Bichon
Encyclopedia
Bichon is the name for a type
of related non-sporting category dog breeds. They vary in appearance, but all have tails curled over their back, a coat that is hair rather than fur that doesn't readily shed, short snouts, drop ears, and large, dark eyes. They were all bred to be amiable companion dog
s and have a friendly, alert temperament. Their life expectancy is 15 years or more.
The Bichon Frise
, a type of bichon, is sometimes simply called a bichon in North America.
bichon ("small long-haired dog"), a diminutive of Old French
biche ("bitch, female dog"), from Old English bicce ("bitch, female dog"), related to Old Norse
bikkja ("female dog") and German
Betze ("female dog"). Some speculate that the origin of bichon is the result of the apheresis, or loss of syllable, of the word barbichon ("small poodle"), a derivative of barbiche ("shaggy dog"); however, this theory is unlikely, if not impossible, despite the apparent similarity of the two words, due to chronology: bichon is attested from 1588, but barbichon does not appear until 1694.
The Bichons are descended from the ancient ancestors of the Poodle
, the Barbet
. From this, the Barbichon, a small curly coated water spaniel and another name for this family, was created.
The Bichons are a Mediterranean breed, generally named for the region from where they originated. The original breeds were the Bichon Tenerife, from the Canary Islands
; the Bichon Maltais, or Maltese; and the Bichon Bolognese, or simply Bolognese
. There is argument on whether the Tenerife is the original stock for all Bichons, or whether the Maltese (which seems to be an old type found on the islands before even the Barbet was known) is the progenitor of the Bichons, through its breeding with the Barbets. Ultimately, most of the modern Bichon breeds have developed by introducing a variety of dogs to the Barbichon type, creating a family with recognizable characteristics in both temperament and type but no single distinct progenitor.
The Bichons were the court dogs of medieval Europe, especially finding favor in France
, Italy
and Spain
. The French word bichonner, which means to pamper or doll up, derives from the be-ribboned and lavish lifestyles of the Bichon of Henry III of France
, who was carried in a little basket wherever the King went.
Bichons buzz around with energy and suffer from separation anxiety. This act is often called the 'Bichon Buzz' or the 'Bichon Blitz'. When the Bichon Frise begins to buzz or blitz in the home, the breed will go from one room to the next, jumping on and off couches, beds, love seats, or chairs. As a result, the event can be quite entertaining. However, after the Bichon has spent his energy, he will lie down and collapse from exhaustion.
. In earlier imagery of the breed, it is shown with wavy fur, more typical to the Bichons, and it is only relatively recently that a totally smooth coated Maltese has developed as the final type. The Romans selected for a pure white coat from the very early multicolored Maltese-like dogs. The Maltese has steadily retained its popularity throughout the centuries, unlike any other Bichon, most of which became very rare at least once in their history as fashions and governments changed.
Bichon Frise
The modern Bichon Frise was created by combining the Tenerife with the poodles and barbets of the day to produce a Bichon with a coat that is tightly curled, rather than wavy—hence the full name, Bichon a poil Frisé. Only white, and white tinged with buff, are allowed in the show ring. The Bichon Frise is a very cheerful breed which can easily be seen by the way its tail cheerfully curls up high on its rump.
Coton de Tulear
The Tenerife also traveled to Reunion Island to develop the now extinct Coton de Reunion, which then traveled to nearby Madagascar
and became the Coton de Tulear. It is one of the few modern breeds that developed through natural selection and therefore comes in a range of colors.
Bolognese
The Bolognese was already being developed as a toy dog as early as the 11th century in Bologna
, Italy. A favorite gift between courts, the little dog traveled to places like Spain, Belgium, France, Russia (as a gift to Catherine the Great) and Austria. They only come in pure white.
Havanese
The Bichon Havanais, or Havanese, seems to have been descended from a variety of small, Bichon-type dogs that traveled with Spanish and Italian sailors to Cuba
. They were possibly bred with a now extinct poodle type from South America to produce a wavy coat which was also silky, but it may be that they simply expressed a wavy coat trait through a random chance of genetics. In appearance, breeders prefer a "natural" look, allowing all possible colors and letting the hair grow long. It is a rare dog breed.
Löwchen
The Löwchen is an enigma. Though classically considered a Mediterranean Bichon dog, research into the origins of the dog show it may not have passed through the Mediterranean at all to travel to its current originating countries of Germany and the Netherlands. It is possible that the breed had some Bichon blood, or that it's simply a terrier type from Tibet with no connections at all to the Bichons. It does have a typical friendly Bichon temperament, though. It comes in all colors.
Bolonka
Specifically in Russia
, other Bichons were developed. After the retreat of Napoleon's army, left behind Bichons, primarily the Bolognese and Bichon Frisé, were bred into a unique breed called the Franzuskaya Bolonka. After World War II
, the French Bolonka was then bred with poodles and silky terriers such as the Yorkshire Terrier
to produce a small dog with a multi-coloured, long, wavy coat, called the Tsvetnaya Bolonka, or Multicoloured Bichon. Until recently, these breeds were unknown outside of Germany and Russia.
and Bolognese
are recovering from this period, and even more common Bichons like the Löwchen
and Bichon Frise
were almost extinct at the beginning of the 20th century.
Today Bichons have again gained in popularity. The qualities that made the Bichon family of dogs popular at court also make them suitable as house pets. Bichons are bred to be small, charming companion dogs with even temperaments and playful attitudes. They are good with children while maintaining alert watchdog abilities. A playful temperament is judged to be particularly important to the Bichon Frise. Properly bred Bichons should not be yappy, stand-offish, nervous or aggressive.
The modern Bichon Frise came to North America in the 1950s, and was admitted into the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1972. They are not shown in the Toy Group, but in the Non-Sporting Group.
Dog type
Dog types are broad categories of dogs based on function, with dogs identified primarily by specific function or style of work rather than by lineage or appearance....
of related non-sporting category dog breeds. They vary in appearance, but all have tails curled over their back, a coat that is hair rather than fur that doesn't readily shed, short snouts, drop ears, and large, dark eyes. They were all bred to be amiable companion dog
Companion dog
Companion dog usually describes a dog that does not work, providing only companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks. Many of the toy dog breeds are used only for the pleasure of their company, not as workers...
s and have a friendly, alert temperament. Their life expectancy is 15 years or more.
The Bichon Frise
Bichon Frisé
A Bichon Frise , is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type. They are popular pets, similar in appearance to, but larger than, the Maltese.-Etymology and History:...
, a type of bichon, is sometimes simply called a bichon in North America.
Etymology and History
The word bichon comes from Middle FrenchMiddle French
Middle French is a historical division of the French language that covers the period from 1340 to 1611. It is a period of transition during which:...
bichon ("small long-haired dog"), a diminutive of Old French
Old French
Old French was the Romance dialect continuum spoken in territories that span roughly the northern half of modern France and parts of modern Belgium and Switzerland from the 9th century to the 14th century...
biche ("bitch, female dog"), from Old English bicce ("bitch, female dog"), related to Old Norse
Old Norse
Old Norse is a North Germanic language that was spoken by inhabitants of Scandinavia and inhabitants of their overseas settlements during the Viking Age, until about 1300....
bikkja ("female dog") and German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
Betze ("female dog"). Some speculate that the origin of bichon is the result of the apheresis, or loss of syllable, of the word barbichon ("small poodle"), a derivative of barbiche ("shaggy dog"); however, this theory is unlikely, if not impossible, despite the apparent similarity of the two words, due to chronology: bichon is attested from 1588, but barbichon does not appear until 1694.
The Bichons are descended from the ancient ancestors of the Poodle
Poodle
The Poodle is a breed of dog. The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is highly intelligent and skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding...
, the Barbet
Barbet (dog)
The Barbet is a breed of dog; it is a medium-sized French water dog. It is listed in Group 8 by the , the French Kennel Club.- Description :...
. From this, the Barbichon, a small curly coated water spaniel and another name for this family, was created.
The Bichons are a Mediterranean breed, generally named for the region from where they originated. The original breeds were the Bichon Tenerife, from the Canary Islands
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands , also known as the Canaries , is a Spanish archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 km west of the border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Canaries are a Spanish autonomous community and an outermost region of the European Union...
; the Bichon Maltais, or Maltese; and the Bichon Bolognese, or simply Bolognese
Bolognese (dog)
The Bolognese is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type, originating in Italy. The name refers to the northern Italian city of Bologna.-Appearance:...
. There is argument on whether the Tenerife is the original stock for all Bichons, or whether the Maltese (which seems to be an old type found on the islands before even the Barbet was known) is the progenitor of the Bichons, through its breeding with the Barbets. Ultimately, most of the modern Bichon breeds have developed by introducing a variety of dogs to the Barbichon type, creating a family with recognizable characteristics in both temperament and type but no single distinct progenitor.
The Bichons were the court dogs of medieval Europe, especially finding favor in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. The French word bichonner, which means to pamper or doll up, derives from the be-ribboned and lavish lifestyles of the Bichon of Henry III of France
Henry III of France
Henry III was King of France from 1574 to 1589. As Henry of Valois, he was the first elected monarch of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth with the dual titles of King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1573 to 1575.-Childhood:Henry was born at the Royal Château de Fontainebleau,...
, who was carried in a little basket wherever the King went.
Bichons buzz around with energy and suffer from separation anxiety. This act is often called the 'Bichon Buzz' or the 'Bichon Blitz'. When the Bichon Frise begins to buzz or blitz in the home, the breed will go from one room to the next, jumping on and off couches, beds, love seats, or chairs. As a result, the event can be quite entertaining. However, after the Bichon has spent his energy, he will lie down and collapse from exhaustion.
Maltese
The Maltese is undoubtedly ancient, and dogs of its type, with long hair and dropped ears, were associated in ancient Greek and Roman times with the island of MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
. In earlier imagery of the breed, it is shown with wavy fur, more typical to the Bichons, and it is only relatively recently that a totally smooth coated Maltese has developed as the final type. The Romans selected for a pure white coat from the very early multicolored Maltese-like dogs. The Maltese has steadily retained its popularity throughout the centuries, unlike any other Bichon, most of which became very rare at least once in their history as fashions and governments changed.
Bichon FriseBichon FriséA Bichon Frise , is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type. They are popular pets, similar in appearance to, but larger than, the Maltese.-Etymology and History:...
The modern Bichon Frise was created by combining the Tenerife with the poodles and barbets of the day to produce a Bichon with a coat that is tightly curled, rather than wavy—hence the full name, Bichon a poil Frisé. Only white, and white tinged with buff, are allowed in the show ring. The Bichon Frise is a very cheerful breed which can easily be seen by the way its tail cheerfully curls up high on its rump.Coton de TulearCoton de TulearThe Coton de Tuléar is a small breed of dog. It is named for the city of Tuléar in Madagascar and for its cotton-like coat.-Appearance:Multiple registries with differing standards describe the Coton de Tuléar, but in general, it has very soft hair, comparable to a cotton ball, a prominent black...
The Tenerife also traveled to Reunion Island to develop the now extinct Coton de Reunion, which then traveled to nearby MadagascarMadagascar
The Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
and became the Coton de Tulear. It is one of the few modern breeds that developed through natural selection and therefore comes in a range of colors.
BologneseBolognese (dog)The Bolognese is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type, originating in Italy. The name refers to the northern Italian city of Bologna.-Appearance:...
The Bolognese was already being developed as a toy dog as early as the 11th century in BolognaBologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
, Italy. A favorite gift between courts, the little dog traveled to places like Spain, Belgium, France, Russia (as a gift to Catherine the Great) and Austria. They only come in pure white.
HavaneseHavaneseThe Havanese is a dog breed of the Bichon type, developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana . The Blanquito descended from the also now extinct Bichon Tenerife, which was introduced to the Canary Islands by the Cubans...
The Bichon Havanais, or Havanese, seems to have been descended from a variety of small, Bichon-type dogs that traveled with Spanish and Italian sailors to CubaCuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
. They were possibly bred with a now extinct poodle type from South America to produce a wavy coat which was also silky, but it may be that they simply expressed a wavy coat trait through a random chance of genetics. In appearance, breeders prefer a "natural" look, allowing all possible colors and letting the hair grow long. It is a rare dog breed.
LöwchenLöwchenThe Löwchen is a breed of dog that once had the dubious distinction, like the Portuguese Water Dog and the Havanese, of being the rarest dog in the world. Even today, the breed generally has fewer than a few hundred new registrations each year worldwide.-Appearance:The Lowchen is a breed with a...
The Löwchen is an enigma. Though classically considered a Mediterranean Bichon dog, research into the origins of the dog show it may not have passed through the Mediterranean at all to travel to its current originating countries of Germany and the Netherlands. It is possible that the breed had some Bichon blood, or that it's simply a terrier type from Tibet with no connections at all to the Bichons. It does have a typical friendly Bichon temperament, though. It comes in all colors.BolonkaBolonkaBolonka — refers to small breeds of dog of the Bichon type, originally from Russia, developed from the Bichon Frisé and further developed in Germany. They include the Franzuskaya Bolonka and the Bolonka Zwetnaya...
Specifically in RussiaRussia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, other Bichons were developed. After the retreat of Napoleon's army, left behind Bichons, primarily the Bolognese and Bichon Frisé, were bred into a unique breed called the Franzuskaya Bolonka. After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the French Bolonka was then bred with poodles and silky terriers such as the Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed of terrier type, developed in the 19th century in the county of Yorkshire, England to catch rats in clothing mills. The defining features of the breed are its size, to , and its silky blue and tan coat...
to produce a small dog with a multi-coloured, long, wavy coat, called the Tsvetnaya Bolonka, or Multicoloured Bichon. Until recently, these breeds were unknown outside of Germany and Russia.
The Modern Bichons
Despite their current popularity, almost all Bichons, even the very popular Frise, went through a period of decline in the 1800s. Court dogs became less fashionable in Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, leading to the loss of many Bichon types. Breeds like the HavaneseHavanese
The Havanese is a dog breed of the Bichon type, developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana . The Blanquito descended from the also now extinct Bichon Tenerife, which was introduced to the Canary Islands by the Cubans...
and Bolognese
Bolognese (dog)
The Bolognese is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type, originating in Italy. The name refers to the northern Italian city of Bologna.-Appearance:...
are recovering from this period, and even more common Bichons like the Löwchen
Löwchen
The Löwchen is a breed of dog that once had the dubious distinction, like the Portuguese Water Dog and the Havanese, of being the rarest dog in the world. Even today, the breed generally has fewer than a few hundred new registrations each year worldwide.-Appearance:The Lowchen is a breed with a...
and Bichon Frise
Bichon Frisé
A Bichon Frise , is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type. They are popular pets, similar in appearance to, but larger than, the Maltese.-Etymology and History:...
were almost extinct at the beginning of the 20th century.
Today Bichons have again gained in popularity. The qualities that made the Bichon family of dogs popular at court also make them suitable as house pets. Bichons are bred to be small, charming companion dogs with even temperaments and playful attitudes. They are good with children while maintaining alert watchdog abilities. A playful temperament is judged to be particularly important to the Bichon Frise. Properly bred Bichons should not be yappy, stand-offish, nervous or aggressive.
The modern Bichon Frise came to North America in the 1950s, and was admitted into the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1972. They are not shown in the Toy Group, but in the Non-Sporting Group.