Bichon Frise: A Big-Hearted Lap Dog

By: Mike Mathews..


Compatibility and Usage: The breed's small size and friendly nature does not make it the first choice as a good guard dog however, it more than makes up for this shortcoming as it adequately fulfills the role of a family dog without equal! Its disposition, playful character and antics would surely liven up any person's life - be it in the city or in the countryside.

Physical Appearance: The Bichon Frise has a non-shedding white fur coat although different breeds may have different coat color. They sometime have a cream color coat or even in apricot with shadings around their ears. But a purebred Bichon Frise will have a white color coat. Their eyes are normally black or brown in color and have an unmistakable halo around the eyes.

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: Average lifespan is normally 12 years, give or take a year or two. The male of the breed has a maximum height of that reaches up to 12 inches while the female can be anywhere from 9 to 11 inches. Their non shedding coat requires regular grooming and can be a source of various types of skin allergies and skin problems, making grooming a regular necessity.

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.

Bichons are also prone to skin irritations and allergy (if not groomed regularly); old age cataract, senility and diseases of the ear; although ear disease is very easy to treat. Owning a Bichon is no different than owning a cuddly, barking fur ball that would give all members of the family extreme joy and pleasure!

Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com


Author Info: Mike Mathews is a writer and editor of the popular Dog Breed Facts website. His new ebook titled "Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle" is a great resource for the prospective dog owner.