Interesting facts about Bichon's
Centuries ago the Bichon Frise was popular in France and Spain, and the word Bichon Frise transalted from French actually means Curly Lap Dog!. The Bichon has been depicted in portraits of the royal families of both countries.
Bichon type dogs were developed on different islands in the Mediterranean and Tenerife this is were the Bichon Frise is thought to have originated. The Bichon of Malta (known as the Maltese today) is a close relative. 14th century sailors are thought to have taken them over to Europe from Tenerife.
In the 18th century the royal whims turned to other dogs and the Bichons became the dogs for commoners but their winsome ways and agility soon brought them fame as circus dogs and organ-grinders' dogs.
After World War 1, the servicemen took a liking to these little dogs and, once again, the French breeders took notice of them. In 1934, a standard was drawn up and the breed was renamed by the president of the International Canine Federation, Madame Nizet de Leemans. Its proper plural is Bichons Frises.
A Bichon Frise is a cheerful, happy little dog and sometimes looks like a puffball! It is small and sturdy with a dark-eyed inquisitive expression, with a beautiful plumed tail which it carries merrily over its back. The breed has a curled double coat, which consists of a textured outer coat and a silky undercoat. The coat must be white, but may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body.
