There are many attractive and popular purebred dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC registered the Bichon Frise, which in French loosely translates to curly lap dog, in 1973. Prior to the breed becoming popular in America, both the French and the Spanish loved it. The breed descended from a blend of poodle, Barbet, and white lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C. Originally called the Barbichon, the breed accompanied Spanish sailors on trade missions. The dogs were loved for their intelligent, friendly and outgoing dispositions.
During the Renaissance, the Barbichon, whose name had by then been shortened to Bichon, was renamed the Bichon Frise by the French. Frise refers to the breed's soft, curly fur. A Bichon Frise breeder must retain all the traits fitting the breed standard to register Bichon Frise for AKC competition. The soft, curly, white fur is just one of many desired traits of the Bichon Frise.
Because the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise is its white, curly coat, Bichon Frise breeders try to retain that characteristic. The American Kennel Club only allows less than ten percent of the fur to be off-white. Often the ears, tearstains around the eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even apricot in color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to maintain its luster and fluffiness.
Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth and nose, and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is prone to allergies even though the fur is hypoallergenic to humans. The ears are prone to ear mites. A Bichon Frise breeder must make sure dogs for use in AKC competition meet all the breed standard characteristics. Purebred Bichon Frise dogs have two coats of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to twelve pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in height and have a friendly, confident, intelligent and bold personality.
Bichon Frise buyers should attempt to find a reputable Bichon Frise breeder. There are a number of questions that should be asked to distinguish between good and bad Bichon Frise breeders. Buyers also want to make sure that breeders ask them questions. Buyers should ask the following questions of breeders: Do you have your own kennel? (A good breeder will maintain his/her own clean kennel.) Can I visit the kennel/meet the parents of the puppy? (This should be encouraged.) Have puppies and parents been screened for genetic defects? Will I receive registration papers, pedigree, and medical records? (Yes to all.) Can you tell me the history of the breed? (Breeders should be experts.) Are you affiliated with rescue centers? Can you tell me how to care for my Bichon Frise? Is there a warranty? (A good breeder will want the dog returned to them rather than sold.) There are many other questions that can be asked but these are a good start to finding a good Bichon Frise breeder.

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Mary Stevenson is not a Bichon Frise breeder but is a dog lover and fan of the breed. Legitimate Bichon Frise breeders interview buyers to ensure they are a good match for their puppies. Tips about finding a good breeder and general Bichon Frise information can be found in this article.