Bichon Frise dogs are one of the most popular dogs in America and throughout the world. In the United States, the Bichon dog breed typically ranks in the top 35 of all registered purebred dogs.
The small size of the Bichon Frise, coupled with its loving attitude, make it a wonderful companion for almost any family.
A Bichon is a delightful and very unique little dog who has many characteristics that make him stand out from other breeds. Bichons may be small, weighing an average of only 12 pounds, but they are sturdy little dogs.
Many people fall in love with Bichon dogs when they get to know one.
But, before you make a final decision about getting a Bichon , it’s important that you learn about these cute little dogs. There are some reasons that they might not work for you…
Bichons are Hypoallergenic Dogs
Bichon Frises are small fluffy dogs and they are a non shedding dog breed. Also known for being hypoallergenic dogs, they are great for people who have problems with allergies and even asthma.
From one of our readers:
Speaking from personal experience, my wife Tanya, has severe asthma. Before becoming Bichon owners we tried raising several different breeds of dogs but found that pet fur was a major trigger to her asthma attacks. Then we learned about the Bichon Frise and their hypoallergenic coat–which is actually hair and not fur. For the past 7 years,living with Bichons, she has not had any problems related to this allergic trigger.
Bichons have what is called a double coat. It’s almost like having two coats. The undercoat is very soft and closely compacted, while the outer coat is a little rougher and curly. The combination of these two coats provides a unique, luxurious and silky texture.
The Bichon sheds little to no hair, especially when groomed frequently. Bichon Frises do not have fur as most dog breeds do. They actually have hair, just like you.
What Bichon Dogs Think…
These cute little dogs want to make everyone around them happy. And they do. Most people who see a Bichon buzz or blitz for the first time, just can’t stop laughing!
In fact, they believe that the whole world revolves around them. This egocentric attitude often gets the little critters into trouble. Cute as they are, Bichons can be very difficult to obedience train! And potty train…
Kept by royalty in years past, Bichons love to entertain! Gentle and lovable, they make an ideal pet for those with children and other animals.
Considered a lapdog, don’t be surprised if you find your Bichon jumping into your lap every time you sit on the sofa. Or even crawling up onto your chest when you lie down on your bed at night. Bichons need human company, most of the time.
Bichons’ Place in History
The history of this breed goes back many centuries and is quite fascinating. Dating back to as early as 1200 A.D., these small white dogs have captured the hearts of men and women ever since.
Even today, Bichon Frise dogs are taking the show. For example, Flynn, a Bichon Frise, took Best of Show in the 142nd Westminster Kennel Show in Madison Square Garden on February 13, 2018. You can read about the competition here.
Here’s a cute little video that shows a Bichon Frise dog with a baby. Bichons can be a great dog for families…
What Kind of Personality Do They Have?
These small white Bichon Frise dogs will show you exactly how they are feeling or what kind of a mood they are in. They will show you, by their facial expressions and body language. Bichons are just full of personality!
You will know your little dog’s mood because Bichons carry their tail plumed high over their back when they are happy, and they will drag it on the ground when they are sad.
Bichon dogs are very sensitive. So be careful about the tone of voice you use when speaking to them. A Bichon’s feelings are hurt in an instant.
Fortunately, Bichons do not hold grudges. Your dog can just as quickly return to his happy mood.
Another wonderful quality about Bichon Frise dogs is that they have a very gentle temperament. They probably wouldn’t even hurt a fly.
But, at the same time, they can be courageous and are good little watchdogs. Your dog will alert you when someone rings the doorbell or if he sees another dog or cat walking down the street.
How Big are Bichons?
Bichon Frises are little dogs. The ideal height of a Bichon Frise is between 9 1/2 and 11 1/2 inches at the shoulder.
While there is not a specific breed weight, most Bichon Frises range between 7 and 25 pounds with the average weight being around 12 pounds.
Bichons are always among everyone’s favorite small dog breed.
Training Bichon Frises Can Be Tough
Bichon Frise dogs do have a mind of their own. And that can lead to problems when you are house training or behavior training your Bichon puppy or dog. The cute little critters can be mindful and stubborn at times!
But there are ways to handle them. You just have to be able to get inside their little heads and understand how they think. When you do, training your dog gets a lot easier!
Learn more about training the Bichon Frise now…
The Three Bichon Cousins
There are three breeds of dogs that have common roots, and they are considered to be “cousins” today.
Maltese
The Maltese has just one coat–no wooly undercoat. Their hair hangs long, almost to the ground, and it is silky. In this breed, it is not acceptable to have kinky, curly or wooly hair. These little guys weigh in at about 7 pounds. They are pure white and sometimes have light tan or lemon color on their ears.
Toy Poodle
Toy poodles have naturally curly hair that is rougher than that of Bichon Frises. The come in a number of colors–blues, grays, silvers, browns, apricot and cream. They must be 10″ or less tall. I had a toy poodle, Jenny, a few years ago. When I first got her, I was afraid that I would step on her by accident. Toy poodles are really quite small!
Bichon Frise
The undercoat is soft and thick. The outer coat is curly and coarser. When they have been bathed and brushed, their coat stands out straight. Bichons are white, but there may be some shades of cream, buff or apricot on or around the ears. They are usually 9.5″ to 11.5″ at the shoulder.
Bichon Frises do not shed their hair, so you will not have to deal with hair on the furniture or your clothing. But they do need to be groomed every day to keep their lovely coat from getting matted.
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