Bichon Frises Breeders

Bichon Frises Breeders - History

Photo source: Bichon Frise Dogs & Bichon Frise Puppies

The Bichon Teneriffe is one more name, which refers to the breed. After the 1st World War, French and Belgian breeders wanted to rename the Bichon Teneriffe as the name only involved its Spanish origin. Spanish sailors could have brought this breed to the Canary Island. It gained tremendous popularity in royal Spanish and French circles after it was re-imported to Europe.

Some interesting facts are connected with the Bichon's fame among kings. Spanish and European painters depicted Bichons as an inseparable part of the king's glory. Fransisco de Goya, Jean-Honore Fragonard used images of the dogs in their paintings. French king Henry III (1574-1589) was so devoted to his Bichons and was so reluctant to part with them that he carried them in a basket attached to his neck.

However, Bichons also knew the times of disfavor and disrespect. When they stopped being the breed in vogue, they became known as circus dogs. Beggars used their ability to learn tricks.

In 1934, the International Canine Federation came up with the breed standard. Madame Nizet de Leemans, the president of the Federation, is known to have given the breed its present name. Since that time we know these little fluffy dogs as Bichon Frises.