My Dream Dog, the Bichon Frise
Where did you meet your dream dog?
Going to the local playground, which also happened to be our school playground, was almost a daily event with my older brother, younger sister and I. This is where I met my dream dog.
Cotton-ball. Sensitive. Fluffy. Mischievous. Cheerful. Intelligent. Clownish.
Here are a few ways my dream dog, the Bichon Frise, is described.
“There he is!” Every so often I would see him sprinting across the grass on the playground fields. He was a fast runner. Whichever direction he ran, he always ended his route right in front of her. A red-headed freckled girl, probably a couple of years older than me, was his owner. This fluff ball was the cutest dog I ever saw. His name was Rowdy.
I asked the girl how she named him Rowdy. She explained the name came from Rowdy Roddy Piper, the famous wrestler. With absolutely no resemblance between them, I still thought it was the coolest name.
Rowdy was a Bichon Frise.
A Little Bit Of History On The Bichon Frise
Although the name, Bichon Frise, is French, this breed was original of the Spanish. With their merry nature and loyal companionship, Bichon Frises were used as sailing dogs and even bartered. The popularity of the Bichon Frise soared, especially when Henry III of France became fond of them. He was said to carry his favorite Bichon Frise in a basket that hung with ribbons around his neck!
Bichon Frise or bee shawn free ZAY is pronounced very differently or better yet, correctly in French. I’ve always said Bichon Frise proudly and with a full-blown American accent.
Now that I own a Bichon Frise, people call it right away or mistake my dog for a Poodle or a Maltese. Others will reply, “He’s a what?” I’d repeat bee shawn free ZAY several times before they’d give up.
Once I met Rowdy, the dream of having my own Bichon Frise began.
Characteristics of The Bichon Frise
What I loved about this adorable, white, fluffy dog was that he was affectionate and loyal. Although Rowdy darted in all directions and sometimes would seem to be running away, you knew he would eventually return to the red-headed freckled girl. Bichons are affectionate pets who adore their owners!
Rowdy was also adventurous and playful. I could see that he loved exploring. His energy was boundless as he flew around the park with the wind in his tail.
Rowdy was one happy dog! Bichons often are described as cheerful. My neighbor likes to comment that Bichons always walk around with a big smile on their face. I noticed Rowdy loved a good run, the grassy fields, and the red-headed freckled girl. He loved coming out for his mini adventure each time he had the chance to.
Rowdy was so darn cute. I understand cuteness is relative, but have you ever seen a curly haired, white furball bouncing around and loving life before? It’s irresistible.
Rowdy was a perfect size. Bichon Frises are an average weight of 12-18 pounds and 9-11 inches high. Just like cuteness, I understand that preference of size is relative, too.
Some prefer a 60-pound greyhound. Others prefer a 4-pound Yorkshire terrier. A 15-pound fur baby you could carry, but who was also sturdy, was just right for me.
I was determined, as a 9-year old, to get my own Bichon Frise for myself. Without any money or any communication with my parents, I would independently find a way. The next step in my journey, however, led me into a lot of trouble.
Next article – – How To Search For Your Dream Dog In 2019
