The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed descended from the poodle, Barbet and a generic white lap dog originating in the Mediterranean region as early as 600-300 B.C. The breed has been everything from a companion to Spanish merchants, to a lap dog of French royalty, to a circus performer, to a sheepherder, to an American Kennel Club registered competitor.

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. Bichon Frise puppies and adults are also distinguishable by their outgoing, friendly and hyper dispositions. Bichon Frise puppies are highly intelligent and loving but require regular activity. There is even a phrase to describe this breed’s random bursts of hyperactivity- “the Bichon Frise blitz”. Choosing the best Bichon Frise puppies starts with choosing the right Bichon Frise breeder. Bichon Frise puppies should be raised in a clean, adequate kennel owned by the breeder where puppies have received socialization. Most breeders sell puppies when they are approximately eight weeks old. A good breeder will have begun housebreaking and disciplining puppies and setting a schedule for them. Potential Bichon Frise puppy buyers should visit the breeder’s kennel and ask to meet the puppy’s parents. The sire may not always be available but the mother, or dam, should be on-site. Buyers can observe puppies and make sure they are healthy, happy and well socialized. 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.