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History of The Bichon Frise

Look at the little white dogs dancing on their hind legs, waving a paw in the air. Their black shiny eyes, tinged with mischief, gleam in the summer sun while they yap happily at the sight of a friend.

These are the Bichon Frises, companion dogs like no other.

History has it that this breed was born none else but in the Canary Islands, Mediterranean area, way back when unknown lands were being explored—as early as 600 to 300 B.C.

Once up on a Time...

During the 14^th century, trade routes were being opened between east and west. Sailors on the high seas  bartered these furry little creatures from the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands in the Atlantic, off the Spanish coast, to France.

Their small size and inherent charm drew these little innocent pets to the ladies of the house. Some time later, they were crossed with a spaniel variant called the Barbet.

From this breed came several smaller ones including the Barbichon, later shortened

These Bichons thrived  living on shore in a restful environment and soon crossed with the local dogs.  

 Italian sailors brought the Bichon strain that developed on the Canary Islands and Tenerife in to Europe sometime in the 14^th century.

The breed divided into four—the Bichon Bolognaise that lived in and around Bologna; and the Bichon Tenerife,  the Bichon Maltais,  and the Bichon Havanais.

 The Favored Pet Of Henry III  in France

The Bichon Tenerife became a very popular and spoilt pet of France’s King Henry III, who is said to always travel with his pet.

On their travels, the king would pamper his pet, spray him with perfume and tie him in ribbons, leading the breed to be nicknamed Bichonner (to pamper).

Soon, the Bichon Tenerife was recognized as something special in neighboring countries too. No wonder, Bichons also found a place in Spain among the paintings of some of it's famous artists such as Goya.

Circus Performers

At one time, the Bichons donned the role of circus performers who also performed tricks at street corners and fairs. Their performances now caught the eye of dog fanciers who convinced the Society Central Canine in France in 1933 to pen the first official standard for the breed.

 In order to restore this breed’s earlier glory, the society decided that it should now be called Bichon a Pool Frise (Bichon of the Curly Hair), which was later shortened to Bichon Frise.

Now, French breeders also began taking a genuine interest in these delicate dogs. In 1934, they obtained recognition from the French Kennel Club. 

By the early 1950s, the Bichon Frise made its first appearance in the United States.

Migration to the United States of America

In 1956, a French couple, the Picaults, immigrated to the US with six Bichons. They settled down in Milwaukee, and shortly after, their first litter arrived.

Shortly after, the Picaults met two American breeders—Azalea Gascoigne, a breeder of Dachshunds, and Gertrude Fournier, who bred Collies.

By the time they met, each of these ladies had begun breeding the Bichon Frise and had begun networking with other Bichon breeders.

 As a result of their efforts, The Bichon Frise Club of America (BFCA) was established in May 1964. By now, the number of Bichon lovers was on the increase.

They worked concertedly to establish the Bichon as a breed in the country and to gain recognition by the American Kennel Club.

 In 1971, the Bichon could finally enter the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club.

 In  1973, the American Kennel Club officially recognized Bichons as a breed in the non-sporting group.

 In 1975, Canada followed suit. Soon, smaller groups of Bichon breeders set up local clubs under the guidance of the national club.

Over the years, their popularity has risen and they now stand 30^th among 143 registered breeds with the AKC, which enrolled 12,199 new Bichons in 1996.

 Thanks for visiting us and we hope you look around some more at our other pages on this  Bichon website.