It would be easy to confuse the Bichon Frise with a mobile powder puff. It has a double coat that makes the outer coat textured and puffy. The inner coat has a silky appearance. An active, loving powder puff with black nose and eyes. To meet the AKC standards, the body must be white but may have shading of apricot, buff or cream. The dogs do not shed but their hair is constantly growing so they can turn out to be high maintenance. As with any dog you should be sure that you are willing and able to put up with their needs before inviting one into your home. Many of the breed that ends up in bichon rescue shelters end up there because their owners did not research for a good match.
The early history of the Bichon Frise would indicate that their popularity grew from a seemingly bichon rescue effort. The Bichon Reise, a descendent of the Water Spaniel were found by 13th century Spanish sailors and traded around the world into homes that grew to love them. By the 16th century this effortless placement had worked the Bichon Frise into the royal courts of France. By the 1800s the dog had once again fallen from its popularity and was found accompanying organ grinders or appearing in circuses. Quite a come down for a proud dog that had once been featured in the paintings of Goya.
Among the interesting facts and history of the breed we find that the next significant bichon rescue occurred on March 5, 1933. It was on this date that the Societe Centrale Canine of France adopted the official standard of the breed. Breeding first occurred in the U.S. in 1956. In 1959 and 1960 two breeders acquired Bichons and the U.S. origin was underway. The breed was admitted into the Miscellaneous Class on September 1, 1971 and registration started in October 1972. It was on April 4 of the next year that the breed became eligible to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows.
While it is difficult to believe that a breed as lovable and playful as the Bichon Frise would ever be abandoned or mistreated it does happen with all too much regularity. For this reason bichon rescue societies have sprung up across the country. They will rescue the dogs from shelters where they would be euthanized and put them into foster homes until a formal adoption can be arranged. If you are active and in search of a loving companion check your local listings for a rescue society near you.
The early history of the Bichon Frise would indicate that their popularity grew from a seemingly bichon rescue effort. The Bichon Reise, a descendent of the Water Spaniel were found by 13th century Spanish sailors and traded around the world into homes that grew to love them. By the 16th century this effortless placement had worked the Bichon Frise into the royal courts of France. By the 1800s the dog had once again fallen from its popularity and was found accompanying organ grinders or appearing in circuses. Quite a come down for a proud dog that had once been featured in the paintings of Goya.
Among the interesting facts and history of the breed we find that the next significant bichon rescue occurred on March 5, 1933. It was on this date that the Societe Centrale Canine of France adopted the official standard of the breed. Breeding first occurred in the U.S. in 1956. In 1959 and 1960 two breeders acquired Bichons and the U.S. origin was underway. The breed was admitted into the Miscellaneous Class on September 1, 1971 and registration started in October 1972. It was on April 4 of the next year that the breed became eligible to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows.
While it is difficult to believe that a breed as lovable and playful as the Bichon Frise would ever be abandoned or mistreated it does happen with all too much regularity. For this reason bichon rescue societies have sprung up across the country. They will rescue the dogs from shelters where they would be euthanized and put them into foster homes until a formal adoption can be arranged. If you are active and in search of a loving companion check your local listings for a rescue society near you.
