Titian (1488-1576) often included dogs in his paintings, particular in those of Venus and Cupid.
This is surely a Bichon Frisé.
 

History

Historical accounts of the Bichon Frisé dates back to 230 BC proving the longevity of this breed.
Word has it that Bichons date all the way back to the famous Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile.
The story goes that Cleopatra owned several of these small charming creatures, who are also pictured in several Egyptian sarcophagus.

For years the Bichon Frisé was known as Bichon Tenerife. This suggests that they originated in Canary Islands, particular the group of islands know as Tenerife.
However, it seems more likely that the Bichon Frisé originated on the spanish mainland, where
sea merchants sold them and used them for barter.

During the renaissance the Bichon showed up in Italy and was quickly adopted as a pet for the italian aristocracy. It is interesting to note, that during that time the Bichons were groomed in a "lion-like" fashion.
 

This picture
painted by

      "Carpaccio"
 

dates from around 1500 and appears to illustrate a pure-
breed Bichon


 

This oilpainting is
named:

"Maltese on table"

however, looks mo- re like a Bichon
Frisé

During the frensh invasion of Italy, in the latter part of the 15 th century and all of the 16 th cen-
tury, Bichons were among the souvenirs the frensh soldiers brought back from Italy, when they returned from the war. This was the start of the success of the breed.

In France the Bichon became very popular with the aristocracy, and was also welcomed by royalty.
The ladies loved the small dogs with the curly hair, and used them more or less as a form of accessory. They carried them around hoping to soften the hard lines of the simple and un-deco-
rated dresses, fashionable at that time.

In Spain the Bichon was a favorite subject for many of the great painters, particular GOYA, who
showed a great love for the small white dogs.
 


 

"The Duchesse of Alba"
painted by GOYA in the
year of 1795
 

  

In France there was a great deal of interest for the breed during the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870). This proved to be the end of the comfortable life for the aristocracy. During the revolution many Bichons suffert the same destiny as their owners, a large numbers of them were killed.

Many ended up on the streets. Despite the lack of bathes and perfume the little charmers remained popular due to their warm eyes and loving nature. They became the source of much joy for children of all ages.

Because of their high intelligence they were often used in circuses, where they would perform the most difficult tricks.

After World War I the little charming breed caught the eyes of a couple of frenshmen. They started a breeding program, and this laid the foundation for the breed as we know today.
 

On october 18 th 1934 the Bichon Tenerife was accepted by the
French Kennel Club.
The breed was regarded as being french/ belgium decent. The
president of FCI suggested to give the breed a name more in line with, what it looked like and named it, Bichon a Poil Frise - the Bichon with the curly hair.

 This is how the Bichon Tenerife got to be the Bichon Frisé.
 

 


 During World War II the Bichon Frisé suf-
fert a serious setback, but quickly regained its popularity. Much of the credit for the Bichons Frisé regaining its popularity is due to americans.
In 1956 an immigrant family brought the breed to USA. These Bichons did not look like anything, but the interest was sparked, and imports of the breed from Europe to USA started.
The Bichon Frisé looked very "un-kept" then. Mrs. Richardson had the idea to groom the Bichon.
The "powder-puff" style became popular all over the world.
Then interest in England was increased. According to English breeders this breed is very healthy, and we have the same experience here in Denmark.		  

 

The Bichon appears in countless numbers of paintings by well known artists.

This one by Auguste Renoir showing Claude
Monet with his wife
Camille.
A tiny Bichon Frisé is laying on her dress.
 

 

The first Bichon Friseér arrived in Denmark in 1978, they were all of english heritage. Since then we have
seen imports from many countries as well - however, they all date back to France and Belgium.
 





 
  This portrait was painted
  in France 1924.
  Pictured is the famous
  fashion designer

      COCO CHANELL

  and shows her with a little
  Bichon Frisé laying on her
  lap.