| Bichon dogs are a great all around dog breed, cuddly | | | | 12 inches in height. They're generally all white and |
| little toy dog that every child loves. Intelligent with a | | | | have a life expectancy of about 15 years just like |
| happy disposition, the nice thing about them is that | | | | other breeds. The American Kennel only recognized |
| they don't shed... which makes taking care of them | | | | the Bichon dog in 1973, although they had been |
| that much easier around the house. | | | | around in the US since the 1950s. Devoted Bichon |
| They are called toy dogs because they are | | | | dog lovers will quickly brag about their long list of |
| considered "lap dogs", meaning they like to cuddle on | | | | traits and attributes, and why not... |
| your lap. Although small, they are very sturdy. They | | | | Intelligent, happy, never sheds, playful, affectionate, |
| can be feisty but yet are sensitive, playful, and very | | | | patient, good watch dogs, ball of energy, loves |
| affectionate. | | | | water, good companion, but somewhat hard to train. |
| Bichon dogs were used primarily by the Spanish as a | | | | It's history can be traced back to the water spaniels |
| working Spanish boat dog when they went out to | | | | - poodle category, dating as far back as 600-300 BC. |
| sea. Their job was to meet people with great | | | | They were originally called "barbichon" because of it's |
| enthusiasm. They were right for boats because | | | | small beard appearance as it's hair grew longer. But |
| bichon dogs love water, don't shed, and make great | | | | it's main popularity was in Spain, to later spread into |
| companions. | | | | France, then the US and Canada, and eventually into |
| They can weigh up to 12 pounds, and measure up to | | | | Australia. |