Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise''' is a small breed of dog that originated in Europe. Their name is French for curly lap dog.

Appearance
Bichon Frises are characterized by their thick, curly white, cream, apricot, or gray fur. On its rounded skull are round eyes and a big black nose. Its tail is long and curly and carried above its back. It is typically 9-11 inches tall and 7-12 lbs. They may have apricot patches on their face too.

Behavior
Bichon frises are very affectionate and stable breeds that happen to have minimal shedding like poodles.

Bichons are very loving, courageous, lively, quiet, gentle, and intelligent companions. They love the presence of people, as they love everyone. They are very easy to train, and do fantastic tricks. Due to sociability, they are the type of dog that needs to be taken everywhere. They are great family dogs and love the company of other pets. Bichons are also widely known for their obedience. They also happen to be hypoallergenic.

History
Bichons date back as far back as the 13th century. They descended from the poodle and the Barbet water spaniel. They were traded worldwide by Spaniards. The pooch became a royal favorite in the 16th-19th centuries. It also was a circus performer due to its obedience and ease to train. It was recognized by AKC in 1972. In present days, it is favored in dog shows.