Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an unbelievably adorable dog. They stand under a foot tall and usually only weigh between 7-12 pounds. These beautiful pups can be identified by their fluffy white coats and their black eyes and nose. These dogs can easily be mistaken for a toy doll, do not be surprised when people on the street stop to ask about them.

The exact history of the Bichon is not entirely clear, however, they are known to have existed since at least the 14th century. The leading theory goes that these dogs were brought back to Europe by French sailors on their return from the Canary Island, Tenerife. They ended up on this island through trade, but they are thought to have originated in Italy. No matter where these pups truly came from, they were a huge hit when they landed in Europe. They were a fan favorite among French and Spanish nobility, these pups had quite the royal lifestyle!

The Bichon makes an exceptional family pet and they will love all the attention they can get. They are super playful and are always happy to make new friends. Their extreme friendliness does not make them the best watchdogs though, as they would likely greet an intruder with some tail wags as opposed to trying to scare them away. While they may not be able to learn how to be the greatest watchdog, they can certainly learn plenty of other tricks. The Bichon is very intelligent and will always be excited to learn something new.

This breed has such a happy nature that it is difficult to be in a bad mood when around them. They have a way of lightening up the mood, and it is for this reason that they can also make excellent therapy dogs. This is the kind of dog that will want to join you any time you leave the house, they do not like being left alone for long periods. They can develop separation anxiety which can lead to them being destructive in the house. Taking these little guys along with you shouldn't be too much of an issue though, they will always be in a joyful mood and will be sure to brighten up your day!