Bichon Frise Dog Breed | 10 Interesting Bichon Frise Facts Dogs 101
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Bichon Frise - Dog Breed
The Breed History
The history of the breed is centered in the Mediterranean. The Barbet Water Spaniel was the chief progenitor of the breed, and the name Bichon evolved from Barbichon, the intermediate ancestor. Four regional varieties (Bichon Havanais, Bolognais, Teneriffe and Maltais) developed. They were favored companions to French and Italian nobility. Frise is a French term to describe their frizzy, soft hair. They were brought to United States in the mid 1950s, and the first registry in the AKC studbook dates to 1972.
Breeding for Function
This dog was bred for companionship, though their origins from water spaniels give them talents that would be useful for hunting. They were popular in Belgium, but also became a favored trick-performing dog in the late 1800s.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: 9.5-11.5 " (24-29 cm).
Weight: 7-12 lb (3-6 kg).
Coat: Their distinctive white coat is double, with a dense soft inner coat and curly fine outer coat. It is springy and stands up when groomed to give an appearance described as "powder puff". Some dogs have a hint of cream, buff, gray or apricot to the hairs. They have high grooming needs including regular trimming, and are low shedder and low allergen dogs.
Longevity: 14-16 years. Oldest recorded was 21 yrs.
Points of Conformation: This dog is sturdily built and the profuse haircoat is a distinct feature of the breed. The skull is somewhat rounded, a distinct stop is present, and the nose is large and pigmented black. The round eyes are dark brown and palpebral margins and skin around (halo) is black. Ears are pendulous with fine leathers, and the neck is long with a high head carriage. Limbs are straight, and the feet compact. The topline is fairly level, and thorax is deep with moderately sprung ribs; the abdomen has a moderate tuck. Slightly longer than high, they should appear to move effortlessly. Plumed tails are carried over the back, reaching about half way up to withers but the tail bones should not be resting on the back, and a corkscrew tail is considered a serious fault.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
This type of dog is ascribed as: Friendly, with an outgoing temperament. Fear biter or separation anxiety may occur in some shy dogs, but breeding of dogs that deviate from the typical playful Bichon personality is not accepted. They are alarm barkers but not considered watchdogs. They need close human contact, and are considered moderately trainable. They are fine for city life, as they are active dogs with average exercise needs.
Normal Physiologic Variations
None reported
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthes: Polygenically inherited traits causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 6.7% affected with hip dysplasia.
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar ligaments, causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint disease. Treat surgically if causing clinical signs. Reported 4.8x odds ratio versus other breeds. OFA reports 5.5% affected. Reported at a frequency of 12% in the 2007 BFCA Health Survey for Breeders.
Cataracts: Cataracts appear to be inherited in the Bichon Frise as an autosomal recessive trait. Age at onset of cataract formation ranges from 1.5-13.5 years, with a peak age of 3 years. Posterior cortex cataracts predominate, starting as punctate opacities. One study showed a 5.2x odds ratio in Bichon Frise versus other breeds. Dorn reports a 1.41x odds ratio. The estimated frequency of cataracts in the breed is 11.45%. Affected dogs can develop secondary retinal detachment or glaucoma. Identified in 4.29% of Bichon Frise CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. Reported at a frequency of 4% in the 2007 BFCA Health Survey for Breeders. CERF does not recommend breeding any Bichon Frise with a cataract.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Polygenically inherited congenital heart disorder, where a fetal vessel remains open after birth, causing a mixing of oxygenated and unoxygenated blood. Affected dogs are usually stunted, and have a loud heart murmur. Diagnosis with Doppler ultrasound. Treat with surgery. Dorn reports a 13.35x odds ratio in Bichon Frise versus other breeds.4 Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow arthritis. OFA reports 0.7% affected.