Pet Breed Info: Bichon Frise
This weeks column will tell about the Bichon Frise. The Bichon is a small-framed dog with a heavenly white coat that puffs up. After many centuries developing in Europe, it has become a lovable and cuddling addition to many families today.
The physical characteristics are, the small, sturdy, and agile Bichon moves with an efficient and effortless gait. Its soft and inquisitive expression makes if very easy for the dog to win the heart of its owners. The Bichon’s powder-puff look is due to its double coat, which consists of a dense soft undercoat and a white and a white coarse and curly puter coat that stands away from the body.
Personality And Temperament
With its happy-go lucky attitude, the playful, vivacious, and bouncy Bichon delights everyone. It is good with kids and amicable towards pets, other dogs, and strangers. This affectionate, responsive, and sensitive dog also loves to play and be cuddled, but when it is left alone, it may bark excessively.
Care
The Bichon is an indoor dog that should not be allowed to live outdoors. It may be small, but it requires exercise daily, which can be easily fulfilled with a nice romp in the yard, a lively indoor game, or a short leashed walk. The powder-puff coat requires combing, as well as brushing on alternate days to keep it dirt-free. It also needs trimming and scissoring once a month. Although the Bichon does not shed, it’s loose hairs tend to get knotted and may even mat in the coat. In addition, the coat’s whiteness may be difficult to maintain in certain areas.
Health
The Bichon, with a life-span of about 12-15 years, is prone to some serious health problems like hyperadrenocorticism, sllergies and patellar luxation, or from less serious conditions like cataract and canine hip-dysphasia (CHD); Legg-Perthes and liver disease may also affect the breed. To identify some of these issues, a vet may run hip, knee and eye exams on the dog.
The Bichon is descended from the Barbet(or Water Spaniel) and was originally known as “Barbichon”, which was latered shortened to Bichon. The breed was divided into four types: Ilvanese, Bolognese, Maltaise and Tenerife. They were bred on the Canary Island of Tenerife, where Spanish seamen used them as barter items while on their travels.
The Bichon Frise` arrives in the United States in the late 1950s. There, it was well groomed, loves and accepted into the hearts of dog fanciers nationwide. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1971.
This is for educational purpose only.
Until next time,
Maralyn
Benny and Jessie