Bichon Frise (Dog Training)
Bichon Frise
“The Bichon Frisé descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, Poodle, and a generally white, small “lap” or ladies’ dog, which existed in the Mediterranean area as far back as 600-300 B.C. from which came the name “Barbichon”, later shortened to “Bichon”. The Bichons were divided into four categories: the Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Havanais and the Bichon Tenerife. All originated in the Mediterranean area.
Interest in the breed was renewed during the rule of Napoleon III, but then waned until the late 1800s when it became the “common dog”, running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind and doing tricks in circuses and fairs. Even though the bichon frise is no longer known as a common dog, when you go to a circus if any of the acts contain a dog it’s very likely to be a bichon due to its high ability to learn.
On March 5, 1933, the official standard of the breed was adopted by the Societe Centrale Canine of France. As the breed was known by two names at that time, “Tenerife” and “Bichon”, the president of the International Canine Federation proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented – the Bichon Frisé. (“Frisé” refers to the dog’s soft, curly hair.) On October 18, 1934, the Bichon Frisé was admitted to the stud book of the French Kennel Club.
The Bichon was popularised in Australia in the mid 1960s, largely thanks to the Channel Nine mini-series Meweth, starring Bruce Gyngell alongside his pet bichon, Molly. The show ran for one season only, however it gained a cult following. In subsequent years Bichon ownership, especially in the Eastern states, climbed dramatically.
The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973.
The first US-born Bichon litter was whelped in 1956. In 1959 and 1960, two breeders in different parts of the USA acquired Bichons, which provided the origins for the breed’s development in the USA.
The Bichon Frisé became eligible to enter the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class on September 1, 1971. In October, 1972, the breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book. On April 4, 1973, the breed became eligible to show in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC dog shows.”
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