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Bichon Frise Breeders And Buyers |
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Written by Mary Stevenson
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Monday, 26 May 2008 |
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The Bichon Frise is a pure breed that originated in the Mediterranean region. This curly lap dog descended from a mix of the Barbet breed, poodle and a generic white lap dog. As early as 600 B.C. Spanish sailors used the breed, which at the time was referred to as the Barbichon, during trade to help with diplomacy. The Barbichon had a naturally outgoing and friendly disposition, which made the breed incredibly likeable and effective in building relationships.
by MaryStevenson
The Bichon Frise is a pure breed that originated in the Mediterranean region. This curly lap dog descended from a mix of the Barbet breed, poodle and a generic white lap dog. As early as 600 B.C. Spanish sailors used the breed, which at the time was referred to as the Barbichon, during trade to help with diplomacy. The Barbichon had a naturally outgoing and friendly disposition, which made the breed incredibly likeable and effective in building relationships.
The attractive and friendly Barbichon's name was shortened to Bichon and later had Frise added by the French to reference the breed's soft, curly fur. The Bichon Frise was popular in the French royal family during the Renaissance. Its popularity spread throughout Europe, to Australia and then to the United States in the 1930s to 1970s. Two Bichon Frise breeders in the U.S helped the breed become registered by the American Kennel Club in 1973. A Bichon Frise breeder must meet specific AKC breed standards to register dogs in competition.
This adorable and personable dog is believed to be a mix of poodle, generic white lap dog and Barbet. It has traits of all three. The AKC has defined specific characteristics Bichon Frise must have to be a part of AKC competition. A good Bichon Frise breeder attempts to retain the breed standard traits.
The American Kennel Club's breed standard for Bichon Frise to participate in AKC competition is as follows: a double coat of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and curly topcoat, between seven and twelve pounds in weight, between nine and twelve inches in height, a friendly, alert, and charming disposition, all white fur with less than ten percent being less than pure white, a black mouth and brown or black eyes and groomed according to AKC standard.
Competition Bichon Frise must be groomed or professionally trimmed every three months. When not competing, fur can be kept in a shorter puppy cut which requires less maintenance. The full volume look used in competition requires daily brushing. Every Bichon Frise breeder, along with retaining breed standard characteristics, must be aware of the health issues prone to Bichon Frise. For example, though Bichon Frise fur is hypoallergenic to most people, the Bichon Frise suffers from many allergies of the ears, eyes and skin. A good Bichon Frise breeder will explain the breeds' positive and negative traits to buyers prior to purchase.
Before the buyer interviews a Bichon Frise breeder he or she should ask a few questions of himself. The first question is why the buyer wants a Bichon Frise. The second is whether he or she can meet the needs of a Bichon Frise. If a buyer finds that they truly want this breed and is prepared to care for it, questions can then be asked of the Bichon Frise breeder.
A Bichon Frise buyer needs to ask a Bichon Frise breeder what they know about the breed. History, common medical and behavioral conditions, and care and grooming should all be explained. The breeder should be an expert on the breed and should be able to answer all the buyer's questions. The buyer should ask for copies of pedigree, registration papers, immunizations records and medical records.
Questions to ask Bichon Frise breeders include: May I meet the parents/puppy before purchase? Can you teach me how to care for my Bichon Frise? What is the history of the Bichon Frise? What are common health problems specific to Bichon Frise? Can I buy a rescued Bichon Frise instead? Will you provide pedigree and registration papers? Do you offer a warranty? Can I return the Bichon Frise if I can't keep it?
About the Author:
About the author: Mary Stevenson is a passionate lover of the Bichon Frise and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Bichon Frise. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Bichon Frise Breeders plus a whole lot more. |
