One popular purebred dog is the Bichon Frise. The breed has existed in its current form since the Middle Ages. The breed has been a companion of Spanish sailors, a beloved pet of French royalty, and even a popular and charismatic circus performer! Intelligent and charming, the Bichon Frise is popular because of the breed's powder puff white fur and human expression. The breed is also extremely friendly and outgoing and even helped the Spanish increase diplomacy on their trade routes.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the breed in 1973. The name translates in French to curly lap dog. The breed is descended from the poodle, Barbet and white lap dog found in the Mediterranean region as far back as 600 B.C. The name has changed from Barbichon to Bichon to the current name. A good breeder is an expert on the history of the breed as well as breed standard characteristics.

The most common and desirable trait of the Bichon Frise is its white, curly fur coat. The breed's powder puff coat consists of a dense undercoat and a springy, plushy topcoat. The fur springs back into shape when touched. The fur must be at least ninety percent pure white to meet breed AKC standards. The fur does not shed and is thus hypoallergenic. However, like most white breeds, these dogs are themselves prone to many skin, ear, and eye allergies. A good breeder can educate a potential buyer on how to properly groom and care for the animal to keep its allergies under control.

Another desirable and standard trait of the Bichon Frise is its outgoing personality. The American Kennel Club even lists its friendly disposition as a breed standard trait. Besides being sociable, the Bichon Frise are also intelligent and extremely active. There is even a phrase to describe their random bursts of hyperactivity- the Bichon Frise blitz.

Spotting a faux Bichon Frise is not as easy as spotting a faux breeder. A puppy or adult dog may appear to have all the breed standard traits including a friendly disposition, but this doesn't necessarily mean it is a purebred Bichon Frise. Purebred Bichon Frise breeders will offer pedigree information, registration papers, and medical records as well as a warranty or guarantee on the dog's health.

Good breeders usually keep a puppy from each litter to either use in competition or to use to breed future litters from. Good breeders maintain their own kennels and give puppies house privileges so that they can become socialized around people and other animals. Good breeders interview buyers and educate them of proper care and discipline. They do this because they care about the type of home the dog will be going to. If any of these traits are not present, the breeder is probably not running a legitimate business and may be selling fake or unhealthy Bichon Frise.