What is the average size of a Bichon Frise?
The preferred size range is 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches for dogs and bitches. However, according to the AKC, dogs and bitches, 9 to 12 inches, are still considered in the standard. The AKC does not specify how much the dog should weigh. However, the normal Bichon weight is approximately 10 to 18 pounds, depending on the size of the dog.
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The Bichon Frise is a white dog. The contrast between the white coat and the black nose, halos, eye rims, and etc. is what the ideal specimen is known for and should be adhered to. There is some allowance made in the AKC standard for shadings in small amounts. Puppies are often born with shadings of buff, cream, or apricot. However, these shadings usually disappear by the time the dog is 12 months old.
What is the difference between "Pet" and "Show" quality?
Every Bichon is a pet, however, some are show, too. In order for a Bichon to be show quality, the dog needs to match the AKC Standard as close as possible. If you answer yes to all of the following questions (honestly), you should have your Bichon evaluated by a reputable handler for show possibilities, if you are interested in showing your Bichon.
Temperament-Does your Bichon have a friendly and outgoing personality to everyone, not just you?
Attitude-Does the Bichon have the "here I am, you gotta love me attitude"?
Size-Is the Bichon 9 1/2 inches or more but less than l2 inches?
Color-Is the Bichon white with less than 10 percent shadings of cream or buff? (Puppies are excluded from this test.)
Eyes-Does the Bichon have black/dark eyes?
Pigment-Does the dog have black lips, pads, and nose?
Bite-Does the Bichon have a scissors bite?
Halos-Does the dog have black or dark brown skin surrounding the eyes?
Proportions-Does the Bichon match the AKC Standard proportions?
Movement-This is very difficult to evaluate, it is best left to an expert.
Is there a national Bichon Frise club?
Yes, the Bichon Frise Club of America was founded in 1964. The corresponding secretary's address is: Joanne Styles, Corresponding Secretary, 32 Oak Street, Centereach, N.Y. 11720.
Are there local Bichon Frise clubs?
Yes, there are local Bichon Frise Clubs across the United States. A full listing is posted at: National & Local Bichon Frise Clubs in the United States.
Is it easy to house train a Bichon?
As with any dog you need to be consistent and patient while house training. Bichons are very intelligent and are eager to please. House training puppies works best if you confine the dog in a play area while you are not watching them or else you will end up with accidents. Crate training makes it much easier to house train the dog, we start training our puppies at 6 weeks of age and have heard that this training has made it easier for new puppy owners to continue with success. The main rule to follow is keep the dog confined to the room you are in and give them access, on a regular basis, to the place where you want them to go. Bichons can be paper trained or trained to go outside. Establish a routine and follow it. Bichons can even be trained to go on cue. Each time they do it where you want it done, praise them, they love being praised.
What are halos?
Halos are the black or dark brown skin that surrounds the eyes. Proper skin coloring around the eyes, accentuate the eyes and enhances the expression. A lack of skin pigment gives the impression of a blank look instead of an expressive look.
Do Bichons get along with children?
Yes, Bichons get along great with children as long as the children are well mannered and not abusive to the dog. Bichons love to play with children as long as the children remember they are playing with a living animal and are not too rough. Parents should supervise younger children playing with the small dog to make sure the children do not hurt the dog.
Do Bichons get along with other pets?
Yes, Bichons do get along well with other pets.
