Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise
Other names
  • Bichón Tenerife
  • Bichon à poil frisé
Origin
Traits
Height 23–28 cm (9–11 in)
Coat Medium length, silky texture with corkscrew curls
Colour White
Litter size 4–6[1]
Life span 11- 16years
Classification / standards
FCI Group 9, Section 1.1 Bichons #215 standard
AKC Non-sporting standard
ANKC Group 1 (Toy) standard
CKC Group 6 (Non-sporting) standard
KC (UK) Toy standard
NZKC Toy standard
UKC Companion standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

A Bichon Frise (/ˈbiːʃɒn ˈfriːz/ or /ˈbiːʃɒn frɪˈzeɪ/; from French: bichon à poil frisé, French pronunciation: ​[biʃɔ̃ fʁize], meaning 'curly lap dog') is a small breed of dog of the bichon type. The Bichon Frise is a member of the Non-sporting Group of dog breeds in the United States,[2] and a member of the Toy Dog Group in the United Kingdom.[3]

Etymology

Bichon Frise

The French word bichon comes from Middle French bichon ('small dog'), a diminutive of Old French biche ('female dog', cognate with English bitch), from Old English bicce, and related to other Germanic words with the same meaning, including Old Norse bikkja, and German Betze.[4][5] Some speculate the origin of bichon to be the result of the apheresis, or shortening, of the word barbichon ('small poodle'), a derivative of barbiche ('shaggy dog'); however, this is unlikely to impossible, since the word bichon (attested 1588) is older than barbichon (attested 1694).[6][7] While the English name for the breed, Bichon Frise, is derived from the French bichon à poil frisé meaning 'curly lap dog', the usual English spelling does not include the diacritic.[8]

History

The Bichon Frise is often depicted as a French dog. Although the bichon breed type are originally Spanish, used as sailing dogs, the French developed them into a gentle lap-dog variety. The bichon type arose from the water dogs, and is descended from the poodle-type dogs and either the Barbet or one of the water spaniel class of breeds. Modern bichons have developed into four categories: the Bichon Frise or Tenerife, the Maltese, the Bolognaise, and the Havanese, often treated as separate breeds.[9]

Because of their merry disposition, the ancestral bichons traveled much and were often used as barter by sailors as they moved from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally believed that Spanish seamen introduced the early breed to the Tenerife in the Canary Islands. In the 14th century, Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to continental Europe, where they became great favorites of Italian nobility. As was the style with dogs in the courts, their coats were cut "lion style", like a modern-day Portuguese Water Dog.

The Tenerife, often simply called the Bichon, had success in France during the Renaissance under Francis I (1515–1547), but its popularity skyrocketed in the court of Henry III (1574–1589). The breed also enjoyed considerable success in Spain as a favorite of the Infantas and painters of the Spanish school often included them in their works. For example, the famous artist, Francisco de Goya, included a Bichon in several of his works.

Interest in the breed was renewed during the rule of Napoleon III, but then waned until the late 19th century when it became the "common dog", running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind, and doing tricks in circuses and fairs.

On 5 March 1933, the official standard of the breed was adopted by the Société Centrale Canine, the national kennel club for France.[10] This was largely due to the success of the French-speaking Belgian author Hergé's The Adventures of Tintin, which featured a small, fluffy, white fox terrier dog named Milou (Snowy in the English editions). As the breed was known by two names at that time, Tenerife and Bichon, the president of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented – the Bichon Frisé. ("Frisé" means "curly", referring to the breed's coat.) On 18 October 1934, the Bichon Frisé was admitted to the stud book of the Société Centrale Canine.

The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955.[11] The first US-born Bichon litter was whelped in 1956. In 1959 and 1960, two breeders in different parts of the US acquired Bichons, which provided the origins for the breed's further development in that country.

The Bichon Frise became eligible to enter the AKC's Miscellaneous Class on 1 September 1971. In October 1972, the breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book. On 4 April 1973, the breed became eligible to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows. In 2001, a Bichon Frise named J.R. won best-in-show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In the United States, the Bichon Frise was ranked the 40th most popular breed in 2013 according to the American Kennel Club.[12]

The Bichon was introduced into Australia in 1976. The first registered litter in Australia was in March 1977.

Description

Appearance

Bichon Frise in a pet trim

The Bichon Frise is a small dog that weighs approximately 5–10 kg (10–20 lbs) and stands 23–30 cm (9–12 in) at the withers, but slightly larger dogs are not uncommon. The skull is slightly rounded and the muzzle is not pointy. The tail is groomed to be long and curly and is carried over the back. It has a black nose and dark round eyes; its white hair consists of a curly, dense coat with little shedding (much like a poodle in this respect), although many of the breed do tend to have less curly hair than others. A small amount of buff, cream, or apricot colour may be seen around its ears, snout, paws or body, but normally these colours do not exceed 10% of its body. FCI/AKC Standard coat colour is pure white; other colours such as apricot or grey are not recognised. A white coat is preferred in the show ring. The head and legs are proportionate in size to the body, and the ears and tail are natural (not docked or cropped).[13] The coat is trimmed often to make the hair seem like an even length. Bichon Frises can have a medium-high intelligence.

Temperament

The American Kennel Club refers to the Bichon Frise as "merry" and "cheerful",[14] and the breed standard calls for a dog that is "gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate." The dogs are generally very sociable and do well with an owner who takes them along on outings. They are affectionate and intelligent. Bichons do well with children because they are playful and have lots of energy. If affiliated with a particular territory and encouraged by owners, they can become very territorial.[15] Developed as a companion-dog breed, the Bichon Frise tends to get along well with both children and other animals. Bichon Frises are very obedient if training is started early and continued constantly.

Though not considered a retriever or a water dog by modern standards, the bichon type, due to their ancestry as sailors' dogs, have an affinity for water and enjoy retrieving. On the boats however, the animals' role was that of companion dog.

Training

Bichon Frises are easily trained. Training must be done with a gentle, but firm hand; however, you should not scold or use harsh corrections. They respond well to being trained with being provided with treats after accomplishing a lesson.

These playful pups are very sociable, but, if they are not properly trained, they can become too active. The Bichon Frise Club of America recommends against purchasing this dog from a pet shop and to instead adopt from a pound.

Allergies and Frequent Problems to be aware of

Bichon Frises require more than average owner or professional coat grooming, multiple times per week to daily. The coat is combed to remove loose hair, mats, and tangles. Bichon Frises may need more detailed owner or professional grooming approximately every four to eight weeks. Daily brushing of the coat can help to prevent matting. If a Bichon's coat gets severely matted, they may develop a haematoma,[16] most likely in the ears. Bichon Frise are more prone than average to ear infections. As Bichon Frises are white dogs, frequent bathing is required to maintain the colour.

Bichon Frises are prone to scratching and chewing on themselves in the summer because of the warm and moist air, which commonly results in serious skin conditions. They are comparatively hypoallergenic, but they themselves suffer from allergies to fleas, tics, chemicals, pollen, dust, etc. Loose knee joints, ear infections, cataracts, diabetes, and heart disease are also common.[17]

Hypoallergenic qualities and shedding

Bichon Frises often appear on lists of dogs that do not shed (moult).[18] The grooming required to maintain the Bichon Frise's coat helps remove loose hair, and the curl in the coat helps prevent dead hair and dander from escaping into the environment, as with the poodle's coat. The frequent trimming, brushing, and bathing required to keep the Bichon looking its best removes hair and dander and controls the other potent allergen, saliva.[19]

Bichon Frises are considered suitable for people with allergies,[20] as they are bred to be hypoallergenic. It is important to note that human sensitivity to dog fur, dander, and saliva varies considerably. Although hair, dander, and saliva can be minimised, they are still present and can stick to "clothes and the carpets and furnishings in your home"; inhaling the allergens, or being licked by the dog, can trigger a reaction in a sensitive person.[21]

Bichon Frise, Pet Cut

Lifespan

Bichon Frise in the UK and in the United States in Canada (according to surveys of their owners) had an average life span of about 12–13 years or older, with Bichon Frises in the UK tending to live longer than Bichon Frises in North America, though the record age was lower in the UK.[22] This breed's longevity is similar to other breeds of its size, and somewhat longer than purebred dogs in general.[23]

The longest-lived of 34 deceased Bichons in a 2004 UK survey died at 16.5 years.[24] The oldest Bichon Frises for which there are reliable records in various North American surveys have died at 19 years.[25]

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the leading causes of Bichon Frise death were old age (23.5%) and cancer (21%).[24] In a 2007 US/Canadian breeders survey, the leading causes of death were cancer (22%), unknown causes (14%), hematologic (11%), and old age (10%).[25] Hematologic causes of death were divided between autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). AIHA and ITP were responsible for the greatest number of Bichon Frise "years lost" (a measure of the extent to which a condition kills members of a breed prematurely). While cancer is a more common cause of death than AIHA and ITP, Bichon Frises that died of cancer died at a median age of 12.5 years.[25] Hematologic deaths occurred at a median age of only 5 years. Bichon Frises in the UK survey had a lower rate of hematologic deaths (3%) than in the USA/Canada survey (11%).[24]

Bichons are also prone to liver shunts. These often go undetected until later in life, leading to complications that cannot be addressed, and therefore liver failure. Bichons who are underweight, runts of the litter, or have negative reactions to foods high in protein are more likely to be suffering from a shunt. When detected early, shunt often can be corrected through surgery. However, the later in life the shunt is detected, the lower the likelihood of surgery being successful. Shunts can be kept under control through special low-protein diets and through medications to support liver function, help flush toxins that build up in the kidneys and liver, and control seizures that often occur as a symptom of the shunt. Without surgery, Bichons with shunts on average live to be 4–6 years old. Other symptoms include dark urine, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased thirst. Seizures come in all forms; episodes of seizures can begin early in life but may go undetected. Early seizures can appear to be the Bichon in a hypnotic state or an episode of vertigo, or being drunk. Shunts are a serious condition of smaller breeds, though so frequently associated with Bichons.

Two Bichons Frises in Show Cut

AIHA and ITP

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA, also called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) are responsible for many premature Bichon Frise deaths. These diseases can strike with little or no warning and kill very quickly. In AIHA, the dog's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, leading to severe, life-threatening anemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of energy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, dark urine, and pale or yellow gums.[26]

ITP often accompanies AIHA.[27] In ITP, blood platelets (which cause blood clotting) are destroyed. The most common clinical signs are haemorrhages of the skin and mucus membranes.[27] Mortality rates of 20% to 80% are reported.[26]

References

  1. ↑ "Bichon Frise". Purebredpups.org. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  2. ↑ "Get to Know the Bichon Frise", The American Kennel Club, Retrieved 30 April 2014
  3. ↑ "Breed Information Centre - Bichon Frise" The Kennel Club, Retrieved 2 July 2014
  4. ↑ Auguste Scheler, Dictionnaire d'étymologie française d'après les résultats de la science moderne, "bichon".
  5. ↑ Donkin, Diez, An etymological dictionary of the Romance languages, "biche".
  6. ↑ Centre National de Ressources Textuelles et Lexicales, "bichon".
  7. ↑ "French etymology of barbiche". myEtymology.com. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  8. ↑ "Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information". Akc.org. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  9. ↑ Stevenson, Mary (24 January 2008). "Bichon Frise: From Barbichon to Bichon". ArticleAlley.com. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  10. ↑ "Bichon Frise Page". AKC.org. American Kennel Club. 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  11. ↑ "Get to Know the Bichon Frise". AKC.org. American Kennel Club. 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  12. ↑ "2013 Dog Registration Statistics Historical Comparisons & Notable Trends". AKC.org. American Kennel Club. 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  13. ↑ "FCI-Standard No. 215: Bichon Frise (Bichon à poil frisé)". FCI.be. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. 11 May 1998. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  14. ↑ "Get to know the Bichon Frise". AKC.org. American Kennel Club. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  15. ↑ "Meet the Breeds: Bichon Frise". AKC.org. American Kennel Club. 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  16. ↑ "Bichon Frise Information". dogbreedindex.com.
  17. ↑ "Bichon Frise Club of America - Health Resource Center - Health Articles". Bichonhealth.org. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  18. ↑ "Dogs that do not shed – Retrieved 7 September, 2008". Go Pets America. 25 July 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  19. ↑ "Hair vs Fur". Dogplay.com. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  20. ↑ "Dogs and Allergies". AKC.org. American Kennel Club. 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  21. ↑ "Pet allergy – Symptoms and causes". MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  22. ↑ Cassidy, Kelly M., ed. (1 February 2008). "Breed Longevity Data". Dog Longevity. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  23. ↑ Cassidy, Kelly M., ed. (26 December 2007). "Survey Comparisons". Dog Longevity. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  24. 1 2 3 "Purebred Dog Health Survey Results". TheKennelClub.org.uk. The Kennel Club. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
  25. 1 2 3 "Surveys and Reports". BichonHealth.org. Bichon Frise Club of America. 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  26. 1 2 McDonald, Nancy (2013). "Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia". BichonHealth.org. Bichon Frise Club of America. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  27. 1 2 Merck Veterinary Manual online. Immune System chapter, Immunopathologic diseases section. Last accessed 18 August 2007
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