BREEDS wonderful nature. They are lively and alert, with eyes that are so full of expression. What I like most is their love and devotion to their owners,” she says.
the French Kennel Club. From then on, the little pooch began making its mark around the world and is today one of the most popular of the toy breeds internationally.
FROM THE BASKET TO THE CIRCUS
THE ALLERGY-FREE DOG
Bichons originated in the Mediterranean region and became popular with Italian and Spanish dignitaries when Italian sailors took them back to Europe in the 1300s. They were later bred as lap dogs for French royalty, becoming especially popular with the French aristocracy. So popular, in fact, that King Henry III would carry his Bichons in a basket around his neck so he could stay close to them at all times. By the late 19th century, the French love afair with the Bichon was waning and the little pooches found themselves relegated to the streets during the French Revolution. Their cute appearance caught the eye of commoner entrepreneurs, however, and the little dogs were taken in and trained to be circus and beggar dogs. The Bichon began rising in prominence once again after World War One and by the mid-1930s, was an accepted breed in
The Bichon’s coat does not shed, making it ideal for allergy suferers.
The Bichon Frise is considered one of the best dogs for allergy suferers because of its coat, which does not shed. However, experts recommend that before rushing out for a Bichon, allergy suferers should spend some time in the dogs’ company to make sure they are not afected. “They are the perfect allergy-free dog,” Sharon says. “I myself sufer with allergies and asthma and the only time I sufer is when I am cutting their fur, so getting a groomer to do that job would be better for allergy suferers.”
CLEVER AND CUTE Looking at times almost like a human pom-pom, the Bichon Frise has been compared with a child’s stufed toy. And while this breed is undeniably adorable and immensely huggable at all times, it is an intelligent dog and perhaps aware that it is capable of winning over even the
FIVE FAST FACTS Personality: A gorgeous dog, hard to resist picking up and cuddling, the Bichon Frise is intelligent and great fun to have around. It bonds closely with its family and is especially loyal. Suitability: This little pooch is ideal for families, singles and elderly people as long as they do not have timeconsuming careers and have time to spend with their dog. The Bichon gets extremely attached to its owners and will fret if left alone all day. Prospective owners should also make sure they have time to dedicate to grooming. Favourite activities: Spending time with the family is top of the wish list for this pooch. The Bichon loves to play games and go on outings, but is just as happy to curl up on the lap of its favourite person and have a snooze. Watchdog qualities: While not considered an efective watchdog, the Bichon is alert and has an acute sense of hearing. This will make it very aware of strangers and intruders. Hereditary diseases: This pooch is relatively free of disease due to careful breeding, but can be afected by luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), the eye disease progressive retinal atrophy, and skin allergies.
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