A brief overview of the Bichon Frise history, while not essential to know, will help you understand more about your Bichon dog.
The Bichon Frise originally descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, thus it was called the Barbichon which later was shortened to just “Bichon”.
Most believe the dogs to be of Mediterranean origin probably first introduced around 1200 A.D.
For the next 100 years or so they were shipmates, traveling from continent to continent. Keeping sailors company on their long voyages was right up their alley.
The dogs then became very popular in Spain and soon after were brought to the Canary Island of Teneriffe.
During the 1300’s, sailors from Italy fell in love with the breed and took them to their homeland. They became an instant hit with the Italian nobility and the wealthy.
During the 1500’s, the aristocracy in France regarded these cute little dogs very highly. Bichon Frises often appeared in the courts of French kings, to entertain and delight their masters.
Information is limited after that-until they re-emerged on the coastal regions of North Africa in the 1800’s.
Lower class musical street performers, known as organ grinders, often used Bichons to perform circus tricks as a way to earn money and support their families.
According to Bichon Frise history, in 1935, the official breed standard was adopted in France and the name Bichon Frise was officially introduced. “Frise” simply refers to their soft, curly hair.
The first recorded Bichon Frise litter in the United States was in 1956 and the breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club dog shows in the 1970’s.
Learn more about Bichon Frises in this free mini course…