Bichon Frise

Size
Small (under 11kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Frequent
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Very affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mrs Marie Adams (SCOMAR)

scomar11@gmail.com
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History

One of a family of “small” breeds which flourished as companion dogs from Roman times, the Bichon Frise, like its cousin the Maltese, found its way to the Royal courts of Europe, (notably France), where it advanced under the patronage of the nobility. Many Renaissance art works depict the Bichon Frise as much loved ‘inclusions’ in their aristocratic owner’s portraiture.

With the onset of the French Revolution the breed lost its noble connections, but continued to flourish as a ‘working class’ companion in France, Holland and most notably Belgium. Even today a visit to the dockside areas of the low countries will almost certainly result in an encounter with a member of the Bichon breed!

Like many European breeds, the Bichon Frise made a significant incursion into the English speaking world (notably UK and USA), at the end of WWII. It should be said that these early days in the UK/USA saw a significant ‘next phase’ in the development of the breed as we see it today. At this time, the trim (or haircut) was far from uniform and ranged from ‘au natural’ to the varied artistic creations of individual owners! Eventually, the American Kennel Club sought uniformity and the Bichon Frise we see in the show ring today is ‘coiffed’ in line with a proposal submitted by the famous US handler and groomer, Mr Frank Sabella.

Some forty odd years ago, the first Bichon Frise, ‘Woody’ arrived in Australia for the late Harry and Margaret Begg. Officially titled US Champion Beaumonde The Snowdrift of Leander, ‘Woody’ was an instant hit and the flood gates quickly opened for a rush of imports of various bloodlines. At its genesis, the breed in Australia was incredibly fortunate to attract the interest and involvement of many established and well-credentialed breeders, from a variety of canine backgrounds: and the rest, as they say, is history!

Appearance

A coated, white dog with black pigment and compact outline, the Bichon Frise is well structured and presents as a very athletic and functional canine on the move, displaying soundness, ‘coming and going,’ and a surprising degree of reach and drive. The Bichon coat stands off the body and does not hang flat.

The tail is plumed and carried over the back. Black pigment is essential and the well pigmented nose and eye rims or haloes (accompanied by dark eyes) are often likened to “three pieces of coal in the snow.”

Temperament

Whilst the impressive white coat is often mentioned as their most appealing attribute, any Bichon owner will confirm that it is the temperament which sets this breed apart. The average Bichon Frise appears to have no idea that it could be anything other than human! Their love for their human family is exceptional and whilst they will extend this to others, they are very protective of their owners. The Bichon Frise loves contact with other dogs of any breed, and will normally never display aggression.

The greatest attribute of the breed is the Bichon’s desire to please its owner and to integrate into any environment or lifestyle. They are content to spend the day on the couch with an elderly owner, or ‘run the track’ with a young owner training for a sport!

dreamstime. 6783955. Wenzhi Lu Dreamstime.com

Health

Healthwise the Bichon Frise is a relatively worry free breed.

In the early rush to import, a lack of genetic research saw a few undesirable bloodlines enter Australia. The genetic disorder liver-shunt occasionally manifested in stock from such lines. Over several decades, serious breeders have identified and isolated these problem lines.

The more common ‘toy dog’ disorders, such as Patella Luxation or Hypoglycaemia, are not commonplace in the breed.

The breed can be prone to fungal ear infections if the ears are not properly cleaned and dried after bathing.

Suitability

The Bichon's amazing ability to adapt to its owners lifestyle is perhaps its greatest asset!

The breed’s sturdiness and general genetic good health contribute to a lifestyle largely free from any need of, or reliance upon, ongoing veterinary intervention. Across the globe, members of the breed compete successfully in all levels of canine discipline and endurance testing.

Whilst the Bichon Frise is a coated breed, it is a single coat, essentially HAIR not fur! The Bichon coat will require a weekly groom, and from time to time, a haircut is needed. On the positive side, the Bichon coat does not shed, so the furniture does not require a weekly 'de- fluffing'! The coat is non-allergenic and the dog can fit well into households where conditions such as asthma may be an issue.

Long-lived, the Bichon usually remains active (mentally and physically) throughout his life. Great with adults, children or other animals, the Bichon Frise really is the dog 'for all reasons'.

Words: Lesley Bradney

Image: Dreamstime - Wenzhi Lu

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Bichon Frise, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Bichon Frise and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 23 Jan 2015)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Toy dog standing less than 30cm tall. The head carriage is proud and high; the coat falling in soft, corkscrew curls.

Characteristics

Lively little dog, with eyes alert and full of expression.

Temperament

Gay and happy.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	The skull longer than the muzzle, the whole head in balance with the body. The muzzle should not be thick or heavy; nor should it be snipy; the cheeks flat and not very strongly muscled; the stop should be slight and the hollow between the eyebrows just visible. Skull flat when touched, although the hair tends to make it look round. The nose should be round, black, soft and shiny. The lips should be fine, fairly tight and completely black, drooping just sufficiently for the lower lips to be covered by the upper, but never heavy nor hanging. The lower lip should be neither heavy, protruding nor flabby and should never show the mucous membrane when the mouth is closed.
Eyes	Dark, with dark eye-rims, fairly round, never almond shaped not obliquely set; lively, not too big; never showing any white. Neither large nor prominent. The socket should not be pronounced.
Ears	Narrow and delicate. Hanging close to the head and well covered with tightly curled, long hair. Carried forward when the dog is alert but in such manner that the forward edge touches the skull and not carried obliquely away from the head. The leather should reach halfway along the muzzle.
Mouth	Scissor bite, that is to say, the incisors of the lower jaw should be placed immediately behind and in contact with those of the upper jaw.
Neck	Fairly long, carried high and proudly. Round and slim near the head, gradually broadening to fit smoothly into the shoulders. Length about one third the length of the body (proportions of 33cm - 11cm for a dog of 27 cm high at the withers).
Forequarters	Shoulders oblique, not prominent, and equal in length to the upper arm (approx. 10 cm). The upper arm should fit close to the body,. Legs straight when seen from the front, perpendicular and finely boned. The pastern should be short and straight when viewed from the front, very slightly sloping when viewed from the side.
Body	Chest well developed, with deep brisket. The floating ribs well rounded and not terminating abruptly. Loin broad, well-muscled, slightly arched and well tucked-up. The pelvis broad, the croup slightly rounded.
Hindquarters	Thighs broad and well-muscled, oblique. Stifles well bent and hocks well let down.
Feet	Small, rounded and well knuckled-up. Nails preferably black.
Tail	Normally carried raised and curled gracefully over the back but never tightly curled. It should not be docked and should not touch the backbone but the hair should always fall on to the back. Slightly low set.
Gait/Movement	(Not detailed)
Coat	Fine, silky, with soft corkscrew curls. Neither flat nor corded, and measuring 7-10 cm in length. The dog may be presented untrimmed or have muzzle and feet slightly tidied up. [In Australia the coat is usually trimmed to reveal the natural outline of the body. It is rounded off from any direction and never cut so short as to create an overly trimmed or squared off appearance.]
Colour	Pure white. Under the white coat dark pigment is preferred. Black, blue or beige markings are often found on the skin.
Size	Height: Less than 30 cm, smallness being highly desirable.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.