face a lot or lick its paws frequently, it may be an indication of allergy, and you should get it checked.
Bladder stones may be brought about by several factors like a high percentage of phosphorous, protein, and magnesium in the diet or excessively long pee breaks. Viral or bacterial infestations cause bladder infections, and the symptoms include bloody urine, overly frequent urination, lack of appetite, or difficulty urinating.
If your Bichon Frise seems to urinate much too frequently, has bloody urine, has no appetite, or experiences difficulty urinating, consult your veterinarian immediately to have it checked.
Also named the "slipped stifles," this condition is quite common in small dog breeds. It means dislocation of the kneecap, often the hind leg. Though it is crippling, many pups still usually live.
The friction of the limb caused by patellar luxation can cause arthritis. There are four ranges of the condition based on their severity: grade 1 causes temporary lameness of the joint. In contrast, grade 4 is very severe, with the complete turning of the tibia, and the patella cannot be repositioned manually. The dog gets a bow-legged physique with extreme patellar luxation and may need surgical rectification.
It is not a universal issue; however, some Bichon Frises may become sensitive to regular vaccination and indicate lethargy, facial swelling, soreness, or hives. In rare cases, sensitive Bichon will develop complications and die. After each immunization, observe your dog throughout the day and get in touch with your vet if you see any of these signs.
This condition that causes deformity of the hip joint can be aggravated by several factors such as diet, genetics, and the environment. It causes lameness and arthritis; some pups may show signs of discomfort or lameness in one or both rear legs, but generally, they don't indicate any outward sign of pain. With proper veterinary care, your Bichon pup can lead a happy and healthy life. Either way, arthritis develops in older dogs.
X-ray screening is the most common way to diagnose this issue and is performed by the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
According to the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), a cataract is the obscurity of the lens of a canine's eye, and it is the leading cause of blindness. It can develop in Bichon pups less than 6 years of age and advances significantly until the dog loses sight.
Cataracts' best treatment is surgery; however, in less severe cases, the vet may recommend rectifying nutritional deficiencies that led to cataracts or treating an inflammation caused by an eye injury.
Bichon Frises are relatively active breeds. They are well suited to apartment living, but everyday exercise and play will make your pup happier and give you peace of mind. Bichons usually enjoy watching flying birds and beautiful butterflies when they are out in the yard, and certainly going after squirrels and lizards is enjoyable too. Canines also adore basking in the sun while catching a nap.
Dogs like to sleep in enclosed regions out of the light. Such places make them feel more secure, and a crate comes in handy in establishing a safe sleeping den for your pup. When you are away, the crate will serve as a proper bed or play region for your Bichon, safely restrain it when you are not around to watch it. Crates have made several dogs' lives better and assist their parents in training more effectively. To prevent your Bichon from destructive behavior, especially when left alone, it is best to get a crate.
When shopping for a crate, purchase one that will suit your Bichon when it's mature but not too big like that of a Golden Retriever. The dog should have sufficient room to roam, stand up, and lie down snuggly. Each time you put your Bichon Frise inside the crate, throw in a treat or toy as you praise her. Ignore its murmurs and don't release her even when she flares up. That fosters ill behavior! Instead, release her when she's quiet and relaxed.
Your Bichon pup requires a proper diet for good health and its coat beautiful, silky, and smooth. More importantly, a proper diet will evade several health issues and enhance your dog's lifespan.
Dog food is one particular item on your care list you must pay for. Cheaper dog foods are made from generic contents; however, premium dog foods are better because they are made from quality products, thus more nutritious. The best dog food contains essential elements such as fats, carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, and vitamins.
23-30 percent of your Bichon’s meal should consist of proteins. Young puppies particularly need a lot of protein. Because protein is not stored in the body, your Bichon should consume it every day.
Fats essentially help with your Bichon’s digestion by easing the movement of food through the intestines. Fats also help to maintain your pup’s lustrous and full coat. Fats offer double the amount of energy as a similar feeding of protein and carbohydrates; however, too many fats will cause loose stool.
When selecting the best dog food for your furry friend, choose those made by reputable companies- they may be costly, but cheap is indeed expensive in the long run.
Many of the meals we consume are excellent nutrient sources for dogs; however, they need the right amount of meat combined with other ingredients such as dairy products, some fruits, vegetables, and bread. Remember that fresh foods contain natural enzymes that manufactured foods lack.
Also, note that your Bichon can eat an entire home-made meal if you are willing to go the extra mile to prepare it. A home-made diet needs to be well balanced, with all the right nutrients in the correct amounts. You need to do your homework if you want to get your home-made diet right. It is also best to work with your vet to make the most appropriate diet plan for your furry friend.
As your Bichon continues to age, its nutritional needs will vary. Many Bichons can continue with their regular diet plan, especially if the food label says it is safe for dogs of all ages, but your pup may need fewer amounts as its energy level declines. If your Bichon develops dental issues, it may require mushier food. Old Bichons benefit from several portions of small meals a day rather than two big meals.
We are all prone to err. Unfortunately, when you err with your Bichon Frise’s diet, it can have damaging results. Here are some of the most repeated mistakes dog parents make:
Your Bichon will quickly advance from a tiny fuzzball to a lively puppy to a stocky adult. Increase its diet uniformly as it grows but watch its weight. An overweight Bichon Frise is an unhappy one!
A puppy from 7-20 weeks should have three smalls meals every day. After 5 months, the pup can have two snacks every day in the morning and evening.
Avoid free feeding your Bichon for three main reasons:
If your Bichon's die is suitable, you will see the effective results. Your pup's eyes should be lively and alert, and the coat glossy and squashy.
Here is a simple list of the top recommended dog foods for 2020 for your Bichon Frise:
Food for the Bichon Frise puppy- Your young Bichon needs at least 22% protein and 8% crude fat in its diet. Being a small dog breed, your puppy has a higher metabolism rate, so its energy requirement is more. Several low breed puppy foods contain added fat to meet your young pup's high energy demand.
Food for the Adult Bichon Frise- Your Bichon should be fully grown by 12 months of age, so you should switch its diet to that of a small breed adult dog. A mature Bichon Frise needs approximately 18% protein and 5% fat and 30-40 calories per pound of body weight.
Food for the Senior Bichon Frise- A Bichon Frise becomes a senior dog at the age of 7 or 8 years, and thus its metabolism rate reduces. To avoid your Bichon from gaining unwanted weight, decrease the amount you feed it, or change its diet to small breed senior dog food recipe.
The following are the top three highly-esteemed foods for a Bichon Frise puppy:
Three more recommended dog foods for an adult Bichon Frise include:
Two more selections for a senior Bichon Frise are:
The Bichon Frise fur is double-coated and is always white. The soft and thick undercoat and slightly rough top coat combine to create smooth and full texture. The coat is puffy, giving the dog a bubbly appearance. The most widely known trim for this breed outlines its body, leaving hair long enough to provide the Bichon its billowy look.
Bichon Frises shed, but due to their double-coat, the fur is caught in the undercoat rather than falling on the floor. If the shed hair isn't extracted through combing or brushing, it could lead to tangling, resulting in skin issues.
Bichons are high-maintenance dogs, and their grooming is not for the faint-hearted. You'll need a considerable amount of time for bathing, grooming, and brushing at least twice a week, if not every day. Ensure your Bichon's coat is free of tangles before giving it a bath, or the knots will tighten underwater, making them impossible to detangle.
Check your pup's ears to ensure they're clean- it is best to trim the fur that grows in the ear canal. If you notice too much wax or bad odour or redness of the ear(s) of the pup keeps itching its ears or shaking its head, take it to your vet to rule out an ear infection.
Keeping your Bichon Frise’s face clean and trimmed is mandatory. Eye discharge tends to cling to the fur around the eyes, which could lead to eye issues if not attended to frequently. Tearstains may result from food allergies or eye problems, and it is best to check with your vet if tearstains become problematic. Bichon Frises are susceptible to small or blocked tear ducts, eyelids turning inward, causing eyelashes to touch the eye or eyelashes that grow inwards into the eyeball. Your veterinarian will be able to point out if any of these issues cause tearstains, or identify another problem.
Dental hygiene should not be neglected either. Brush your sweetheart's teeth two or three times every week to remove food particles that get stuck between the teeth. Daily brushing is more useful to prevent foul breath and gum issues.
Trim your Poodle's nails at least once or twice every month- if you can hear their claws clicking on the floor as they troll, it is time to exercise that claw trimmer. Short-trimmed nails make your dog neat, tidy, and protect you from scratches when your enthusiastic friend decides to get playful.
If you clip its nails too far in, it may lead to bleeding, and your Bichon may freight the next time you take out those nail clippers. If you're not proficient in trimming dog claws, it's better to seek a pet groomer's services.
Furthermore, as you groom your Poodle check for other signs of infection such as sores, rashes, and skin, nose, eyes, mouth, and feet inflammation, the eyes should be crystal clear with no discharge or redness. This weekly examination will aid in identifying any possible health conditions early.
Many Bichon Frise owners prefer to pay for professional grooming services after 4-6 weeks for a wash, brush, hair trimming, and ear cleaning. However, if you would like to learn how to groom the pup yourself, you can quickly if you devote your time. Here are the essential tools you will need for grooming your little furry friend:
Bichons are family lovers and specifically affectionate with children. They love to stroll around with elder kids (10 years and older), sitting on their laps or join them during play. They are not affected by noise and disturbance caused by kids. Before you bring your Bichon Frise home, you should educate your young ones on appropriate dog interaction.
Bichons can be unpredictable when interacting with other animals, but generally, they are widely known for being accepting. Some experienced Bichon parents claim that their little sweethearts can be so focused on making new canine friends that they don't realize when another dog is twice or thrice its size.
When ushering a new Bichon puppy into your household, it is best to supervise the older and mature animals who have stayed with you longer. Introducing a mature Bichon Frise into your home should be done progressively. The dog should adopt and unlearn new routines and schedules and learn to share its space with others. It is common for new older Bichons to become anxious and disillusioned, leading to counteractive attitudes like growling and nipping.
The following is a list of the most reputable Bichon Frise Breed Organizations in Australia you can look into if you would like to purchase a purebred Bichon pup.
Despite their delightful nature, Bichon Frises are often abandoned by owners who purchase them without proper knowledge of how to maintain them.
Check out some of the most acknowledged rescue groups listed below, to adopt a favorite Bichon breed. If you don't see one listed near your neighbourhood contact a local breed association, and they will refer you to a Bichon Frise rescue group new your home.
Now that you are packed with loads of knowledge about the Bichon Frise, you may feel that it is the best breed. Before you make your choice, please look into the breed clubs and rescue groups mentioned above that will guide you on available Bichon Frise puppies and also propose dog shows where you can see the breed in action and consult other Bichon Frise owners. By doing so, you will gain a better understanding of the Bichon Frise and its requirements and whether this pooch would befit your way of life.