THE BICHON FRISÉ CONQUERS HEARTS

The number of Brazilians who have discovered, and learned to appreciate, the qualities of this small dog grows steadily.

Bichon FriséSmall, white, gracious and furry as a stuffed animal, the Bichon Frisé is very popular in the United States and Europe. Here in Brazil, this seems to be the decade of their expansion: in four years, the number of puppies registered doubled, and it became an option for people who look for a companion pet. It really doesn't lack qualities. In the past, at the time of Henry III, it enchanted so greatly the aristocracy in France, that he was spoiled and cared for to the point of being called by the expression bichonner (beautify). The Bichon is very sympathetic. Loving and good-tempered, he never despises the warmth of a lap, or playing a good "game". Cheerfulness is one of his trademarks. Active, this dog brings joy to the home, without demanding constant attention to play. "They know how to respect our eventual indisposition for playing or to caress them," says Hilda Drumond, from Kennel Drumhill's, in São Paulo, Brazil. He seems perfect for small places and the little hair that comes off is retained in brush, not falling around the house.

INCREDIBLE "HAIR-DOS"

It's long and volumous coat has inspired two types of "hair-dos". The first and older one, in French style, consists in leaving the coat at its natural length (between 7 and 10cm), preserving its curly aspect, which gives it a rough appearance. The paws and muzzle are slightly trimmed. The other one, created by the Americans in the 70's, and adopted by the English, is defined as the "powder puff look", exactly because it makes the dog look like a powder puff. The look makes dog look round around head and neck, and body with a lot of volume. The FCI Standard mentions that the coat must be cut only slightly in the muzzle and paws, as the French do. But the powder puff is the most frequently adopted in the dogs presented in expositions in many countries affiliated to this entity, such as Brazil and Japan. It is common to see this pet trimmed according to one of the Poodle's clips, because the Bichon is commonly mistaken for a Poodle. "This occurs because of mis-information," states Lisis Rojo Gomes, from Kennel Scene Bijou, in São Paulo. To be sure you get an appropriate breed clip, take pictures and explain the dog is not a Poodle. If the owner wants the powder puff look, he/she should take it to an experienced professional, for it is very difficult to perform it.

If you're considering the purchase of a Bichon, don't be fooled by adds that procclaim to sell "micro" individuals. Though a miniature Bichon might seem tempting to some, it is risky. "The adults with less then 20cm may present physical distortions such as pointed muzzle, popped out eyes, larger head, not proportional to body, and alterations of temperament or health. Dogs should be a little bigger," comments Lisis. The minimum height in order to keep its correct proportions was established by the AKC in 24,13cm. Simone Gelineau, president fo the Club of Bichons in France, explains that though the FCI Standard does not determine a minimum height, there is a consensus that they shouldn't be shorter then 25cm. The president of the Standard Committee of the FCI, Jean Maurice Paschoud, states that under 25cm there are risks of nanism. On the other hand, dogs with more than 30cm (maximum height according to both Standards) are not recommended. They tend to have distortions such as long legs, which is incorrect, because the Bichon should be longer than taller.

INFORMATION

Registration: In 1990, 324 puppies. In 1994, 734 (addititon of CBKC and ACB).
Purchase of Puppies: There are puppies that are born with apricot, beige or gray spots in the ears, and eventually in the body, which may, or may not disappear after some months or even years. FCI demands a snow white coat, and the AKC accepts the spots if they don't add up to more than 10% of the body. Abdomen with dark dots is proof of good pigmentation, and so are black eyes, lips, nose, eyelids e pads. Tail is carried raised high, curved over the back, but not touching it, and never rolled. (Tips by Claudio H. Abreu, Kennel Great Fall's, Belo Horizonte).
Coat Care: Dogs which bathe weekly do not form knots. In this case, it's enough to comb them once a week, after bathing, with the coat still humid, using a brush with long bristles. Use a shampoo for white fur. If dog's eye water, clean them frequently and protect fur under them with a product to avoid stains. (Tips by Cristina Martins da Veiga, Kennel Dreams came True, São Paulo).
Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
Club: Club of Bichons and Small Lion Dogs, France, tel. (0033) 5437-1736.
Reading Material: This is the Bichon Frisé, by Joan MacDonald Brearley and Anna Katherine Nicholas; Bichon Frisé, by Martin Weil, both from TFH Publications, Neptune City, NJ, USA.

We would like to thank the assistance of Anita Soares and Suzanne Blum, CBKC/FCI all rounder judges, and also to the people who were interviewed and participated in the text editing, this one also done by cynophilist Hilda Drumond and by all rounder judge José Peduti Neto.
Research and text: Mariana Viktor.Text editor: Marcos Pennacchi

Picture: Luiz Henrique Mendes
Owner: Kennel Dream's Came True

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