Monday, March 24, 2008

The Bichon Frise Breeder

Article Title: The Bichon Frise Breeder
Author: Mary A Stevenson

There are many attractive and popular purebred dog breeds
registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC registered
the Bichon Frise, which in French loosely translates to curly
lap dog, in 1973. Prior to the breed becoming popular in
America, both the French and the Spanish loved it. The breed
descended from a blend of poodle, Barbet, and white lap dog
found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C.
Originally called the Barbichon, the breed accompanied Spanish
sailors on trade missions. The dogs were loved for their
intelligent, friendly and outgoing dispositions.

During the Renaissance, the Barbichon, whose name had by then
been shortened to Bichon, was renamed the Bichon Frise by the
French. Frise refers to the breed's soft, curly fur. A Bichon
Frise breeder must retain all the traits fitting the breed
standard to register Bichon Frise for AKC competition. The soft,
curly, white fur is just one of many desired traits of the
Bichon Frise.

Because the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise is its
white, curly coat, Bichon Frise breeders try to retain that
characteristic. The American Kennel Club only allows less than
ten percent of the fur to be off-white. Often the ears,
tearstains around the eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even
apricot in color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is
hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to maintain its
luster and fluffiness.

Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth and nose,
and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is prone to allergies even
though the fur is hypoallergenic to humans. The ears are prone
to ear mites. A Bichon Frise breeder must make sure dogs for use
in AKC competition meet all the breed standard characteristics.
Purebred Bichon Frise dogs have two coats of fur consisting of a
dense undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to twelve
pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in height and have a
friendly, confident, intelligent and bold personality.

Bichon Frise buyers should attempt to find a reputable Bichon
Frise breeder. There are a number of questions that should be
asked to distinguish between good and bad Bichon Frise breeders.
Buyers also want to make sure that breeders ask them questions.
Buyers should ask the following questions of breeders: Do you
have your own kennel? (A good breeder will maintain his/her own
clean kennel.) Can I visit the kennel/meet the parents of the
puppy? (This should be encouraged.) Have puppies and parents
been screened for genetic defects? Will I receive registration
papers, pedigree, and medical records? (Yes to all.) Can you
tell me the history of the breed? (Breeders should be experts.)
Are you affiliated with rescue centers? Can you tell me how to
care for my Bichon Frise? Is there a warranty? (A good breeder
will want the dog returned to them rather than sold.) There are
many other questions that can be asked but these are a good
start to finding a good Bichon Frise breeder.

About The Author: Mary Stevenson is not a Bichon Frise breeder
but is a dog lover and fan of the breed. Legitimate
http://www.bichonfriseguide.com/Bichon_Frise_Breeders/index.php
Bichon Frise breeders interview buyers to ensure they are a good
match for their puppies. This article provides
http://www.bichonfriseguide.com/About_The_Bichon_Frise/index.php
Bichon Frise information and information about breeders.

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