Parameters of the Bichon Frize, the manifestation of the pet's temperament and health, how to raise a dog, caring for: hair, ears, dental cavity, rules for organizing food and walking. Puppy price. The Bichon Frize or Bichon Frize is a small companion dog breed bred in France. Known for their fluffy white fur, adorable temperament and high level of affection, these pets have been the favorites of the French nobility and common people for centuries. Although members of the species were not introduced into the United States of America until the 1950s, they quickly became one of the most popular and well-known companion animals in the country. Such dogs are in demand not only in a similar quality. They have also made great strides in the show ring, as therapists for the rehabilitation of the disabled and the elderly, and in show business. The variety is also known by other names: bichon, bichon poil frize, tenerife, and bi-fri.
Description of the parameters of the appearance of the Bichon Frize
The breed is very similar in appearance to a number of other small white companion dogs, although this one is so popular that it is easy to recognize. Bichon Frize are definitely small dogs, but they certainly aren't toy or tiny. Their average height at the withers is between 22, 96 and 30, 48 centimeters, and AKC standards call for them to be between 22, 86 and 27, 94 centimeters. Weight is highly dependent on the sex, height and condition of the animal. Most of the representatives weigh 3, 18–5, 45 kg, of course this is far from uncommon, but their weight can range from 6, 80 to 9, 07 kilograms.
- Head Bichon Frize is proportional to the size of the case. The skull is very softly rounded and blends fairly smoothly with the muzzle. The head and part of the dog's face are almost completely covered by hair, often leaving some features that are easily visible - the nose and eyes.
- Muzzle - should be approximately 3/5 of the length of the skull and should be thick or narrow without overshoot. She is said to look well refined without being skinny. The lips are always black and never drooping.
- Nose - eye-catching and always black.
- Eyes bichon frize are round and positioned so that they face forward. They can be black or dark brown, and the skin around them should be solid. The general expression of most individuals is gentle and happy, and a blank or brooding gaze is considered a serious flaw.
- Ears pets are of medium size and go down. On short-haired dogs, they hang close to the cheeks, but those with a longer coat often hold them further.
- Neck - medium, covered with lush wool.
- Frame this breed is considerably longer from chest to croup than in height from floor to withers, usually by 25%. The Bichon Frize is definitely not a stocky dog, but it is considerably more sturdy than most of its kind. Although the main part of the body is covered with hair, under it is a compact and surprisingly muscular dog.
- Tail - relatively long and carried on the back of the back with a soft curl.
- Front and hind limbs - are commensurate with the dog's body
- Paws - small, compact.
- Wool cover - the defining feature of the variety. The Bichon Frize have been renowned for their fluffy white fur for centuries. According to the AKC standard: “The texture of the coat is of paramount importance. The undercoat is soft and dense, the outer layer is coarser and curly. The combination of these two factors creates a feeling of softness to the touch, somewhat similar to plush or velvet, but outwardly looks like springs. When the dog is bathed or cleaned, it separates from the body, creating a common down layer. A wiry cover is undesirable. A flowing, silky coat that runs too far down, or a lack of undercoat are very serious faults…. The coat is trimmed to reveal the natural contour of the body. It is rounded in any direction and is never cut so short as to create an overly short or boxy look. Hair around the head, beard, mustache, ears and tail are kept longer. The head area is trimmed to give an overall rounded appearance. The topline is trimmed straight. The coat must be long enough to maintain the appearance of the downy appearance that is characteristic of the breed. " This is the right show dress for the Bichon Frize. Most owners prefer to give their pets a short and uniform puppy-style haircut, which makes maintenance much easier.
- Coloration only one type is considered acceptable by the standard - pure white. However, the breed can also have cream, plum, or apricot hues around the ears or on the body. However, the whole body of the dog should not be dominated by more than 10% of a different color. Occasionally, Bichon Frize is born with an alternating color or a completely creamy coat. Such individuals are unacceptable in the show ring and should not be bred, but in other cases they make excellent companion animals, like any other representative of the breed.
Bichon Frize dog temperament
Bichon frize was bred over five hundred years ago as a companion animal. Therefore, he has the appropriate manifestations of character. These pets are best known for their cheerful disposition and generally happy personalities. They form incredibly strong affections with their households, to whom they show strong and lifelong loyalty.
These animals are incredibly affectionate and very shy. The Bichon Frize want to be in the constant company of their families and suffer from severe separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. Pedigree representatives are often called Velcro dogs, because they follow their owners wherever they go, which means that pets are always "spinning under their feet."
Well accustomed to society, the Bichon Frize has an excellent reputation with children, with whom he behaves extremely tenderly. Although this breed is not rough at all, it is quite tough so as not to be accidentally traumatized by a child. In fact, many of these pets are extremely kind to children, especially those who provide them with additional attention and favorite pleasures.
When properly trained and adapted to society, most Bichon Frize display tolerance and courtesy with strangers. In fact, according to poll statistics, the species are incredibly friendly, and many of them consider any new acquaintance to be a direct friend. Poor breeding practice has contributed to the acquisition of shyness in some lines, and such dogs will need auxiliary training and communication so that this shyness does not become a terrible flaw.
Despite the fact that bichon frize, as a rule, is lightweight, it has a keen instinct, showing excellent vocal and guard qualities. However, since the breed lacks both the required size and aggression, it makes very poor watchmen. Bichon Frize is usually not aggressive towards animals. When well trained and socialized, virtually all members of the species are very good with their "cousins." Although these dogs are happy as the only pets, many of them would like to share their lives with a "fellow", especially if this is another bichon frize. Like other canines, these dogs that have not been introduced to other creatures are likely to pursue them. However, such four-legged friends can get along well with cats and other domestic animals with which they are familiar.
Health of the Bichon Frize breed
The Bichon Frize is usually a healthy breed. Its members do not have particularly common life-threatening or debilitating diseases. The variety is considered one of the longest-lived of all purebred canines. Such dogs have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. Some breeders reported 18 or 19 years. However, this does not mean that the Bichon Frize is immune to genetically inherited health problems.
The BFCA has long been at the forefront of canine genetics standardization research, and has conducted a number of studies regarding the state of bichon frise in America. They found the following conditions to be of greatest concern in terms of prevalence and severity: skin allergies, atopy (dermatitis), bladder infections, bladder stones, patellar dislocation, disc disease, dental and eye defects, cancer, cardiac, hepatic, gastrointestinal - intestinal and metabolic lesions.
There is almost universal agreement that the most common health problem in Bichon Frize is skin disease. Many individuals have extremely sensitive skin, while other dogs have manifestations of serious allergic reactions. These blemishes can be extremely uncomfortable for the pet, resulting in constant scratching and injury. Fortunately, many of these problems are completely treatable, but most preventative treatments are life-long and costly.
Since the Bichon Frize is known to have musculoskeletal and ocular diseases (especially cataracts and patellar dislocation), owners are highly recommended to check their pets both in the animal orthopedic fund and in the canine registration organization. These institutions will conduct testing at the gene level to show what potential defects are present before they become apparent.
Bichon Frize care requirements
- Wool as you might expect, looking at a bichon frize requires considerable effort to make the pet look dignified. This dog should be brushed thoroughly every day or every other day. An antistatic comb is ideal for this. It is necessary to bathe the dog at least once a month, using typed means. The Bishen Frize definitely requires professional grooming and should get a haircut once or twice a month. Many owners choose to have a shorter puppy look. It requires much less maintenance than something fancy or longer. The species rarely shed and are considered an excellent choice for breeders with allergies or extremely tidy people. Owners will have to brush regularly around the mouth and eyes to prevent staining of the coat.
- Teeth Bichon Frize are susceptible to disease. Plaque is easily deposited on them, which contributes to inflammation and bleeding of the gums, as well as the destruction and loss of teeth. Owners of such pets are required to brush the dog's teeth every day using a brush and paste for animals. It is also necessary for the prevention of dental diseases to give the four-legged pet various "snacks" from pet stores, for example, bones from the veins of cattle.
- Ears these dogs are susceptible to infections, so they need regular cleaning in the form of basic hygiene procedures. An agent that softens sulfur accumulations is applied inside the auricle, which is then gently massaged at the base. After a short time, wipe the outer part of the ear with a soft cloth or cotton pad. It is also useful to trim or trim the hairs inside the ear once a month to improve air circulation inside the auricle.
- Eyes it is necessary to wipe it regularly, not because of infections, but because their discharge leaves brown marks on the white wool of the Bichon Frize, which is unacceptable by the standard and ugly in appearance. For this, there is a special shampoo soap.
- Claws these pets are not recommended to be left uncontrolled. Their length interferes with natural gait and this is not harmonious. Shortening can be done with a special file - which is much safer than clipping with claws.
- Feeding Bichon Frize needs to be considered carefully, as these dogs are prone to allergies. It is better to consult with the breeder from whom the pet was purchased, what the puppy ate and what his parents eat. The specialist will tell you about the diet regimen and if his dogs are consuming commercial food, the brand of the manufacturer.
- Walking. The Bichon Frize is a low-energy animal that doesn't require a lot of exercise to stay happy and lean. This breed will be content with a thirty to forty-five minute daily walk, in addition to a few trivial walks. Just because this dog does not require a lot of physical activity does not mean that it can do without them. Representatives who have not been provided with minimum needs are likely to have behavioral problems in the form of destructiveness, hyperactivity, hyperactivity, and excessive barking. The Bichon Frize can be a great dog for an apartment, but loves to run regularly or play with its owner.
While the species is generally well suited to urban life, there is one common behavioral trait that can be challenging. Like many small breeds, the bichon frize tends to be unusually vocal. Representatives of the species tend to bark a lot, and their voice is often high-pitched and repetitive. Exercise and proper exercise usually significantly reduce this flaw, but do not completely eliminate it. Individuals that have not been properly trained or poorly trained can become almost permanent "liars" who cannot be stopped for several hours.
There is one aspect with which Bichon Frice has notorious difficulties. This breed is often extremely difficult to breed. Bichon Frize puppies are so small that they simply cannot be kept with large dogs. In addition, they are quite small and can go about their business behind sofas, under beds and in other places where they might not be noticed. Because of this, accidents are possible. Expect these offspring to take longer, be more nuanced, and more unsuccessful than many other breeds.
Raising the Bichon Frize
This breed is considered one of the smartest and most trainable of all dogs. A well-mannered bichon frize is very happy to please, and many individuals seem to gravitate towards it. These dogs are highly successful rivals at high levels of competitive obedience and agility. They are renowned for their ability to learn tricks quickly. When the Bichon Frize are well trained, they are very obedient. Some specimens are much more independent than others and may not respond quickly to training. Most of these difficulties can be resolved by starting training early and using consistent methods.
Bichon Frize are highly susceptible to a behavioral condition known as "small dog syndrome". Most of this behavior is provoked by owners, who do not discipline their small pets for the same actions that are corrected in large animals. Because they are cute, less dangerous, funny, not annoying, and so on. Regardless of the cause, the end result is an individual who thinks "the whole world is at her feet."Canines with Little Dog Syndrome are usually dominant, aggressive, overly vocal, difficult, and generally out of control. Fortunately, these difficulties are almost completely preventable with proper training.
Price of Bichon Frize puppies
The price for pedigree puppies is from $ 900 to $ 1500. More about the breed in the video below: