The Bichon Frise is a very cute dog, which is the primary reason it is such a popular dog breed worldwide. However, they are not just cute; they are well suited as loyal family pets due to their fantastic personality. These dogs are known to develop a strong and deep bond with their owners as they have loving, smart, and sweet-natured personalities. These personality traits have made the Bichon Frise a popular and well-known dog breed that most people recognize. But do you know everything there is to know about the Bichon Frise? Here are a few of those facts you may have missed.
The Origin Of the Name
The Bichon Frise is a part of the teddy bear dog breed, but how the dog came to be known as this has been debated. Bichon means ‘small dog’ in french, while it seems to have come from the old term ‘biche’, which means female dog in old french terms. This is why it is widely believed that the name originated from the French language. Others believe the name to have derived from the word ‘barbichin’, which means small poodle. Then there are those beliefs that the term ‘bichon à poil frisé’ was created for this breed by the French, and the English have removed the diacritic by shortening it to Bichon Frise, but they have retained the French pronunciation.
The Origin of the Dog
Due to the name, many people associate the origin of this dog with France. However, this is not the case as these dogs most likely originated in Spain and were used by the Spanish as sailing dogs. Many also believe that this breed descended from the water dogs, the Barbet, poodles, or the water spaniels. However, the modern breed is a result of the development done by the French of the Bichon Frise into a lap dog, despite their origins being in Spain. The history of these dogs started before the 15th century by which time they had already traveled to Italy, gaining popularity amidst the Italian nobility.
The Categories of the Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has been grouped together in four categories. The main reason for so many categories is that the original Bichon Frises traveled away from mainland Spain as sailors began to take them along on their voyages. The original breed of the Bichon Frise is known as the Tenerife, while the Bolognaise, the Havanese, and the Maltese make up the other three breeds. The Maltese, also known as the Maltese Lion Puppy was bred in Malta initially, having a longer coat than the original Bichon Frise. The Bolognaise is named after the region of Bologna in Italy where it originates from. The Havanese has been developed by breeding together the Bichon Tenerife and the extinct Blanquito la Habana, and is the national dog of Cuba.
The Classification of the Dogs in the Non-sporting or Toy Group
Dog organizations classify all dogs in groups, and they do this in relation to the working role the dog has or their size. The Bichon Frise is generally classified in the Toy group as it is one of the smaller breeds of dogs, but this varies from country to country. Organizations like the Australian National Kennel Club, the UK Kennel Club, and the New Zealand Kennel Club categorize the Bichon Frise into the Toy group. While organizations such as the American Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club categorize this breed into the non-sporting group of dogs. This breed has also been categorized into the companion category by the United Kennel Club.
In 1955 The Bichon Frise Arrived in the United States
This breed of dog actually didn’t make its way over to America before 1955. The breed was further developed in America when two breeders situated in different locations of the country each bought a Bichon Frise in 1959 and 1960. Before 1971, the Bichon Frise was eligible to enter into the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club. The Bichon Frise was eligible to take part in the Non-Sporting group dog shows of the American Kennel Club by 2001. The Bichon Frise got listed as the 40th most popular dog breed in America by 2013.
Looking For a Hypoallergenic Dog?
The Bichon Frise is one of the most hypoallergenic dogs, and their coats do need a lot of grooming, though. No dog is a hundred percent hypoallergenic as many people are allergic to the dog’s spit rather than the fur, and all dogs will lose some hair. The Bichon Frise molts very little hair, making them an excellent choice for people who are allergic to pet hair. The presence of saliva is significantly reduced in this breed of dog as they require regular grooming by the owners, which is also why this breed is considered hypoallergenic.
You Need to Groom This Dog a Lot
If you own a Bichon Frise, be prepared to spend a lot of time grooming this dog as it requires a lot more grooming than most dogs. The Bichon Frise has a curly and long coat, meaning you need to groom these dogs regularly or hire professional dog groomers to do it for you. The long coat is prone to getting matted, so you need to brush this dog daily to prevent that from happening. This is especially important as matting of the fur can lead to health issues such as skin infections and hematomas. In addition, their coats are light in color, making frequent bathing a necessity as well.
Allergies Can Give This Dog a Hard Time
The Bichon Frise does not cause much of an allergic reaction, but they can suffer from allergic health issues themselves. Pollen, dust, flea bites, and chemicals are a few allergies that these dogs suffer from. You can make things better for your dog by keeping them indoors when the atmosphere has a high pollen count, keeping the dogs free from fleas, and using natural products to clean your home regularly. If the allergic reaction becomes severe, you can take your dog to the vet to receive treatment.
Conclusion
The Bichon Frise is a popular dog, especially among people allergic to dog fur. Hopefully, the information we shared has made it easier for you to know your dog better. So, have a wonderful time with your furry buddy, and be sure to take care of its long coat.
