Finding Bichon Frise Breeders

submitted: May 26th 2008 | by: MaryStevenson | Total views: 16 | Word Count: 538 | PDF View | Print Article

There are many attractive and popular purebred dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC registered the Bichon Frise, which in French loosely translates to curly lap dog, in 1973. Prior to the breed becoming popular in America, both the French and the Spanish loved it. The breed descended from a blend of poodle, Barbet, and white lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C. Originally called the Barbichon, the breed accompanied Spanish sailors on trade missions. The dogs were loved for their intelligent, friendly and outgoing dispositions.

During the Renaissance, the Barbichon, whose name had by then been shortened to Bichon, was renamed the Bichon Frise by the French. Frise refers to the breed's soft, curly fur. A Bichon Frise breeder must retain all the traits fitting the breed standard to register Bichon Frise for AKC competition. The soft, curly, white fur is just one of many desired traits of the Bichon Frise.

The Bichon Frise is recognizable by its white, curly fur coat. The breed, rather comically, resembles a cotton ball. The fur consists of two coats: a dense undercoat and a springy topcoat. The topcoat, when touched, feels like plush and springs back into shape when the hand is removed. The fur is white and the AKC only allows less than ten percent of the fur to be off-white.

The American Kennel Club's breed standard for Bichon Frise to participate in AKC competition is as follows: a double coat of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and curly topcoat, between seven and twelve pounds in weight, between nine and twelve inches in height, a friendly, alert, and charming disposition, all white fur with less than ten percent being less than pure white, a black mouth and brown or black eyes and groomed according to AKC standard.

Because of the importance of the breed's appearance and personality, the Bichon Frise requires high maintenance. These dogs must be brushed regularly and groomed and professionally trimmed every three months. The hyperactive nature and high activity level of the breed may not make them suitable for all owners. A plus of the Bichon Frise is that its fur is hypoallergenic. However, the dogs themselves suffer from many allergies.

Some signs of a reputable Bichon Frise breeder include well-maintained kennels, the puppies are comfortable around people and other animals, both the puppies and parents have been screened for genetic defects, availability of medical records, pedigree, and registration papers.

A Bichon Frise buyer needs to ask a Bichon Frise breeder what they know about the breed. History, common medical and behavioral conditions, and care and grooming should all be explained. The breeder should be an expert on the breed and should be able to answer all the buyer's questions. The buyer should ask for copies of pedigree, registration papers, immunizations records and medical records.

Asking the right questions can help the buyer ensure a good match for a Bichon Frise puppy and that they can provide a permanent home for the Bichon Frise. It is also imperative that the Bichon Frise breeder ask questions of the buyer to make sure the buyer's home is appropriate and that the buyer has adequate knowledge by which to care for the Bichon Frise.

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About the Author

Mary Stevenson is an avid lover of the Bichon Frise and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Bichon Frise. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Bichon Frise Breeders plus a whole lot more.


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