#1 Dog at Westminster 2001:
Ch Special Times Just Right
Happy go lucky, small, cheerful garden
dogs and faithful loyal companions are words that describe the Bichon Frise (BEE-shon
free-ZAY) classified by the AKC in the Non-Sporting group.
They are energetic white balls of fluff
with coal black noses and expressive eyes. They always have fun and games on their minds and
are very friendly little creatures. They also can get into lots of trouble or cause as they are
very
clever and fast. Notice a mess, and
they are out of the area in a flash and hiding under furniture.
Bichons were dogs of the European Royal courts in the
1500's.
The Spanish sailors brought the dog to the Canary Islands
where from there, they were re-introduced to European nobility.
Henry III had many he carried around his
neck in a box and they went everywhere with him. They are true
loyal companions devoted to their masters.
Over time, Bichons became lost to the aristocratic society
and became street catchpennies for beggars or circus dogs. They were nearly being extinquished until fanciers took
to bringing the breed back up to par earlier this century.
Twelve Bichon Facts:
1. They are small and portable.They do not take up much
space. Great for small houses or apartments.
2. They love to go outside but do hate rain and too much
snow.
3. They love to be next to their master or on their laps.
They will go anywhere with you and don't like to be left alone for long periods of time.
4. They are very friendly which can be scarey. Get a
microchip or tatoo to identify your dog.
5. They love to go for walks and check out everything.
6. They can be easily trained to learn "circus" tricks.
7. They love to perform so CD, CDX, Agility, Tracking
or flyball may be good activities for them. (long stay may be difficult for them but be patient)
8. Problems can include teeth, back (they
like to stand and jump), eyes/eye stains, allergies (hotspots), coat problems if not properly taken care of.
9. They have high maintance coats if you want to keep
them looking good to prevent matting (humdity can increase mats, brush daily) or skin problems. Other
wise a "puppy cut" is easy to maintain.
10. Great little guard dogs. Will bark at strange noises
or get your attention if something is not right. Very protective.
11. Bichons are family dogs and most of the time,
you just can't have one!
12. Bichons are fun, fun, fun, as well as a bit crazy. They will
make you laugh.
If you are thinking about getting a Bichon, go
to a reputable breeder who will be there to support you through all your needs and questions and would love to hear from you
for the life of your dog. Please do not buy from a pet store (Puppymills breed more than dogs, they breed health problems which can cost you big money
on a regular basis) or a hobby breeder who is out to make money on the breed. You can find a reputable breeder
by contacting the local vet, Kennel Club, or go to a dog show.
A responsible breeder has a few dogs and breeds a couple of times
a year. You will have to sign a contract before purchasing stating specifics, pet quality (need to spay and neuter then
receive AKC papers) or show quality (may have to be a co-owner/duel owner and pay show expenses as well as a breeding
agreement with pick of the litter options)
A good breeder will take the dog back if there is a personality problem
or you can no longer keep the dog for whatever reason. A partial refund or no refund would be spelled out in a purchase contract.
Coton De Tulear
Havanese
Little Lion Dog
Maltese
Some good books to read to children if your family pet
dies:
"Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant
"I Will Always Love You"
"A Dog Like Jack" by Dyanne Desalvo-Ryan
"The Tenth Good Thing About Barney" by Judith Viorst
"The Old Dog" by Charlotte Zolotow
