Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise, breed of small dog noted for its fluffy coat and cheerful disposition. For many centuries it was known as the “Bichon” or “Tenerife.” Descended from water spaniels, it features a short blunt muzzle, silky ears that drop, and a puffy, silky, curled coat and an undercoat. Its color is for the most part pure white, though some individuals have shadings of cream, buff, or apricot around the ears or on the body.

The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean area, as did other breeds of Bichons—for instance, the Maltese, Bolognese, and Havanese—to which the Bichon Frise is related. Spanish sailors are believed to have introduced Bichons Frises to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and there, in the 14th century, Italian sailors found them and returned them to Europe.

The breed enjoyed four centuries of favor from royalty and the new middle class, especially in France in the late 16th century, when Henry III carried the little dogs in a basket attached to ribbons around his neck. They appeared in paintings by Francisco Goya, but by the late 19th century aristocratic fancies had turned to other dogs, and Bichons Frises performed in the circus and with organ-grinders or were pets belonging to commoners. French breeders began breeding them after World War I. In the 1930s, renamed “Bichons Frises,” they became recognized as show dogs. Bichons were first brought to the United States in 1956, and the first litter was delivered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The breed was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972.

Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.

SIGN UP

" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">

Thank you for signing up!"

Back to homepage

By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Britannica Quiz

The Dog Breed Quiz

Care and upkeep

The Bichon Frise enjoys the outdoors, and daily walks are recommended, though the dog can be adequately exercised indoors with vigorous games. Because of its small size, care must be taken to protect it from larger dogs and even predatory animals. The breed enjoys games of fetch, and, while it is a good swimmer, a Bichon in full coat can take so long to dry that swimming may be impractical and inconvenient. The dog can compete successfully in a variety of activities, including agility, obedience, and nose work as well as lure coursing. Housebreaking is the breed’s greatest behavioral challenge.

Upkeep of the coat can be challenging, as it tends to mat if not brushed and combed down to the skin at least every other day. Daily brushing is recommended. The dog also needs professional trimming every month or two to maintain the Bichon shape. The breed does not shed heavily, but loose hairs can tangle in the coat to create mats. The coat can also be difficult to keep white, depending on outdoor conditions.

While typically healthy, the breed is subject to patellar luxation (dislocated knee). Dogs that hop with a rear leg held up and forward should be checked by a veterinarian. Other potential medical issues include cataracts, ear infections, and allergies.

Temperament

The vivacious Bichon Frise is one of the most cheerful and amiable dog breeds, seemingly approaching every day as though it is the best ever. It is energetic, playful, and affectionate, typically a friend to everyone. The breed makes a charming companion for people of all ages, ever ready to play as well as snuggle. The Bichon Frise also gets along well with other household dogs and pets. It is easy to train and eager to please. While an enthusiastic watchdog, the breed may bark excessively or be overly excitable. Given their small size, Bichons are not effective protection dogs.

Explore Britannica Premium!

The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners.

SUBSCRIBE

These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.