| are many attractive and popular purebred dog breeds | | | | breed's soft, curly fur. A Bichon Frise breeder must |
| registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The | | | | retain all the traits fitting the breed standard to |
| AKC registered the Bichon Frise, which in French | | | | register Bichon Frise for AKC competition. The soft, |
| loosely translates to curly lap dog, in 1973. Prior to | | | | curly, white fur is just one of many desired traits of |
| the breed becoming popular in America, both the | | | | the Bichon Frise. |
| French and the Spanish loved it. The breed | | | | Because the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise |
| descended from a blend of poodle, Barbet, and white | | | | is its white, curly coat, Bichon Frise breeders try to |
| lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back | | | | retain that characteristic. The American Kennel Club |
| as 600 B.C. Originally called the Barbichon, the breed | | | | only allows less than ten percent of the fur to be |
| accompanied Spanish sailors on trade missions. The | | | | off-white. Often the ears, tearstains around the |
| dogs were loved for their intelligent, friendly and | | | | eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even apricot in |
| outgoing dispositions. | | | | color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is |
| During the Renaissance, the Barbichon, whose name | | | | hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to |
| had by then been shortened to Bichon, was renamed | | | | maintain its luster and fluffiness. |
| the Bichon Frise by the French. Frise refers to the | | | | |