The Bichon Frise (sometimes called the "Tenerife Dog" or "Bichon Tenerife" after the Canary Island they were first introduced to) is much like their French name suggests - a "curly white lap dog" - and is a popular pet that resembles a larger version of the Maltese. The breed has origins dating back to the 13th century, and they were first valued as items of trade and companions for Spanish sailors.

A few of their more typical characteristics are known to be their high level of friendliness, cheerful spirit and non-shedding coat that necessitates a high amount of grooming attention - which in essence make the Bichon Frise a suitable companion dog for families, allergy sufferers or apartment dwellers who are willing to commit to a high level of grooming.

The Bichon Frise is recognised for their playful, cheerful and affectionate temperament. They are usually friendly with guests, which along with their small size often makes them unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Bichon Frise is also demonstrated to be quite intelligent - placing equal 45th in comparison with other dogs based on their capability to be taught obedience instructions. They are additionally famous to be great with kids - which makes them highly suitable as a family pet. The Bichon Frise is very well-matched with other animals such as cats and other dogs.

Grooming the Bichon Frise is an extremely demanding duty that requires a lot of patience or at least occasional attention from a professional dog groomer. They require a high amount of brushing every day and proper grooming to maintain a powder puff look every 4 to 5 weeks or whenever they need to ready for the dog show - though their hair may alternatively be clipped short in a "teddy bear" cut if they are primarily a house pet.

The Bichon Frise doesn't need a large yard to provide them with enough space, and they can be very suitable for life in an apartment if they are walked on a regular basis. They enjoy warmer weather, and they will be less content in cold weather as their curly coat is not designed to protect against it - so they will need extra clothing to keep them warm during cooler months.

The Bichon Frise gets pleasure from leisure activities such as playing games in the yard or at the local dog park. They have a fairly high level of energy and have a need for daily exercise in the shape of moderate to long daily walks to put a stop to behaviour problems such as excessive barking.

The Bichon Frise could make the right dog breed for a family, apartment dweller or allergy sufferer who has a lot of time to groom and look after a dog. They are fitting to anybody who is keen to perform (or pay for) a very high level of grooming and allow time to give them positive, gentle training and patient housebreaking in addition to take them for moderate to long daily walks and offer a very high amount of companionship and devotion - they don't like to be left on their own. Although they may be a bit unsuitable for those who don't have the time or patience for a high amount of grooming, if you are capable of meeting this requirement as well as their need for attention and gentle loving care then the Bichon Frise may possibly make the ideal dog for you.