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BREED HISTORY
The Bichon, like his cousin the Caniche, descended from the Barbet or Water-Spaniel, from which came the name "Barbic- hon," later contracted to "Bichon." The Bichons were divided into four categories: the Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolog- nais, the Bichon Havanais and the Bichon Teneriffe. All originated in the Mediterranean area.
Appreciated for their dispositions, the dogs traveled much through antiquity. Frequently offered as items of barter, they were transported by sailors from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally felt that Spanish seamen introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Teneriffe. Most sources agree that in this period the name "Teneriffe" was retained mainly because of its slightly exotic nature and the enhanced commercial value the name gave the common Bichon.
In the 1300s, Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to the Continent, where they became great favorites with Italian nobility, and as with other dogs of that era, were often cut "lion style."
The "Teneriffe" or "Bichon" made its appearance in France under Francis I, the patron of the Renaissance (1515-1547). However, its greatest success was in the court of Henry III (1574-1589), where it was pampered, perfumed, and beribboned. The breed also enjoyed considerable success in Spain as a favorite of the Infantas, and painters of the Spanish school often included them in their works. One finds such a dog in several of the paintings of Goya.
After a brief renewal of interest under Napoleon III, the fate of this aristocratic dog took a new turn. In the late 1800s, it became the "common dog," running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind and doing tricks in circuses and fairs.
At the end of World War 1, a few fanciers recognized the potential of the dogs and in France four breeders began establishing their lines through controlled breeding programs. On March 5, 1933, the official standard of the breed (as written by the then President of the Toy Club of France, in conjunction with the Friends of the Belgian Breeds) was adopted by the Societe Centrale Canine of France. As the breed was known by two names, "Teneriffe" and "Bichon," the president of the International Canine Federation, Madame Nizet de Leemans, proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented and the name "Bichon Frise" (plural: Bichons Frises) was adopted. "Frise" refers to the dog's soft, curly hair. On October 18, 1934, the Bichon was admitted to the stud book of the French Kennel Club. The International Canine Federation recongnizes the Bichon Frise as "a French-Belgian breed having the right to registration in the Book of Origins from all countries." The breed is recognized in France, Belgium and Italy.
In 1956, Mr. and Mrs. Francois Picault moved to the United States and settled in the Midwest where Etoile de Steren Vor whelped the first Bichon litter born in this country (sired by Eddie White de Steren Ver). In 1959 and 1960, two breeders in different parts of the United States acquired Bichons, thus providing the origins for breed development in this country.
Accepted for entry in the Miscellaneous Class, September 1, 1971, the Bichon Frise was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book in the October, 1972, and to regular show classification in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC shows April 4, 1973.
WHAT IS A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER?
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Just what is a responsible breeder of purebred dogs? Just what is it that sets such a person apart from any other breeder? Why are responsible breeders so special? Why should they be sought out by anyone looking to purchase a puppy?
A responsible breeder is dedicated to the breed - always learning about a breed, recognizing the need to adhere to key breed identifying characteristics and working hard to do everything possible to maintain and preserve a given breed for the enjoyment of future generations. A responsible breeder carefully weighs each mating with an eye on what is best for the breed in terms of appearance, temperament, and health considerations. A responsible breeder never breeds just to sell puppies for money, instead a responsible breeder looks upon each puppy as an investment in the future of the breed. All potential puppy buyers are thoroughly screened to determine suitability, responsibility and capability. A responsible breeder is always there to answer questions, give advise and offer guidance to new puppy owners and will remain a ready source of assistance throughout the animal's lifetime.
Responsible breeders never mate two dogs without being prepared to care for the resulting puppies.
Responsible breeders have long range plans, definitive thoughts about their breed and are never afraid to speak up and voice an opinion. Responsible breeders are always there - through the joys of life and heartache of death. Responsible breeders are the backbone of their breed and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of dog lovers to enjoy. |
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