Juliette Cunliffe - Bichon Frise

Physical Characteristics of the Bichon Frise

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Skull: Slightly rounded, allowing for a round and forward looking eye. The stop is slightly accentuated.

Ears: Drop and are covered with long flowing hair. They are set on slightly higher than eye level and rather forward on the skull

Neck: Arched, long and carried proudly behind an erect head. It blends smoothly into the shoulders.

Eyes: Round, black or dark brown and are set in the skull to look directly forward. Halos, the black or very dark brown skin surrounding the eyes, are necessary as they accentuate the eye and enhance expression. The eye rims themselves must be black.

Nose: Prominent and always black.

Lips: Black, fine, never drooping.

Chest: Well developed and wide enough to allow free and unrestricted movement of the front legs. The lowest point of the chest extends at least to the elbow.

Legs: Of medium bone; straight, with no bow or curve in the forearm or wrist. The elbows are held close to the body. The pasterns slope slightly from the vertical.

Shoulders: Laid back to somewhat near a 45 degree angle.

Tail: Well plumed, set on level with the topline and curved gracefully over the back so that the hair of the tail rests on the back.

Hindquarters: Of medium bone, well angulated with muscular thighs and spaced moderately wide. The upper and lower thigh are nearly equal in length meeting at a well bent stifle joint. The leg from hock joint to foot pad is perpendicular to the ground.

Color: White, may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body.

Size: Dogs and bitches 9.5 to 11.5 inches.

Coat: The undercoat is soft and dense, the outercoat of a coarser and curlier texture. The combination of the two gives a soft but substantial feel to the touch which is similar to plush or velvet and when patted springs back.

Feet: Tight and round, resembling those of a cat and point directly forward, turning neither in nor out.

Contents

Consider the various theories of the evolution of the Bichon breeds and the spread of these fluffy little dogs around the world. Understand the origin of the Bichon Frise and how the breed was prized by the royals and common folk alike.

Consider the many charming attributes of the Bichon Frise and determine whether you are an ideal owner of this exuberant companion dog. Learn about the breeds physical characteristics, including its coat and whiteness, as well as the breeds health considerations.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Bichon Frise by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Be advised about choosing a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, typical puppy. Understand the responsibilities of ownership, including home preparation, acclimatization, the vet and prevention of common puppy problems.

Enter into a sensible discussion of dietary and feeding considerations, exercise, grooming and trimming, traveling and identification of your dog. This chapter discusses Bichon Frise care for all stages of development.

By Charlotte Schwartz

Be informed about the importance of training your Bichon Frise from the basics of house-training and understanding the development of a young dog to executing obedience commands (sit, stay, down, etc.).

Discover how to select a qualified vet and care for your dog at all stages of life. Topics include vaccinations, skin problems, dealing with external and internal parasites and common medical and behavioral conditions.

Consider the care of your senior Bichon Frise, including the proper diet for a senior. Recognize the signs of an aging dog, both behavioral and medical; implement a special-care program with your vet and become comfortable with making the final decisions and arrangements for your senior Bichon Frise.

Experience the dog show world, including different types of shows and the making of a champion. Go beyond the conformation ring to obedience trials and agility trials, etc.