Bichon Frise Harness: How to find the best harness for your dog

bichon frise harness by perfectfit

 

History of the Bichon Frise


The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog breed that has captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the world. Despite their popularity, not many people are aware of the fascinating history behind these adorable little furballs. So, let's dive into the intriguing history of the Bichon Frise.


The origins of the Bichon Frise can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, particularly to Italy and Spain, during the 13th century. It is believed that these dogs descended from the Water Spaniel, which was popular among sailors due to their exceptional swimming abilities. Sailors would often take these dogs along on their voyages, as they were excellent companions and helped to control vermin on board.


As time passed, these dogs found their way into the hands of Italian nobles, who adored their charming personalities and fluffy coats. They were often seen accompanying their owners in luxurious palaces, becoming highly favoured among the aristocracy. The Bichon Frise was particularly beloved by the Italian nobility, who referred to them as "Bichon Tenerife" or "Bichon Teneriffa."


During the 16th century, Italian sailors introduced the Bichon Frise to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This is where the breed acquired its new name, "Bichon Tenerife." The breed flourished on the island and became a popular companion for the locals. Moreover, when Italian sailors arrived in France, they brought these delightful little dogs with them. The French fell in love with the breed, and it quickly gained popularity among the French nobility. The Bichon Frise became a favourite of French kings and queens, including King Francis I and Queen Catherine de' Medici.


During the Renaissance period, the Bichon Frise was often depicted in famous artworks, such as paintings by Francisco de Goya and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. These paintings showcased the breed's elegance, charm, and its signature fluffy white coat. However, the Bichon Frise faced some challenging times in history. During the French Revolution, many noble families lost their wealth and privileges, leading to the decline of the breed's popularity. The Bichon Frise found itself on the streets, where it was often taken in by street performers and organ grinders due to its entertaining nature.


Fortunately, the Bichon Frise's fortunes changed in the 20th century. In the 1930s, French breeders began working towards reviving the breed and standardizing its appearance. They focused on preserving the Bichon Frise's charming characteristics, such as its friendly temperament and its distinctive white, curly coat. In 1933, the Bichon Frise was officially recognized as a breed by the Société Centrale Canine in France. The breed gradually gained popularity worldwide, and in 1971, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since then, the Bichon Frise has become a beloved family pet and a popular show dog.


Today, the Bichon Frise is known for its cheerful disposition and intelligence. Whether as a loving companion or a show dog, the Bichon Frise continues to capture hearts with its adorable looks and endearing personality.

 

Benefits of the Bichon Frise


The Bichon Frise is a delightful breed that brings joy and happiness to many families around the world. Known for their tightly curled white coat and charming personality, these small dogs have a wide range of benefits that make them a popular choice for pet owners. 


Here are some of the key benefits of owning a Bichon Frise.


1. Companionable Nature: 

Bichon Frises are incredibly affectionate and love being around their human companions. They thrive on human interaction and make excellent family pets. Their friendly and sociable nature ensures that they get along well with children and other pets, making them an ideal choice for households with multiple members.


2. Low Maintenance Grooming: 

Despite their luxurious coat, Bichon Frises are surprisingly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their hair grows continuously, similar to human hair, which means they do not shed as much as other breeds. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming sessions are enough to keep their coat looking beautiful and healthy.


3. Intelligent and Trainable: 

Bichon Frises are highly intelligent dogs that possess a natural eagerness to please their owners. This makes them quick learners and relatively easy to train. With consistent positive reinforcement and proper socialization, they can excel in obedience training and even participate in various dog sports.


4. Energy Level: 

Bichon Frises have a moderate energy level, making them suitable for both active and less active households. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but do not require intense exercise routines. This makes them an excellent choice for families living in apartments or those with limited outdoor space.


5. Long Lifespan: 

On average, Bichon Frises have a relatively long lifespan compared to other dog breeds. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups, they can live up to 15 years or more. This means that you can enjoy their loving companionship for a significant portion of your life.


The Bichon Frise offers numerous benefits to its owners. From their companionable nature  to their low-maintenance grooming and trainability, these adorable dogs are a wonderful addition to any family. 


Whether you're looking for a loving family pet or a loyal companion, the Bichon Frise is sure to bring joy and happiness into your life!

 

Why a Harness is Good for Bichon Frise


If you are a proud owner of a Bichon Frise, you already know how adorable and lovable these little dogs can be. Bichon Frises are known for their friendly nature, playful personality, and fluffy white coats. However, when it comes to walking your Bichon Frise, using a harness instead of a collar can be a wise choice. 


Below are a few reasons why a harness is good for your Bichon Frise:


1. Comfort and Safety: 

Bichon Frises have delicate necks and tracheas, which can be easily damaged if they pull while wearing a collar. Unlike collars, harnesses distribute the pressure from pulling across the chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury. This makes walking more comfortable and safer for your furry friend.


2. Control: 

Bichon Frises, like many small dog breeds, can be prone to lead pulling, especially if they get excited or curious during walks. Using a harness gives you better control over your dog's movements, making it easier to guide them without causing discomfort or strain on their neck.


3. Prevent Escaping: 

Bichon Frises are known for their curious and adventurous nature. With their small size, they can easily slip out of a collar, especially if they are determined to chase after something that catches their attention. A properly fitted harness provides a secure and snug fit, significantly reducing the chances of your Bichon Frise escaping during walks.

 

4. Training Aid: 

If you are in the process of training your Bichon Frise to walk politely on a lead, a harness can be a helpful tool. Harnesses with front-clip attachments can help to gently re-steer a dog or put the brakes on when needed. This should be paired with reward based training techniques. 


5. Health Benefits: 

Regular use of a harness can have long-term health benefits for your Bichon Frise. By eliminating the strain on their neck and throat, you can prevent potential injuries and respiratory issues. Additionally, harnesses can be particularly beneficial for Bichon Frises with tracheal collapse, a condition common in this breed, as it helps to alleviate pressure on their airways.


Using a harness for your Bichon Frise can offer numerous advantages, including comfort, safety, control, and prevention of escaping. It can also aid in training and promote better long-term health. 


Make sure to consider their size and weight to ensure the perfect fit. Measure your Bichon Frise’s girth (around the widest part of their chest) and refer to the sizing calculator on our website, https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/PFSizing/, to find the most suitable size.


Remember to choose a harness that fits properly and is made of high-quality materials to ensure your Bichon Frise's comfort and well-being during walks!

 

Why a PerfectFit Harness is the best choice


The perfectfit harness has a modular design to fit any dog type including a Bichon Frise. Our harness has a large selection of sizes and fits to choose from, a massive positive of our harness is that it is comfy and calming for your dog ensuring that both you and your dog are content on your walks. You can purchase our harness in 3 sections, so you can purchase the exact size for each part of the chest, providing your dog with the perfect fit! We know how worrying it can be when your dog is pulling on their lead and their harness or collar is tugging on their neck, however, our harness is designed with a Y-shaped front to avoid the soft tissues of the throat and neck. This will reduce the risk of any damage caused by the pulling. Our harness isn't just safer, it is also stylish. We offer a wide range of colors and as you can remove and replace each piece you can have multiple different harness colors! We are the perfect fit for you!