Instructions
Measure the small size of a dog from this breed. Both males and females should be 9 ½ to 11 ½ inches tall. The body is only about ¼ inch longer than the dog is tall (measured at the withers). Measurements from the withers to the lowest point of the chest should equal about half the distance from the withers to the ground.
Notice the inquisitive and alert expression. The eyes are round and may be black or dark brown. They look directly forward. The eyes should be round and should not be overly large or bulging. The skin surrounding the eye should form a black or very dark brown halo, giving this breed its enhanced expression. The ears should drop and are covered with long hair. The muzzle should be 3/5 the length of the skull. The nose is always black.
Look at the well-developed chest. It should extend at least to the elbow. The well-plumed tail is level with the top line and curves over the back. The hair of the tail rests on the back. The tail should not be low-set, nor should it corkscrew. The elbows should be close to the body. Dewclaws may be removed. The round feet are tight and cat-like in the front, and tight and round in the back. The rear is build with muscular thighs that are spaced moderately wide. Rear dewclaws may also be removed.
Feel the texture of the coat. The undercoat will be soft and dense and the outer coat is coarse and curly. When patted, the coat should spring back. The coat should not be wiry or limp and silky. This breed should be trimmed to the natural outline of the body. The trim should be rounded off—you do not want a square looking dog. The coat is white, but may have a buff, cream or apricot shading around the ears or on the body. The off-colors should not show on more than 10 percent of the entire coat. Puppies may have more than 10% off-color, but it should change to almost all white.
How to Identify a Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, powder pull dog that has a precise and effortless trot. This gentle-mannered breed is playful and affectionate. The temperament should always be cheerful and sensitive. When this breed is moving away from you, you should see the foot pads. The tail is carried over its back in a jaunty manner and gives way to its gentle mannerisms.