See our Calendar or Shop Page for more details

If you are a rescue centre who has a Bichon looking to be rehomed and would like us to add the dog to our Dogs in ResQ page or needing help with medical costs please contact us as we may be able to help.

If you have any Bichon stories or photographs we can use in our magazine

please email us or write to us - we'd love to hear from you!

Please support your local animal rescue centre.  They are all struggling and overloaded with dogs and would really appreciate any support you can give them whether it be some of your time working at the centre, donation of items or financially.  The majority of dogs in rescue find themselves there through no fault of their own and need human contact as they are scared and do not understand what is happening to them.

Sadly the situation is only going to get worse because of the credit crunch so anything you can do will make a difference.  if you hear of anyone considering buying a dog PLEASE encourage them to visit a rescue centre (and NOT to buy a dog as a present).  There are so many beautiful dogs looking for their forever homes.

PUPPY FARMING

Puppy farming is no longer a cottage industry, a dog breeder owning a few dogs for the purpose of producing an occasional litter and selling the surplus puppies. It has now grown to a large commercial enterprise with dogs living in disused barns and puppies bred on a conveyor belt system more akin to factory farming than ethical dog breeding.  It is alleged that one puppy farm in Ireland has between 700 and 1,100 breeding bitches and regularly supply dealers and pet shops in the UK.  In Carmarthenshire, Wales, (just one county) there are nearly 90 licensed dog breeders; most regularly supply pet shops through the dealer network.

As you can see see from the logo above, Dogs Trust have just launched a new campaign to try to make the general public aware of how puppy farming works.  Many people do not realise that puppy farmed dogs are being sold via the internet, adverts in newspapers, from pet shops or pet supermarkets.  To read more about their recent survey and how you can help then please click on this link.

The Worlds Biggest Puppy Party is being held in September 2010 to raise awareness of puppy farming.  For more information see our News page.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT BICHONS

The Bichon Frisé (pronounced Beeshawn Freesay) means "curly coated lap dog".  The Bichon originally descended from the Water Spaniel and the "Barbichon" group consisted of; the Bichon Maltaise (known now as the Maltese), the Bichon Bolognese (known now as the Bolognese), the Bichon Ravenese (known now as the Havanese) and the Bichon Tenerife (known now as the Bichon Frisé).  The breeds were all originally located in the Mediterranean regions.

History indicates that the Bichon was found in the Canary Islands but many believe it was found on the Spanish mainland by sailors who used them to barter with the people of Tenerife. 

The Renaissance found the Bichon Tenerife in Italy and the little dogs quickly became popular pets of Italian nobility.  During the later part of the 15th Century, the French invasion of Italy occurred which saw the Bichon Tenerife being taken to France as prizes.  After that the Bichon Tenerife became popular with many members of royalty including Francis I, Henry III and the Duchess of Alba.

Although there was one Kennel Club registered Bichon in the United Kingdom (1957), the start of the breed over here was in 1973 when Mr & Mrs Sorstein emigrated from the United States bringing a bitch and dog with them.  They bred these two dogs and the first litter born in the United Kingdom was in 1974.  The rest, as they say, is history.

The Bichon Frisé is a real extrovert and his sole role in life is to make those around him happy.  Some have even referred the Bichon as being a bit of a clown. 

The Bichon Frisé loves nothing more than being in a family environment and wants to be part of everything.  Generally they do not enjoy being by themselves as they can become depressed and start nibbling their legs through stress. 

Their coat does take a lot of work particularly when it changes from puppy to adult. If the coat is regularly looked after it is easy to maintain.  When a Bichon joins your family not only are you committing to the life of the dog but also to years of grooming.

They love to learn and are capable of taking part in obedience training, therapy work and agility.  They do not take kindly to overly firm training however, they are very head strong so do need a reasonably firm hand when they are young.  They are a very trainable breed as long as you are consistent with the commands you use and the training routine you have.

All in all the Bichon is a wonderful breed and a joy to live with.

Once you've got the Bichon bug there's no going back!

USED POSTAGE STAMPS & FOREIGN COINS

We collect used postage stamps and foreign coins.  If you have any please send them to:-

Jo Lucas
Friends of Bichon Frisé Rescue
29 Carmill Road
Billinge
Wigan
WN5 7TX

Last update: 27th July 2010

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