Bichon Frise HistoryHere is a brief overview of the Bichon Frise history. The Bichon Frise originally descended from the Barbet or Water Spaniel, thus it was called the Barbichon which later was shortened to just "Bichon". Most believe the dogs to be of Mediterranean origin probably first introduced around 1200 A.D. For the next 100 years or so they were shipmates, traveling from continent to continent. Keeping sailors company on their long voyages was right up their alley. The dogs then became very popular in Spain and soon after were brought to the Canary Island of Teneriffe. During the 1300's, sailors from Italy fell in love with the breed and took them to their homeland. They became an instant hit with the Italian nobility and the wealthy. Bichons were also highly regarded in France during the 1500's as demonstrated by their appearances in the courts of several kings. Information is limited after that--until they re-emerged on the coastal regions of North Africa in the 1800's. Lower class musical street performers, known as organ grinders, were using Bichons to perform circus tricks as a way to earn money and support their families. 
Bichon Frise history says that, in 1935, the official breed standard was adopted in France and the name Bichon Frise was officially introduced. "Frise" simply refers to its soft, curly hair.
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