Bichon Frise

BACKGROUND

The Bichon Frise is a French and Belgian breed. Originally popular with the French aristocracy, the breed fell from favour during the French revolution. The Bichon Frise then worked for a living by performing with organ grinders and other street musicians.

During World War I, the Bichon Frise almost became extinct and it was only the dedication of the French and Belgian breeders, which saved the breed.

The Bichon Frise was first introduced into Australia in the 1970s and since its introduction has proved successful in the show ring and equally successful as a companion dog.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

The Bichon Frise is quite a long-living dog and will usually live up to 16 years of age, but cared for correctly and given the correct diet will often can live up to 19 years.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Bichon Frise has a superb temperament. It is an ideal companion dog, friendly, affectionate and enjoys contact with its human family. It should be primarily an indoor dog because of its devotion to the family. The Bichon Frise is not particularly suited to living outside.

It is always ready to play a game, take a walk, or just snuggle up for a cuddle. A breed with a wonderful attitude for life, they make an ideal companion for young and old alike.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Bichon Frise adapts well to other pets if reared with them, or introduced to them gradually. It will cope with both cats and other dogs quite well.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The Bichon Frise requires regular grooming and is not a dog for those who want a "no maintenance dog". It requires regular brushing and combing (at least every second or third day) and needs to be bathed every two to three weeks. The coat does not shed so it needs to be cut every six to eight weeks. The Bichon Frise does not require a lot of exercise, but it loves to walk regularly and loves to run and play in the back yard.

IDEAL OWNERS

The Bichon Frise is suited to anyone who wants a companion dog. The breed is considered to be "non-allergenic", by many people, and so may be the ideal dog for people with allergy problems. It is suggested, however, to visit the breeder and have contact with the dogs before purchasing to ensure that they suit if allergies are a problem.

You will not find a better dog than the Bichon Frise. A small, attractive dog, with a big dog attitude, they quickly win the hearts of everyone they meet. They love life, love people, and with regular care will reward their owners with years of love and devotion.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Bichon Frise is the dog for you and you are prepared to cut the dog’s coat every six to eight weeks, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Jennifer Page	Zettanny	NSW	Contact
Margaret Swain	Silverino	NSW	Contact
Fiona Vecchio	Mollabru	QLD	Contact
Les Bradney	Kelzarki	NSW	Contact
Chris Van	Chismene	QLD	Contact
John and Christine Kellow	PINEFIELD	SA	Contact
Moira Lescuyer	Jasmine Rose	NSW	Contact
Susan Bailey	Gazan	NSW	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)