There are many attractive and popular purebred dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC registered the Bichon Frise, which in French loosely translates to curly lap dog, in 1973. Prior to the breed becoming popular in America, both the French and the Spanish loved it. The breed descended from a blend of poodle, Barbet, and white lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C. Originally called the Barbichon, the breed accompanied Spanish sailors on trade missions. The dogs were loved for their intelligent, friendly and outgoing dispositions.

The attractive and friendly Barbichon's name was shortened to Bichon and later had Frise added by the French to reference the breed's soft, curly fur. The Bichon Frise was popular in the French royal family during the Renaissance. Its popularity spread throughout Europe, to Australia and then to the United States in the 1930s to 1970s. Two Bichon Frise breeders in the U.S helped the breed become registered by the American Kennel Club in 1973. A Bichon Frise breeder must meet specific AKC breed standards to register dogs in competition.

Because the defining characteristic of the Bichon Frise is its white, curly coat, Bichon Frise breeders try to retain that characteristic. The American Kennel Club only allows less than ten percent of the fur to be off-white.

Often the ears, tearstains around the eyes, and the muzzle are off-white or even apricot in color, which is acceptable. Bichon Frise fur is hypoallergenic. It must be groomed regularly to maintain its luster and fluffiness.

Bichon Frise has brown or black eyes, a black mouth and nose, and pendulous, furry ears. The breed is prone to allergies even though the fur is hypoallergenic to humans. The ears are prone to ear mites. A Bichon Frise breeder must make sure dogs for use in AKC competition meet all the breed standard characteristics. Purebred Bichon Frise dogs have two coats of fur consisting of a dense undercoat and curly topcoat. They are seven to twelve pounds in weight, are nine to twelve inches in height and have a friendly, confident, intelligent and bold personality.

Some signs of a reputable Bichon Frise breeder include well-maintained kennels, the puppies are comfortable around people and other animals, both the puppies and parents have been screened for genetic defects, availability of medical records, pedigree, and registration papers.

Buyers should ask the following questions of breeders: Do you have your own kennel? (A good breeder will maintain his/her own clean kennel.) Can I visit the kennel/meet the parents of the puppy? (This should be encouraged.) Have puppies and parents been screened for genetic defects? Will I receive registration papers, pedigree, and medical records? (Yes to all.) Can you tell me the history of the breed? (Breeders should be experts.) Are you affiliated with rescue centers? Can you tell me how to care for my Bichon Frise? Is there a warranty? (A good breeder will want the dog returned to them rather than sold.)

Questions to ask Bichon Frise breeders include: May I meet the parents/puppy before purchase? Can you teach me how to care for my Bichon Frise? What is the history of the Bichon Frise? What are common health problems specific to Bichon Frise? Can I buy a rescued Bichon Frise instead? Will you provide pedigree and registration papers? Do you offer a warranty? Can I return the Bichon Frise if I can't keep it?