Bichon Frise Breeders : the Genuine Article

One popular purebred dog is the Bichon Frise. The breed has existed in its current form since the Middle Ages. The Bichon Frise has been a companion of Spanish sailors, a beloved pet of French royalty, and even a popular and charismatic circus performer! Intelligent and charming, the Bichon Frise is popular because of the breed's powder puff white fur and human expression. The breed is also extremely friendly and outgoing and even helped the Spanish increase diplomacy on their trade routes.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the breed in 1973. The name translates in French to curly lap dog. The breed is descended from the poodle, Barbet and white lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C. The name has changed from Barbichon to Bichon to the current name, Bichon Frise. A good Bichon Frise breeder is an expert on the history of the breed as well as breed standard characteristics.

A Bichon Frise breeder will retain the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise, its white, curly coat. The American Kennel Club breed standard states that at least ninety percent of the coat must be pure white. The ears, areas around the eyes, and the muzzle may have cream or even apricot shadings, which is acceptable. Though Bichon Frise fur does not shed and is hypoallergenic to most people, Bichon Frise themselves are prone to skin allergies. It is important that these dogs be groomed often to keep allergies under control and to maintain the fur's overall volume and texture.

When not competing, fur can be trimmed in a closely cropped puppy cut which is much easier to maintain. Other breed standard traits include brown or black eyes, mouth and nose, pendulous, furry ears, furry tail curled over the back and a human expression. The Bichon Frise must be seven to twelve pounds in weight, nine to twelve inches in height, and have a friendly disposition.

Buyers must do their research before choosing a Bichon Frise breeder. Buyers should educate themselves on the history and breed standard characteristics so that they have a general idea of what to look for and what questions to ask the breeder. Unfortunately, there are illegitimate breeders working to sell fake Bichon Frise, or worse, unhealthy Bichon Frise, to make a profit from unsuspecting buyers. A good sign of a bad breeder is one who sells Bichon Frise to pet stores. No loving breeder would ship and sell puppies like merchandise to just any consumer. A second warning sign is if the breeder is reluctant, unwilling, or unable to provide proper information of the Bichon Frise such as pedigree, medical records, and registration papers. Finally, a bad breeder will not offer any guarantee on the dog's health or behavior.

Buyers must ask many questions to make sure they are getting a real purebred Bichon Frise. The Bichon Frise breeder, if legitimate, will also have questions for the buyer to make sure the Bichon Frise will be going to a loving, appropriate home.

Mary Stevenson has previously owned a purebred Samoyed and a purebred German Shepherd and has knowledge of how to locate a real breeder. A thorough knowledge of the history and breed standard traits is necessary to determine whether Bichon Frise breeders are selling real, purebred dogs. This article provides Bichon Frise information and information about the Bichon Frise breeder.