History

• Spanish sailors used to trade bichon frise dogs.spain map image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com
  
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) dates the bichon frise back to the 13th century. Their popularity blossomed in the royal courts of France in the 16th century, largely because that they traveled as trade with Spanish sailors. Trade was not the only use the Spanish had for these dogs, however. Spanish artists cherished the dogs and often painted the fluffy pups as well. The bichon frise finally made it across the Atlantic to the United States in the 1950s.
  
  

Size

• The bichon frise is a sturdy dog.bichon havanais posing image by Lars Christensen from Fotolia.com
  
  Bichon frise are tiny puppies, usually weighing in at only 1 lb. within the first few weeks after birth. Bichon frise puppies grow to be relatively small dogs, topping out at approximately 12 lbs., according to VetInfo4Dogs.com. The Dog Breed Info Center reports that their average height is between 9 and 12 inches, with AKC preference between 9 ½ and 11 ½ inches. These puppies are sturdy, compact and low to the ground. In fact, AKC reports that the breed is well proportioned throughout the entire body so the pup should not suffer from balance issues.
  
  

Color

• Bichons have black or brown eyes.bichon maltese puppy image by Lombok from Fotolia.com
  
  The bichon frise is primarily white. In some instances, tufts of cream or apricot-colored fur may grow around the ears and throughout the body. Some bichon puppies also have some shades of gray, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. Regardless of the color, the coat is curly and soft and grows to be about 3 to 4 inches long, with an even softer undercoat. Bichon puppies have large, round black or brown eyes.
  
  

Temperament

• Bichons can suffer from "Small Dog Syndrome."Dogs Play Fighting image by Tourmalet06 from Fotolia.com
  
  The AKC describes the bichon frise as, "Gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate." VetInfo4Dogs.com confirms that this breed of puppy is very social and interacts well and intelligently with its human companions. Because they are tiny, however, the Dog Breed Info Center cautions these pups can develop "Small Dog Syndrome," and will attempt to become the leader of their perceived pack, acting out in aggressive ways. Behavioral issues are easily resolved with proper training and learned boundaries while the puppies are young.
  
  

Illnesses

• Bichons are generally very healthy dogs.Bichon image by Olive from Fotolia.com
  
  Because the bichon frise is a sturdy pup, they are not prone to too many health-related issues. That is not to say they are completely free of them, however. Most notably, bichons may suffer from eye problems that range from simple watering to cataracts. The puppies are also prone to skin irritation including reactions to flea bites. The Dog Breed Info Center lists the more serious health issues as epilepsy and dislocated kneecaps.