Picture of Bichon Frise Dog

When looking at a picture of a Bichon Frise Dog you can notice that the exterior of this breed is very close to that of the Spaniel and Poodle. The other ancestor of the Bichon Frise is a small lap dog, which existed around 500 B.C. in the Mediterranean but is extinct nowadays. That dog was named “Barbichon,” which transformed to “Bichon.” There were four groups of Bichons: Maltais, Bolognais, Havanais, and Tenerife. All Bichon dogs were popular among the nobility. They were true ladies’ lap dogs - fluffy, quiet, and funny.

A picture of a Bichon Frise Dog can be found in many countries of the Middle Ages. Originated in the Mediterranean area, these dogs were taken to other continents by sailors who sold them abroad for a great price. Small white Bichons were ideal boat dogs, because they don’t shed, don’t need much exercise, and can be trained to perform funny tricks. These dogs had no task on the boats except making people smile and laugh. The Tenerife Bichon was introduced to the Canary Island of Tenerife. In the 14th century, Italian sailors rediscovered these dogs in Tenerife and took them to Italy. It happened that the breed was named not after its place of origin, but after the place it was taken to by sailors.

Goya and other famous European artists of the 16th-19th centuries portrayed these dogs. A picture of Bichon Frise Dog of that time can be seen in a number of museums. This breed was very popular in France, where it was a favorite pet of the royalty. In the 19th century, Bichon Dogs became common. They roamed the streets, performed in circuses, and accompanied organ grinders. Even today, most circus dogs are Bichons.

Throughout most of its history, the breed was known under two names “Tenerife” and “Bichon.” In 1933, when the first official breed standard was adopted in France, these dogs got their present-day name – “Bichon Frise,” which means a little dog with soft, curly hair. Bichon Frise dogs appeared in the USA in 1955 and in 1973 they were recognized by the AKC. You can find the current breed standard and see a picture of a Bichon Frise Dog on its website.