How to Identify a Bichon Frise Dog

The Bichon Frise’s origin can be traced back to the 14th century when the Barbet Water Spaniel was crossbred with the French Poodle. They became a favorite of the 16th century French Royal Court and found a niche as mascots for organ grinders as well as being circus performers. Today this breed makes a great indoor pet regardless of your living situation. Here is a guide on how to identify a Bichon Frise.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog
  • Your Eyes
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Instructions

  1. Identifying A Bichon Frise

    • 1

      Look at the dog’s shape and size. A Bichon Frise should be between 9 and 12 inches in height from the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 10 pounds. From head to tail the dog should be about a foot long. Its back should be straight and the body should be tubular. The legs should be short and arched outward slightly like the legs of a rocking horse. Its tail should be an inch or two long puffball.

    • 2

      Examine the dog’s fur. It should have a coat of loosely curled frizzy hair that sticks out three to four inches from every part of the dog except its eyes, mouth, and nose. An unsheared sheep has a similar style of fur. This fur is typically a uniform snow white but patches of cream, grey, or peach colored hair can occur.

    • 3

      Examine the dog’s head. It should have a long neck and a wide skull which is accentuated and exaggerated by the puffball-like fur coming from the top, sides, and underside. The ears should be almost completely invisible underneath the fur. The dog’s eyes and snout should seem recessed by the dog’s surrounding hair. Its eyes should be large, round, and have a thin black rim. If the dog matches this description then you’re looking at a Bichon Frise.