Faux Frise: How To Choose The Right Bichon Frise Puppy

The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed descended from the poodle, Barbet and a generic white lap dog originating in the Mediterranean region as early as 600-300 B.C. The breed has been everything from a companion to Spanish merchants, to a lap dog of French royalty, to a circus performer, to a sheepherder, to an American Kennel Club registered competitor.

Known for its white, curly fur and intelligent, sociable disposition, the Bichon Frise has continued to gain popularity. Today, this breed is often mixed with other purebred dogs to create new designer dogs that have features of both breeds. Mixed breed Bichon Frise puppies are highly desirable due to their resemblance to fluffy white cotton balls. The name of the Bichon Frise has changed over time. It descended from the Barbet, was called the Barbichon for many centuries, then called the Bichon, and finally the French added Frise to the name to reference the breed's curly fur. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in the non-working group under the name Bichon Frise in 1973.

Bichon Frise puppies and adults are easily distinguishable by their resemblance to white, fluffy cotton balls. The standard characteristic of the Bichon Frise, its white, curly coat, is accepted by the American Kennel Club only if it is at least ninety percent pure white. Certain areas such as the ears and around the eyes may be cream, grey or apricot in color which is acceptable. This is especially true for Bichon Frise puppies that often have tearstains under the eyes from mucous discharge. It is important that owners clean the ears and eyes regularly to prevent staining of the fur and to keep Bichon Frise skin allergies in check. Though Bichon Frise fur does not shed and is hypoallergenic to most people, Bichon Frise themselves are very prone to allergies.

Bichon Frise puppies and adults are also distinguishable by their outgoing, friendly and hyper dispositions. Bichon Frise puppies are highly intelligent and loving but require regular activity. There is even a phrase to describe this breed's random bursts of hyperactivity- "the Bichon Frise blitz".
Buyers of Bichon Frise puppies should know the history and breed specific traits of Bichon Frise before choosing a Bichon Frise breeder. They should also know what to expect when raising any breed of puppy. Puppies, like babies, require constant care at least for the first few months. Bichon breeders usually keep puppies until they are approximately eight weeks old. Buyers need to make sure they know how the Bichon Frise puppies have been raised within the first eight weeks so that they can continue with the same set regimen.

Buyers of Bichon Frise puppies should approach the breeder with a list of questions. They should expect to be asked questions by the breeder as well. The most important task is to make sure that each Bichon Frise puppy and every potential buyer are a good match to live together. Good Bichon Frise breeders will educate buyers on all elements of raising, grooming and disciplining Bichon Frise puppies. They will provide proper documentation of puppies such as pedigree, medical records and registration papers.

A thorough knowledge of history and breed standard traits is necessary to choose healthy, pedigreed Bichon Frise puppies. This article provides tips on how to choose the right Bichon Frise puppy and how to care for Bichon Frise puppies.