Bichon Frise

The Bichon descended from the Barbet or Water-Spaniel, from which came the name "Barbichon," later contracted to "Bichon." The Bichons were divided into four categories: The Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Havanais, and the Bichon Teneriffe. All originated in the Mediterranean area.

Bichons were appreciated for their dispositions. They were frequently offered as items of barter, and were transported by sailors from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally felt that Spanish seamen introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Tenerife.

In the 1300s, Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to the Continent, where they became great favorites with Italian nobility, and as with other dogs of that era, were often trimmed in the "lion style."

After a brief renewal of interest under Napoleon III, the fate of the breed took a new turn. In the late 1800s it became the "common dog" running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind, and doing tricks in circuses and fairs.

At the end of World War I, a few fanciers recognized the potential of the dogs. In France four breeders began establishing their lines through controlled breeding programs. In 1933 the official standard of the breed was adopted. As the breed was known by two names "Tenerife" and "Bichon," the president of the International Canine Federation proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented, and the name became "Bichon Frise". "Frise" refers to the dogs soft, curly hair.

In 1959 and 1960 two breeders in different parts of the United States acquired Bichons, providing the origins for breed developments in the USA. The Bichon was admitted into the Non-Sporting Group in the American Kennel Club in 1973.

Bichons are truly very lovely dogs and adore everyone. They are very playful and do well with children. Some may be a tad difficult to housebreak, so they will require a patient owner who can take the time to watch the dog closely to see when they need to potty.

The major health issue in Bichons is allergies. Allergies can sometimes be related to fleas or to food but this is more often a seasonal problem, especially spring and fall, related to inhalants. Bichons are also prone to dental problems (tartar and early tooth loss) which can be prevented by brushing their teeth on a regular basis as well as professional teeth cleaning by your vet. They are prone to bladder infections and kidney stones, patellar (knee) luxation, ear infections and eye disease. Cataracts in the Bichon Frise are a newly revealed major problem. Some of these can be genetic.

There is a condition called immotile cilia syndrome (or Kartagener's syndrome) found in some Bichons that is thought to be an autoimmune condition that causes the dogs to have multiple symptoms. These may include frequent respiratory disease, such as pneumonia or excessively runny nose.

Immunizations may affect the long-term health of the Bichon if all given at once. It is recommended to give rabies vaccines separate from the other shots (wait at least four weeks). New recommendations indicate that the combination shot may sometimes be given every 2-3 years after dogs reach adulthood. Some Bichons react to the leptospirosis shot (a disease carried by rodents) with chills and fever, usually lasting for several hours. Some Bichons have reacted poorly to the medication found in PLUS type heartworm preventatives. Be sure that your vet is aware of these problems that can occur in Bichons.