Bichon Frises - Pictures

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Bichon Frises Pictures - History

Bichon Frises had popularity ups and downs in the course of the history. Their appearance has surely changed some but their personality traits seem to be similar to those of the first Bichons. They were always loved for their affection and happy-go-lucky attitude.

The Bichon Frise is said to have originated in the Mediterranean area as a cross between the Water Spaniel and the Barbet. The latter gave the name to the breed. To be precise, those dogs are considered the ancestors of the whole family of Bichons. They are the Bichon Bolognese, Havanese, Maltaise, and Teneriffe.

It is the Teneriffe dog that is the straight forefather of the Bichon Frise of today. The Teneriffe Bichon was rather popular at the Canary Island of Teneriffe. It is believed that Spanish sailors brought the breed there. They probably used little white dogs for trade and companionship.

The Bichon Teneriffe made its way back home along with Italian sailors in the 14th century. Europe was charmed by that cute dog, which rapidly grew popular with the nobility. Italian nobility surely took pride in their Teneriffe dogs groomed in a lion manner.

Bichon Frises Pictures - Favorites of the French

The Bichon Teneriffe would probably have enjoyed its popularity in Italy longer had it not been for French invasions. The 15th century played a decisive role in the history of the breed. The French fell under the influence of Italian culture and the Teneriffe dog as a part of it. But unlike the Italians, the French set a fashion for this creature. Francis the First and other royalties favored it greatly, which was instrumental in promoting the breed.

For about three hundreds years, the Bichon Teneriffe was one of the most popular breeds of dog in France. In the late 1800s, the nobility gave the dog the cold shoulder and it found itself on the outskirts of the canine world. Yet, the breed survived thanks to its wonderful appearance and ability to perform various tricks. It served as a circus dog and cast in its lot with strolling players.

Bichon Frises Pictures - The First Steps in the USA

Bichons were virtually threatened with extinction during the First World War. However, American soldiers brought some dogs along to America. Bichon Frises were not bred selectively and distribution of the breed in the United States did not begin until the late 1950s. Bichon Frise lovers brought some dogs from Europe and began promoting the breed. They produced some high quality litters and put their efforts to establish the National Bichon Frise Club. The AKC recognized Bichon Frises in 1972.

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