Have you ever seen a walking cloud? Picture it, and you’ll find the Bichon Frise. A little dog with a big personality, there’s no doubt why these small dogs make such popular family pets.
Known best for their adorable and iconic white coat, many might wonder, does a Bichon only come in white? Could I have a black or dark brown Bichon? We’re here to help you find the answer!
The Bichon Frise is primarily known for its delightful fluffy white coat, which is one of its most distinctive features. While pure white is the most recognised colour, some Bichons may exhibit slight cream or pale apricot hues, particularly around the ears or body.
Despite these variations, breeders generally aim for the classic white appearance, as it aligns with breed standards set by kennel clubs.
Contrary to what many think, there are four colours of the Bichon Frise. For owners hoping to own a boldly-coloured Bichon, sadly, all four of its primary colours are slight variations of white.
Perhaps you’ve come across pictures of a brown or black Bichon Frise. Know that these are most likely crossbreeds and not purebred Bichon Frises. The only colour besides white you’ll find in a purebred Bichon are shadings of buff, apricot, and cream.
Because of its soaring popularity in royal courts, Bichon Frise dogs were favoured most for their curly white coat, and years of selective breeding maintained their coat colours.
When it comes to this dog breed, you’ll most commonly find the solid white Bichon Frise. With its cloud-like coat and puffy tail, this all-white dog can often be found strutting its stuff in dog shows.
This colour combination is considered a variation of the classic Bichon Frise. The white and apricot Bichon Frise has light yellow-orange patches of colour around its ears, face, and back.
A white and cream Bichon Frise gets its slight colour difference from the dilution gene pheomelanin (responsible for red and yellow hues in dogs) and can be almost invisible against its white coat as a puppy.
If you think of the white and buff mix, you’ll find it somewhat difficult to distinguish it from the other mixed Bichon colours. It is especially so when they’re puppies, as the difference between a white and buff Bichon is so subtle it’s pretty impossible to tell them apart.
Fine and soft with corkscrew curls, the Bichon Frise coat colours are recognised by most breed clubs as entirely white. The Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC) recognises the pure white colour of the Bichon Frise, preferably with dark pigmentation on the skin under its coat.
While the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club, and Canadian Kennel Club acknowledge white as the acceptable colour, buff, cream, and apricot shades around the ears and body are also acceptable.
This is all a matter of preference as well as your intention behind procuring the pup. The pure white Bichon is a must if you’re interested in showing your Bichon Frise in official dog shows.
Many wonder if the coat colour can affect Bichon Frise’s health and behaviour – this is only the case if the dog has albinism (lack of pigment on their body). White dogs that have jet-black noses and dark features do not have albinism.
Besides this, it doesn’t matter which colour Bichon you choose. Whatever colour they are, they’ll still make enthusiastic companion dogs.
Like all dogs, Bichon Frise puppies will have a different coat colour as they age. Many start with shades of apricot, cream, and buff in their fur. This is normal, and most Bichon owners will tell you this doesn’t last long.
Once your Bichon reaches its first full year, its shadings will gradually become more white as they mature. Some shadings may stay behind, but for most, they’ll take on an all-white appearance.
Since the Bichon Frise arrived in Europe from the Canary Islands, this little dog’s intelligence and charming personality have made it a favourable dog for centuries. Today, it sits comfortably among the top most popular dog breeds.
Although they can come in four different colour variations, the all-white Bichon is a classic and the breed standard across all other Bichon Frise colours.
Regardless of the colour, you won’t regret introducing a Bichon to your home! This is an ideal dog for an active, family-oriented lifestyle. You can learn more about the Bichon Frise breed through the Bichon Frise Club.
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