One popular purebred dog is the Bichon Frise. The breed has existed in its current form since the Middle Ages. The Bichon Frise has been a companion of Spanish sailors, a beloved pet of French royalty, and even a popular and charismatic circus performer! Intelligent and charming, the Bichon Frise is popular because of the breed's powder puff white fur and human expression. The breed is also extremely friendly and outgoing and even helped the Spanish increase diplomacy on their trade routes.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the breed in 1973. The name translates in French to curly lap dog. The breed is descended from the poodle, Barbet and white lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C. The name has changed from Barbichon to Bichon to the current name, Bichon Frise. A good Bichon Frise breeder is an expert on the history of the breed as well as breed standard characteristics.
A Bichon Frise breeder will retain the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise, its white, curly coat. The American Kennel Club breed standard states that at least ninety percent of the coat must be pure white. The ears, areas around the eyes, and the muzzle may have cream or even apricot shadings, which is acceptable. Though Bichon Frise fur does not shed and is hypoallergenic to most people, Bichon Frise themselves are prone to skin allergies. It is important that these dogs be groomed often to keep allergies under control and to maintain the fur's overall volume and texture.

When not competing, fur can be trimmed in a closely cropped puppy cut which is much easier to maintain. Other breed standard traits include brown or black eyes, mouth and nose, pendulous, furry ears, furry tail curled over the back and a human expression. The Bichon Frise must be seven to twelve pounds in weight, nine to twelve inches in height, and have a friendly disposition.
Some telltale signs of a Bichon Frise breeder who may be selling fake or unhealthy Bichon Frise includes not having a kennel, not being able to supply any documentation of puppies' ancestry, not offering any medical records, immunizations, or veterinary references and they cannot provide Bichon Frise information and history. Other questionable practices include a breeder that will not allow buyer to meet puppies or their parents prior to purchase, sells to pet stores, the prices seem either too low or too high, has too many puppies available at one time, and offers overnight or next day puppies while shipping puppies all over the country. In puppy mills the puppies have never been socialized and are not comfortable around people or other animals.

Reputable Bichon Frise breeders will have a warranty/return policy, supports animal rescue centers, has references from other breeders, explains in detail proper care instructions and asks many questions of potential buyers to ensure a good pet match.

Buyers should ask specific questions to determine if Bichon Frise breeders are selling the genuine article. Tips on how to distinguish between a real versus fake Bichon Frise breeder and general Bichon Frise information is provided in this article.

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