It’s hard to forget a Bichon Frise if you’ve seen or met one. These little wooly white dogs are clever and playful.
The breed comes from the Mediterranean and is descended from the Barbet (also known as the Water Spaniel). Originally called the “Barbichon”, the name was shortened to Bichon. These little dogs traveled well and were often used in trade between continents. Spanish sailors introduced the breed to the Canary Islands; Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs in the 1300s and brought them back to Europe. During the Renaissance, the Bichon Frise was seen as a court dog under Francis I and Henry III of France. By the 1800s, the Bichon was a more common pet, dancing for organ grinders, doing tricks in the circus, and even leading the blind.
Did you know? The Bichon Frise was a popular subject in art — Spanish artist Goya featured a Bichon in several of his works.
These dogs are on the small side — males and females stand between nine and twelve inches high at the shoulder. Perhaps the most distinct feature of this breed is the curly, wooly coat. It is a double coat, with a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. When freshly groomed, the Bichon Frise looks like a powder puff! Press the coat down and it should spring back up again.
In general, Bichon Frises are good natured, playful, and affectionate. They can be on the sensitive side, too, but most dogs of the breed are cheerful and gentle.
My aunt has a pair of Bichon Frises who are just adorable. They are playful and quirky — each one with a distinct personality. Bear is the braver of the two, and can be somewhat willful and standoffish; Bailey is the loving lapdog who loves to be close to her family. She’s definitely a sensitive dog — and very sensitive to change. When my aunt and uncle go on vacation, it’s very hard to coax Bailey into eating. (Bear never has a problem, though!)