The Bichon Frise: Know And Understand The Standard

The Bichon Frise standard makes it clear that the Bichon Frise must make an ideal companion dog and should show the required traits as befits the one-time favored pet of King Henry III of France. The Bichon Frise standard can differ from country to country, though as a general rule the characteristics that are desired in the breed are pretty much the same across various locations in the world.
The Bichon Frise is a sturdy, yet small and predominantly white colored powder puff dog that sports his merry temperament quite easily. This is evident from the inquisitive expression you see in its dark eyes and also noticeable in the jaunty manner that he carries his plumed tail. In addition, the Bichon Frise standard is characterized by the absence of any gross exaggerations or incapacities that makes the Bichon Frise free from unsound movement or even lack of balance.

The average purebred Bichon Frise is also known to have deviations from the American Kennel Club standard, much like any other breed, though the standard may not actually specify all possible faults. Whatever faults are noticed from the ideal defined by the Bichon Frise standard can be penalized to the extent that the faults deviate from the standard. According to the standard, it is normal for the males as well as females to stand between nine and a half inches to eleven inches in height.

There are certain specifications that the Bichon Frise standard lays down with regard to the proportion, and substance of the Bichon Frise including that the body from the front portion being a quarter as long than the height at the dog’s withers, and that the body should be compact as well as a coat that is neither too coarse or too fine. Other aspects that you need to pay attention to, as laid down by the Bichon Frise standard, are that the correct shape and form of the head, eyes, ears, skull, muzzle and stop as well as its nose, lips and bite.

In addition, you need to know what the Bichon Frise standard requires with regard to the neck, top line and also the body, and also the way that the forequarters and hindquarters need to pan out in well bred Bichon Frise dogs. The Bichon Frise standard also has specifics about what the correct texture of the coat of the Bichon Frise is, what its color it should be, what its gait should be and even what its temperament should be like.

When all is said and done, the Bichon Frise standard has laid out the way that the breed should look, and what its size as well as proportion and substance should be. In addition, there are certain guidelines as to its physical build, and its coat and color also should conform to standards. Though there would hardly be any instances when you will find a Bichon Frise that possesses all of the required qualities, the more it is free from faults, the better will be its outlook, temperament and other qualities.

The Bichon Frise standard is also clear that a well-bred Bichon Frise must be able to move without impediments and the movement should be effortless as well as cautious. The Bichon Frise dog should hold its head high and his neck in a straight manner when he is running at a good pace. Also, the Bichon Frise personality must be affectionate, gentle as well as of good temper, which should ensure that he would make an ideal family dog.

Mary Stevenson has for years shown an unswerving commitment and devotion to raising and caring for all kinds of dogs. The Bichon Frise standard has laid down the qualities desired in the breed and for more information you can refer to publications such as The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards. For anyone that needs to learn more about the standard, there is a lot of useful Bichon Frise information provided in this article.

By Mary Stevenson
Published: 1/28/2008
 
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