Bichon Frise

Breed Description

The Bichon Frise originates from an ancient family of companion dogs collectively known as bichons. The roots of bichons extend deep into antiquity, which is rare among dog breeds. In the port cities of the Mediterranean, they were valuable companions for ladies from the best families and were considered prized gifts. Aristotle described a “Maltese dog, which was notably small” around 2400 years ago. Numerous other writings, works of art such as vase paintings from 100 BC, or stone sculptures, attest to the existence and high regard for these small dogs from time immemorial. Bichons are small dogs from ancient Mediterranean cultures that connected Egypt, Greece, and Rome. At the same time, toy breeds were already present in China, Japan, or among the Incas; however, they are neither closely related to nor the same as bichons. Small dogs served as companions in high society, but also kept rats, mice, and other pests in check. Additionally, as watchdogs, they functioned similarly to modern alarm systems. Roman historian and naturalist Pliny reported on the healing effects of these dogs for stomach ailments and noted their role as warmth providers in beds. Su
This is a vigilant and curious breed, making them good watchdogs. Their sweet and playful demeanor, along with clownish antics, amuse nearly everyone.

Bichons love to learn new tricks and commands. When encouraged with praise and treats, they continue to showcase their best qualities. They adore attention and are often depicted in portraits of royalty.

The price for a puppy ranges from 45,000 to 55,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Bichon Frise-originally Bichon Г  poil frisГ©-is a small, low-set dog with distinctive fur. Its coat is fine, silky, very fluffy, and notably curly, resembling a corkscrew. This sometimes makes it look as if it has just come out of a drying cabinet after a perm at the salon. Its fur is always pure white, with a tendency toward champagne color in some areas. However, there is little undercoat in its fur, and there is no seasonal shedding between winter and summer coats. This is why it is sometimes marketed as a hypoallergenic dog. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this; research has shown that there are no significant differences in dog fur in terms of allergens. The fact that the Bichon Frise sheds less is a pleasant trait. Nonetheless, its coat needs to be regularly brushed.

Bichons are toy dogs that resemble poodles with their powdery, fluffy, silky, and curly fur with a soft undercoat. They have a feathered tail that curls over their back.

Their distinguishing feature is their plush, velvety coat, rounded head, and large dark eyes.

The Bichon Frise is often portrayed as a French dog; although the Bichon breed type was originally used by Spaniards as a sail dog and sometimes for herding livestock, the French turned them into a delicate type of Bolognese. They stand between 23 to 28 centimeters tall and weigh between 3 to 5 kilograms. Modern Bichons are cheerful and curious dogs with a joyful approach to life.

Well-balanced and elegantly appearing, they have a beautiful tail that is carried over their back. Their natural white fur curls freely. They have a proud, upright posture.

A Bichon Frise typically weighs around 5 kg, and its height at the shoulder should not exceed 30 centimeters.The lifespan of a Bichon Frise is about 15 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The ratio of the muzzle length to the skull length is 3:5. On a properly proportioned head, lines drawn between the outer corners of the eyes and the nose will create an almost equilateral triangle. The entire head is balanced with the body. The curved neck is quite long, about a third of the body length. It carries itself high and proudly. It is round and slender near the head, gradually widening and flowing smoothly into the shoulders.

Морда

The muzzle is not thick, but heavy and pointed. The cheeks are flat, not very muscular. The stop is moderate but clear, with a barely noticeable indentation between the eyebrows. The skull is slightly rounded, not rough, with hair that emphasizes the rounded appearance. The nose is large, round, black, soft, and shiny.

Уши

Hanging close to the head, well-covered with long, loose fur that is longer than the skin, they are positioned slightly above eye level and slightly protrude forward on the skull. They move forward when the dog is alert, with the front edge touching the skull. The skin reaches about the middle of the muzzle.

Глаза

Dark, round eyes with a black rim, surrounded by dark halos, consist of well-pigmented skin. They are directed forward, quite large but not almond-shaped, neither angled nor protruding. They do not show white when looking straight ahead. Alert, full of expression.

Зубы

The jaws are strong, with a perfect, correct, and complete scissor bite, meaning the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth and are positioned perpendicular to the jaws. A full set of teeth is desirable. The lips are thin, quite firm, and completely black.

Корпус

The chest is well developed, and the rib cage is deep. The ribs are well curved, and the floating ribs do not end abruptly. The lumbar region is wide, muscular, slightly convex, and well proportioned. The pelvis is broad, and the hips are slightly rounded. The length from the withers to the tail should equal the height from the withers to the ground.

Конечности

Плечи косые, не выпуклые, по длине равны плечу. Верхняя рука плотно прилегает к телу. Ноги прямые, перпендикулярные, если смотреть спереди; не слишком тонкокостная. Пясти короткие и прямые при осмотре спереди, очень слегка наклонные при осмотре сбоку. Бедра широкие и хорошо округленные. Коленные суставы хорошо согнуты; скакательные суставы с хорошими углами и плюсневые кости перпендикулярны. Лапы плотные, округлые и с хорошими суставами. Подушечки черные. Когти предпочтительно черные. Походка уравновешенная и непринужденная, с легким охватом и напором, поддерживающая устойчивую и ровную линию верха. Ноги двигаются прямо по линии движения, показывая задние подушечки.

Хвост

Usually held raised and elegantly arched over the back, but not tightly curled. Never docked. Aligned with the spine, with only the fur touching the back; the tail itself does not make contact. Set at the same level as the top line, not too high and not too low. A corkscrew tail is undesirable.

Шерсть

Thin, silky, with soft corkscrew curls, not flat and not wiry, measuring 7-10 cm in length. The dog can be presented either groomed or ungroomed.

Окрас

White is acceptable, but cream or apricot markings are allowed up to 18 months. A dark pigment under the white coat is desirable. Black, blue, or beige markings are often found on the skin.

Character

The Bichon Frise feels very comfortable in the city and in an apartment, even in a small top-floor flat. It is friendly towards children and easily gets along with other animals in the household. Of course, it needs daily outings in nature to feel comfortable and to develop its balanced, friendly character fully. It loves to walk and shows remarkable endurance. Otherwise, it is very undemanding as long as it has its routines and a bit of varied activity. Only its coat requires regular grooming. The Bichon Frise is a great companion that also handles sometimes hectic urban life very well. Moreover, it is simply practical; it can easily accompany you anywhere-as long as it is well-prepared, of course. And it is surprisingly easy to train. It gladly accepts this responsibility from its owner. However, its sweet, playful, and friendly nature can easily overshadow the fact that it needs constant guidance and training, just like any other dog. Its excellent suitability as a companion and city dog, along with its friendly disposition, should not be mistaken for the notion that this little four-legged friend requires less training. Its high intelligence and ob
The Bichon Frise is a trained companion for humans. Unlike small terriers, which were only recently reclassified from working dogs to companions, the Bichon Frise has known its responsibilities as a companion dog for thousands of years. It has no rough edges limiting its passion to bring joy to its family. It wants to live for its people and with its people. This adorable dog is a smart, curious, and intelligent little creature that always surprises and makes us smile. It should also not be underestimated in terms of agility; many reports state that it can perform small tricks quite easily. It is very alert but does not bark much. However, it is not overly active and doesn’t get nervous. Bichons have a cheerful character and are always ready for a little play, even with children. Some dog lovers enjoy the company of small dogs like Bichons and sometimes consider them an “improper development” in modern society. But this is far from the truth. They serve an extremely important function and utility; such dogs are simply useful for our mental well-being. The Bichon Frise is very well suited as a beginner’s dog.

Bichon Frises are friendly and charming, making them ideal pets for children. They are very loving and always ready to do their best to please their owners. Their non-shedding coat makes them very suitable for families that may suffer from allergies.

Bichon Frises are social and non-aggressive dogs. They enjoy the company of other pets, are gentle, and can be great playmates. With proper introductions and training, a Bichon can get along well with cats and other animals.

A cheerful, happy, lively little dog with a friendly and sociable temperament.

Care and Maintenance

You just need to brush it regularly. Bichon Frises do not require haircuts. You can use grooming to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It should be accustomed to regular grooming from a puppy age. Trim any hair that distracts from its eyes if necessary.

Caring for bichons will require a lot of time and attention to keep them clean and tidy. Brush them at least twice a week and bathe them as needed. When bathing, check their ears to ensure they are clean. Providing your dog with raw bones can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Trim their nails once or twice a month to avoid painful tears and other issues. Make grooming a pleasant experience for them by including praise and treats.

Bichons shed, but their shedding can be managed with proper care. They need to be brushed regularly to prevent the development of mats, which can lead to skin problems if left unattended.

Bichon Frises are very economical and do not have special dietary requirements. Of course, quality food is good for their health, and they enjoy it too. Like most dogs, they also love meaty beef bones and fresh meat.

A healthy diet is important for maintaining their condition and keeping them happy. Monitor their food intake to ensure they do not gain too much weight. They are recommended to eat between 1/2 to 1.5 cups of quality dry food daily, split into two meals. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Training and Education

Bichon Frises do not have special requirements, but they are suitable for almost all types of activities you can engage in with a small dog. They enjoy a variety of activities and love to learn small tricks.

Bichon Frises are smart little dogs that respond well to training and always strive to please their families. However, their training should prevent them from developing destructive habits and meet their exercise needs. They love to learn and perform tricks.

They respond better to training with positive reinforcement than to harsh or negative approaches. Courses in early socialization and dog training are recommended for all breeds.

Bichons are active dogs that require 20 to 40 minutes of exercise daily. They enjoy long walks and other activities like running in the yard. Playing with family makes them happy.

They love participating in obedience, agility, and rally competitions. It’s best to plan their physical exercises in a way that keeps them interesting for your dog. We offer the best care for every puppy from their earliest days.

How to Choose a Puppy

If you want to share your life with a Bichon Frise, you should start looking for a breeder and establishing contacts well before you buy one. The breeder should screen their dogs for a special risk of hereditary diseases. This is a given in serious breeding. Additionally, there should be no inbreeding, which can be assessed through the pedigree, with no name appearing twice. The breeder should have well-documented records of their litter with photographs. You should view the litter along with the mother dog, by arrangement, on-site. Please do not purchase a Bichon Frise online. Particularly with small dogs, there is a higher risk that the puppy comes from a well-masked puppy mill, dog trader, or breeder.

Occasionally, there are Bichon Frise mixes with other dog breeds, and this is not a problem.

The Bichon Frise is the perfect companion for living in a city apartment-and anywhere people feel comfortable. Its intelligence and liveliness radiate and warm our souls. At Zoofriends, we only offer verified options with health guarantees.

Health and Illnesses

The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed of dog. However, the kneecap is sometimes affected by a hereditary condition that causes patellar luxation. Therefore, when purchasing a puppy, it is important to ensure that both parents are free of PL (PL 0/0). Cataracts are also one of the diseases common among Bichons.

Schedule veterinary check-ups every six months to ensure they remain safe and happy throughout their lives. Your veterinarian will perform a medical examination, take your dog’s temperature, and check their pulse during these regular visits, among other things.

Regular grooming of your dog allows you to monitor their growth and development, discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, and is a key part of preventive care. Thinking about it? A wide selection of listings is available on the Zoonica map by city.