| The Mediterranean region is the point of origin for | | | | hypoallergenic to humans. The ears are prone to ear |
| the dog breed now known as the Bichon Frise. In | | | | mites. A Bichon Frise breeder must make sure dogs |
| 600-300 B.C., Spanish sailors used this breed, then | | | | for use in AKC competition meet all the breed |
| known as the Barbichon, to create diplomacy with | | | | standard characteristics. Purebred Bichon Frise dogs |
| other countries during trade missions. The Barbichon | | | | have two coats of fur consisting of a dense |
| was naturally friendly and outgoing and had an | | | | undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to |
| attractive appearance. The popularity of the breed | | | | twelve pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in |
| spread as it was introduced to various countries. | | | | height and have a friendly, confident, intelligent and |
| Its name was shortened to Bichon and later, | | | | bold personality. |
| expanded when the French added Frise to the name | | | | Some signs of a reputable Bichon Frise breeder |
| in reference to the breed's defining characteristic, its | | | | include well-maintained kennels, the puppies are |
| curly, soft fur coat. Four types of Bichon Frise | | | | comfortable around people and other animals, both |
| existed as Bichon Frise breeders began to breed the | | | | the puppies and parents have been screened for |
| dogs in Australia and America. In 1973, the American | | | | genetic defects, availability of medical records, |
| Kennel Club (AKC) registered the Bichon Frise in the | | | | pedigree, and registration papers. Other things that |
| non-sporting group. This adorable and personable dog | | | | reputable breeders are concerned with include |
| is believed to be a mix of poodle, generic white lap | | | | providing a warranty/return policy, interviewing |
| dog and Barbet. It has traits of all three. The AKC | | | | potential buyers to make sure the puppies are going |
| has defined specific characteristics Bichon Frise must | | | | to good homes, either run or are affiliated with animal |
| have to be a part of AKC competition. A good | | | | rescue centers and can be considered to be experts |
| Bichon Frise breeder attempts to retain the breed | | | | on Bichon Frise information and educate buyers on |
| standard traits. | | | | the breed. Professional breeders do not breed |
| Because the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise | | | | parents with known medical conditions or behavioral |
| is its white, curly coat, Bichon Frise breeders try to | | | | problems and do not sell puppies to pet stores. |
| retain that characteristic. The American Kennel Club | | | | Questions to ask Bichon Frise breeders include: May I |
| only allows less than ten percent of the fur to be | | | | meet the parents/puppy before purchase? Can you |
| off-white. Often the ears, tearstains around the | | | | teach me how to care for my Bichon Frise? What is |
| eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even apricot in | | | | the history of the Bichon Frise? What are common |
| color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is | | | | health problems specific to Bichon Frise? Can I buy a |
| hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to | | | | rescued Bichon Frise instead? Will you provide |
| maintain its luster and fluffiness. | | | | pedigree and registration papers? Do you offer a |
| Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth | | | | warranty? Can I return the Bichon Frise if I can't |
| and nose, and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is | | | | keep it? |
| prone to allergies even though the fur is | | | | |