One popular purebred dog is the Bichon Frise. The breed has existed in its current form since the Middle Ages. The Bichon Frise has been a companion of Spanish sailors, a beloved pet of French royalty, and even a popular and charismatic circus performer! Intelligent and charming, the Bichon Frise is popular because of the breed’s powder puff white fur and human expression. The breed is also extremely friendly and outgoing and even helped the Spanish increase diplomacy on their trade routes.

As years passed, the breed name was shortened to Bichon. During the Renaissance the Bichon became a favorite dog of French royalty. Unfortunately, the Bichon became commonplace and fell out of favor among the elite though it gained favor among the common people. Many were trained to perform tricks in traveling circuses. The French added Frise to the name to reference the breed’s soft, curly fur.

From the 1930s-1970s, the Bichon Frise’s popularity rose and spread throughout Europe, to Australia, and then to the United States. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in the non-sporting group in 1973. Today, each Bichon Frise breeder must meet the specific AKC breed standard to register dogs in competition.

A Bichon Frise breeder will retain the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise, its white, curly coat. The American Kennel Club breed standard states that at least ninety percent of the coat must be pure white. The ears, areas around the eyes, and the muzzle may have cream or even apricot shadings, which is acceptable. Though Bichon Frise fur does not shed and is hypoallergenic to most people, Bichon Frise themselves are prone to skin allergies. It is important that these dogs be groomed often to keep allergies under control and to maintain the fur’s overall volume and texture.

Another desirable and standard trait of the Bichon Frise is its outgoing personality. The American Kennel Club even lists its friendly disposition as a breed standard trait. Besides being sociable, the Bichon Frise are also intelligent and extremely active. There is even a phrase to describe their random bursts of hyperactivity- the Bichon Frise blitz.

Spotting a faux Bichon Frise is not as easy as spotting a faux Bichon Frise breeder. A Bichon Frise puppy or adult dog may appear to have all the breed standard traits including a friendly disposition, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it is a purebred Bichon Frise. Purebred Bichon Frise breeders will offer pedigree information, registration papers, and medical records as well as a warranty or guarantee on the dog’s health.

Good breeders usually keep a puppy from each litter to either use in competition or to use to breed future litters from. Good breeders maintain their own kennels and give puppies house privileges so that they can become socialized around people and other animals. Good breeders interview buyers and educate them of proper care and discipline.

Reputable Bichon Frise breeders will have a warranty/return policy, supports animal rescue centers, has references from other breeders, explains in detail proper care instructions and asks many questions of potential buyers to ensure a good pet match.

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