The Bichon Frise is an old breed that can be traced to the 1300's, but it is likely to be far older (some people say it pre-dates the Common Era). Its oldest recognised ancestor is the BarBichon cam, or "water spaniel," which evolved into four breeds: the Bichon Bolognese, the Bichon Havanese, the Bichon Maltese and the Bichon Tenerife. Today’s Bichon Frise, named in 1933, is directly descended from the Tenerife.

The Bichon Tenerife attracted the attention of Europe’s nobility, particularly those in Italy, as well as wealthy merchants. As Italian influence spread, the Tenerife happily followed. The Bichon Frise became part of the court of the French King Francis in the early 1500s. By the late 1500s, the Tenerife had become a favorite of France’s King Henry III, who reportedly had a Tenerife travel with him wherever he went. The Bichon Frise was pampered, perfumed and beribboned, giving rise to the French verb, "Bichonner" (to pamper).

The Bichon Tenerife was soon given a prominent place in other countries, and artists included a Bichon-like dog in many of their portraits. The Spanish artist Francisco Goya was one famous artist who favored the Bichon Tenerife.

The Bichon Frise gradually lost his aristocratic favor and became a street dog, performing in circuses and fairs. The breed survived and in 1933, the name was changed to Bichon a polio Frise (Bichon with the curly coat). The name was shortened to Bichon Frise.

Appearance
The Bichon Frise is small, compact and sturdy in appearance, with medium bone, never appearing coarse or fine. Its dense, white coat gives the breed the appearance of a white powder puff. The Bichon Frise moves jauntily, with high head carriage and its plumed tail carried over its back.

Character
A cheerful attitude of the Bichon Frise is a prominent hallmark. Most Bichon Frises enjoy socializing with people and other dogs, and are best when there is a lot of activity around them. Those who are considering keeping a Bichon Frise as a pet should know that these dogs are smart and playful, but require a great amount of human attention; they are happy to be the center of attention. Bichon Frises may also be relatively stubborn dogs, yet can exhibit a noticeably patient character. They are a non-moulting breed and are suitable for people with allergies.
 

Temperament
The Bichon Frise is gentle, sensitive, playful and affectionate. The Bichon Frise gets along well with people of all ages and in varied living conditions. The dog loves to play but is not hyperactive. This breed tends to be good with children and with other animals. The Bichon Frise is not a guard dog, but is a watchdog and will announce strangers.

Exercise/Training
Although small, the Bichon Frise is an active dog and needs daily exercise. Its needs can be met with a vigorous indoor game or, better, a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your Bichon Frise will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The Bichon Frise is almost completely white, sometimes with cream, apricot or buff shadings, usually around the ears. At least 90% of the Bichon Frise must be white in a purebred Bichon for show. At least 50% must be white in a Bichon Frise puppy for show. Color fades during the first year of life. During this time the coat of the Bichon Frise also changes from puppy fluff to frisé.

Grooming
The white powder-puff coat of the Bichon Frise needs brushing and combing every other day, plus scissoring and trimming every two months. It doesn’t shed, but the loose hairs become entangled in the coat and can mat. The Bichon Frise may be difficult to keep white in some areas. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Bichon Frise shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Bichon Frise as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Bichon Frise should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.