The Bichon à poil frisé is a small dog of company and pleasure full of cheerfulness, of vivacity, recognizable with its long and flexible spiral coat. His head carriage is high and denotes a certain pride in his attitude. It is very expressive.
History of the breed
The breed of the Bichon à poil frisé is quite old. Appearing around the 14th century, it would be the result of crossing the Barbet (also the origin of the Poodle) and the Maltese. Long called Bichon de Ténériffe, it arrived in France during the 16th century and quickly met a considerable success, in particular with kings François I and Henri III and their courts.
Its popularity then declined somewhat in France. Thanks to a Belgian breeder, the breed was saved after the Second World War, which could have made it disappear. It was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) on October 28, 1959.
Physical characteristics
Its hair: long (7 to 10 cm length), fine, silky, flexible, in corkscrew, never flat, nor corded.
Its color: pure white.
Its head : rather flat skull, longer than the muzzle. The stop is not very accentuated, the nose is rounded and quite black, the lips are thin and dry, the cheeks flat.
Ears : thin, drooping, well covered with long curly hair, carried forward when the dog is attentive.
His eyes : as dark as possible, rather round, with dark eyelids.
His body : the loins are broad and well muscled, the croup slightly rounded, the chest well developed and the flanks well raised at the belly.
Tail : set on slightly below the line of the back, carried raised and curved, but not curled.
Education
The Bichon à poil frisé is not a particularly difficult dog to train. Of a soft and docile nature, he easily acquires the training that his master instills in him, who must however take care not to let him develop a dominant character. Its education must be done with firmness and softness.
Living conditions
It is made for the indoor life, near his master and his family. He does not like to be alone. Life in an apartment suits him perfectly, but the fact that he can have a fenced garden suits him just as well. He adapts to all family situations, with or without children.
Health
The Bichon Frise breed has a predisposition to certain diseases, including: Legg-Perthes-Calvé disease (aseptic necrosis of the femoral head), cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and patella luxation.