The Bichon Frise

     The Bichon Frise belongs to the Non-Sporting Group. It  weighs seven to thirteen pounds and stands nine to eleven inches tall. These fluffy little dogs are known for their thick white , coarse coats. 

      They are full of energy, active and enjoy chew toys. Bichons are a perfect choice for a family dog, as long as the children are old enough to know how to handle a dog. The Bichon may tolerate rough treatment but they can be  injured easily. It's best not to leave them alone in a room with small children. Though playful and gentle things can happen quite by accident. These dogs get along well with older children, as well as dogs and other pets. 

      Since the Bichon Frise loves to spend time with people. It will do well in an apartment,  condo or small home. A great back yard would be ideal to help them run off some of their energy. If you don't have a yard it is important to take the dog on a walk once or twice a day. 

      The Bichon Frise's are small dogs ,weighing less than 15 pounds but they can also be stubborn. The Bichon should have obedience training so that it understands basic commands. It is a good idea to teach your puppy some basic obedience commands. If your Bichon ever runs out the front door and heads for the street, you will want to be sure that you can call him back to your side.  Puppy obedience class are also effective in socializing your dog and may also have opportunities  for advanced training and/or agility  training.  It's necessary for you to continue the training at home. Practice what you've learned in class to make the training really stick. It builds your confidence that you can control your dog in almost all situations. This is an intelligent breed and will easily  learn new commands.

     Bichon Frises are not expensive to feed as they do not eat much.

      Their biggest drawback of the Bichon Frise breed is that these dogs need extensive grooming. You will need to brush out your Bichon's coat frequently or its coat can easily become matted.  Their coat may need shaping at least once a month. It can become expensive to maintain this dogs grooming.

      Bichon Frises are a generally healthy breed. This breed actually has no common health problems, but small dogs may have problems with their teeth. Their teeth should be brushed regularly.

       The Bichon origin  is believed to be in France,  Belgium and the Mediterranean Area. They were used as lap dog by kings and queens. More recently they have been used for sheep herding.

     The Bichon was recognized by the  American Kennel Club in 1988.

      If you want a sweet , gentle, affectionate, playful companion and a dog that doesn't make you break out in hives the Bichon Frise is the dog for you.