Fall in Love with a Cuddly, White Puff – the Bichon Frise

The name Bichon Frise in French means a curly lap dog and truly, he is a cute and curly dog who loves to spread happiness all around. While choosing a small dog breed, you can always bring home a Bichon Frise as they make popular pets. They are look somewhat similar to the Maltese but are bigger. Extremely intelligent, the Bichon Frise is a lively and happy-go-lucky dog. You will really be proud to own one.

Compatibility and Usage: The Bichon Frise’s size and nature does not make it a very good guard dog nor does it do well as a show dog however it adequately fills the role of the absolute family dog. Taking your Bichon for regular walks in the park where it can interact with other people and dogs would surely make the dog happier and livelier.

Physical Appearance: Most dogs of the breed have the characteristic non-shedding white coat although there are others that display off-white, beige or yellow-orange with dark shades around the ears. Purebreds have a white coat, black or brown eyes with the clearly identifiable mask around the eyes.

Temperament: its overfriendliness with humans including strangers makes the Bichon Frise a poor choice for a guard dog. Nonetheless, its cheerfulness, warm and loving attitude make it very popular as a family dog especially those with small children. Its temperament makes it easy for the Brison Frise to ingratiate itself with humans and even other dogs.

At times, dogs of this breed may display a streak of doggedness and tenacity but only during their playing times which is quite acceptable and makes them a good choice of a companion for toddlers and the elderly.

Caring & Health: The average lifespan of the Bichon is approximately 12 years. The male Bichon has a maximum height of 12 inches and the female from 9 to 11 inches. Their weights may vary anywhere from 7 to 12 pounds. The Bichon’s non-shedding coat calls for regular grooming otherwise it may lead to an assortment of skin allergies and problems.

Regular brushing is necessary to remove the hair tangles of the Bichon’s coat; tedious as this may be, it contributes to making the dog’s coat puffier, more beautiful and highly attractive. Do not feed your dog with high fat content foods to avoid their common affliction, pancreatitis. To ensure your dog’s health, it is necessary to walk him regularly on a daily basis.

Bichons are also prone to skin irritations and allergy (if not groomed regularly); old age cataract, senility and diseases of the ear; although ear disease is very easy to treat. Owning a Bichon is no different than owning a cuddly, barking fur ball that would give all members of the family extreme joy and pleasure!

Author Info: Mike Mathews is the owner and publisher of the acknowledged Dog Breed Facts website. His new ebook titled “Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle” is a great resource for the new dog owner.