Bichon Frise

Temperament: placid, even-tempered (can be precious)
Lifespan: 14-15 years
Maintenance: medium-high
Recommended for: elderly and families

History

‘Bichon Frise’ (Pronounced Beshon Frizzay) loosely translated means ‘Curley coated dog’. The breed was first registered in France although it fell into relative obscurity over the years, it is again now quite popular in Britain and France.

Appearance

The breed has a double coat, always white. The outer coat is coarse and curly, much like a poodles, and covers a soft short under coat, which provides body and gives the breed a fluffy appearance. It stands no more than 30cm at the shoulder, slightly taller than a Maltese.

Temperament

Fun loving, happy and often naughty. Known to be difficult to house train and perseverance is required. Promoted as a lap dog, the Bichon Frise should never be aggressive or surly.

Health and lifespan

Reports exist of cases of epilepsy and slipping kneecaps, called luxating patellas. Ask your breeder if there's any history of these in the parents. Breeders now test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) where the retina breaks down and causes the animal to go blind. This is a preventable problem with astute breeding. Skin allergies are not uncommon amongst pale skinned animals. Look for signs of allergy in the parents, such as reddened skin and signs of irritation, especially in the hotter months. Breeders report that Bichons are tremendously allergic to flea dirt and other allergens. Some will try to chew themselves to pieces when bitten, causing ‘hot spots’. Flea control should be maintained throughout the year.

Feeding and costs

Bichons love food and are prone to obesity if overfed. Feeding costs about $10.00 per week. Around $800 for a pet.

Grooming

Recommended as a good indoors dog as it doesn’t shed, however a Bichon requires much the same care as a poodle. This means plenty of grooming, probably half an hour a day grooming, brushing and combing their fur. At least every four to six weeks the dog will need a clip, costing about $45-$55 per time.

Many pet owners would not have the time to groom their dog to the same degree as a show dog and should probably have the dog close clipped to reduce grooming times.

Ideal owner

Promoted as a companion dog, Bichons are quite popular with the elderly, who may have time to groom. The breed is accepting of children and could be a popular choice for families if there is time available to maintain the coat.

National contacts

To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations. The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au

Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: info@dogsnsw.org.au
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872

Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: office@dogsvictoria.org.au
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: info@dogsact.org.au
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 - Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: k9@dogswest.com
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: dogsqld@powerup.com.au
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: tca@iprimus.com.au
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: naca3@bigpond.com
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au

Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: info@dogsnsw.org.au
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872

Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: office@dogsvictoria.org.au
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: info@dogsact.org.au
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 - Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: k9@dogswest.com
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: dogsqld@powerup.com.au
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: tca@iprimus.com.au
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: naca3@bigpond.com
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409

Copyright CTC Productions 2004