Breeding And Buying Bichon Frise Puppies

The Bichon Frise has an illustrious history. This purebred all-white, curly-haired dog descended from a mix of poodle, Barbet and lap dog and originated in the Mediterranean region. The breed began as the Barbichon, which dates back to 600 B.C. The Barbichon was an outgoing, bold, small dog about the size of a large house cat. This dog accompanied Spanish sailors on trading expeditions. The name was shortened to Bichon through the years.

The Bichon was introduced to many countries while traveling with the sailors. And by the time of the Renaissance, or rebirth, of Europe the Bichon had become the favorite dog of the French royal family. Bichon Frise puppies abounded and became commonplace in the streets of France. The breed fell out of favor until dogs began to be used as trick dogs in the circus. Bichon, by now renamed Bichon Frise to reference their curly fur, could be trained to do circus tricks like walking the tightrope. From the 1930s to the 1970s, the popularity of the Bichon Frise again rose and the breed was introduced to Australia and the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the Bichon Frise in the non-sporting group in 1973.

The American Kennel Club sets the breed standard for all registered dog breeds in the United States. The most desirable traits of the Bichon Frise are its white, curly fur and its friendly disposition. The fur coat consists of two layers: a dense undercoat and a springy, velvety topcoat that springs back when touched. Bichon Frise fur must be at least ninety percent pure white according to the AKC. The Bichon Frise breed does not shed its fur as much as other breeds and is hypoallergenic to most humans. However, like most white breeds, the Bichon Frise is prone to allergies. Bichon Frise puppies should be screened for allergies and their parents should be screened as well.

The temperament of the Bichon Frise is its second most desirable trait. Starting at birth, Bichon Frise puppies should be socialized in an affectionate, loving environment to enhance their natural tendency toward friendliness and sociability. Bichon Frise puppies are not happy being left alone and as adults prefer to accompany their owners on trips and on walks.

The basis for finding the best Bichon Frise puppies is finding the best and most reputable breeder possible. Eliminate from your potential breeder list any breeder that sells puppies to pet stores or that will ship puppies overnight delivery, sight unseen, all over the country as long as the payment is received. These are signs of puppy mills, places where dogs are bred and whelped in dirty, unsocial conditions.

Some questions that a potential Bichon Frise buyer can ask before purchasing Bichon Frise puppies include whether or not the breeder can provide heritage documentation, health certificates, a tour of the kennel and introduction to the puppies and parents. Reputable breeders care about the puppies they help to produce and want them to all go to fantastic homes, so buyers should expect to answer quite a few questions also. Bichon Frise puppies bought from a good breeder with ensure that you have a good resource fro which to get advice about the care of your new pet.

Mary Stevenson enjoyed learning about what to look for in Bichon Frise puppies. A thorough knowledge of history and breed standard traits is necessary to choose healthy, pedigreed Bichon Frise puppies. How to choose the right Bichon Frise puppy and the history of Bichon Frise puppies is provided in this article.