Origin:
Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shawn FREE-sayis) a very well known breed originating from Belgium, France, Spain as well as Canada!

Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small dog breed with a love of mischief and a lot of love to give. And it doesn't take long to realize that the Bichon can be your happiest and most enthusiastic companion.

Expected Adult Weight:
7 - 12 lbs.

Expected Adult Height:
9 - 11 inches.

Expected Life Span:
12 - 15 years.

If you're looking for a wonderful family pet, consider the Bichon. This dog loves to play. He's always happy (except when left alone for long periods of time), and his demeanor is affectionate and gentle.

The German Shepherd was originally bred to herd flocks in harsh climates, and his medium-length double coat fits the job perfectly, protecting the dog from rain and snow, and resistant to picking up burrs and dirt.

The coat types of the German Shepherd are as varied as his color; some German Shepherds are long-haired. However, the ideal German Shepherd has a double coat of medium length. The outer coat is dense with straight hair that lies close to the body, and is sometimes wavy and wiry.

Regular Grooming Frequency:
Weekly brushing and seasonal grooming needed.

Trim nails on a regular basis to prevent painful splintering. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they're too long.

Home Grooming Tools Required:
Metal comb and soft slicker.

The Bichon Frise is a double-coated breed, always white. The soft and dense undercoat and course outer coat combine to create a soft but substantial texture. The coat stands away from the body, giving it a powder-puff appearance. The most popular trim for a Bichon follows the lines of the dog's body, leaving the coat long enough to give him the signature "poufy" look!

Regular Grooming Frequency:
Regular grooming and regular at home brushing recommended at about every 5 weeks.

Begin accustoming your Bichon to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet!

Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long.

Home Grooming Tools Required:
Metal comb and soft slicker.

Bichons are intelligent and love to learn tricks, and they're highly trainable. When training, you need to be firm but gentle. Harsh corrections and scolding will break a Bichon's heart. Many Bichon owners train their dogs for obedience, agility, and rally competition. Both dogs and owners enjoy this activity, and it's a good way to bond more closely with your Bichon.

Another activity that brings out the best in the Bichon is therapy work. Because they're gentle and sure to bring a smile to anyone's face, they make perfect therapy dogs for visits in nursing homes and hospitals.

Because of their small size, Bichons are good pets for people who live in apartments. But they do have a lot of energy, and they need daily exercise, including walks and games.