Fundamental Facts To Understand In Regards To The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise (sometimes called the "Tenerife Dog" or "Bichon Tenerife" after the Canary Island they were first introduced to) is much like their French name suggests - a "curly white lap dog" - and is a popular pet that resembles a larger version of the Maltese. The breed first appeared in the 13th century, and they were initially valued as items of trade and companions for Spanish sailors.

A number of their more distinguishing qualities are seen in their high level of friendliness, cheerful spirit and non-shedding coat that necessitates a high amount of grooming attention - which assist in making the Bichon Frise a fitting companion dog for families, allergy sufferers or apartment dwellers who are willing to commit to a high level of grooming.

The Bichon Frise is famous for their playful, cheerful and affectionate spirit. They are typically friendly with strangers, which along with their small size often makes them unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Bichon Frise is also known to be quite intelligent - placing equal 45th compared to other dogs in terms of their capability to be taught obedience commands. They are additionally renowned to be great with children - which makes them highly suitable as a family pet. The Bichon Frise is very companionable with other animals such as cats and other dogs.

Grooming the Bichon Frise is an extremely demanding process that requires a lot of patience or at least occasional attention from a professional dog groomer. They require a high level of brushing each day and complete grooming to maintain a powder puff look every 4 to 5 weeks or whenever they need to ready for the dog show - though their hair may alternatively be clipped short in a "teddy bear" cut if they are primarily a house pet.

The Bichon Frise doesn't need a large yard to provide them with enough space, and they are very suitable for apartment living if they are exercised enough. They prefer warmer environments, and can be made uncomfortable in cold weather as their curly coat is not designed to protect against it - so they will need extra clothing to keep them warm during cooler months.

The Bichon Frise loves pastimes including playing games in the yard or at the local dog park. They possess a fairly high level of energy and need daily exercise in the shape of moderate to long daily walks to avert behavior problems such as excessive barking.

The Bichon Frise can make the ideal dog breed for a family, apartment dweller or allergy sufferer who has a lot of time to groom and look after a dog. They are well-matched to anyone that is able to do (or pay for) a very high level of grooming and allocate time to provide them with positive, gentle training and patient housebreaking in addition to take them for moderate to long walks every day and give a very high amount of companionship and devotion - they don't like to be left on their own. Though they might be somewhat unsuitable for those who don't have the time or patience for a high amount of grooming, if you are capable of meeting this requirement as well as their need for attention and gentle loving care then the Bichon Frise may possibly be the ideal dog breed for you.


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