History And Origin Of The Bichon Frise

You would not guess from the white curly hair and lack of tan lines, but the Bichon Frise is of Mediterranean descent. Yep, the “yuppie puppy” has some rather exotic roots. They are just hidden by all the white hair.

The Bichon Frise is actually a cross between the Barbet water spaniel and the Poodle, resulting in the Barbichan dog series. This name was later shortened to simply “Bichon.” There were four main breeds that emerged from the Barbichan, the present day dubbed Bichon Frise being the most popular of them.

It is a guesstimate that Spanish sailors took the little dogs with them to the Canary Islands. No one really knows where the scallywags got the Bichons, but somehow they did and left them on the islands. The beginning of the Renaissance brought the Bichon Frise to Italy through trade and exploration. Royalty and the upper crest privileged took a shine to these perky, intelligent puff balls. When the Italian culture wave spread north to France, the Bichon was introduced to the country famous for its pomp and decadence. This was the perfect place for a dog that loves attention and pampering.

Riding In A Basket With Ribbons

King Henry III of France fell in love with the plucky canine and carried his Bichon everywhere he went. One particular rumor has the King carting the much beloved pet in a small basket secured around his neck and colorful ribbons. The Queen must have loved that. This could be where Paris Hilton got the idea. Napoleon III also reportedly had a soft spot for the Bichon Frise. Although it is doubtful he hauled one around in anything strapped to his body. And depending which genes he inherited from his infamous father, the pet may have been half his size anyway.

Like Scrappy Doo With A Better Coat

Artists had begin depicting the furry little clouds with legs in their works. By the nineteenth century, however, the Bichon Frise was off the pompous laps of the French court and on the streets. They were no longer brushed, perfumed, and placed on soft cushions. They became “grinder dogs”, performing tricks for crowds and passers by.

It was not until some time after the first World War that the lovable Bichon Frise began to once again attract attention. These people saw the uniqueness and possibilities for this breed enough to begin cultivating a pedigree animal. Like making a diamond from a lump of coal. In 1933, the Bichon Frise was given official recognition by the French Canine Society. It was a small, but helpful step in the whole grand scheme.

Other countries soon followed, but Bichon lovers were waiting for the preferred acceptance by the United States. It would be a long wait. Forty years passed before the American Kennel Club “knighted” the breed and welcomed the Bichon Frise into their illustrious circle. Better late than never.

Knowing the history and origin of this wonderful animal can better help you understand the Bichon Frise temperament and personality of the Bichon Frise breed.

Attention: To discover how YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Bichon Frise, get a copy of this Bichon Frise Guide NOW!