Bichon Frise breed representatives are widely recognized for their cheerful and loving personalities. Their charming and joyful behavior fills the surrounding area with special amusement. Known for their sociable nature, Bichons usually get along with people of all ages, including children and the elderly.

These important members of the family are energetic canines, yet, due to their miniature size, they don’t require much space. That’s exactly why they are equally suitable for living both in an apartment and a private house.

Despite their slight dimensions, Bichons have impressive stamina and crave to immerse in playing with their human companions and heading for short walks. Cleverness and a longing for rewards make the Bichon Frise relatively easy to train, although consistency and positive reinforcement are two important considerations in the process.

Kneecap Dislocation

Kneecap dislocation is a hereditary problem. To avoid the discomfort caused by this problem, it’s necessary to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. A balanced intake of lean meats, eggs, high-quality protein, calcium, and phosphorus will enable your important family members to develop muscles properly.

Corrective surgery may be necessary to fix severe cases of kneecap dislocation. Hopefully, regular veterinary check-ups can detect early signs of kneecap dislocation and allow you to take appropriate measures at an early stage of the disease’s development.

Allergy

There are multiple occasions when important members of our family develop allergic experiences to certain products or environmental factors. Symptoms caused by allergies are often manifested in skin problems, but fortunately, are initially mild. Therefore, it’s advised to carefully observe your companion animal and immediately consult a veterinarian as soon as any symptoms occur. To determine the reason behind the allergy, veterinarians usually use skin diagnostics or blood tests.

Cataract

Cataract is an eye disease that causes clouding of the lens, meaning that the crystal, which is transparent in a healthy eye, acquires a grayish or milky coloration and causes a significant deterioration of vision. Hereditary cataracts are usually caused by an infection or birth trauma acquired during the mother’s pregnancy.

Although congenital diseases are often beyond our control, a diet rich in vitamins C and E can greatly contribute to the eye health of an important member of our family. As a competent parent, remember that regular veterinary check-ups and protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun are prerequisites for effective disease management.

Bladder Stones

Stones formed in the bladder of a companion animal are solid masses of minerals. In many cases, stones evolve when the bladder doesn’t drain properly. At this point, minerals in the urine left in the bladder form crystals, which then turn into stones. Irritation of the bladder wall by stones or obstruction of urine flow may cause abdominal discomfort and painful urination.

Urinary bladder stones are treated surgically, but, thanks to the advances in modern medicine, the treatment of this disease is much more effective and painless.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. In diabetes, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin which may cause kidney, cardiovascular, and vision problems. Signs of diabetes include increased thirst, sudden weight loss, and changes in appetite. You will undeniably require the help of a veterinarian to keep your companion animal in a stable state of health.

The Bichon Frise’s food ration should primarily include high-quality protein to support the active lifestyle of this wonderful canine. Along with protein, fat is no less crucial for the health of the cherished member of the family. Salmon, flaxseed, and canola oil won’t only keep your Bichon Frise’s skin healthy but also improve its coat’s brightness.

It’s recommended to feed your restless companion fiber-rich carbohydrates from vegetables, brown rice, and oats to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Just remember that when choosing the best commercial dog food, it’s crucial to read the ingredients list carefully and avoid products that contain artificial additives or unhealthy fillers. You can obtain reliable information regarding this issue from a qualified nutritionist.

Due to their small size and tendency to gain weight easily, we advise you to follow feeding guidelines based on your Bichon Frise’s age, weight, and activity level. Regularly monitoring your furry friend’s body condition is also required to adjust their diet accordingly.

Despite claiming that the Bichon Frise breed originated in the Mediterranean region, its exact roots are somewhat obscure, but it’s believed that the ancestors of the Bichon Frise were miniature dogs from the Mediterranean, favored by sailors and merchants. According to a theory, the Bichon Frise originated from the barbet, curly-coated water spaniel.

The breed became especially popular among the European nobility during the Renaissance. In France, it was referred to as the “Bichon Tenerife” and was prized for its playful demeanor, affectionate nature, and brand fluffy white coat. In 16th-century paintings, Bichon Frises are depicted with members of the royal family which makes their status even more apparent. No matter how surprising, even Goya often depicted Bichon Frise in his paintings.

King Henry III adored Bichons so much that he carried them with him in a special basket wherever he went. Attraction to the Bichon Frise was strong even during the reign of Napoleon III.

After the First World War, French breeders actively began to work on the preservation of the breed. The official breed standard was adopted by the French Société Centrale Canine on March 5, 1933. In the same year, the Bichon Frise was recognized by the International Kennel Club.