Bichon Frise history

The oldest known ancestor of Bichon Frise is Water Spaniel, also known as Barbet, which is also where Bichon gets its name from (they were originally known as Barbichons but the name was shortened later). There are four distinct breeds in the Barbichon family – Bichon Maltese, Bichon Havanese, Bichon Bolognese and Bichon Tenerife. It is from Bichon Tenerife that the modern Bichon Frise came from. These dogs were carried all over the world by Spanish sailors who used them for bartering.

Bichon Tenerife was brought to Italy in 1300s by explorers, were it caught the eye of nobility and merchants. After the French invasion of Italy in the late 1400s Bichon found its place in French courts, were it became extremely popular and loved. That popularity and a certain air of prestige that this breed possessed lasted until the late 1800s when Bichon was taken out of the Royal and into circus courts, as well as fairs and streets. But Bichon adapted well to this new, harsher conditions, showing a great deal of resilience and cunning.

In 1933 Madam Abadie who was affiliated with Steren Vor Kennels formulated a standard for this breed, which was promptly accepted by French Societe Central Canine. Up to that point this breed had two names – Bichon and Tenerife, it was then that it was proposed that the breed should have a standardized name which would reflect some of the dog’s characteristics. The adopted name was Bichon a polio Frise -meaning Bichon with the curly coat. This breed first entered French registry in 1934. First litter of Bichons in USA was born in 1956 in Milwaukee, where their parents were brought by Mr. and Mrs. Francois Picault. Next year in April, Bichons were granted recognition and the opportunity to compete in shows.

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