These fluffy, white dogs originated in the Mediterranean. Their ancestor is the Barbet (Water Spaniel) which gave them the name Barbichon, later shortened to Bichon (meaning lapdog). Frise means curly. Italian sailors kept Bichons to be used for bartering. The Spaniards loved them and they flourished on Tenerife. The Italian sailors then brought them to Europe in the 1300s. The tiny dogs were a big hit amongst Italian nobility, who would give them lion-style haircuts. The Bichon doesn't shed its coat, so a good dog for allergy sufferers.
FUN FACTS:
Henry III loved the fluffy lapdogs and rumour has it that he wore a ribbon-clad basket round his neck so he could take them everywhere with him!
The treatment of Bichons was so extravagant, it inspired a new word - bichonner (to pamper)!
The Bichon Frise is Britain's 25th most popular dog breed.