Basic Things You Should Know About The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise (also known as the "Tenerife Dog") is a toy breed of dog. They feature a curly white non-shedding coat. The breed first appeared in the 13th century. They were originally bred for providing companionship for Spanish sailors. These days they are popular as a companion dog for anyone who can perform a high amount of grooming. They can be recognized by their friendly and cheerful nature. They are thought to originate from the Mediterranean and are a descendant of the Barbet and Poodle.

They are classified as a small sized dog. The recommended male and female size is 9.5-11.5 inches high with a weight of 14-16 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be playful, cheerful and affectionate. They are typically friendly with strangers, and this makes them unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be quite intelligent, and ranks 45th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are great with children, which can make them suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as cats and other dogs. Grooming them is a highly demanding task. They need frequent brushing every day, and full grooming every 4 to 5 weeks. They enjoy having a small (though don't really need one) yard to run around in, but can be suitable for apartment life.

Like most small sized breeds, they are primarily long-lived with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Their most severe health concern is patellar luxation, and they are also susceptible to eye problems, cataracts, ear infections or allergies. They enjoy hobbies like games in the yard or park. They have a fairly high level of energy, which means they need moderate to long walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Bichon Frise you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time grooming and giving them attention. They are less suitable for owners without patience for grooming, but highly suitable for families, apartment dwellers or allergy sufferers with time to look after a dog. One of the best things about this breed is that it has a cheerful and friendly nature that makes it easy for anyone to love. Another good thing about them is due to their curly coat they can be considered hypoallergenic and suitable for allergy sufferers.

If you want to learn more Bichon Frise information and other related topics take a look at this page.