Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Belgium/France

MOST SUITED AS Family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height may not exceed 30cm (11 1/2in) and the weight should be about 4kg (8 1/21b).

COAT
The silken coat consists of locks spirally formed hairs. There is no undercoat and the colour is always pure white.

CARE REQUIRED
The coat should be combed thoroughly every day and occasionally it will need clipping to prevent it becoming too long. In common with other dogs with such coats, the Bichon Frise is clipped out to a specific style which can vary from country to country. To keep the coat white, it will be necessary to wash the dog regularly with a recognized dog shampoo. Check at set intervals that the hairs around the eyes are not causing irritation and use the special lotion lot this purpose to remove any "tear" stains. Clip excess hair between the pads of the feet and remove loose hairs and any dirt from the ear passages.
This breed does not shed hair; dead hairs need to be removed with a brush.

CHARACTER
The Bichon Frise bonds very closely with their hand­ler, though they can be left alone occasionally, they are also pliable, cheerful, active, playful, intelligent, sociable, and sensitive.

TRAINING
Since these are bright dogs which quickly catch on to what you want them to do, there is no real problem in training them.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Bichons are naturally sociable dogs which are happiest as the member of a family which takes them everywhere. This sociable trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs, pets, and children.

EXERCISE
This breed adapts itself entirely to the family circumstances.

GENERAL
These dogs require lots of care.  Don't get one, if you are not prepared or able to provide it.  Lots of brushing and de-tangling.