Bichon Frise: A Big-Hearted Lap Dog
The name Bichon Frise in French means a curly lap dog and truly, he is a cute and curly dog who loves to spread happiness all around. While choosing a small dog breed, you can always bring home a Bichon Frise as they make popular pets. They are look somewhat similar to the Maltese but are bigger. Extremely intelligent, the Bichon Frise is a lively and happy-go-lucky dog. You will really be proud to own one.
Compatibility and Usage: Due to his happy disposition, he makes for a complete family dog. The Bichon Frise is not a guard dog nor is it a popular show dog. He loves being indoors but at the same time will love to take a walk outdoors or at a dog park where he will happily make many friends.
Physical Appearance: The Bichon Frise sports a loose, curly double coat. The outer coat is textured while the undercoat is 3 to 4 inches long and is soft, fine and silky undercoat. The usual color is all white but some members of the breed may have cream, gray or orange colored coats. It has round, black intelligent eyes, drooping ears and a tail curved over its back.
Temperament: The Bichon Frise is a dog with a happy disposition and can make friends easily even with strangers and hence can’t be considered as a good guard dog. He is also quite sensitive and affectionate. The most important trait is his cheerful attitude, which is why he is so popular. They have an overall great temperament, which helps them to socialize with humans and other dogs alike.
Although they have a streak of stubbornness but it is rarely displayed. Sudden bursts of energetic display is quite common with a Bichon Frise and most of the time you will end up having a laugh especially when they start running after their tail. They are very good around children and elderly people.
Caring & Health: The average lifespan of the Bichon is approximately 12 years. The male Bichon has a maximum height of 12 inches and the female from 9 to 11 inches. Their weights may vary anywhere from 7 to 12 pounds. The Bichon’s non-shedding coat calls for regular grooming otherwise it may lead to an assortment of skin allergies and problems.
If you own a Bichon then you will need to brush his coat several times within a week so that hair tangling can be prevented. The more frequently you groom him, the puffier his coat will be. A balanced diet with moderate exercise will do him a lot of good. One of the most important health risks that a Bichon Frise might face is that of pancreatitis, which is more often caused due to eating fatty foods.
The breed is also susceptible to skin irritations and allergy if hygienic practice is not done regularly. In their old age, they may also contract eye cataract and senility. Ear infections are also common but a regular bath and cleaning of the ear area is enough preventive measure. The Bichon would certainly make any member of the family happy and contented with its cute and cuddly appearance and playful attitude.
Author Info: Mike Mathews is the owner and publisher of the popular Dog Breed Facts website. His new ebook titled “Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle” is a fantastic resource for the new dog owner.