The Bichon Frise has an illustrious history. This purebred all-white, curly-haired dog descended from a mix of poodle, Barbet and lap dog and originated in the Mediterranean region. The breed began as the Barbichon, which dates back to 600 B.C. The Barbichon was an outgoing, bold, small dog about the size of a large house cat. This dog accompanied Spanish sailors on trading expeditions. The name was shortened to Bichon through the years.

The Bichon was introduced to many countries while traveling with the sailors. And by the time of the Renaissance, or rebirth, of Europe the Bichon had become the favorite dog of the French royal family. Bichon Frise puppies abounded and became commonplace in the streets of France. The breed fell out of favor until dogs began to be used as trick dogs in the circus. Bichon, by now renamed Bichon Frise to reference their curly fur, could be trained to do circus tricks like walking the tightrope. From the 1930s to the 1970s, the popularity of the Bichon Frise again rose and the breed was introduced to Australia and the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the Bichon Frise in the non-sporting group in 1973.

The American Kennel Club sets breed standard traits for every breed of dog registered in the United States. For the Bichon Frise, some of the breed standard traits include a double coat of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and a curly, springy topcoat, ideal weight is between seven and twelve pounds, ideal height is between nine and twelve inches, disposition is friendly and outgoing, at least ninety percent of fur is pure white, mouth and nose are black, eyes are brown or black eyes and have a "human expression", and fur is groomed appropriately according to the breed standard. A Bichon Frise that is going to compete must be brushed regularly and professionally trimmed at least every three months. The fur is styled with full volume. A Bichon Frise that is not competing can have its fur cropped in a puppy cut, which is a shorter style similar to the natural length seen in Bichon Frise puppies.
Buyers ofBichon Frise puppies should know the history and breed specific traits of Bichon Frise before choosing a Bichon Frise breeder. They should also know what to expect when raising any breed of puppy. Puppies, like babies, require constant care at least for the first few months. Bichon breeders usually keep puppies until they are approximately eight weeks old. Buyers need to make sure they know how the Bichon Frise puppies have been raised within the first eight weeks so that they can continue with the same set regimen.

Buyers of Bichon Frise puppies should approach the breeder with a list of questions. They should expect to be asked questions by the breeder as well. The most important task is to make sure that each Bichon Frise puppy and every potential buyer are a good match to live together. Good Bichon Frise breeders will educate buyers on all elements of raising, grooming and disciplining Bichon Frise puppies. They will provide proper documentation of puppies such as pedigree, medical records and registration papers.

Buyers should know how to groom and care forBichon Frise puppies before buying.How to choose the right Bichon Frise puppy and the history of Bichon Frise puppies is provided in this article.