French Bichon (Bolognese)

Breed Description

The French Bichon, or Bichon Frise, originates from Italy despite the mention of France in its name. This elegant breed of dog has deep historical roots. These small yet intelligent pups emerged from a quaint town in northern Italy called Bologna. However, it was the breeders of small dogs in France who brought them popularity. There, Bichons gained a special elevated status and unprecedented popularity among dog enthusiasts of high society.

The ancestors of Bichon Frises are decorative dogs of the Bichon breed, which were widespread in Italy and enjoyed no less popularity in the Middle Ages. They were favorites among local aristocrats and were often gifted to high-ranking ladies as cheerful companions resembling toys-a kind of living decor that one could easily hold in their arms.

In the 14th century, Bichons were brought to France, where they attracted the attention of the French aristocracy. An unknown breeder of decorative dogs introduced them as dogs from Bologna. Since then, they have been referred to in a new way: French Bichon or French Bichon Frise.

They were particularly popular with Queen Catherine de’ Medici, who adored her little dogs and held lavish receptions for them. The development of the breed was noticeably accelerated by the efforts of French breeders. These breeders managed to establish the Bichon Frise as a highly valued companion and made the charming little creature a highlight of palace receptions. Owning a toy dog became a prestige hobby.

Today, the French Bichon is widely known all over the world. The best breeders in Russia have their kennels across the country, where any dog lover can purchase a puppy. Nowadays, the French Bichon is not only an elegant companion but also an excellent therapist. The breed coexists well with elderly owners and is even used as therapy dogs.

Purebred puppies from a reputable breeder can be purchased in Russia starting at 50,000 rubles or more. If considering a pet “for the soul,” there are advertisements for puppies offered at lower prices; however, this carries certain risks concerning the purity of the puppy’s bloodline and its health. To ensure the health of the pet, it is advisable to choose breeders who are verified and have posted their offers.

Appearance

The small, most often snow-white dog with a slight fawn on its ears can be described quite briefly. Very active and cheerful, it tends to appear cubic when viewed from the side. The particular stature of the Bichon Frise projects a high-held head, from which two sparks of mischievous eyes peek out through its long fur.

Belonging to the toy dog category, French Bichons are always ready to accompany you on long journeys, including by plane, due to their small size. With adult males standing between 27 – 30 cm and weighing up to 4 kilograms (females are slightly smaller: 25 – 28 cm and weigh up to 3.5 kg), they meet the requirements of most airlines for cabin transport. Almost every companion dog breeder will recommend getting a Bichon Frise puppy if they know you travel frequently.

Today, the fashion industry allows for grooming Bichons into entirely doll-like appearances. In some countries, special beauty contests are even held, where breeders of small dogs hold shows, dressing their snow-white pets in costumes with bows and various hairstyles. Interestingly, French Bichons typically live around 14 years, but instances of them surpassing the 18-year mark are quite common, which places this breed among those with longer lifespans.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Quite large, fully covered in long fur of the base color. The size is about 1/3 of the height at the withers. Round in shape, and the occipital bump can be clearly felt upon touch, although it is not visible due to the fur. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly defined.

Морда

Very cute - this is what all breeders of the French Bichon breed think. It resembles a cube shape more, not elongated, about 2/5 the size of its head. The bridge of the nose is short, the back of the nose is not raised, and the nostrils are quite large, only black.

Уши

Small, as if "peeking out from the bushes" of very thick fur, they are set fairly high. Triangular in shape with rounded tips, they droop forward or slightly to the sides, but not to the sides; the tips of the ears do not touch the skull.

Глаза

Not very large in size, rather medium, the cornea is mainly dark brown (chestnut) in color. A distinctive feature is that the iris is so large that the sclera is practically not visible. The shape of the slit is round, and the eyes themselves are circular.

Зубы

Small but well-developed jaws close normally in a scissors bite or in a glue-like bite. The teeth are straight, and the canines are not very large. Gaps between the teeth, enamel issues such as plaque or chips, are considered serious flaws.

Корпус

From any angle, it resembles the shape of a cube with roughly equal length from the hindquarters to the withers and height at the withers. The back is straight, transitioning smoothly into a slightly rounded loin. The length of the neck is approximately equal to the length of the skull. The ribcage is quite wide.

Конечности

Прямые конечности как спереди, так и сзади. Лапы имеют овальную форму, небольшого размера. Когти в цвет шерсти – белые. Характерной особенностью задних конечностей считается размер очень развитых бёдер, достигающий 1/3 высоты в холке. Передние лапы не должны быть овальной формы, а их пальцы должны быть направлены прямо. Между пальцами передних и задних лап густая шерсть, которую необходимо состригать.

Хвост

It looks like a ball due to its very dense and long fur. It sits almost at the level of the lower back, slightly curved upward, but not curled like a ram's horn. Its length is not regulated by any standard. Docking is not accepted in any country.

Шерсть

One of the main qualities of French bulldogs is their long, thick, and luxuriously growing coat, which is slightly shorter on the face than on other parts of the dog's body. It is not curly, but has a slight wave and falls in strands, which are often adorned with bows by the dog's owner.

Окрас

Only pure white is officially accepted. In exceptional cases, slight yellowness is allowed in some areas (but not spots!). Despite this definition, no "non-standard" colors for Bolognese dogs are currently accepted.

Character

Bolognese, or French Bolognese, are not just decorative dogs with a cute appearance. They have a very unique and appealing character.

Firstly, renowned dog breeders list their tender attitude towards their owners as one of the main virtues of Bolognese temperament. They absolutely love spending time with their family members and are always ready to express their love and care. Furthermore, Bolognese possess a lively mind and high intelligence. They are easy to train, quickly grasp commands, and eagerly perform simple tricks. Raising and training these dogs is straightforward precisely because of their intelligence and eagerness to learn.

Another characteristic of Bolognese is their insatiable love for play. They are almost always in search of new entertainments. Their temperament makes them excelente companions for games with children, walks in the park, and they are always ready to have fun at any opportunity in the house.

Almost every breeder of decorative dogs will tell you that French Bolognese are very friendly and enjoy interacting with people and other animals. They often greet new people with joy and show their friendly disposition very emotionally. Notably, they are friendly not only to familiar family members but also to strangers, and they usually find common ground with them fairly easily.

They are always ready to take part in all household entertainments and games. For instance, they eagerly participate in games with children, making French Bolognese one of the best companions and caretakers. These small but nimble dogs chase their favorite toys or take part in outdoor running: catching balls and chasing frisbees, which makes them excellent partners for active play on the beach or in the park.

Their energetic and cheerful nature fosters a joyful atmosphere and enhances family activities. Bolognese are always ready to participate in any games, bringing a sea of positivity and fun to their owners – that’s their motto. For those who decide to get a puppy from a kennel, the purchase will bring many happy moments – there is no doubt about it.Of course, French Bolognese are more suitable for elderly owners and children rather than men. In this case, it’s not about the appearance of these cute dogs but rather about their character. It’s important to note that in extreme situations, their loud barking and yelping can be heard everywhere, so it’s better to teach the Bolognese the command “quieter!” in advance.

Care and Maintenance

Little companion dogs never go unnoticed. However, finding a kennel for French Bichon puppies is just the first step, followed by many others that all lead to a well-groomed and cheerful pet with a very kind nature. So, here are some recommendations for the care and maintenance of Bichons:

Hair Care.

French Bichons have long, fluffy hair that requires regular grooming. It is optimal to brush it every day. A daily grooming routine will keep the dog from tangling and prevent matting. One well-known companion dog breeder, for example, brushes their Bichon after every walk. And beside them is always a well-groomed fluffy toy with a cute face and a playful personality. If you neglect this or brush rarely, the result could be a scruffy mess, and the dog’s temperament may sour, believe me.

Brush their fur using a soft brush or a comb with fine, gentle teeth to avoid skin injuries. Combs will also be helpful, and for removing tangles, especially in the ear, armpit, and neck areas, mat removers work best.

Choosing an Optimal Diet.

Both dry holistic foods and natural feeding are suitable for Bichons. When selecting dry food, pay attention not only to the brand but also to the composition: it should include high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals according to the dog’s size and age. Well-known products may not always meet expectations and might not be suitable for small dogs. Super-premium foods offer a broader range, allowing you to select food based on the dog’s size, age, digestive health, and other criteria. With natural food, the Bichon’s bowl should contain meat, some boneless red fish, steamed vegetables, cereals, cottage cheese, and dairy products, while quail yolks can be given as treats, but not often. It’s important to maintain a balance of vitamins and nutrients and to adhere to precise portions to avoid excess weight or deficiencies. When feeding natural food, additional vitamins and minerals will be required, as modern cooking methods cause a loss of beneficial components. A bowl of clean drinking water should always be available to the dog.Pest Treatment.Regular use of special flea and tick treatments is essential for the Bic

Training and Education

Despite claims from some dog owners that their “companion dog” doesn’t need training and that decorative breeds don’t require upbringing, this is not true. Every breeder of decorative dogs will tell you that training and educating any dog is essential, regardless of its size.

It is much more enjoyable to keep a French Bichon when you use positive reinforcement in its training. For instance, if your dog does something good, praise it and reward it with a treat or playtime. Well-known dog breeders in Russia always encourage their Bichons for good behavior with words. It’s no surprise that a kind word makes a dog happy. Simply saying “Good boy!” and offering a treat is often enough to motivate the dog to engage more eagerly and strive to please its owner. This approach typically makes training more effective.

Don’t forget about socialization: introduce your furry friend to other dogs, people, various sounds, and new environments. You can take your pet for walks in parks or dog walking areas where it can meet different people and other animals.

Also, remember to include exercises for intellectual stimulation. Bichons are smart and curious, so they need activities that stimulate their wits. For example, some small dog breeders use interactive toys that present challenges like “find the treat.”

Don’t rush the training and don’t expect instant results. Gradual training is much more effective, introducing new commands or behavioral changes slowly, allowing the dog time to adjust. To teach your Bichon patience during moments of solitude, some dog owners start by leaving for short periods, gradually increasing the time away. In the end, the dog shows no negative signs during solitude and gets used to this routine, often replacing the owner’s absence with sleep.

Show patience. Raising Bichons requires patience and consistency. Sometimes persistence is truly rewarded when your dog finally understands what is expected of it and obeys your command. It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and the training process can take time. At Zounika, they offer elite breed puppies with a full set of documents.

How to Choose a Puppy

For every potential owner of a French Bichon, the goal is to buy the best puppy possible. We recommend exploring our dog breeders’ website and familiarizing yourself with some tips to help you make the right choice:

Puppy Breeder vs. Private Sale Advertisements.

Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder has its advantages. Breeders of Bichons typically monitor the health and breed purity of their dogs. In contrast, private sellers may lack such control or may deliberately conceal issues for profit. From a breeder, you receive documentation confirming the puppy’s health and breed lineage, which is vital for your pet’s long-term well-being. Private sellers often avoid such formalities.

Health and Breed Purity.

When choosing a puppy, pay attention not only to the breeder’s price list but also ensure that the parents and the puppy show no signs of genetic diseases commonly found in French Bichons.

Behavior Observation.Spend time with the puppy, observing its behavior and temperament. Choose one that appears lively, healthy, and cheerful, with no signs of aggression or excessive timidity.Visiting the Breeder.If you are selecting a puppy from a breeder, visit the facility and examine the living conditions of the dogs, as well as the staff’s attitude towards the animals.Documents and Guarantees.Make sure to obtain all necessary documents, including veterinary certificates, a pedigree, and health guarantees for the puppy. Zooinika is a website featuring the best breeders with verified lineage.

Health and Illnesses

Among the diseases most commonly encountered in French Bulldogs, the following can be highlighted:

Breed-specific joint problems.

Hip dysplasia and meniscus prolapse. These ailments can lead to pain and reduced mobility in the dog.

Respiratory system diseases.

Due to their short noses, Bulldogs can suffer from obstructive airway syndrome. This can make breathing difficult and lead to other health issues.

Congenital heart diseases.Bulldogs may exhibit congenital heart defects, such as improper formation of the interventricular septum or valve stenosis.Ophthalmic problems.This breed is also affected by certain eye conditions, such as dry conjunctivitis. It can cause inflammation in the eyes and significantly diminish the quality of the dog’s life.Allergies and skin diseases.French Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies, including atopic dermatitis and allergic reactions to certain foods or environmental substances.The presence of this list does not mean that your pet will suffer from any of the ailments mentioned. With proper care, as breeders of small dogs assert, health issues in French Bulldogs are virtually non-existent. Thinking about it? There is a huge selection of ads on the map by cities on Zoonyka.