Bichon Frize or Maltese dog

French Bichon Frize: description of the breed, pros and cons according to owner reviews, vivid photos

The Bichon Frize, also known as the French lapdog, is a breed of dog with a cheerful character and a lot of energy.
Many people like these small dogs - decorative breeds become loyal and loving pets that are always ready to cheer up their owner.

Origin story

The history of the breed began many centuries ago in the Mediterranean. It is believed that it originated by crossing a poodle and a water spaniel. The name of the breed literally, translated from French, means “lapdog with long curly hair.”

In the 14th century, Bichons lived with aristocrats and were the object of lucrative deals among members of the nobility. Thanks to their toy appearance, the dogs became favorites in famous Italian houses and bore the proud title of “infanta dog.” Owning a Bichon was considered a sign of good taste.

Attention! It is known that the King of France, Henry III, was a great admirer of the breed.

However, despite the high status and popularity of the Bichon Frize, the first official breed standard was adopted only at the beginning of the 20th century. After World War II, the breed was adopted in America, and then in European countries.

Bichon Frize

Bichon Frize: description of the breed, features of care and maintenance

FCI standard No. 215 dated 05/11/1998 “Bichon a poil frise”. Group 9 “Indoor decorative dogs and companions.” Section 1 “Bolognese and related breeds”. Height – from 15 to 30 cm, weight – up to 5 kg.

Exterior

The appearance of the lapdog resembles an air cloud or cotton candy. The body is slightly stretched, the constitution is strong. The dog's head is small relative to the body, the eyes are large, dark brown, the nose is wide and black.

The neck is long. Muscular and straight back. The limbs are strong, the paws are round. The tail, abundantly covered with hair, is thrown over the back.

Bichon Frize: a description of the breed is, first of all,

The breed is classified as a long-lived breed - life expectancy ranges from 13 to 15 years.

Differences from Maltese

Despite their common roots, the Bichon Frize and the Maltese have significant differences. The structure of the Maltese dog's coat, unlike the Bichon Frize, is straight, while the Bichon's is curly.

As for coat care, it is not customary for the Maltese to cut the length of its coat, only shortening it slightly for grooming purposes, while the Bichon is trimmed and has various funny haircuts.

There are also differences in physical parameters between the Bichon Frize and the Maltese. The Maltese is slightly smaller in size than the Bichon. Many dog ​​breeders note that the latter’s character is simpler than that of the Maltese.

Maltese

Character, abilities, skills

The friendliness of the breed is overflowing: such a dog is always ready for new acquaintances, games and endless fun.

By nature, Bichons do not strive for dominance; they are usually docile and well-mannered. However, you should not pamper them too much: if they are not raised correctly, your pet will bark a lot and even bite those around them.

Dogs give in easily

Nutrition

What to feed a Bichon Frize? It is better to feed the puppy natural products: in this case, the risk of allergies will be minimized. You can give your baby purees, cereals, fruits and vegetables. You need to exclude flour products, sausage, fatty and spicy foods from your diet.

Minuses

Bichon Frize: reviews from owners, the disadvantages of this breed are typical for many decorative brothers. Dog breeders and owners note the following negative properties of the French lapdog:

• Snow-white wool requires constant care and considerable financial costs: trimming, daily combing and combing out the fur from formed tangles - this breed is definitely not suitable for too busy people.
• Training and raising a dog should also be done from an early age: the breed is characterized by a beautiful voice, which they will demonstrate at any opportunity, most often even without reason.
• If the dog is left alone for a long time, then he can “take revenge” on the owner with chewed slippers, a broken pot of flowers, torn curtains and sofa upholstery, while also injuring himself.
• By nature, the Bichon is a beggar and often begs for food from the table. You should be careful with what you eat; breeds of dogs with white fur are prone to allergies.
• Some individuals are prone to blindness in old age.

pros

The advantages of the breed include:

• small size,
• friendly character,
• readiness to live in urban environments,
• hypoallergenic,
• Suitable for families with elderly people and small children.

The French Bichon Frize is a dog that is born to be a reliable and devoted friend.

With proper care and training, the dog will not upset you with loud barking or damaged furniture. The most important thing in keeping a pet is love and respect from the owner.

Additionally, check out the video about the Bichon Frize dog breed:

The snow-white, decorative Maltese dog always remains at the peak of fashion among city residents. The graceful creature shines at exhibitions, touches the heart on the sofa at home and is actively purchased as a first pet.

A notable character trait of the Maltese is its cordiality, which is successfully combined with courage and fearlessness.

The playful little friend brings a lot of happy moments to his owner and loves him all his life.

Breed standard

The Bolognese breed standard was adopted in 1989. According to him, the requirements for the breed are as follows:

• country - Italy;
• height - for "boys" - 25.5-30 cm, for "girls" - 25-28 cm;
• weight - within 4-7 kg;
• the body is muscular, the back is straight, the stomach is tucked;
• the head is large, almost round, the muzzle is short; the eyes are dark and not protruding, the lips and nose are black; floppy ears;
• wool - snow-white, long (up to 10 cm), curly, voluminous, airy, no undercoat;
• the tail is fluffy and curves over the back;
• shedding - no;
• haircut - optional;
• paws - small, oval;
• litter - 1-3 puppies;
• purpose: originally - rat catchers, now - companion dog;
• life expectancy - 12-14 years;
• group - bichons and related breeds;
• recognition - FCI, KCCB.

What is the difference between a lapdog and a Yorkshire terrier?

Tiny Yorkshire Terriers vaguely resemble a lapdog with long hair and intelligent eyes. The luxurious appearance makes the breed popular for a show career. But what do York and Bolonka have in common and different?

General points

• coat care involves daily combing, regular haircuts at the groomer, the use of special cosmetics during bathing and subsequent drying;
• despite painstaking care, both breeds practically do not shed and are considered hypoallergenic;
• non-show pets can be cut short, for which there are various options for model hygienic hairstyles;
• can be kept even in a one-room apartment;
• They are well accustomed to the tray.

But there are also a number of differences between breeds

• A Yorkie weighs less than a lapdog (about 3-4 kg), as a result of which it freezes faster in cold weather;
• The terrier has different coat colors, while the lapdog should always be white;
• feeding Maltese involves the use of special mixtures and dietary supplements due to a sensitive stomach, and the cheerful Yorkie “sweeps up” everything in its path;
• the lapdog is susceptible to bronchial asthma.

Maltese and Bichon Frize

These two breeds have more differences than similarities, despite their appearance. Both dogs are miniature and toy-like in appearance and have white fur that requires grooming. also the same - loyal, playful, affectionate and dependent on the owner.

Differences between lapdog and bichon

• the structure of the coat (in the Maltese it is long, silky and straight, while in the Maltese it is curly and elastic);
• size at the withers (Bichons can reach 30 cm, and the threshold for a lapdog is considered to be 24-25);
• cost (Bologna puppies are more valuable on the market).

Bichon Frize - care, nutrition and maintenance

A dog is man's friend. And when this friend is a little lapdog, it’s pure tenderness. Fluffy, funny and very cheerful. The miniature pet will be an excellent companion for adults and children. The main condition is proper care and maintenance.

White cloud

The Bichon is indeed very similar due to its lush white coat. By the way, she can only be like that. Red spots are sometimes present only in puppies, and disappear with age. These family favorites live for about 13 years. The undoubted advantage is that dogs do not shed, and their fur does not cause allergies.

The breed has become famous since the 14th century. Then the sailors of the island of Tenerife took the dogs with them on ships, entrusting them with an important job - catching rats. Over time, the favorites migrated to the continent, where they began to enter the royal palaces and houses of the nobility.

Life is a joy

Energetic, Bichons love to go for walks, but they don't need much exercise. Therefore, regular games will be enough. Since the size of the breed is small - only 15-30 cm, it is perfect for living even in a small apartment.

In addition to walks, the pet requires daily attention, which is the key to its mental balance. And lapdogs are also quite noisy, so those who are not ready to listen to active barking every day and watch how the dog frolics are better off not agreeing to purchase.

Pets get along well with children and will become loyal friends for lonely elderly people. Don’t worry if there is already an animal in the house; a Bichon Frize will easily get along with it, provided there is mutual sympathy.

But, despite all their kindness, dogs are quite wary of strangers appearing in the house. After all, whatever one may say, they have the makings of a “watchman.”

If the owner is willing to teach them basic commands, it won't take much time. They are obedient and highly trainable.

Care

The first rule that is important to follow is daily brushing, because thick and curly hair can quickly become tangled.

By the way, it is unique, because it grows throughout one’s life, like human hair. This is one of the characteristics of this breed. That is why there is no active molting period, saving owners from contemplation and the need to remove scraps of fur from furniture and the floor. But at the same time, dead hairs require constant combing.

The best devices for this are a comb and a slicker brush.

It is also important to arm yourself with a hair trimmer or take your dog to the groomer every 2-3 months. This specialist provides a whole range of caring services, which includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, haircuts, and bathing.

Excess facial hair can cause tearing, as can inhaling cigarette smoke. Therefore, it is important to periodically rinse your eyes with chamomile decoction or a special solution sold in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores.

There is no need to bathe often; once every 2-3 weeks is enough. After walking through the puddles, you just need to wash your paws.

What to feed?

If the choice fell on dry food, then it should be selected according to age and breed. Regardless of the type of food, meals should be taken at the same time. For example, at 8.00 and 20.00. It is advisable to adhere to this schedule throughout the pet’s life.

If the owner has chosen natural nutrition, then it must be balanced and combined with the intake of vitamin and mineral complexes.

Bichons are prone to allergies, so meat products are often limited to beef and rabbit, and it is better to choose boneless sea fish. It is important not to forget about vegetables.

But only puppies need dairy products. Adult dogs can sometimes be given kefir and cottage cheese in small quantities.

To prevent the fur on the face from darkening and forming tangles, you should avoid deep bowls.

Simple training is quite appropriate. The dog will happily learn basic commands in the form of a game, but only one at a time.

Otherwise, there will be no problems with the Bichon Frize. He loves to be the center of attention and is happy to amuse those around him.

The Bichon Frize or French lapdog is a small decorative dog that resembles a plush toy, which is characterized by the following features:

• spectacular appearance;
• fluffy curly white fur;
• friendly disposition;
• loyal attitude towards children;
• attachment to the owner;
• desire to always be in the center of attention;
• demanding care;
• ability to adapt to different conditions.

The name Bichon Frize translates to "Curly lap dog" and is short for "barbichon" (small spaniel). The Bichon Frize dog breed actually comes from the Water Spaniel (Barbet) and the Poodle. Since there is reason to believe that its homeland is France, the pet that looks like a white cloud is also called the French lapdog. It was created to help hunters, but is used exclusively as decorative.

Bichon varieties

In nature, there are several varieties of lapdogs, which are similar not only in appearance, but also in character. The only difference between them is their countries of origin and growth.

Famous bichons include:

• Havanese (havanese);
• Bolognese (Bolognese dog);
• Maltese (Maltese dog);
• lövchen (lion dog);
• Coton de Tulear (Madagascar Bichon);
• Russian lap dog;
• lowen.

General Traits of Bichons

The varieties of this dog breed have a lot in common. They are all small in size, most of the dogs are only white in color, they are all very cute, beautiful and unusual in appearance. Besides this, they have the same characters.

Reference. All Bichons are friendly, sociable, active, playful and have a strong love for children, as well as making excellent companions.

The main difference is the special approach to caring for the frieze. They need a professional haircut. It is recommended to regularly take your dogs to the groomer and brush them. Their diet is special; the owner must know the list of foods that his pet cannot tolerate. Beautiful snow-white dogs require more careful coat care. It is necessary to ensure that there are no traces of tears left on the face, and to wipe the ears and mouth.

Related breeds are often very similar to each other, but they have their own minor differences. Let's look at each of these breeds:

• The Havanese (Hawaiian Bichon) originates from Cuba. Their distinctive feature is their shaggy appearance. His long hair is not cut, but is left to fall over his face and give the appearance of a beard. The color can be very different: in addition to white, blue, cream and chestnut are allowed.
• The Coton de Tulear (Madagascar Bichon) is a relative of the Bichon Frize, so they have almost no differences. The only difference is the wool. In Frize it is curly, in Coton it is straight and long. In addition to white color, ivory color is allowed.
• The Lion Bichon originated in France. The difference is in the haircut. Lion's haircut is unusual, giving him the image of a lion; the hind limbs are cut very short, as well as the base of the tail. The head and body are covered with abundant fluffy hair; they look royal thanks to this haircut. They also differ in color, combining different colors: from black to white, ash, and some representatives of the breed can even be spotted.
• The Bichon Bolognese is a toy dog ​​native to Northern Italy. It is from them that the Bichon Frize originated. This beautiful little dog has a cheerful, playful character and is an excellent companion, like all lap dogs. Differs from other related bichons in easier care. She does not need a haircut, just brush her coat regularly and wash it more often, since her color is pure white.
• The Maltese Bichon (Maltese) originated from the island of Mljet. It has a snow-white color and soft long hair, which requires daily grooming due to the lack of undercoat. Only the paws are curly. Their main differences are their character and size. These are the most affectionate and gentle representatives of the breed, and are also very small. Their maximum weight reaches only three kilograms.

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Which Bichon is better?

Each of them is a worthy representative. But the most popular and beloved is the Bichon Frize. Children love him because he is playful and affectionate, and adults are attracted by the kindness in the eyes of these dogs and their unusually cute appearance.

Important! When taking your dog home, keep in mind that he needs to be constantly entertained, always given attention, and occupied with walks and games. Don't offend him!

There are many different stories from the owners of these dogs that if you yell at them or offend them, then all the feelings and emotions that this white bundle of happiness is currently experiencing will be immediately depicted on their face. And if he harbors a grudge against you, he will immediately show it with his hooligan actions.

Characteristics of the Bichon Frize dog breed

Advantages of the breed

• They have short legs and a strong skeleton, which makes them excellent decorative dogs.
• They are of medium size (they are twice the size of other popular decorative dogs), you can play with them without fear of injury.
• They have an attractive, silky, curly white coat.
• People suffering from allergies can more easily tolerate dogs of this breed - they have dense fur that sheds little and has virtually no odor.
• These are active dogs with a cheerful character and are excellent companions.
• They are easy to train and love to learn different tricks.
• Friendly and playful, suitable for families with children.
• They are distinguished by longevity and boast good health.

Flaws

• A loud voice, and if not properly trained, excessive barking.
• The fur coat requires constant care.
• Regular haircuts are expensive.
• White wool makes walking in difficult weather conditions difficult.

Character, abilities, skills

The friendliness of the breed is overflowing: such a dog is always ready for new acquaintances, games and endless fun.

By nature, Bichons do not strive for dominance; they are usually docile and well-mannered. However, you shouldn’t pamper them too much: if raised incorrectly, your pet will bark a lot and even bite those around you.

Dogs are easy to train at home and are very intelligent and quick-witted. Like many other toy and small breeds, the Bichon Frize does not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time.

The breed adapts to any living conditions, but will feel best in an apartment or private home.

Even though a Bichon can be litter trained, it needs fresh air and fun games.

At least 30 minutes of walking is required every day to ensure the norm of physical activity.

The Bichon gets along well with children and new people, treating them as friends. Communication with other dogs and animals is easy and relaxed: most often the pet does not show any aggression towards them.

What to feed a Bichon Frize? It is better to feed the puppy natural products: in this case, the risk of allergies will be minimized. You can give your baby purees, cereals, fruits and vegetables. You need to exclude flour products, sausage, fatty and spicy foods, as well as citrus fruits and chocolate from your diet; chicken is very undesirable.

The menu for an adult pet includes vegetables, meat, and rolled oats. Only sea fish is allowed. It is necessary to include vitamins in the diet. Make sure your pet always has fresh water.

If there is a significant deviation in the dog’s weight, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

Dog character, behavior

The fluffy Bichon could be called an ideal lap dog, if not for its complex coat care. He is playful, loves the company of people, affectionate, and quickly gets used to his new home. The pet has an easy-going character, he loves children and even gets along well with other animals. He is not vindictive, he is not malicious and will not play dirty tricks without reason.

The inquisitive four-legged baby is ready to play all day long, and is not averse to taking a training course. For him, training is one of his favorite activities. The dog is easy to train. He quickly masters basic commands, and if desired, he can be taught interesting tricks.

Behavior at home

Bichons are extremely sociable little ones. They love to play with children, behave tenderly and carefully with them, and tolerate their pranks. As a rule, they do not show aggression. They feel great even in a tiny apartment. The breed is distinguished by its quick wit and high intelligence.

This breed is not suitable for outdoor living. Firstly, the snow-white fur will suffer greatly from this, and secondly, it is important for them to always be aware of all events in the family. Human interaction is very important for the Bichon Frize breed. Reviews from owners and breeders confirm this.

The Bichon's habits are noble, as befits people from royal palaces. A pet is never annoying. If the owners want to relax, he will not pester them with games. He will lie next to you, looking furtively - has the mood of his beloved owner changed?

Behavior on the street

Ideally, dogs of all decorative breeds should spend at least a little time outside every day. This also applies to the Bichon Frize. The description of the breed contains data on the purity of the breed. But you shouldn't abuse it. Kids love to go for walks. This is entertainment for them. On the street, pets prefer to play with the owner and with children; they react calmly to strangers.

Attitude towards strangers

What a bichon will not do is guard the house. This role does not suit him. He can bark to notify of the approach of a stranger, but the baby will not be able to perform the functions of a full-fledged watchman.

Character

Compared to other lap dogs, the Bolognese is a calm dog with a balanced character.
Such a character will definitely develop with a gentle and kind upbringing - without shouting or punishment. She is strongly attached to her owners, happy to serve them, and rarely misbehaves or is capricious. He does not like impudence; if arrogance or familiarity is shown, the Bichon is more likely to be offended and hide, so as not to continue communication. The owner can allow frivolous behavior, but not a stranger.

The dog is friendly with other pets and does not conflict. Gets along with dogs of all breeds and sizes, even fighting dogs; he has a positive attitude towards cats and is friends with them.

She does not tolerate loneliness, but this is compensated by her desire to carry out cosmetic procedures that other dogs sometimes cannot imagine. This feature appeals to fashionistas.

The baby will gladly allow you to comb his fur, pin up hairpins, do his hair, tie bows, allow himself to be squeezed and stroked as much as he wants, the dog really likes it.

Based on these qualities, it is clear that their training will not be difficult with the right approach. Representatives of the breed are intellectuals who can be taught complex tricks in a short period of time. During training, you should not force animals, much less shout at them. Only a kind, friendly attitude will allow the dog to become obedient and learn to follow commands.

Sometimes this breed may experience “small dog syndrome”, when it feels like the mistress of the situation and the center of the Universe. Therefore, breeders advise to behave correctly with a lapdog, not allowing too much, not pampering it too much, finding a middle ground in education and training.

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Bichon Frize care: coat, eyes, ears

Caring for representatives of the breed is complicated by the peculiarities of the coat. The fur coat needs to be washed frequently, the wool needs to be combed and trimmed periodically. Significant efforts are also needed to combat darkening of the coat. Stains may appear as a result of contamination. But sometimes this is a manifestation of a disease or a consequence of improper care.

Special bleaching products for dogs help maintain the whiteness of the coat. These are lotions, balms, rinses, sprays, powders. Sometimes stains can be removed with a cotton swab soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply it for 5 minutes, then remove with a dry cloth and dry the area with a hairdryer. After this, you need to apply whitening powder. It is important to ensure that the drug does not get into the eyes, ears and mouth.

Eye hygiene

I cut off the hair near the eyes. Use a damp cloth to wipe your eyes every day. Otherwise, the secretion will get on the fur, leaving unwanted stains on the fur coat. If yellow and green discharge appears, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian. These may be manifestations of eye diseases.

Ear hygiene

The ears are cleaned every week with cotton swabs and a special product. The hair around the ear canal is trimmed. Hair growing inside the passage is plucked out with tweezers. This does not cause pain to pets, because there are few nerve endings in the auricle.

Dental care

Teeth are examined weekly. When plaque appears, it is removed with a soft brush and special tooth powder. You can give your pet special dry granules that remove plaque. You need to make sure that there is no food left between the teeth, because it is food for pathogenic bacteria.

Nail care

Bichons rarely walk on asphalt or other hard surfaces, so they do not wear down their claws enough. They have to be trimmed. They do this with a nail clipper. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the living tissue of the nail where the blood vessels are located.

Bichon haircut

The hair of this breed grows constantly, like that of a human. Therefore, according to the standard, haircuts are allowed. The groomer's task is to shape the head into a ball or bell. Ears, beard and mustache are trimmed. The body is also subject to haircut. It should look elegant and slender. To do this, hair is cut on the lower back and sides, but no closer than 3 cm to the skin. The lower part of the belly is left covered with fur. The paws are shaped into a cylinder; the tail is not trimmed.

Grooming a Bichon Frize is a common thing for breeders. They usually do it themselves. Inexperienced owners will have to learn this or constantly turn to the services of groomers. Pets need to be cut at least once every month and a half, sometimes you have to do this monthly as the fur grows back.

Washing and bathing

You need to bathe your dog as needed, usually once every 1-2 weeks. The wool is quite dense and takes a long time to dry. It needs to be dried with a hairdryer, but the puppy is accustomed to this procedure from childhood. Wet wool increases the risk of colds and fungus on the skin.

After each walk, they wash their paws, and after eating, their face. Tangles should not be allowed to appear. To do this, the dog is combed after each bath. This should be done especially carefully during periods of increased mat formation - during the puppy’s coat change (7–9 months) and during the period of growing up (1.5–2 years).

FEDERATION CYNOLOGICAL INTERNATIONAL (FCI) STANDARD

Russia is an official member of the International Canine Federation (FCI), therefore the assessment and examination of Maltese at exhibitions is carried out according to the FCI standard.

General appearance

Small (dog) with a stretched body. The whole body is covered with very long, white hair, is extremely elegant, holds its head proudly and aristocratically (with self-esteem).

Important proportions

The length of the body is approximately a good third greater than the height at the withers (WRH). The length of the head corresponds to approximately half the height at the withers (WRH).

Head.

Its length corresponds to approximately half the height at the withers (WRH). It is quite wide, somewhat wider than half its length.

Scull.

The skull is slightly longer than the muzzle and also slightly wider than half the length of the head. The shape is slightly oval. The upper part of the skull is flat, the cheekbones are slightly pronounced.

Stop.

The protrusion of the forehead is well defined and forms an angle of 90 degrees.

Muzzle

Nose.

It is a continuation of the bridge of the nose. Large, with open nostrils, always black.

Mouth.

The length of the muzzle is 4/11 of the total length of the head; The muzzle should protrude forward and not look square. The bridge of the nose is horizontal.

Lips.

Lips are thin. The upper and lower lips are “matched” (so that the mucous membrane is not visible during examination). The edges of the lips should be completely black.

Jaws.

Normally developed, not strong (rough, strong), with perfect closure. The lower jaw should not protrude forward and should not lag behind the upper jaw.

Teeth.

The jaws fit together flawlessly to form a scissor bite. The teeth are white, regular in shape and in full set.

Eyes.

With a lively and attentive (intelligent) expression, slightly larger than usual, with a rounded cut. The eyelids fit tightly to the eyeballs. The eyes should not be sunken or too prominent. The whites of the eyes should not be visible (when viewed from the front). The color of the iris is dark brown; the edges of the eyelids are black.

Almost triangular. They are set high on a wide base, slightly raised and close to the head.

Despite the large amount of fur, it should be clearly visible from the back of the head. Its top line is curved, its length corresponding to approximately half the height at the withers (WRS). The neck is set straight, without visible folds of skin.

Torso.

Its length is a good third greater than the height at the withers (WRS).

Back line.

Straight to the very base of the tail. The withers are slightly raised.

Breast.

The chest is spacious and reaches slightly below the level of the elbows; The ribs are not too prominent. The chest circumference is 2/3 greater than the height at the withers (WRS).

Croup

Very wide and long.

Tail.

Set high on the rump, thick at the base, thin towards the tip. The length is approximately 69% of the height at the withers (WRS). The tail forms a large arch over the back, so that its tip touches the croup between the thigh bones. The tail can be curved to one side.

Limb sizes

Forelegs. Well fitting to the body, legs straight. Dry, with slightly noticeable muscles, but fairly strong bones. The length of the leg, from the pads of the feet to the elbow, corresponds to approximately 55% of the height at the withers (WRH). The bones of the forearms move freely, without thickness.

Paws.

Rounded, fingers tightly gathered into a ball. Paw pads and claws are black. The claws are uniformly black, or at least dark.

Hind limbs.

With strong (strong) bones, set parallel to each other, Hips with well-developed muscles. The forward angles of the hock joints are 140 degrees. The paws completely correspond to the front paws.

Movement.

Uniform, smooth and fast, free, with a short and very fast stride.

Leather.

Tight-fitting all over the body, with dark pigment spots. The edges (mucous membranes) of the eyelids and lips are black.

Coat.

A dense, shiny coat that flows in a luxurious, heavy mass and has a silky texture. Long throughout the body, and smooth along its entire length, without curls or waves. Falling heavily to the floor, like a mantle adjacent to the body, without falling into separate strands and forming curls.

Curly and shaggy hair is allowed only on the front legs, from elbows to paws, and on the hind legs, from knees to paws. There is no undercoat. The hair on the head is very long.

The hair growing on the back of the nose is mixed with the hair that forms the beard, the hair of the tuft is mixed with the hair growing on the ears. The hair that forms the hair of the tail falls from one side of the body and reaches the hock joint.

Color.

Pure white (snow white); Only the palest shade of ivory is permitted. Very limited shades of a very pale orange tone are also allowed, giving the impression of a dirty coat, and are therefore undesirable and represent an imperfection.

Behavior and character.

Lively, affectionate, the Maltese is very easy to train, a very intelligent decorative dog.

Size and weight.

Height at withers (WRH) for males: from 21 to 25 cm; height at withers (WRH) for bitches: from 20 to 23 cm; weight: from 2.9 to 4 kg.

Flaws.

Any deviation from the presented description of the breed can be considered as a defect, the assessment of which must be given in exact proportion to the degree of deviation; This is also valid for bilateral strabismus, and also if the length of the body exceeds the height at the withers (WRH) by 43% or more.

Vices.

A distinctly convex bridge of the nose, pronounced overshot or undershot. Males more than 26 or less than 19 cm, Bitches with height at withers (WRH) more than 25 or less than 18 cm.

Disqualification.

Marked divergence or convergence of the lines of the outlines of the skull and muzzle; depigmentation of the nose, or the nose is a color other than black. Undershot eyes, multi-colored eyes, complete depigmentation of the eyelid margins, congenital or acquired taillessness, or a stubby tail. Any color other than white, except the palest shade of ivory; individual pronounced spots, regardless of their size.

Note.

Males should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

A gentle dog with dazzling white fur, a gentle disposition and a sensitive character is a Maltese, Maltese Bichon or Maltese. Yes, yes, all three names denote a breed whose equal cannot be found in the whole world. Just 25 cm tall and weighing up to 3 kg, this amazing creature has all the abilities of a rat catcher, a canine companion and a charming home decoration.

Once you see a Maltese on a walk or in the hands of its owner, you will never be able to forget the dog. And it’s not even about the luxurious long fur that hangs like a blanket onto the hands or the ground, or the devoted gaze of slightly bulging eyes. The Maltese breed is a harmonious creation of nature itself, where all the features are united so tightly and tightly that it is impossible to add or subtract anything!

Walking and exercise

In foreign nurseries, special open areas are built for walking Bichons. Our owners of white lumps face problems. After a walk on dusty asphalt, the fur coat loses its whiteness, and in slush and rain it can suffer greatly.

The best place for walking is a low lawn. There the baby can run around to his heart's content without spoiling the fur. In bad weather, you don’t have to take your pets outside at all. They quickly get used to the tray. But you can’t do without physical activity. A walk is not only an opportunity to solve physiological needs, but also communication, socialization, and physical development of the puppy.

Tendency to diseases, vaccinations

Pets have good health, but they are predisposed to the following diseases:

• diabetes;
• allergy;
• dermatitis;
• epilepsy;
• urolithiasis disease;
• atlantoaxial subluxation;
• dislocation of the kneecap;
• hypotrichosis;
• eye diseases (cataracts, corneal dystrophy);
• congenital deafness;
• inversion of the eyelids (entropion).

Pets may suffer from infectious diseases: enteritis of various etiologies, kennel cough (canine flu) and others. Many dangerous diseases can be avoided by wisely using vaccination.

Vaccinations, anti-worming treatments

The choice of vaccine depends on the epidemiological situation in the region and the veterinarian. Pathogenic microorganisms and viruses constantly mutate. Therefore, vaccination should be carried out with drugs that are most effective against pathogens present in a given region.

Puppies born from vaccinated bitches have maternal antibodies. This is why it is so important to check the mother’s veterinary passport when purchasing. But as the baby grows up, he loses some of these antibodies. By 2–3 months their number approaches zero. Therefore, vaccination begins at 6–8 weeks. Revaccination is carried out at intervals of 2–4 weeks.

Bichons are more often vaccinated with the French vaccine and the Dutch Nobivak series. The vaccination regimen is chosen by the doctor. Each vaccine has instructions for use. Using multicomponent drugs, you can build a step-by-step scheme that will protect your pet from plague, hepatitis, parvovirosis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, rabies (Nobivak labeled DHPPi+LR).

It is important to protect your pet from parasites. Anthelmintic drugs are given before vaccination. For ticks and fleas, you can use drops on the withers (they do not spoil the coat) or wear a special collar.

What to feed

It is convenient to feed small toy dogs with high-quality ready-made diets. Dry food of at least premium class is suitable. They provide complete nutrition. You can switch your pet to natural feeding. But in this case, you will have to carefully calculate the portions and additionally give vitamins and supplements for the coat. This requires enormous effort from the owners. Therefore, they often choose dry food or a mixed type of feeding (ready-made diets and some natural products - meat, offal, vegetables).

Puppy diet

The puppy's feeding schedule depends on its age. The smaller it is, the more often it is fed (from 3 to 5 times a day). They do this strictly at a certain time. Leftovers are always removed. Only water should always be freely available. By the age of 1–1.5 years, the puppy is transferred to 2 feedings a day.

Adult dog diet

Adult dogs are given food 2 times a day. You can’t do this before a walk and immediately after it. The food is carefully chosen. Some types of ready-made diets cause increased lacrimation, which is extremely undesirable. The breed often suffers from allergies, so you need to choose a food that does not cause them.

It is necessary to monitor the weight of pets, they are prone to overeating. You can notice the problem by looking at the maklaks. These are bones in the croup area, a kind of “waist” of dogs. It should be palpable well. If maklaki are difficult to find, it means that obesity has begun.

Choosing and caring for a puppy

Only a specialist can distinguish a Bichon Frize puppy from many other fluffy dogs with white fur. Therefore, you can only buy purebred babies from a nursery with a good reputation. A prerequisite is the presence of documents. Don't take the word for information in advertisements. Potential buyers are lured by loud statements that the puppy’s parents are champions, the litter is registered, and the baby has great potential.

Main components of choice:

• breeding value;
• puppy's exterior;
• quality cultivation.

Breeding value analysis

The information must be checked, otherwise there is a risk of buying an animal that turns out to be far from the standards of the Bichon Frize breed. Price does not always indicate breed. This often affects novice breeders who believe that their babies are the best. You need to look at the pedigree of the mother (and preferably also the father), veterinary passport, mating certificate, exhibition diplomas, then check the brand. It is better to take a specialist with you to the viewing.

Inspection of the litter (certification) is carried out every 45 days. After the examination, a puppy card is issued (the pedigree is issued later, to the new owner), and the breeder issues a veterinary passport. Puppies move to a new home at the age of 3 months; it is not recommended to take them earlier.

Puppy exterior

Only a puppy born as a result of breeding can meet the standard. Thoughtless breeding leads to the degeneration of the breed. If you are interested in your pet's future exhibition career, use the services of an experienced dog handler when choosing.

A puppy up to 3 months old looks strong, he has a harmonious, proportional physique. The gait is confident, without wobbling from side to side. The exterior will be fully formed by 1 year, and the head and chest will be formed until 2.5 years.

Puppy color

The standard color of the coat is white, but a Bichon Frize puppy may have cream spots on the ears and body. By the age of one year they usually disappear. The nose is highly pigmented - it should be completely black. The eyes are also well painted.

Selection and price of a Bolognese puppy

Kennels of the breed are not very common. In small towns, finding such a club is minimally likely. In large cities it is easier to find a breeder.

Sellers show puppies in photos and videos, invite you to a personal visit, or transport the puppies to the right place by transport. The best option is to get to know the pet before purchasing, examine it to ensure it meets the standard and looks healthy.

It is worth choosing active individuals with white fluffy fur.

It is worth choosing active individuals with white fluffy fur, without matted areas, torn shreds and spots. The eyes of a healthy dog ​​shine slightly and follow his movements. There is no dirt in the ears or nostrils. There is a reaction to sounds. Normal behavior is slightly timid, but with a hint of curiosity. Lethargy may turn out to be mental disorders, the presence of pathology, and not at all a calm character.

The cost of elite class Bolognese is around 60 thousand rubles. A pet class will cost 25-35 thousand rubles. From European breeders, such a breed will cost 500-1000 euros per piece without travel documents.

Moscow Nursery Bi Natal is the most famous of the domestic representatives.

Owners speak of Italian lapdogs as wonderful friends, affectionate animals with whom adults and children enjoy spending time. The breed is especially appreciated by lovers of lap dogs.

Bichon Frize breed standards (FCI Standard No. 215)

Breed standard

Experts include the following basic standards for lap dogs:

• flat large skull with a pronounced frontal lobe;
• triangular ears are set high, pressed tightly to the head;
• a small nose with open nostrils should be blue-black;
• well-developed jaws have a scissor bite;
• deep-set round eyes are dark brown in color;
• well-defined neck – medium size, without folds;
• the back is straight, the chest is large;
• the high-set tail is thicker at the base than at the end;
• the forelimbs fit tightly to the body, the muscles on them are not too strong, but the bones are quite powerful. The pads on the paws and claws are black;
• hind limbs – parallel, with well-developed muscles;
• The classic coat color is pure white. Although for many years a different color was considered a defect, and such animals were culled, other lapdog colors are now recognized: pale orange and ivory.

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Origin story

The breed appeared in the Mediterranean in the 14th century, although white dogs were found even before our era. The birthplace of the breed is considered to be France and Belgium. At first, Bichons were considered rat hunters. But a number of features determined their future fate. Their touching appearance made them mega popular. During the Renaissance, dogs that looked like a fluffy cloud lived in the courts of monarchs. They were called little princes. Proof of this is their presence in portraits of the nobility of that era.

Only several centuries later they migrated from palaces to ordinary Europeans. They performed on stage, accompanied traveling actors and worked as guides. Now he is the star of cynological shows around the world.

The dogs received their modern name Bichon a poil frise in 1978, in the same year they were recognized as a French-Belgian breed. Before that they were called Tenerife lap dogs. The French Kennel Club approved the first breed standard, replacing the name “Tenerife” (tenerife) lapdog (bichon) with “curly” (frise).

We have been breeding the breed recently. However, at world exhibitions you can already see domestically bred dogs, and they are not inferior either in the quality of the livestock or in grooming.

Reviews

If you look at all the review sites, then in general there are no negative reviews at all. This already suggests that if you wish, you should not hesitate to purchase this dog.

Victoria

I have a little bichon. What can I say about him? Miracle! Only positive emotions. One of the downsides is the care. If you want your pet to be beautiful, you need to devote, well, a lot of time. It seems to me that this is the most demanding dog to care for. For it you need to buy a special shampoo, comb it often and look after it. Personally, I get a haircut once every 2 months. It’s just that the pet doesn’t participate in exhibitions, so I keep my hair cut very short. Enough for 2 months. A dog is for the soul, not for antlers. But, despite everything, I consider the Bichon to be the best breed. Honey, the kids are delighted with him. Doesn't shit, doesn't bark for no reason, gets along with the cat with a bang. Overall, only a positive impression.

Igor

I have a dog like this. The wife rejoices like a child. He's planning to take another one. Overall, the pet is quite interesting. Shaggy, cheerful. Never pestered me. I had a Chihuahua in the past, but he didn’t get off his feet at all, and I don’t really like dogs. This one is not there, something is running around on its own, lying around. Overall, I like it.

Irina

My sister has a dog like this. Externally interesting, but not so much in terms of care. Personally, after a year of keeping the Bichon, my sister stopped liking him. Firstly, children get it very dirty and drag it around. Secondly, you need to cut your hair constantly. She says her fur grows faster than her hair. A haircut costs at least 2,000 rubles. That's why they cut their own hair.

Vika

A much-hyped dog breed that doesn't really live up to all the positive reviews. No, if you have time to care for and constantly brush this lamb-shaped dog, then yes, it can be super. But personally, my experience shows the opposite. Her fur is soft and does not smell like dog. However, if you don't trim, you'll end up with the problem of tarnish around your eyes, which will be difficult to remove. Also, what’s worse, at the back under your ponytail, at best, you will have a brown spot, at worst, pieces of, well, you know what. In addition to cutting, you also need to wash. And for this, take the time, buy expensive shampoos, since he is allergic to almost every chemical. As for me, a good pet is definitely not white. Well, again, everyone chooses what suits themselves, and I am a practical person.

Julia

I've always wanted a Bichon. And then 4 years ago, on my birthday, they gave me a girl. At first there were many problems. The little pet gnawed on everything: shoes, furniture, toys. At that time, his mercy saw, but understood that the disadvantages of the breed still prevailed over this. As it turns out, this is temporary. The adult pet has changed radically and has become a calm, cheerful and simple pet. This made us love him even more. As for training, it is a very simple dog, especially if you give treats as a reward. At 4 years old she already has puppies. I did not observe any problems during childbirth.

I want to highlight two weaknesses of the Bichon. The first is the love of sweets. He just goes crazy when he sees something delicious in my hands. The second is love for children. Loves to spin around them and play with them. But, we ran into a problem. Recently the dog began to experience shortness of breath. Therefore, she became less active. The vet said it was a congenital heart defect. Now he lives on pills. But, in general, nothing radical happened. Therefore, if you notice any problems with your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Lisa

I say a big thank you to this breed of dog. Ten years ago we bought a Jack Russell Terrier. I didn’t get along because my daughter started sneezing constantly. It was terrifying, both for us and for the dog. They gave it to his brother.

We thought it was all over, we wouldn’t see the dog again. My daughter grew up, and at the age of 18 she asked for a dog. We explained that she was allergic to wool, but she was not allergic to anything.

It was decided to test for an allergic reaction. We took the Bichon's fur from the breeder (my daughter chose this breed) and took it to the clinic. We donated blood to our daughter and waited 6 days for the result. As a result, the analysis showed the absence of allergies.

We went to the breeder for our future dog. What can you say about her? Ideal breed! She is obedient, wears a diaper, eats everything (although the dry food is rather weak).

As for combing, yes, you have to comb the little one with a comb once or twice a day. But it's fun. His fur is soft, pleasant to the touch, and combing is not just annoying, but rather relaxing. We are glad that our daughter chose this miracle.

Bichon Frize dog

Why Bichon?

One of the main advantages of the breed is its hypoallergenic wool. Thin, smooth, with a special structure, it will not cause discomfort for chronic allergy sufferers and will be completely safe for small children. However, this magnificent fur coat will have to be looked after daily, so the future owner should have patience and time.

Moreover, all pets have a very friendly and sociable character, making them ideal companions for both young dog lovers and older people. The breed is one of the fastest to learn. The dog easily accepts new skills at any age. But the Bichon's sociability has another feature: they often communicate with their owners with loud and ringing barks for no obvious reason. Experienced breeders note that proper upbringing will make living together with a pet more than comfortable.