Bichon Frise Training

The bichon frise dog usually makes an excellent addition to any household. He is friendly and sweet and provides few major challenges.

General Appearance and Description

If you like puffy, fuzzy dogs, the bichon frise is for you. This cute little fur ball is identified mostly by color and fur characteristics. His color is usually all white, but some dogs have other colors mixed in, usually grey, apricot, and cream.

His coat is long and curly. The Bichon is virtually hypoallergenic, so this makes him a desirable pet to many people with animal allergies or sensitivities.

Basic Temperament

bichon frise dogs are extremely social. They just love people and being around many humans. They are affectionate, intelligent, independent and spirited. Though they are small, they’re not yippy dogs that will annoy you and the neighbors.

Most Bichon Frise dogs are happy and confident, and cause no problems to their household. They enjoy meeting new people and are good with children and older people. They thrive on making sure that others are happy, so their happiness in a household enviroment is directly tied to that of their owner. If you’re happy, they’re happy.

The Bichon Frise do like being companion dogs, so they enjoy being taken along with you when you go out.

Care Required

Bichon breeders will tell you that the care of a Bichon is simple and they are partly right. Most Bichon Frise dogs should be bathed every month, and groomed professionally every four weeks. Because the fur is curly and full, it can get out of hand if not kept trimmed.

The eye and ear areas should also be trimmed with blunt scissors on a regular basis and the eyes should also be cleaned periodically to prevent staining since the eyes tend to run.

Best of all, however, is that Bichon puppies and dogs do not really shed, which is what makes this breed particularly good for those who suffer allergies.

Exercise Requirements

Bichon exercise needs are quite similar to the breed’s needs when he’s full grown. They are extensive. While you might not think that such a small dog would have high activity needs, the opposite is true. He is a very active dog that needs a daily walk and plenty of time for play.

While the Bichon is not a troublesome dog, if he’s not exercised enough, he might challenge your patience with some behavior problems. A walk a day is all they ask, but if you can also find your way to a dog park now and then, these dogs will appreciate it. They will love the social element as well as the ability to run free for a bit.

training

It’s important that you set yourself up as the boss of the house (or the “alpha dog”). The Bichon needs limits and rules. He needs to know that someone is in charge.

If this leadership is not established early, the dog can develop “small dog syndrome” where the small dog feels that he is the leader of the humans. This can lead to problems like biting, separation anxiety and snapping. It’s brought on when the humans in the dog’s life don’t respond appropriately to him. If you establish yourselves as the leader, you should have no trouble with this.

Some Bichon Frise dogs can be hard to housebreak.

Height and Weight

Male dogs are usually about 9 to 12 inches tall, while females are between 9 and 11 inches tall. They weigh between 7 and 12 pounds.

Health and Longevity

These dogs don’t suffer too many health problems, aside from watery eyes, some skin and ear ailments, and cataracts. All of these are common canine health problems. Some Bichon Frise dogs can suffer from epilepsy and problems with their knees. In general, the Bichon lives for about 15 years or more.

Suitability

These dogs are ideal for just about any household environment. They are ideal for households with older people or children. They enjoy having other dogs and even cats around, but will do fine if they are the only pet in the household as well. They enjoy seeing themselves as watch dogs, but their ability to really impact the household that way is debatable.

Description: The bichon frise is a small dog that is about 9 to 12 inches in height, with the bitches being slightly smaller. Their weight is between 7 to 12 pounds.

This sturdy but little dog looks like a ball of fluff. When cut to the breeds show standard it looks round, this can be in a puppy cut, which is the same length over the whole body. It can also have a poodle cut, or puffy coat with the muzzle and feet clipped short. The skull is slightly round to look at. The muzzle is shorter than the skull and not pointed.

Their eyes can be brown or black. Their ears are dropped close to the head and are covered in their long hair. In this breed, the teeth should meet in a scissor bite. Their legs are straight and in good proportion to the body.

Their tail is carried over their back. They have a wonderful double coat that is soft and curly. Their outer coat is three to four inches and is coarser than the soft substantial undercoat. Colours are cream, grey apricot and the solid white, which is the favoured in the show ring.

History: This little dog’s history goes back to the 13th century. They have travelled lots and due to their sunny disposition were used as barter by many sailors. They became popular in Spain. They became known as the sailor’s dog also enjoying water and retrieving, but it is not a true retriever or water dog. Here we see a dog whose role is one of companion. Their popularity went up dramatically in the court of Henry III.

This breed became the favourite of the French courts in the 16th century. In the 19th century, we see the dog has gone from the courts to working for a living, by being a circus dog and popular with organ grinder’s to attract a crowd. This little dog was brought to America in1955. Nowadays this dog is a companion dog. It is descended from the Barbet Water Spaniel and the poodle, where it gets its lovely coat.

Temperament: This, as in its history, is a good companion, loving to be with its human family. This dog is intelligent, bold and lively showing great affection. It is not a yappy dog, and is easy to train and with their charm want the owner to be happy. Here we have a dog that is naturally sociable, being fine with all family members.

They are fine with other pets and good within the canine world. As you can imagine here we have a dog that is great with children. On saying all this, these dogs can make a good watchdog. Here we have a naturally obedient and competitive. Potty training this dog can be a challenge, but this breed gets there in the end. Needing firm rules, giving the dog the knowledge it needs to please you.

Good leadership is needed by all dogs, but here we see a dog that will love to follow a good leader, and you will get the best from this breed. Without this the dog can bark obsessively, have separation anxiety, and become a snappy dog, far from the dog we have first talked about. All this doesn’t need to happen, with good leadership from you. Needing daily walks with its family this dog will be happy and balanced.

Health issues: This breed can have epilepsy, cataracts, skin problems and this also includes sensitivity to flea bites, dislocated kneecaps, ear problems and watery eyes.

Grooming: With bathing, needed monthly, and grooming, a few times a week, you will still have to take this dog to a saloon, for professional grooming monthly.

Living conditions: This is a happy breed and will just want to be with its human family, and so this dog can live in an apartment easily providing they have daily walks, play will help get that energy out but all dogs love to have a walk. This dog is fine without a garden, but you have to walk this dog.

bichon frise is a wonderful breed of dog. They are cute, cuddly and easy to get around. The issue of bichon frise care however is one that you have to take seriously into consideration before deciding to get one of these dogs yourself. Because they have such a long and unique coat they require daily coat care, including brushing, trimming and bathing.

There are many other breeds of dog that are not nearly as high maintenance, and so if you are a very busy person or just don’t consider yourself as having the commitment to put this much time and care towards your pet, then it is going to be a good idea for you to choose another breed. The bichon frise is not only a great family pet but a reliable little watchdog as well, and so as long as you know that you are going to be willing and able to give them the attention and care that they need, then they would make an ideal pet for you.

When it comes to bichon frise care, there are quite a few different things that you need to be concerned with. One of the most important is bathing. These dogs require regular bathing, once to twice a week at least. Cleaning their teeth and gums is also very important, especially since they are a breed of dog that is very prone to gum infection and tartar buildup. You can do the basic cleanings yourself but you may want to take the dog to the veterinarian for more thorough cleanings.

Bichon Frise dogs tend to stain around their eyes so it is important that you always keep this area clean. You want to make sure that their ears are always clean and free of dirt and mites, and if you are too uncomfortable to do this yourself then remember that you can always bring them to the veterinarian and have them do it for you. You will of course have to pay a fee for these services but it will be worth it as long as you know that you will be able to get it done and without worrying about hurting your dog.

Bichon Frise nutrition is obviously very important, and something that you definitely have to be aware of, before you choose to get one of these dogs. They, like all other dog breeds, require good nutrition to maintain good health. High quality commercially made dog foods can supply the basic nutritional needs, but your dog may not like the food. A good alternative is to make your own fresh dog food. By searching the Internet you can find very specific dog foods recipes that your dog will love. You will have peace of mind knowing exactly what your dog is eating and that his nutritional needs are being met.

As long as you groom your dog regularly and give them enough attention, they will grow up to be happy and healthy dogs. Also make sure that you train them properly, because this will also be important in regards to their temperament and behavior. You want to socialize them early so that they will know how to interact properly with others, not only other people but other dogs as well.

The bichon frise is a small breed of dog, similar in size to a large cat, which in French means “curly lap dog”. They are called this because in the past they were lap dogs for French royalty. Often devoted to their masters, Bichons are popular pets and are fairly similar to poodles.

Originating in the Mediterranean region and in existence since the Middle Ages, Bichons eventually ended up on the streets after the French Revolution in which their royal masters were dethroned. The dogs were then caught and trained to do tricks so that they would become dogs in the circus. Despite often being used as a dog for companionship, Bichons are also versatile and smart. Recently farmers in Norway have even used Bichons for rounding up sheep.

Bichons weigh between 7 and 18 lbs and stand between 9 to 12 inches tall. Their average lifespan is 12 to 14 years. Bichons are nearly completely white, as to be a pure bred Bichon one must be at least 90% white. The dogs sometimes have different shades of white around the ears, but white is the dominant color of Bichons.

Their eyes are usually either black or dark brown. The area around the eye is also very dark. The nose and lips are also black, while the ears are droopy and covered with long hair. The coat of a Bichon is curly, making them look puffy. The underbelly of a Bichon is softer and denser than the outer coat. A Bichon’s coat is thick and springs back in place if touched.

Bichons, who tend to not like the heat, must be groomed often to keep their neat appearance. The face is of special notice, as mucus and eye discharge can cause major problems as it tends to get in the fur right near their eyes. Their curled tails go over their backs and are often groomed to be longer in length than the rest of the coat.

Bichons tend to look attentive and soft. They are quite intelligent and present a curious personality. Though Bichons most like to stay close to their owners and lounge around, they are energetic and like to chew on bones, climb furniture and go for long walks. Bichons are easily excited when seeing other people, but they are really friendly dogs.

Bichons are great pets for families, as children and Bichons tend to be fond of each other. Though Bichons can become jealous when it comes to attention, they get along alright with other dogs. Male Bichons are usually easier to train than females.

All-white breeds tend to suffer from ear infections and skin problems, but the bichon frise is less prone than other all-white breeds. The dogs can suffer problems with cataracts and luxating patellas though.

Though some people can still be allergic to Bichons, it is less likely that most other breeds of dog. Since they do not shed their fur, Bichons are quite popular to people with allergies as they are of a hypoallergenic breed.

Most people don’t know that the words bichon frise, are french and literally mean “Curly Lap Dog”. And that’s just exactly what a bichon frise is, a curly lap dog. If you are looking for a dog, and you are thinking about a bichon frise, make sure you do all the research on the care and training of these dogs before you make your decision. They are considered a “High Maintenance” dog.

Although they can make a great family dog, if you are a thrifty person, or your raising a family on a budget, you need to consider all of the costs involved in maintaining this breed. Unless you plan on grooming the dog yourself, taking this breed to a groomer can be very expensive. The tight, curly coat on these dogs require frequent trimming, brushing and bathing. They also have a tendency to salivate a lot, and coupled with shedding, they can really do a number on your carpets.

However the Bichon Frise isn’t all bad. For example, they are one of the few breeds that are hypoallergenic, and therefore compatible with people that have allergy problems. Other good traits would be that they are excellent with children, very affectionate, but yet very protective and will make a good watch dog. They will always sound off loud to let you know when somebody is approaching your home, well before you have knowledge of it.

If you are looking for a breed to make a hobby of, by breeding and showing, this is a great breed to do it with. Their compact size makes it easy to transport them from one place to another.

Overall, the Bichon Frise has been documented to live a bit longer than most of the other breeds in its class, and has fewer incidents of disfiguring ailments as they age as well.

Because these dogs are so unique, they do require that the owner follow a whole different set of “Guidelines” when it comes to general care and health concerns. If you end up with a Bichon Frise, make sure to invest in a good complete guide book. You will need it.

The bichon frise is a pure breed that originated in the Mediterranean region. This curly lap dog descended from a mix of the Barbet breed, poodle and a generic white lap dog. As early as 600 B.C. Spanish sailors used the breed, which at the time was referred to as the Barbichon, during trade to help with diplomacy. The dog had a naturally outgoing and friendly disposition, which made the breed incredibly likeable and effective in building relationships.

The attractive and friendly Barbichon’s name was shortened to Bichon and later had Frise added by the French to reference the breed’s soft, curly fur. The bichon frise was popular in the French royal family during the Renaissance. Its popularity spread throughout Europe, to Australia and then to the United States in the 1930s to 1970s. Two breeders in the U.S helped the breed become registered by the American Kennel Club in 1973. A Bichon breeder must meet specific AKC breed standards to register dogs in competition.

Because the defining characteristic of the bichon frise is its white, curly coat, breeders try to retain that characteristic. The American Kennel Club only allows less than ten percent of the fur to be off-white. Often the ears, tear stains around the eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even apricot in color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to maintain its luster and fluffiness.

Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth and nose, and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is prone to allergies even though the fur is hypoallergenic to humans. The ears are prone to ear mites. A breeder must make sure dogs for use in AKC competition meet all the breed standard characteristics. Purebred dogs have two coats of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to twelve pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in height and have a friendly, confident, intelligent and bold personality.

Bichon Frise buyers should attempt to find a reputable breeder. There are a number of questions that should be asked to distinguish between good and bad Bichon Frise breeders. Buyers also want to make sure that breeders ask them questions.

Buyers should ask the following questions of breeders: Do you have your own kennel? (A good breeder will maintain his/her own clean kennel.) Can I visit the kennel/meet the parents of the puppy? (This should be encouraged.) Have puppies and parents been screened for genetic defects? Will I receive registration papers, pedigree, and medical records? (Yes to all.) Can you tell me the history of the breed? (Breeders should be experts.) Are you affiliated with rescue centers? Can you tell me how to care for my Bichon Frise? Is there a warranty? (A good breeder will want the dog returned to them rather than sold.) There are many other questions that can be asked but these are a good start to finding a good breeder.

The bichon frise is a wonderful happy little dog that is in love with life and her family. She wants to go everywhere and loves attention. She is ideal for an apartment because she needs little exercise, although she can be difficult to housebreak. She is a good watch dog but do not expect her to attack a prowler. She barely sheds but she does require extensive grooming to achieve that fabulous look. She is generally not a barker. She does very well with other dogs, pets and children. As a reminder, never leave any child unsupervised with any dog for any length of time.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the bichon frise male is 9 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and the female ranges from 9 to 11 inches to the withers. Both sexes range between 7 and 12 pounds on weight, males slightly heavier.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the bichon frise is no exception. Look for skin problems, blocked tear ducts, epilepsy (common in dogs) cataracts, flea bite allergy, dislocated kneecaps, ear ailments, low blood sugar and watery eyes.
This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots.
*Grooming. The Bichon Frise needs frequent grooming and monthly bathing. She should be professionally groomed every month or so. If her coat is left to its own, it will turn tight and curly and she will lose her snowball look. Clean around her eyes daily to control tear staining. She sheds very little hair. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Bichon Frise can live between 14 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean area and they are decended from the Water Spaniel. They became popular and then forgotten in such places as France under Francis I and later under Napolean III. When World War I ended, some people realized that the breed could be valuable and the lines started to be established. March 5, 1933 found the official standards of the breed enacted by the Societe Centrale Canine of France. She was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1972.:

Some Registries:
*Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc.
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 5 Bichon Frise puppies

Category: Non Sporting.

Terms To Describe: Active, friendly, bold, charming, affectionate, sociable, obedient, happy, loving, lovable,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Very good with children.
Very good with other pets.
Easy to train.
Very intelligent.
Not a noisy dog.
Get along well with other dogs and pets.
She barely sheds which is good for allergy sufferers.
A very happy dog.
Requires little exercise.
She can act like a clown.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Very poor guard dog.
May be difficult to housebreak.
Can be stubborn.
*Other Names Known By: Bichon Tenerife, Bichon a poil Frise, Tenerife Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Bichon Rescue: Adopt A bichon frise: If you’ve been thinking about getting a bichon frise, have you considered all of the options available to you? The simple choice folks make, when thinking about a new dog is to go to a specialized dog breeder. A good dog breeder will be in a position to sell you a puppy which has been checked for genetic issues, illnesses etc and will fairly often offer you a top quality pedigree dog that should be free from issues that plague plenty of dogs. This is perfect for a large amount of folks but of course will come at a cost. There’s an alternative – why not adopt a bichon frise or adult Bichon Frise. There are lots of dogs that are without houses at animal shelters or humane societies. These animals are sometimes a victim of circumstance, either an owner has died, or an aged person can’t cope any more.

Sadly thru no fault of their own, they have ended up homeless, so why not? adopt a Bichon Frise, this could be a way to supply a loving home to one of these dogs.

Lots of folks are troubled that they may finish up with an unhealthy dog, or a dog that might be assertive by getting one from a shelter. Most animal shelters will check a dog for good health and good temperament, so if there are any issues you’ll be told about them. Also, a large amount of shelters offer in-house training to extend the probabilities of a dog finding a new home. Which is superb for everybody! The only way to go about adopting a Bichon Frise is to pay a trip to your nearest animal shelter.

Bichon Rescue: Adopt A Bichon Frise: When you bring your Bichon Fise home, try and imagine things from their point of view. Your new dog has likely been through a lot during the past so bringing her to one more new home may be overpowering. The best thing to do is keep her on a leash at first, and gradually introduce her to your house, letting her sniff each room till she’s got an understanding of her new environment. Also take her to relieve her bladder outside if she’s been on a long automobile journey with you.

When she has settled down, let her walk openly off the leash inside your house ( not outside off the leash yet ). This may give her an opportunity to find ‘her’ spot. By this I mean her place. We all have a favourite spot where we enjoy going, dogs are no different.

Bichon Rescue: Adopt A Bichon Frise: If you have acquired a new dog bed or blanket for your new arrival, this could be the place to put it. She’ll naturally go to that spot so having a comfortable new bed there will help her settle in. Your new Bichon could be really quiet for the initial few days but don’t worry, this is an element of the settling in process. After a short time your dog will be an entirely settled in new member of the family. So why not adopt a Bichom Frise from an animal shelter, it is a good way to get a new companion and a good way to make a new and happy future for your Bichon .

The bichon frise (pronounced ‘Bee-Shone Freeze’) is a curly all-white dog with a puffball appearance and a very puffy head. It has been around since the 1300′s, and throughout their history they have been popular among Italian sailors, the Italian and French royal courts, and eventually with French street performers. Their name ‘bichon frise’ is in reference to their curly white coat.

Their diverse history of human companionship is proof of the bichon frise’s easy going temperament. These Non-Sporting dogs are independent, gallant, and full of energy. The Bichon loves people and is happiest when he is in his owners company. However, the Bichon Frise is also friendly to strangers, adores playing with children and doesn’t mind other family pets.

The Bichon is intelligent and is easy to train. By nature, he is a natural worker, which is why he got along well with street performers and made a wonderful circus dog once upon a time. This also means that the Bichon can be quite the little clown and enjoys learning tricks.

As was previously mentioned, the Bichon Frise is covered from head to tail in a curly white coat. His coat does not shed, making him a great companion for those who suffer from allergies. Nonetheless, the coat of the Bichon needs daily brushing to keep it free from mats. He will also need a monthly bath, and will require a full coat clipping every few months.

Since the Bichon’s coat gives him such a fluffy appearance, you may be surprised to learn that he isn’t as large as he may appear. For instance, the height of the Bichon Frise only reaches 12 inches and they weigh between 7 ‘ 12 pounds.

It is important to keep a Bichon in trim shape to avoid the possibility of him becoming overweight. This is best achieved by feeding him a sufficient diet and providing him with significant exercise. Because of his size, and the fact that they can happily live in an apartment, one may think that the Bichon does not need too much exercise. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The Bichon Frise enjoys being active and likes talking long walks and the freedom to run around in the open.

Those interested in the Bichon Frise will discover that he is a long lived companion with an average life expectancy of 15 years or more. Bichons have a few hereditary problems such as cataracts, ear ailments, knee dislocation and epilepsy. Nonetheless, the Bichon is still one of the more healthy breeds available today.

The Bichon Frise will become miserable if left along frequently. He loves to be included in the activities of his family and owner as much as possible. Human companionship is what makes the Bichon a happy go lucky canine and the best friend you could ask for.

The non-shedding bichon frises have an abundance of fur, requiring regular clipping and grooming. To look their best, daily grooming is recommended for the curly haired lapdogs.

Choosing a groomer for your treasured bichon frise can be a daunting task. Although the owner can do the coat maintenance, it is often easier for the dog to go to a trained groomer. Many grooming salons keep photograph albums of their doggy clients showing the different clips and coat styles for the bichon frise.

An important consideration in choosing the cut and coat style of your Bichon Frise is the amount of time that you are willing to spend each day grooming your pet. Look at the many coat styles of the Bichon Frise and discuss the ones you prefer with the potential groomer. If you are willing to spend only a minimum time grooming your pet each day or lead a hectic life, then a short cut like the Lamb Cut would be a good choice. Longer, fancier cuts could require two or three hours of grooming each day, making them ideal for those pet owners who find the grooming process relaxing. Any groomer should be happy to discuss the requirements of the coat style that you choose for your Bichon Frise. If not, perhaps you should research another grooming shop.

The shaved down look is cute and easy to maintain – perfect for those owners that lead hectic lives. This cut is often referred to as the Lamb Cut. Because the only areas of the body that are left long is the head and the tail, the cut requires very little maintenance. Since the rest of the fur is cut short, but not so short that the dog’s skin can be seen, there is a very small chance of matting on their legs or body. Another version of the Lamb Cut leaves the fur on the legs and body slight longer, and is often referred to as the Teddy Bear, Panda, or Puppy Cut.

The Bichon Frise often looks like a walking powder puff. To get this unique look, the groomer trims the coat of the dog to show the body’s natural outline. The cut is rounded in all directions of the body, making sure not to have squared off areas where the fur is too short, as this can create an overly trimmed appearance. The tail, ears, head, moustache, and beard hair is left longer. The head hear is trimmed to create a rounded effect, while the groomer will often finish the face by trimming the top line of the head to have a level look.

Different grooming facilities have different practices. Therefore, it is important to take your Bichon Frise with you when researching the facilities that you are considering to see how they interact with potential doggy customers. Ask several questions of the facility, including these:

- Do they require vaccinations?

- Are the animals always supervised?

- Request recommendations?

Talk to the groomer to make sure that he or she is willing to work with you to find the perfect cut for your Bichon Frise. Take a tour of the facilities to make sure the area is clean and neat.

After visiting several facilities and taking recommendations from family and friends, you should find a reputable person to groom your treasured Bichon Frise.