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Ph 0741631990
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The Bichon descended from
the Barbet or Water-Spaniel, from which came the name "Barbichon," later
contracted to "Bichon." The Bichons were divided into four categories:
The Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Havanais, and the
Bichon Teneriffe. All originated in the Mediterranean area. Bichons were appreciated for their dispositions. They were frequently offered as items of barter, and were transported by sailors from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally felt that Spanish seamen introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Tenerife. In the 1300s, Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to the Continent, where they became great favorites with Italian nobility, and as with other dogs of that era, were often trimmed in the "lion style." After a brief renewal of interest under Napoleon III, the fate of the breed took a new turn. In the late 1800s it became the "common dog" running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind, and doing tricks in circuses and fairs. At the end of World War I, a few fanciers recognized the potential of the dogs. In France four breeders began establishing their lines through controlled breeding programs. In 1933 the official standard of the breed was adopted. As the breed was known by two names "Tenerife" and "Bichon," the president of the International Canine Federation proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented, and the name became "Bichon Frise". "Frise" refers to the dogs soft, curly hair. In 1959 and 1960 two breeders in different parts of the United States acquired Bichons, providing the origins for breed developments in the USA. The Bichon was admitted into the Non-Sporting Group in the American Kennel Club in 1973. Bichons are truly very lovely dogs and adore everyone. They are very playful and do well with children. |
