Havanese Bichons: miniature lap dogs originally from hot, sunny Cuba

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.

Pros and cons of the Bichon Frize

The advantages of Bichons are:

• They adapt well to apartment life. Contrary to popular belief, small dogs are not necessarily comfortable in apartments—some are too energetic to live in a high-rise building. But this does not apply to Bichons - they adapt well to apartment life;
• Suitable for first-time owners - they learn better and are quite friendly. They are also resilient enough to recover from mistakes or inconsistencies of their owners;
• Friendly to family, strangers and other dogs. They will always be happy to see their owners, and guests will be greeted with a wagging tail and a smile from ear to ear;
• They have curly hair that does not fall out (one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers).

The disadvantages of Bichons include the following:

They don't like to be left alone for long periods of time. An agitated dog can be very destructive, barking, whining, chewing and causing chaos. This breed does best when a family member is home during the day or if it is possible to take the dog to work; Care is required for them. You need to be prepared to pay for professional care. Highly motivated owners can learn the technique, but it is not easy and time consuming; Bichons tend to inherit a problematic immune system that makes them susceptible to allergies. They may be allergic to fleas, grass, pollen, certain shampoos, and so on. Allergies cause Bichon Frize to scratch and chew skin conditions; Bichons are smart and cunning

To make your pet the best companion, it is important to teach it obedience.

Description and features

Many dog ​​breeders underestimate lap dogs. They believe that this group is decorative, indoor dogs that are pointless to use in the household. But no! The Bichon Frize breed is an excellent hunter, but rather a rat catcher. But in order for a dog to perform such tasks, it must be trained correctly.

It is believed that the breed was developed back in the 13th century by crossing a water spaniel with a poodle. The Bichon Frize accompanied ships for many centuries. The sailors of that time had a superstition: not taking such a dog with you would mean losing the voyage.

People believed that the good-natured and charming creature would save them from harm. Lapdogs truly have a charm that is unique to them. They are good-natured, cheerful and loving.

It is believed that the homeland of this breed is France. Their name literally translates as “curly lapdog” (from French bichon - lapdog, frisé - curly, curly). It fully corresponds to the appearance of animals, which are characterized by miniature size and exterior parameters.

This little Bichon Frize will make any family that adopts him happy! He is very fond of people and most representatives of the animal world. We can say that such a dog is an ideal pet.

It does not require large investments and is completely unpretentious in maintenance. The main need of such a dog is human love. She needs regular expressions of tenderness and affection. Without this, he falls into a state of stress and deep depression.

Lapses are often used as companions. These cute and small dogs do not like it when their owners are upset about something. They try their best to cheer them up. They are friendly to strangers only if they feel that the owner is not against their presence in the house. By the way, they read emotions perfectly.

The Bichon Frize dog is active and cheerful. She can fall asleep in broad daylight only if she is very tired beforehand. The dog will prefer fun outdoor games to a lazy lifestyle.

He loves being in big company! The arrival of guests to the house will certainly make him happy, especially if there are kids among them. The lapdog is especially loyal to them. She likes loud children's laughter, pranks and games. She will never harm a child, even if he accidentally hurts her.

The breed is very peaceful and kind. Conflicts greatly upset the dog, so he never provokes them with anyone in the house or outside it. But, well-developed intuition can push a dog into aggression towards a person. In this case, she will bark and even bite the suspicious stranger.

How to name

The question of a name is problematic for some owners, since not all nicknames correspond to the appearance of the Bichon Frize.

Names for boys:

• Adik;
• Brutus;
• Jasper;
• Star;
• Harley;
• Fluff;
• Snowball;
• Charlie.

Names for girls:

• Aika;
• Snowstorm;
• Naida;
• Saiga;
• Grace;
• Delphi;
• Comet;
• Yula.

Potential breeders thinking about purchasing a French lap dog need to understand that this breed requires a significant financial investment. Care must be carried out regularly, this takes a lot of time. You shouldn't get a dog just because of its appearance. She has a unique character and habits that not all owners can get used to.

Choosing a nickname

The source of inspiration is the names of celebrities, historical figures, mythological and literary heroes, place names and even the character and appearance of the pet. Choose a sonorous, clearly pronounced nickname that you won’t get tired of after you call your dog for the twentieth time that day.

Caring for a Bichon

Dogs of this breed require regular care, which will require not only time, but also material costs.

Grooming

Breeders recommend brushing your dog every day or at least 2-3 times a week, since the soft fur is prone to tangling and matting. Combs with rare and frequent teeth are used. The Bichon's coat grows constantly, which means that the dog will have to be cut every 1.5-2 months. A little more often a haircut will be required in the anus and genital area.

In life, Bichons very rarely look like the photos on the Internet - a round white cloud, because this requires considerable daily effort, special tools and professional cosmetics.

Water treatments are recommended every 2-3 weeks, but you can bathe more often, because soiled snow-white fur does not have self-cleaning properties. Shampoos are selected specialized for a given type of coat or breed. After washing and rinsing, use balms and conditioners to prevent tangling. The fur must be dried with a hairdryer. Dry shampoos can sometimes be used instead of washing.

Hygiene of eyes, ears, mouth and nail trimming

The eyes of Bichons must be regularly wiped from dirt using cotton-gauze swabs and special lotions. It is necessary to keep the tear ducts clean and dry, where the coat becomes brownish without proper care. To prevent the appearance of dark spots, you need to make sure that hairs and eyelashes do not get into your eyes. These factors, together with poor nutrition, often cause excessive tearing and further coloration of the coat. To lighten tear ducts, use veterinary lightening agents or 3% hydrogen peroxide.

The ears are regularly inspected for signs of infection or contamination. Clean as needed, about once a week. Teeth are brushed at least 2-3 times a week, especially if the dog eats natural products or soft commercial food. Regular hygiene will prevent plaque from forming and will prevent tartar. If the claws do not have time to grind down on their own, they are trimmed with pruning shears about once a month.

Health

This breed has a list of characteristic diseases, the most common of which is allergies. Usually, a predisposition to diseases is inherited and is easily calculated by breeders; further spread of the defect is not allowed. However, carefully study the heredity before purchasing a puppy. Among the most common diseases:

• hemophilia;
• retinal atrophy;
• heart problems;
• allergy;
• dislocations.

In cold or rainy seasons, it is necessary to dress your dog

Let's repeat and supplement our advice.

1. Do not let your dog jump from heights or play with large dogs because there is a risk of dislocating his kneecap.
2. You should carefully monitor the condition of the ears, teeth and claws.
3. To avoid allergic reactions, feed the right food, no chicken or beef.
4. In cold or rainy seasons, you need to dress your dog so that he does not freeze. Keep away from cigarette smoke. Some owners purchase a wardrobe that includes boots so that after a walk they do not have to wash their paws several times a day.
5. Monitor your weight; sudden changes may indicate illness.
6. Check your dog regularly for fleas and ticks and monitor its condition and body temperature. As spring approaches, the threat of catching an ixodid tick on a walk intensifies. Ticks, mosquitoes, midges and fleas carry a large number of diseases, including piroplasmosis, which can make your dog feel unwell. To prevent this from happening, treat your pet for ectoparasites once a month, applying the mixture between the shoulder blades.

Bichon Frize character

If your dog is bitten by a tick, take him to the veterinarian. There it will be removed, processed and tested.

External characteristics of the puppy

French lapdog puppies can become excellent friends for small children without taking liberties in their direction that other decorative dogs allow themselves. It is necessary to purchase a puppy only from trusted breeders after meeting the parents and checking their veterinary documents.

Attention should also be paid to the conditions in which the puppies are kept. Among the Bichon babies, you need to choose one who does not look sick, does not show excessive cowardice, or, conversely, behaves aggressively

You can consult with breeders on the subject of nutrition and care for lap dogs.

Height

Miniature lapdogs that have just been born have a height of 10 to 15 cm. You can find out what height and weight a French lapdog puppy will have upon reaching maturity by analyzing the external data of its parents.

Color, wool

From birth, Bichon's coat is white and has the characteristic curliness of the breed. However, sometimes puppies may show defects in the form of small yellow spots, which usually disappear as they grow.

Ears, tail

The ears and tails of French lapdog puppies cannot be cropped. Caring for your puppy’s drooping ears should begin as early as one month of age.

The average life expectancy of French lap dogs is from 12 to 15 years. There are cases where Bichons lived up to 19 years. If the dog is provided with proper care, then throughout the years of its life it will not cause much trouble to its owner, since the lapdog is not predisposed to genetic diseases.

Tips for choosing a puppy

In Russia, the Bichon Frize breed has become popular relatively recently, and people do not know what a French lapdog puppy should look like. Meanwhile, the appearance of month-old purebred puppies is almost no different from the appearance of mongrels.

How to choose a puppy to be happy? Firstly, if the purpose of the purchase is participation in exhibitions, it is recommended to pay for a consultation with a dog handler; The cost of the consultation includes assistance in choosing an individual with a minimum number of defects or their complete absence. Secondly, the best choice would be to buy a French lapdog from a kennel. Bichon Frize puppies from kennels are purebred and in good health. Thirdly, you can communicate with your future pet in advance to eliminate excessive aggressiveness, cowardice, and nervousness.

List of Russian nurseries where Bichon Frize dogs are bred:

• "Gentle velvet" (Moscow);
• "Imperial gold" (St. Petersburg);
• "Kuner's" (St. Petersburg);
• “Moment of glory” (St. Petersburg);
• "White Rivendel" (Novosibirsk);
• "White Star" (Korolev);
• "Yarika's" (Murmansk);
• "Exotic Paradise" (Chekhov).

Having chosen a dog, do not forget to ask the breeder for a puppy certificate (there is information about the individual’s strengths and vices, physical characteristics), and a veterinary passport with vaccination marks in it. The price of a puppy directly depends on these documents, as well as on the individual’s admission to breeding.

What to feed Bichon Frize dogs

The average weight of a lap dog is 5 kg. Based on this, inactive and older animals should receive 300-500 calories per day, but active Bichons should receive 404-660 calories. Puppies should be fed more frequently and in a balanced manner during the first year of life. There are products labeled for different stages of a dog's life: puppy and adult. They contain the correct ingredients and calories for the designated steps.

It is recommended to divide the daily diet of an adult Bichon into two portions and feed it in the morning and evening. Puppies have three meals a day. This will allow your lapdog to eat small meals and also control her appetite. Canned and dry food is essential for the health of dogs. Its crunchy texture will help scrape plaque off your pet's teeth. Canned food does not provide the same cleansing benefits, but contains water

Its quantity is important for the Bichon, because the dog is susceptible to developing urolithiasis

Canned food and dry food can be mixed. When combining products, be sure to calculate their total calorie content. The lap dog's diet should include protein found in poultry, fish and beef. Whole grains such as barley, buckwheat, oats and brown rice will provide your dog with fiber and carbohydrates. They are easily digestible. Products containing vegetable and fish oils will be natural sources of fats and omega-3 fatty acids. They will help maintain thick fur, and also give it shine and softness.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

• Record high animal protein content;
• Does not cause allergies;
• The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

• There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
• Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
• Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Bichon Frize: history of the origin of the species

Snow-white Bichon
Today it is difficult to say exactly when the Bichon dog breed was developed. But it is known for sure that already in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries they were used on ships transporting cargo across the Mediterranean Sea.

It is assumed that the birthplace of the breed is Greece. Local sailors transported cargo over vast distances. Of course, rats, which appeared on almost every ship, caused them a lot of trouble, spoiling provisions and in general everything they could reach. The sailors needed a reliable assistant and they became a Bichon Frize - a dog that copes well with the role of killing rats.

Soon sailors of other European powers - Spain, Italy, France - adopted this experience.

And then aristocrats paid attention to dwarf dogs - fluffy, white and miniature, they were perfect for the role of pets. Therefore, very soon French breeders began to develop a single standard

This is how the French Bichon appeared, as every dog ​​lover knows today.

For reference! From French, the name “Bichon Frize” is translated as “fluffy lapdog.” But the Bishop or Bouchon dog does not exist in nature.

Origin of the Bichon Frize breed

The Bichon Frize dog breed has aristocratic roots. It appeared several centuries ago, presumably in France. However, another country claims to be the historical homeland of the Bichon - Belgium. “Curly-haired lapdog” is exactly how the name of the breed is translated from French.

It is believed that the breed originated from the Tenerife lapdogs, common during the Renaissance. Their purpose was to catch rats. According to other versions, the ancestors of modern bichons are water spaniels.

In the 15th century, they were favorites of French aristocrats and were considered desirable pets in noble houses of Spain, Italy, and England. Thus, King Henry III adored curly lap dogs and never parted with them.

The breed's popularity faded during the reign of Napoleon III. Curly-haired lap dogs also appeared in the homes of ordinary people. For many decades they were forgotten and on the verge of extinction. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did dog handlers become interested in the breed again.

In 1933, the French Kennel Club approved the Bichon Frize breed standard. In the United States, curly lap dogs were recognized two decades later, but bichons were only allowed to participate in AKC shows in the early 70s of the 20th century.

Description of Bichon Frize

Bichon Frize belong to the category of fairly small dogs, whose maximum height does not exceed 28-30 cm. The coat of a dog of this breed is quite abundant, up to 100 mm long, curly, soft and silky. The color features are established by standards, so the coat color can be exclusively white, but puppies are allowed to have beige spots that disappear with age. The skin is pigmented. Characterized by the presence of a black nose and dark rims around the eyes.

French standards require cutting a dog of this breed exclusively for hygienic purposes, as well as trimming the hair on the paws and face, which allows you to evaluate the overall length, volume and structure of the coat. In other countries, including Russia and America, it is quite acceptable to cut the Bichon Frize, during which the hair on the body is trimmed quite tightly, and a characteristic “mane” is formed in the neck area.

Breed standards

In accordance with the established standards FCI No. 215, the Bichon Frize breed belongs to the decorative dogs and companion dogs:

• the skull is quite flat, but thanks to the hair it has a rounded appearance;
• the hollow located between the brow ridges appears slightly;
• the stop is not too marked;
• the nose is round in shape, covered with delicate and shiny black skin;
• the muzzle area is shorter than the cranial part, not massive and not narrowed;
• lips are quite dry, thin, not thick, black;
• the cheekbone area is not too muscular, flat;
• the bite is normal, with the incisors of the lower jaw located closely;
• the eyes are dark in color, closer to a round shape, lively, but not very large and not protruding;
• ears of the hanging type, with the presence of gracefully curled and long hairs;
• the area is quite long, proudly and highly set, graceful and rounded in shape near the skull, with a gradual expansion smoothly entering the shoulders;
• withers not too emphasized, turning into a straight top line;
• straight back, muscular and strong;
• the loin is slightly arched, muscular and wide;
• the croup area is slightly rounded and moderately sloping;
• the chest is well developed and pronounced, with rounded false ribs;
• the belly and underline are well tucked, not drooping, giving a greyhound-like appearance;
• tail set slightly low relative to the dorsal line, carried erect, gracefully curved in line with the spine, but without forming a ring;
• the forelimbs in front are vertical and straight, with thin bones;
• the shoulder area is quite oblique, not convex and not extending away from the body;
• the croup is quite wide, with broad and muscular, sloping hips;
• the paws are strong and round, cat-type, directed forward, with black pads, strong and short claws.

The dog's movements at the trot are light and free, linear and coordinated, maintaining a straight topline and holding the head high. An increase in the speed of movement of the limbs causes them to approach the center line.

Dog character

The Bichon Frize has a naturally cheerful and playful disposition. This is a very active and courageous, but completely non-aggressive breed with a rather complex character. However, small white dogs are able to easily find a common language with their owner, and are also quite easy to train in almost any type of training.

Lifespan

The average life expectancy of a Bichon Frize breed pet varies between twelve and fifteen years, but only under conditions of proper maintenance and proper care.

Mating, pregnancy and childbirth

Female Havanese Bichons begin to go into heat between 6 and 12 months of age and repeat every 6 to 9 months. Never breed a female dog in her first heat: the body of a recent puppy is not yet strong enough to bear offspring. Find out the duration of estrus specifically for your dog: to do this, observe the bitch more than once or twice. Typically this period is 20 - 22 days. It is better to breed with a male dog on the 11th - 15th day and again a day later - two. Mating is best done in the boy's territory. It is ideal if the animals are comparable in height. But if the difference is big, place a pillow under the hind legs of the dog or bitch.

The Havanese Bichon's pregnancy lasts 59 ± 3 days. It is important to know exactly the gestational age, since prematurity and postmaturity threaten the puppies with death. To do this, always write down the mating dates. Young dogs (up to 3 - 4 years old) have small litters, which is why pregnancy may last longer than usual. In the first three weeks, the bitch’s behavior changes (she becomes more affectionate), but there are no external signs. After a month, the belly grows and the mammary glands enlarge.

Signs of imminent labor:

• prolapse of the abdomen,
• greenish or yellowish discharge from the loop,
• decrease in rectal temperature to 37 degrees and below.

Prepare your birth kit:

• disposable diapers (put under the bitch),
• ironed cloths (to receive and dry puppies),
• dishes (put away afterbirth),
• a box for puppies with a heating pad (if the bitch is restless, and newborns should not be placed in it),
• surgical clamp and scissors (for cutting the umbilical cord; treat with alcohol),
• antiseptic spray Septonex, Aluminum or Xidikol (for treating the umbilical cord wound),
• scales, notebook, pen, thick thread of floss (weigh and mark puppies, write down the results).

If the birth is successful, then no medications or other means of resuscitation are needed. If not, the veterinarian you call will have everything you need with you.

External differences

The dogs look like toys, they are spectacular and cute.
The color is boiling white; puppies have red spots that disappear with age. Wool with waves, soft to the touch, resembles cotton wool. The Bichon dog breed is small in size: its height is no more than 30 cm, and its weight ranges from 3 to 5 kg.

The muzzle is not elongated, with a rounded nose and pronounced nostrils. The shape of the body depends on the haircut. The eyes are round, black, with the same color edging, and look like beads.

The dogs are distinguished by their proportional build, strong muscle and bone structure, which is inherent in the body of large dog breeds. When moving, they hold their head and neck high, and their back line is straight. This gives grace, lightness and elegance.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

Bichon Frize - description of the breed

This companion dog is a decorative dog. She has a proud posture and snow-white fur. With a small body size, the French lapdog is a long-liver that can live up to 15 years. The dog's character is good-natured and playful without any aggression. Bichons easily become attached to their owners and try to stay close to them as much as possible. Many people have the misconception that this breed is stupid, but this is not the case. Their intelligence is above average. Dogs can be trained without any problems.

History of the Bichon Frize breed

According to one of the popular versions of the appearance of these dogs, their homeland is the Canary Islands. Local fishermen took these small dogs to protect food from rats and easily sold them while traveling to other countries. The population was divided into: Maltese, Tenerife and Hawaiian. The first name was “Barbie-chon”, when the breed was officially registered, what remained was “bichons” in translation meaning “curly-haired lapdog”. The breed received its modern appearance in the 14th century. The palace ladies liked it so much that they forgot about the role of the rat catchers. Until now, the Bichon Frize dog has not gone out of fashion.

Standard Bichon Frize

The current parameters appeared in 1988. A distinctive feature of the breed is its great curliness. With such an airy appearance, dogs have a very strong constitution. The description of the Bichon Frize standard includes the following characteristics:

• height – 30 cm;
• weight – about 5 kg;
• the head is slightly elongated;
• forehead is flat;
• hanging ears of medium length;
• nose is large and dark in color;
• round black eyes;
• teeth are straight;
• the body is rectangular;
• The sternum and back are wide;
• limbs are strong;
• paws are rounded;
• the tail is raised and covered with long hair;
• The coat is long and curly, white in color.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=m81OmuQMwPg%250D

Bichon Frize - character

These dwarf dogs have a balanced and friendly disposition with a cheerful character. The Bichon Frize breed is a playful dog that loves people and other pets. Some owners are sure that they know how to smile, their faces are so friendly. In addition, the following character traits can be distinguished:

• love of walks and active games;
• ease of training;
• complete obedience to the owner;
• impatience with rude treatment;
• quick adaptation to any situation;
• bad qualities of a security guard, but in case of danger they will defend themselves.

Does the Bichon Frize shed or not?

Anyone who is unfamiliar with this animal is wondering whether there will be problems during molting, because the animal has a large amount of fur, and if it starts to climb, the apartment will be a complete mess. According to experienced dog breeders, the French lap dog does not shed, but the coat requires complex care, so to maintain an ideal appearance, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional groomer.

Varieties

Today, several breed subgroups have been identified, which include lapdogs with similar appearance and characteristics. They differ in the place of breeding and growth.

You can get acquainted with the varieties of Bichons in the table below.

Breed diversity

Brief historical background

According to some historical evidence dating back to the 13th-14th centuries, French bichons descended from a common ancestor for most lapdogs - a small white aboriginal dog that has long lived on the islands and the Mediterranean coast (its ancestor is considered to be water barbets). For purely practical purposes, local sailors took small dogs with them on sea ships - the dogs were excellent at catching rodents (mice and rats) in holds with provisions during long journeys. Having reached their destinations, the pets ran to land on their own, or they were gladly sold to local residents by sailors and merchants from ships.

The population brought to various regions gradually grew and divided into several lines: Italian, Havana, Maltese and Tenerife. The descendants of Tenerife are the modern Bichon Frize. The peak of the breed's popularity came during the Renaissance, when the European nobility kept lapdogs as exclusive and expensive pets. The French monarch Henry III had a special love for fluffy snow-white dogs, who took them with him to his bedroom, carried them in a wicker basket around his neck and did not part with his beloved dogs for a minute.

Small white dogs were a hit with the ladies of the court.

The French Revolution greatly shook the position of pampered ornamental animals. From the palace chambers they were forced to move to the streets of Paris and even to troupes of traveling circus performers. The number of French lap dogs has decreased greatly, they almost disappeared altogether. The breed was saved by Belgian dog handlers, who began its revival at the beginning of the 20th century. The first official breed standard was developed and adopted in 1933. A year later, the French Kennel Club approved this decision. The French lap dogs received their modern name - Bichon Frize - in 1978, at which time the breed was recognized as Franco-Belgian. In the 70s, French Bichons were recognized in England, Sweden and the USA. The latest currently valid standard was adopted on September 2, 2016. In the FCI registry, the Bichon Frize is listed in group 9 - companions and decorative dogs (section 1 - bichons and related breeds) under number 215.

Tendency to diseases

Bichon Frizes live an average of 16 years, which is a record among toy dog ​​breeds. They have good health, but get sick without proper care.

Possible diseases:

• diabetes;
• kidney pathologies;
• skin diseases;
• cataracts and other vision problems;
• dental diseases;
• joint dysplasia;
• allergy.

A dog owner can prevent many of these diseases through quality pet care and good nutrition.

Vaccination plays a big role, however, there are often cases when Bichons have allergic reactions to vaccinations (photos of a Bichon Frize with an allergy can be seen on the Internet).

Diseases of the Havanese Bichon

Due to the low prevalence of the breed and the small population, data on hereditary genetic pathologies are quite contradictory . Although in general, Cuban lap dogs have good health and strong immunity.

Havanese Bichons sometimes suffer from:

• Cataracts. Cloudiness of the lens is accompanied by a fear of bright light, increased tearing, and redness of the eyes. In the absence of adequate timely treatment, the dog may go blind. Drug therapy (in the initial stages) or surgery helps.
• Von Willebrand's disease (pseudogemophilia). A blood disorder that results in unexpected bleeding. In severe cases with extensive blood loss, death is possible. There is no cure, but medications that increase blood clotting are prescribed as a preventive measure.

Problems of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia), as well as ear diseases (otitis) occur with poor care and unbalanced nutrition.

These small dogs can live for about 14–16 years, but it is not uncommon for long-livers to exceed the 18-year mark.

Interesting facts about the Bichon Frize

The breed has a rather rich history and, in general, many interesting facts that every breeder will be interested to know:

• For a long time, snow-white dogs were the favorites of aristocrats in many countries of southern Europe.
• The French monarch Henry III, who lived at the end of the sixteenth century, had an unusual attachment to bichons - even when solving state issues, he did not part with his favorites, often hanging a basket with them around his neck.
• In the paintings of famous artists - Goya and Fragonard - you can see snow-white fluffy dogs, which a connoisseur will unmistakably recognize as French lap dogs.

So, if the reader has long dreamed of having a miniature, cheerful and beautiful dog, but has no experience in dog breeding, the Bichon Frize will be an excellent choice for him.

Education and training

The French lapdog is easy to train. It is necessary to teach basic commands and rules of behavior from an early age, otherwise the matured Bichon will be too capricious and difficult to control.

First of all, he is taught to use the tray, then the commands “place” and “no”. These dogs must be trained in a playful way without harsh words or punishment.

Bichons have an innate circus artistry and can learn quite complex tricks. Dogs of this breed can often be seen in circus arenas.

They are very loyal and obedient animals and do not seek to dominate relationships with their owner, which makes it easier to train them.

Despite the talent of these lap dogs, they should not be overly pampered and indulged in everything, otherwise this can lead to their uncontrollability.

During the training process, it is unacceptable to treat them rudely, and only treats and kind words can be used as encouragement.

Bichons are quite capricious animals that are quite easy to spoil. Insufficient education and permissiveness on the part of the owner can make this dog almost uncontrollable.

It is very important from the first months of the puppy’s arrival in the house to accustom it to restraint and knowledge of basic commands. Bichons require a lot of attention, and if they don’t have enough of it, they can cause a lot of trouble, both on the street (by pestering passers-by) and at home (by creating chaos and damaging furniture).

Bichons require a lot of attention, and if they don’t have enough of it, they can cause a lot of trouble, both on the street (by pestering passers-by) and at home (by creating chaos and damaging furniture).

It is necessary to approach training consistently and responsibly. Dogs sense the owner’s mood, and if he is persistent in training his pet, then the pet will be more patient and will be happy to carry out the commands required of him.

The basis of the educational process

How correctly the puppy will be raised depends on the owner’s persistence, the amount of time spent and love for the pupil. There must also be strict control. Just because you love your pet does not mean that he cannot be punished for pampering or trying to eat something harmful from the floor or the ground. The best owner for any dog ​​is a strong, demanding, but kind dad.

There are several important and effective secrets of proper upbringing:

1. If the puppy deserves physical punishment, there is no need to make concessions. The type of punishment will have to be applied at the beginning of education. In the future, the dog will wean itself from doing bad things and will know that at the first request it needs to execute the “fu” command. You should not lose sight of the fact that until the age of 3 months, a pet cannot be raised using physical punishment. At a tender age, parenting methods should be extremely careful.
2. The baby should receive as many positive emotions as possible from the owner. The pet takes negative emotions and punishment for granted if they are appropriate, and the owner does not forget to praise his pupil. It is worth encouraging the puppy, for example, when he correctly followed the command, went to the toilet in a special place. Many owners pet their dogs even without achievements. If you use this gesture of attention more often, the contact between the owner and the puppy becomes closer.
3. If you took a puppy to become a friend, a protector, then you need to take into account that loyalty is the quality of those dogs that consider their owner a member of their pack. Then the dog is really ready to give his life so that you can be saved.

Overly cruel and demanding owners will not be able to raise a reliable protector. This does not mean that you can allow people to sit on your neck. The principle of the golden mean is to initially praise the kids as often as possible, and over time, praise and encouragement with treats for following commands will be needed much less often.

Standard for an adult Bichon Frize dog

The current standard appeared in 1988. A distinctive feature that has become characteristic of these dogs is curly hair. Here are more detailed characteristics that belong to this breed.

The head is proportional to the body, the forehead is flat. Round, dark eyes set straight. The muzzle is strong, shorter than the skull, the lips fit tightly to each other, the upper lip completely covers the lower one. The teeth are straight, scissor bite. The nose is round and black. The ears hang on the sides of the muzzle, are not very long, and are covered with hair.

Rectangular body. Straight, strong and wide back. The neck is flexible and rounded. The chest is well developed, wide and deep. The tail is located at the level of the spine, is of medium length, and covered with long hair.

The limbs are strong, with well-developed muscles. The front legs are parallel, set close to the body, rounded and dense, with black claws.

Important! The color can only be white!

Coat type and length. The coat of these dogs is very long, soft, silky to the touch, and constantly tends to curl into spiral curls. They have a fairly soft and thick undercoat, which protects them from sudden temperature changes.

The weight is the same for both males and females. These dogs weigh from three to five kilograms.

The size is different. For males it varies from twenty-five to thirty centimeters, for females - from twenty-three to twenty-nine centimeters.

Aristocratic features

• The Bichon Frize dog has a cheerful character, which is reflected in his gaze - lively and interested. The range of colors that distinguish the iris includes shades of dark brown with a tendency towards black.
• The eyelids fit tightly, completely hiding the whites and the area where the third eyelid is located. The pigmentation color of the eyelids is exclusively black, and the pigmentation of the skin around the eyes is brown with an almost imperceptible halo. This will be the distinctive feature that confirms the breed.
• The shape of the ears of these dogs is such that they hang down on the sides of the muzzle. But the ears cannot be called very long. They reach the middle of the skull. Their set is quite high, and the ears are decorated with light, elongated hair.
• Ear cartilage is elastic. In moments of alertness, they begin to rise at the base.
• Body parameters are distinguished by a rectangular format. The height of the animal is a quarter less than the length of the back, if you count from the shoulder blades to the croup.
• The neck is strong, flexible, rounded and makes up approximately one third of the body. There is a widening of the neck in the shoulder area and a smooth transition to the area of ​​barely noticeable withers.
• The animal's back will be straight, proportionally wide, with a convexity in the area of ​​the croup - short, moderately sloping, with a fairly smooth transition to the hind legs.

• The animal's chest is wide and deep with a rounded keel that protrudes forward when viewed from the side. The shape of the ribs is rounded, they are distinguished by their strength.
• The abdomen and groin are moderately tucked, without restricting confident movements, but also without drooping.
• The limbs are distinguished by their strength, good development of bones and muscles. The position of the front paws is parallel, they are close to the body with the elbows pressed to the chest.
• The location of the tail is marked level with the spine. It is thrown over the back and is distinguished by an abundance of long hair.
• The arrangement of the hind legs is parallel with the stifles and hocks jointed proportionally at an angle. The brushes are round in appearance, they are collected at a slight angle. The disadvantages of the Bichon Frize, according to reviews from owners, is the presence of dewclaws, which are recommended to be removed while still a puppy.

Dog character

Active dogs require a constant release of accumulated energy, so it is better not to get such a pet for passive people. You need to take your dog for regular walks and provide hygienic care.

Bichons hate being alone, so they suffer if their owner is often away from home.

If you do not train your dog and deprive it of attention, it will begin to damage property in the house. Bichons love to bark a lot

The dog is not suitable for lovers of peace and tranquility.

Representatives of the breed are cute and friendly. They get along well with children of any age and pets (with the exception of small rodents).

They easily adapt to new conditions, so moving to another area is unlikely to upset the Bichon.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-bishon-frize.html

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

Key facts

Loyalty, affectionateness, playfulness, mischief - these are the characteristics of the Bichon Frize breed. Reviews from the owners of French lap dogs speak about one thing: these mischievous little balls of fur win the hearts of people and make people smile with their touching seriousness. Photos, pictures, videos cannot convey the charm of these dogs.

The Bichon Frize is a companion dog, a little mischievous, smart, completely silent, and has the indescribable charm of a walking cloud. Responds to sonorous calls

She loves children, active walks and everyone's attention to her person. Occasionally, a dog may express indignation with a menacing growl or a demonstrative refusal to eat.

It is easy to train, but due to its character it can be undisciplined.

The dog practically does not shed, but the dense undercoat and white hair twisted into tight spirals requires careful grooming and daily combing. The description of the Bichon Frize breed explains that the dogs are hypoallergenic due to the absence of the characteristic dog odor and shedding.

Other names of the breed are used along with this one by the International Canine Association: French lapdog, curly-haired bichon.

The shortened name, "barbichon", comes from the merger of two French words "barbet" and "bichon". The dimensions of the Bichon Frize are miniature: weight in adult females and males ranges between 2.5 and 3 kg, height (height at the withers) is 25-30 cm. These values ​​are typical for dogs in the “standard” category. Countries of origin: France and Belgium.

The lifespan of the Bichon Frize is long: they live approximately 12-15 years. The price for a dog starts from 30,000 rubles.

What does a French lapdog look like, what colors are characteristic of it? The Barbichon is a dog of a “dry” build, with an elongated muzzle tapering towards a black nose and playful black beady eyes. Often puppies are born cream colored and only become pure white by 12 months; No more than 10% of the cream “additive” is allowed in an adult.

Appearance of a French lap dog

General impression

There are many types of lap dogs - Italian, Maltese, French... What does a French Bichon Frize look like? The curly-haired Bichon is a small fluffy cloud, he is graceful and elegant. The fur twisted into spirals is pure white, black eyes look at the owner devotedly, but cunningly. Small size (height for females reaches 23-29 cm, for males - 25-30 cm), low weight (from 3 to 5 kg) make the Bichon look like a plush toy.

Head

The head, proportional to the body, is distinguished by a flat skull, which appears rounded due to the hair.
The brow ridges are weakly expressed. The ears, set above the eye line, form an equilateral triangle and hang along the cheeks; heavily covered with hair. Usually the dog actively moves its ears if something attracts its attention. The muzzle, wide at the base, is shorter than the skull; the bridge of the nose is straight. The round dark eyes are normally set, the whites are not visible when viewed directly. The rounded black nose is grainy and shiny. Dark thin lips are thin, the lower lip is not visible when the mouth is closed. The cheeks are flat and high cheekbones. Both jaws are wide, with even incisors; a scissor bite is preferred, with a full set of teeth.

Neck

Thin near the skull, the neck smoothly widens and goes into the shoulders. Long, in proportion it is a third of the length of the entire body.

Torso

The photo of the Bichon Frize clearly shows that its body is compact, with well-defined withers. The back is straight, there is a slight bend in the lumbar region, the muscles are well developed. The wide, rounded croup has a slight slope. The chest is well developed, reaching down to the elbows; the ribs are springy. The lower part of the chest rises towards the moderately tucked abdomen; The sides are lean, the skin is without folds.

Forelegs

The front legs are straight, the bones are thin. The shoulders are oblique, forming an angle with the top of the paw. The elbows located close to the chest smoothly flow into the straight forearm. The feet are round with black pads and claws, well assembled. When standing, the dog places its paws straight.

Hind limbs

The hind limbs of the Bichon Frize begin with a wide pelvis, thighs with well-developed muscles, and vertical legs parallel to each other. The knee is neither turned in nor out. The shin is similar in length to the thigh. The hock joint is well defined, the metatarsus is thin. The paws are rounded, the characteristics of the pads and claws are the same as those of the front ones.

Tail

The tail is carried moderately high and does not curl or touch the back. Doesn't stop. Possibly touching the back with fur. When moving, the tail carries gracefully and does not hang.

Movements

When walking, the movement of the paws is parallel. Trotting is accompanied by a head carried high and a tail well curled over the back. The hind legs are especially powerful and give good acceleration. Movements are free and graceful.

Wool

Girls and boys squeal with affection when they see French lap dogs that look so much like little clouds! The dog's undercoat is soft and dense. The coat is curly, voluminous due to the spiral-shaped outer hair. The length ranges from 7 to 10 cm. The curly Bichon will not get wet even in a downpour due to its thick undercoat.

Color

What colors predominate in the Bichon Frize? Up to 12 months, the puppy's coat may be beige (a mixture of white and champagne), covering no more than 10% of the animal's body. An adult dog has a bright snow-white coat.

Size

The height of the Bichon Frize at the withers is small and reaches a maximum of 30 centimeters. These are truly miniature dogs, ideal for home keeping. The weight of the Bichon Frize is also small and ranges from 2.5-3 kg.

Bichon Frize diet

The recommended daily amount of food for a Bichon Frize is 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. How much an adult dog needs to eat depends on its size, age, build, metabolism and activity level.

It is important to keep your Bichon in good shape by measuring his food and feeding it twice a day rather than leaving it out all the time. To check if your dog is overweight, you need to do a simple test:

To check if your dog is overweight, you need to do a simple test:

1. Look at him from top to bottom. In this case, you need to see the dog’s waist;
2. Place your hands on your back and walk your thumbs along the spine. In this case, you need to feel, but not see the pet's ribs, without pressing hard. If this fails, the Bichon needs less food and more exercise.

Bichons, like many small breeds, are prone to urolithiasis (stones in the urinary tract). Diet is an important part of treating and managing this condition. Therapeutic diets and increased water intake can help prevent and control this.

Conditions of detention

Bichon Frizes love to walk; they are willing to spend two, three or more hours a day outside. They are not afraid of cold weather, but in autumn and rainy weather they need overalls to protect them from dirt. Otherwise, clothing can damage the Bichon Frize's snow-white, soft coat.