General Appearance
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog whose merry
temperament is evidenced by his plumed tail carried jauntily over the back and his
dark-eyed inquisitive expression. This is a breed that has no gross or incapacitating
exaggerations and therefore there is no inherent reason for lack of balance or unsound
movement. Any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized
to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable
in the Bichon Frise as in any other breed, even though such faults may not be
specifically mentioned in the standard.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size --Dogs and bitches 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches are to be given primary preference.
Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside this range clearly justifies
it should greater latitude be taken. In no case, however, should this latitude ever extend
over 12 inches or under 9 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies.
Proportion--The body from the forward-most point of the chest to the point of rump
is 1/4 longer than the height at the withers. The body from the withers to lowest point of
chest represents 1/2 the distance from withers to ground. Substance --Compact and
of medium bone throughout; neither coarse nor fine.
Head-Expression
Soft, dark-eyed, inquisitive, alert. Eyes are round, black or dark brown and are set in
the skull to look directly forward. An overly large or bulging eye is a fault as is an
almond shaped, obliquely set eye. Halos, the black or very dark brown skin
surrounding the eyes, are necessary as they accentuate the eye and enhance
expression. The eye rims themselves must be black. Broken pigment, or total absence
of pigment on the eye rims produce a blank and staring expression, which is a definite
fault. Eyes of any color other than black or dark brown are a very serious fault and
must be severely penalized. Ears are drop and are covered with long flowing hair.
When extended toward the nose, the leathers reach approximately halfway the length
of the muzzle. They are set on slightly higher than eye level and rather forward on the
skull, so that when the dog is alert they serve to frame the face. The skull is slightly
rounded, allowing for a round and forward looking eye. The stop is slightly
accentuated. Muzzle --A properly balanced head is three parts muzzle to five parts
skull, measured from the nose to the stop and from the stop to the occiput. A line
drawn between the outside corners of the eyes and to the nose will create a near
equilateral triangle. There is a slight degree of chiseling under the eyes, but not so much
as to result in a weak or snipy foreface. The lower jaw is strong. The nose is prominent
and always black. Lips are black, fine, never drooping. Bite is scissors. A bite which
is undershot or overshot should be severely penalized. A crooked or out of line tooth is
permissible, however, missing teeth are to be severely faulted.
Neck, Topline and Body
The arched neck is long and carried proudly behind an erect head. It blends smoothly
into the shoulders. The length of neck from occiput to withers is approximately 1/3 the
distance from forechest to buttocks. The topline is level except for a slight, muscular
arch over the loin. Body--The chest is well developed and wide enough to allow free
and unrestricted movement of the front legs. The lowest point of the chest extends at
least to the elbow. The rib cage is moderately sprung and extends back to a short and
muscular loin. The forechest is well pronounced and protrudes slightly forward of the
point of shoulder. The underline has a moderate tuck-up. Tail is well plumed, set on
level with the topline and curved gracefully over the back so that the hair of the tail rests
on the back. When the tail is extended toward the head it reaches at least halfway to
the withers. A low tail set, a tail carried perpendicularly to the back, or a tail which
droops behind is to be severely penalized. A corkscrew tail is a very serious fault.
Forequarters--Shoulders
The shoulder blade, upper arm and forearm are approximately equal in length. The
shoulders are laid back to somewhat near a forty-five degree angle. The upper arm
extends well back so the elbow is placed directly below the withers when viewed from
the side. Legs are of medium bone, straight, with no bow or curve in the forearm or
wrist. The elbows are held close to the body. The pasterns slope slightly from the
vertical. The dewclaws may be removed. The feet are tight and round, resembling
those of a cat and point directly forward, turning neither in nor out. Pads are black.
Nails are kept short.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are of medium bone, well angulated with muscular thighs and spaced
moderately wide. The upper and lower thigh are nearly equal in length meeting at a well
bent stifle joint. The leg from hock joint to foot pad is perpendicular to the ground.
Dewclaws may be removed. Paws are tight and round with black pads.
Coat
The texture of the coat is of utmost importance. The undercoat is soft and dense, the
outercoat of a coarser and curlier texture. The combination of the two gives a soft but
substantial feel to the touch which is similar to plush or velvet and when patted springs
back. When bathed and brushed, it stands off the body, creating an overall powder
puff appearance. A wiry coat is not desirable. A limp, silky coat, a coat that lies down,
or a lack of undercoat are very serious faults. Trimming --The coat is trimmed to
reveal the natural outline of the body. It is rounded off from any direction and never cut
so short as to create an overly trimmed or squared off appearance. The furnishings of
the head, beard, moustache, ears and tail are left longer. The longer head hair is
trimmed to create an overall rounded impression. The topline is trimmed to appear
level. The coat is long enough to maintain the powder puff look which is characteristic
of the breed.
Color
Color is white, may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the
body. Any color in excess of 10% of the entire coat of a mature specimen is a fault and
should be penalized, but color of the accepted shadings should not be faulted in
puppies.
Gait
Movement at a trot is free, precise and effortless. In profile the forelegs and hind legs
extend equally with an easy reach and drive that maintain a steady topline. When
moving, the head and neck remain somewhat erect and as speed increases there is a
very slight convergence of legs toward the center line. Moving away, the hindquarters
travel with moderate width between them and the foot pads can be seen. Coming and
going, his movement is precise and true.
Temperament
Gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is the hallmark
of the breed and one should settle for nothing less.
