THE BICHON FRISE
(Pronounced: Bee-shahn Free-Zay)
A and J Kennel began May 9,1990, and WE RETIRED from raising Bichon Frise in
the summer of 2009.
This page is for information only.
BICHON FRISE DESCRIPTION:
The Bichon Frise weighs from about 10 to 20 lbs., with a body length slightly
longer than the height at the shoulder, which is from 9 (absolute minimum)
to 12 (absolute maximum) inches tall. The hair coat is white, does not shed
and is hypoallergenic. Ten percent color is allowed, such as cream, buff,
or apricot, and is usually on the ears. The coat is thick, with a soft under
coat and a curly outer coat, and will require regular grooming to prevent
the hair from matting.
The Bichon Frise is a long-lived, wonderful companion animal with a great
disposition, being smart, sensitive, playful, and loving.
BICHON FRISE HISTORY:
Bichon Frise (Bee-shahn Free-Zay)
The Bichon Frise is a descendent from the Barbet or now extinct Water
Spaniel Barbichon, later shortened to the name Bichon. Bichons were divided
into four groups: The Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Havanais,
and the Bichon Teneriffe. All of these groups originating in the Mediterranean
area.
This happy little dog had artistic references implying the Bichon may
have dated back to 200 B.C. or before. It is more acceptable to believe
that Spanish sailors introduced the Bichon to the Canary Island of Teneriffe,
where the name dubbed "Teneriffe", gave elegance, charm, and commercial
value for sale and trade to the common Bichon name.
Italian sailors are thought to have introduced the little dogs to Italian
nobility during the fourteenth century, where the dogs of that era were
often cut "lion style". During the French invasions of Italy in
the fifteenth and sixteenth century, the Teneriffe was prized and brought
home to France by returning warriors. Thus began the great success of these
treasured little dogs until about the twentieth century when their popularity
faded, and they became the “common dog”.
At the end of World War I, fanciers recognized the potential of the breed,
and began establishing controlled breeding programs. The breed was known
as Teneriffe and Bichon. In 1933 the president of the International Canine
Federation, Madame Nizet de Leemans, proposed the name Bichon Frise, based
on the characteristics of the dog, and the name Bichon Frise was adopted.
Frise refers to the soft curly coat. In 1934, the Bichon was admitted to
the stud book of the French Kennel Club. The International Canine Federation
recognized the Bichon Frise as a French-Belgian breed, having the right
to registration in the Book of Origins from all countries. The breed is
recognized in France, Belgium, and Italy.
In 1956, Bichons were introduced in the United States. In 1959 and 1960,
two breeders in different parts of the United States acquired Bichons. This
was the origin of the Bichon Frise breed in this county. The Bichon Frise
was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club stud book in October
1972, and in the regular show class in the Non-Sporting Group in April 1973.
The Bichon Frise has worn many faces over the centuries. Whether being
offered as items for sale and trade, treasured pets of nobility, subjects
of art, dogs of the street, companions for organ grinders, dogs leading
the blind, or as dogs performing tricks in circuses, this intelligent little
dog has delighted people everywhere.
