Bichon Tenerife
Breed Description

The Bichon Tenerife is the historical name for the breed now commonly known as the Bichon Frise. The name Bichon Tenerife directly references the breed's origins on Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, where these small white dogs developed as beloved companions. The term "Bichon" derives from "barbichon," a diminutive of "barbiche," the French word for beard, referring to the breed's fluffy facial hair. "Tenerife" identifies the island of origin, distinguishing this variety from other Bichon-type dogs that developed in different Mediterranean locations.

The modern name Bichon Frise, which means "curly lap dog" or "curly Bichon" in French, became the standard designation as the breed gained popularity in France during the Renaissance and again in the 20th century. While "Bichon Tenerife" was the original historical name, "Bichon Frise" is now the official registered name used by all major kennel clubs worldwide. Other names occasionally used for the breed include Bichon à Poil Frisé (French for "Bichon with curly hair"), Bichon Teneriffe (an alternative spelling), and simply "Bichon."

The breed belongs to the Bichon family of dogs, which includes several related breeds sharing common Mediterranean ancestry. These include the Maltese (Bichon Maltais), the Bolognese (Bichon Bolognese), the Havanese (Bichon Havanais), and the Coton de Tuléar. All Bichon-type breeds share characteristics such as white or light-colored coats, small size, cheerful temperaments, and histories as treasured companion dogs. The Bichon Tenerife/Bichon Frise is distinguished from its cousins by its powder-puff appearance, curly double coat, and characteristic rounded grooming style.

In different countries and languages, the breed may be known by variations of these names, but the official designation across all major English-speaking kennel clubs is Bichon Frise. The historical Bichon Tenerife name remains important for understanding the breed's heritage and development, connecting the modern Bichon Frise to its ancient origins in the Canary Islands and Mediterranean region. Enthusiasts and historians continue to use both names, recognizing that they refer to the same delightful breed that has charmed people for centuries.

The Bichon Frise is recognized and supported by major kennel clubs and breed organizations throughout the world. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1972 and classified it in the Non-Sporting Group, establishing comprehensive breed standards that define ideal characteristics, temperament, structure, and coat. The Bichon Frise Club of America (BFCA), founded in 1964, serves as the AKC parent club for the breed and is the primary organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the Bichon Frise in the United States. The BFCA provides educational resources, coordinates rescue efforts, maintains breeding ethics standards, and organizes specialty shows and events.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes the Bichon Frise in its Companion Dog Group, with standards emphasizing the breed's role as a companion while maintaining requirements similar to those of the AKC regarding physical attributes and temperament. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognizes the Bichon Frise in the Non-Sporting Group with standards closely aligned with AKC requirements. Regional Bichon Frise clubs across Canada promote the breed and support owners and breeders in their areas.

Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which governs breed standards for approximately 90 countries worldwide, recognizes the Bichon Frise in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds). The FCI standard serves as the foundation for breed evaluation throughout Europe, South America, Asia, and many other regions. The breed standard emphasizes the Bichon's characteristic powder-puff appearance, cheerful temperament, and distinctive gait. The United Kingdom's Kennel Club places the Bichon Frise in the Toy Group, with standards that align closely with FCI requirements while emphasizing the breed's companionable nature.

Breed standards across all major kennel clubs describe the ideal Bichon Frise as a small, sturdy white powder puff of a dog with a merry temperament and distinctive springy gait. The standards specify that the coat should be pure white, though shadings of buff, cream, or apricot are permitted, particularly in puppies. The coat texture should be soft and dense with a characteristic crisp texture created by the curly outer coat over the soft undercoat. All standards emphasize the breed's dark, expressive eyes and black nose and eye rims that create the breed's signature soft, inquisitive expression.

The characteristic grooming style, often called the "Bichon trim" or "powder puff trim," involves scissoring the coat to create a rounded appearance with the head groomed to form a halo effect around the face. While pet owners may keep their Bichons in simpler trims, the breed standard describes the full show trim that emphasizes the breed's characteristic outline. The standards specify that the body should be slightly longer than tall, with proper angulation, balanced proportions, and the distinctive springy, effortless gait that suggests the breed's joie de vivre.

National and regional breed clubs exist in many countries to support Bichon Frise enthusiasts, promote responsible breeding practices, and organize events including conformation shows, obedience trials, agility competitions, and educational seminars. The Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust operates rescue programs nationwide, providing resources and support for Bichons in need of rehoming. These organizations work collaboratively with kennel clubs to ensure the breed's continued health, proper temperament, and adherence to breed standards while educating the public about the joys and responsibilities of owning these charming companion dogs.

The Bichon Tenerife is a small, sturdy dog with a compact, balanced body structure and distinctive powder-puff appearance created by its characteristic coat and grooming. Adult dogs typically stand between 9.5 and 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder, with males and females generally similar in size. Weight ranges from 12 to 18 pounds, with proper weight producing a dog that feels substantial when picked up but never fragile or overly heavy. The breed's body is slightly longer than tall, measuring approximately one-quarter longer from forechest to rear of thigh than from withers to ground, creating balanced, square proportions.

The head is well-proportioned to the body with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop. The muzzle is not overly heavy or snipey, with proper balance creating a pleasing expression. The hallmark of the breed is the large, round, dark eyes that create the soft, inquisitive, alert expression that is so appealing in the Bichon. Eye rims are black, as is the nose, creating strong contrast against the white face. Dropped ears are set slightly higher than eye level and forward on the skull, covered with long, flowing hair. When alert, the ears frame the face beautifully, and when the dog is attentive, the ears lift slightly at the base.

The body demonstrates compact strength with proper bone and substance. The neck is long and arched, carrying the head proudly above the level of the back. The topline is level except for a slight arch over the loin. The chest is well-developed with a deep brisket extending at least to the elbow and reasonably wide ribs. The tail is well-plumed with long, flowing hair and carried gaily curved over the back but never tightly curled. The tail should never droop and is one of the breed's distinctive features, contributing to the overall impression of a merry, confident little dog.

The legs are straight and well-boned with moderate angulation. Feet are tight and round, described as "cat feet," with black pads. The characteristic gait is free and springy, with good reach in front and strong drive from the rear, creating fluid, effortless movement. The breed should move with head and tail up, conveying the merry, confident temperament that is essential to breed type. Any deviation from the free, springy gait suggests structural faults that detract from the breed's characteristic movement.

The crowning glory of the Bichon Tenerife is its remarkable double coat, consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outercoat that together create the characteristic soft but resilient texture. The coat stands away from the body, creating the powder-puff appearance when properly groomed. The texture should never be silky or flat. Color is pure white, though puppies may show shadings of buff, cream, or apricot around the ears or on the body that usually fade to white as the dog matures. The coat requires professional grooming to maintain the characteristic rounded appearance with the coat scissored to follow the body's curves, creating the breed's distinctive outline and signature look.

The Bichon Tenerife has ancient origins dating back at least to the 13th century in the Mediterranean region, with particular development on Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. The breed's ancestors were small white dogs favored by sailors and traders who traveled the Mediterranean and Atlantic trade routes. These small dogs were valued as companions, ratters on ships, and trade goods that could be bartered in various ports. Spanish sailors particularly favored these charming dogs, and the breed flourished in Spain's Canary Islands, especially on Tenerife, from which it takes its historical name.

During the 14th century, Italian sailors are credited with discovering these delightful dogs during their trading voyages to Tenerife and bringing them back to Italy, where they became favorites among Italian nobility. The breed quickly captured the hearts of European aristocracy, and by the Renaissance period, Bichon Tenerife dogs had become treasured companions of Spanish, Italian, and French nobility. They appeared frequently in paintings from this era, depicted alongside their aristocratic owners, demonstrating their status as prized possessions. Famous artists including Goya and Titian included Bichon-type dogs in their portraits of nobility.

The breed reached the height of its popularity during the Renaissance in France during the reign of Francis I (1515-1547), where these small white dogs became favorites of the French court. They were pampered pets that lived luxurious lives, often dressed in fine ribbons and perfumes. The association with French nobility became so strong that the breed's name evolved from Bichon Tenerife to Bichon Frise, the French name meaning "curly lap dog." Under Henry III (1574-1589), the breed's popularity reached extravagant levels, with the king reportedly carrying his Bichons in baskets hung around his neck.

Following the French Revolution, the breed fell from favor with the execution or exile of much of the French aristocracy. Bichons lost their status as pampered pets of nobility and found themselves working as street performers, accompanying organ grinders and performing tricks for money. Some worked as circus dogs, while others became companions to common people. This period, though difficult for the breed, demonstrated the Bichon's intelligence and trainability, as they successfully learned to perform tricks and entertain audiences to earn their keep.

The breed nearly disappeared during World War I, with only a small number surviving in France and Belgium. After the war, French breeders, recognizing the breed's precarious situation, began efforts to revive and standardize it. In 1933, the Société Centrale Canine, France's national kennel club, adopted an official standard for the breed. At this time, the breed was officially named "Bichon à Poil Frisé," which was later shortened to "Bichon Frise." The breed slowly regained popularity in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s, though World War II again threatened its survival.

The Bichon Frise was introduced to the United States in 1956 by a French breeder, Madame Picault. American breeders and enthusiasts began working to establish the breed, and the Bichon Frise Club of America was formed in 1964. After years of dedicated breeding and promotion, the American Kennel Club admitted the Bichon Frise to its Miscellaneous Class in 1971 and granted full recognition in the Non-Sporting Group in 1972. This recognition marked the beginning of the breed's rise to popularity in America.

Since achieving AKC recognition, the Bichon Frise has become one of the most popular companion breeds in the United States, consistently ranking in the top 50 breeds. The breed's hypoallergenic coat, charming personality, and adaptability to various living situations have contributed to its widespread appeal. Today's Bichon Frise maintains the characteristics that made it beloved by Renaissance nobility – cheerful temperament, affectionate nature, intelligence, and stunning appearance. From its origins as the Bichon Tenerife on a Spanish island to its current status as a cherished companion worldwide, the breed has successfully transitioned through various roles while maintaining the delightful qualities that have made it beloved for centuries.

The Bichon Tenerife is renowned for its cheerful, gentle, and affectionate temperament that makes it an ideal companion dog. These dogs possess a naturally merry disposition and seem to radiate happiness, approaching life with enthusiasm and joy. They form extraordinarily strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship, preferring to be included in all family activities rather than left alone. Their need for human interaction is so strong that they can develop separation anxiety if regularly left alone for extended periods, making them best suited to households where someone is home most of the time.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Bichon personality is its friendly, outgoing nature with people of all ages. These dogs typically greet everyone with enthusiasm and genuine friendliness, making them poor guard dogs but excellent ambassadors of canine charm. They show little suspicion toward strangers and usually warm up quickly to new people after proper introduction. This sociability makes them wonderful therapy dogs, and many Bichons work successfully in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, bringing joy to people through their gentle, affectionate interactions. Their intuitive sense about people's emotions allows them to provide comfort when needed.

The breed demonstrates remarkable sensitivity to human moods and emotions, often seeming to understand when their people need extra affection or cheering up. This emotional intelligence, combined with their naturally gentle temperament, creates deeply empathetic companions who tune into their owners' feelings. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and can become stressed or shut down with harsh corrections or punitive training approaches. Patience, consistency, gentle guidance, and reward-based methods bring out the best in the Bichon and help develop confident, well-adjusted dogs.

Bichon Tenerife dogs possess a playful, entertaining personality with a slightly mischievous streak that keeps their families laughing. They seem to have a sense of humor and enjoy being the center of attention, often repeating behaviors that earn them praise or laughter. Many Bichons develop signature tricks or silly behaviors that become family favorites. Their playful nature persists throughout their lives, and even senior Bichons often maintain puppy-like enthusiasm for games and play. They excel at learning tricks and enjoy showing off their talents to appreciative audiences.

Despite their gentle nature, Bichons possess surprising confidence and courage for their size. They are not timid or overly submissive dogs but rather self-assured little companions who carry themselves with dignity and poise. This confidence, combined with their intelligence, creates dogs that are capable of independent thinking while remaining devoted to their people. They adapt well to various living situations and lifestyles, comfortable in apartments or houses, with active families or more sedentary owners, as long as their need for companionship and moderate exercise are met. Their versatility and adaptability, paired with their loving nature, make the Bichon Tenerife an exceptional companion for many types of households.

The Bichon Tenerife is an outstanding family dog that adapts beautifully to various living situations, thriving equally well in apartments, condominiums, suburban homes, or rural settings. Their moderate size and energy levels make them ideal for urban living, requiring only regular walks and indoor play rather than large yards. These dogs are particularly well-suited to families with children, as they possess gentle, patient temperaments while being sturdy enough to participate in play without being overly fragile. They delight in being part of family activities and will happily join in games, accompany family members around the house, and participate enthusiastically in daily routines.

When it comes to children, the Bichon demonstrates exceptional patience and tolerance, making them wonderful companions for families with kids of all ages. They are large enough to handle the sometimes clumsy affection of young children without being easily injured, yet gentle enough not to overwhelm small toddlers. The breed's playful nature meshes perfectly with children's energy levels, and Bichons often form especially close bonds with younger family members. As with all dogs, supervision of interactions between dogs and very young children is essential, and children should be taught appropriate handling and respect for the dog to ensure positive relationships.

The Bichon's friendly nature extends to other household pets, and they typically get along very well with other dogs when properly socialized. Many Bichons thrive in multi-dog households where they have canine companionship when their people are away. Their lack of strong prey drive generally makes them compatible with cats, especially when raised together from puppyhood. Many Bichons share homes peacefully with various small pets, though individual temperaments can vary. Early socialization with different animals helps ensure harmonious multi-pet households throughout the dog's life.

Exercise requirements for the Bichon Tenerife are moderate and easily satisfied with daily walks and interactive play. Two or three short walks totaling 30 to 60 minutes per day, combined with indoor playtime, usually meets their physical needs adequately. They enjoy exploring neighborhoods on leash, playing fetch indoors or in securely fenced areas, and engaging in games with family members. While they can be energetic during play sessions, they also possess an off-switch and are equally content relaxing with their families. The breed's moderate exercise needs make them adaptable to various owner lifestyles and activity levels.

Mental stimulation is important for this intelligent breed to prevent boredom-related behaviors. Puzzle toys, interactive games, training sessions, and trick learning provide valuable mental challenges that keep Bichons engaged and content. These dogs enjoy activities that involve their people and excel at tricks and obedience when training is kept fun and positive. Many Bichons participate successfully in dog sports including obedience, rally, and agility, which provide excellent physical exercise and mental stimulation while strengthening the bond between dog and owner.

One critical consideration for families considering a Bichon is the breed's strong need for companionship and tendency toward separation anxiety. These dogs are not suited to being left alone for eight or more hours daily, as prolonged isolation can lead to destructive behaviors, excessive barking, anxiety, and depression. Ideal families include someone home most of the day or situations where the dog can accompany family members to work or errands. For families that must be away during work hours, doggy daycare, pet sitters, or having another dog for companionship can help meet the Bichon's social needs. With proper attention to their grooming requirements, companionship needs, and training, the Bichon Tenerife becomes a cherished, integral member of the family who brings joy and laughter to the household daily.

Training a Bichon Tenerife is generally a rewarding experience due to the breed's intelligence, eagerness to please, and responsive nature. These dogs learn quickly and respond best to positive reinforcement training methods using treats, praise, and play as motivators. The breed's sensitive temperament means harsh corrections, yelling, or punitive training methods are counterproductive and can cause the dog to shut down or become fearful. Patient, consistent, reward-based training brings out the Bichon's natural desire to please and helps build a confident, well-behaved companion who enjoys training sessions.

Early socialization and training should begin as soon as a Bichon puppy arrives home, typically around eight weeks of age. Proper socialization during the critical developmental period between 8 and 16 weeks is essential for raising a well-adjusted adult dog. Exposing puppies to various people, places, sounds, surfaces, and experiences helps them develop confidence and comfort in different situations. Puppy kindergarten classes provide excellent opportunities for socialization with other dogs and people while teaching basic manners and obedience. The Bichon's naturally friendly disposition makes socialization relatively straightforward, though consistent positive experiences remain important.

Housetraining can present challenges with small breeds, and the Bichon is no exception. Their small bladders require frequent bathroom breaks, especially as puppies, with trips outside every two to three hours initially. Consistency, patience, crate training, and enthusiastic praise for outdoor elimination all contribute to successful housetraining. Establishing a regular feeding schedule helps predict when the puppy will need to eliminate. Some owners find that using indoor potty pads as a backup or interim solution helps during the training period. Male Bichons may take slightly longer to housetrain than females, requiring extra patience and consistency.

The Bichon's intelligence and love of performing make them excellent candidates for trick training and dog sports. Many Bichons excel in competitive obedience, rally, and agility, enjoying the mental stimulation and physical challenge these activities provide. Their history as circus performers and street entertainers demonstrates their natural aptitude for learning tricks and entertaining audiences. Training sessions should be kept short, fun, and engaging to maintain the dog's interest and enthusiasm. The breed's small size makes them easy to transport to training classes and competitions.

Exercise requirements for the Bichon Tenerife are moderate and easily met with daily walks and play sessions. Two or three walks totaling 30 to 60 minutes per day, combined with indoor playtime, satisfies most Bichons' physical needs. These dogs enjoy exploring their neighborhoods on leash, playing fetch, and engaging in interactive games with their families. Their adaptable energy levels allow them to match their owners' activity levels to some degree – they can be walking companions for moderately active owners or content with shorter, gentler walks for less active families.

Mental stimulation is equally important as physical exercise for preventing boredom and associated problem behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. Puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, hide-and-seek games, and training sessions all provide valuable mental challenges. Rotating toys maintains novelty and interest. Teaching new tricks, practicing obedience commands, and providing problem-solving opportunities help keep the Bichon's clever mind engaged and satisfied. Many Bichons enjoy games involving searching for hidden treats or toys, which tap into their natural curiosity and provide mental challenges. With appropriate training, socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation, the Bichon Tenerife becomes a well-mannered, happy companion who brings joy to their family while being a pleasure to live with in any setting.

The Bichon Tenerife is generally a healthy, long-lived breed with a life expectancy of 14 to 15 years, though some individuals live into their late teens with excellent care. Like all purebred dogs, Bichons are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions that responsible breeders screen for to reduce incidence in their breeding lines. Prospective owners should seek breeders who perform recommended health testing and provide health clearances for breeding dogs. Regular veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, proper grooming, and attentive health monitoring help ensure Bichons enjoy long, healthy lives as beloved companions.

Hip dysplasia, a developmental malformation of the hip joint, can occur in Bichons though it is less common in toy and small breeds than in larger dogs. This condition can cause arthritis, pain, and mobility issues as dogs age. Responsible breeders have their breeding dogs evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or through PennHIP screening to reduce hip dysplasia incidence. Luxating patella, a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position in the groove of the thighbone, affects some Bichons and can range from mild to severe, sometimes requiring surgical correction to prevent arthritis and pain.

Eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occur in the breed. Cataracts cause cloudiness of the eye lens and can lead to vision impairment or blindness if untreated. PRA is a group of genetic diseases causing gradual vision loss leading to complete blindness. Responsible breeders have their dogs examined annually by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and register results with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). Genetic testing for known forms of PRA helps breeders make informed breeding decisions to reduce disease incidence.

Bladder stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, occur more frequently in Bichons than in many other breeds. These stones can cause urinary tract infections, blood in urine, difficulty urinating, and potentially life-threatening urinary blockages. Dietary management, adequate hydration, and regular veterinary monitoring help reduce stone formation risk. Signs of urinary problems require immediate veterinary attention to prevent serious complications. Allergies, both environmental and food-related, commonly affect Bichons and may cause skin irritation, itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset. Identifying and managing allergens through diet trials, allergy testing, and appropriate medical treatment helps maintain quality of life.

Dental disease is particularly prevalent in small breeds including the Bichon, with many dogs developing periodontal disease by age three without proper dental care. Tartar buildup leads to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially affecting heart, liver, and kidneys. Daily tooth brushing, dental chews, and regular professional cleanings under anesthesia help prevent serious dental problems. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), a hormonal disorder causing the body to produce excessive cortisol, occasionally affects Bichons, particularly as they age. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, hair loss, and pot-bellied appearance. Diabetes mellitus can develop in Bichons, particularly those that are overweight or have had Cushing's disease.

Regular veterinary examinations are essential for maintaining Bichon health throughout their lives. Annual wellness visits for adult dogs and twice-yearly examinations for senior dogs (typically defined as over age seven) allow veterinarians to detect potential problems early when they are most treatable. Wellness visits should include thorough physical examinations, body condition assessment, dental evaluation, and discussion of any health or behavior concerns. Vaccinations should be kept current based on veterinary recommendations and the dog's lifestyle and risk factors.

Weight management is crucial for Bichon health, as excess weight exacerbates many health conditions including joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease. Maintaining appropriate body condition through portion control and regular exercise prevents obesity-related health issues. Parasite prevention including heartworm preventatives, flea and tick control, and deworming should be administered year-round according to veterinary protocols. Heartworm disease is preventable through monthly preventatives and is far easier and less expensive to prevent than to treat.

Genetic health testing of breeding dogs helps reduce the incidence of hereditary conditions in future generations. Prospective owners should ask breeders for health clearances including hip evaluations, eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, and any breed-specific genetic tests. Reputable breeders should willingly provide documentation of health testing and discuss any health concerns present in their breeding lines. With proactive health management, regular veterinary care, appropriate preventative measures, and attention to the breed's specific health concerns, most Bichon Tenerife dogs enjoy long, active, healthy lives as treasured family companions, often remaining playful and spry well into their senior years.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Bichon Tenerife's health and longevity.

The Bichon Tenerife requires extensive, regular grooming to maintain its signature powder-puff appearance and keep the coat healthy and mat-free. The breed's double coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat that grows continuously rather than shedding. This combination creates the characteristic resilient yet soft texture and requires consistent maintenance. Daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb is essential to prevent mats and tangles from forming in the dense coat. Brushing should reach all the way to the skin, not just surface grooming, to remove loose hair trapped in the undercoat and prevent painful mats.

Professional grooming every four to six weeks is necessary to maintain the breed's characteristic appearance and coat health. A skilled groomer experienced with Bichons can scissor the coat into the traditional powder-puff trim, creating the rounded appearance with the distinctive halo effect around the face. The grooming process includes bathing, thorough brushing and combing, trimming nails, cleaning ears, and carefully scissoring the coat to follow the body's contours. Some pet owners opt for shorter, easier-maintenance trims, though even simplified styles require regular professional grooming to prevent matting and maintain coat health.

Bathing frequency depends on the individual dog's lifestyle and how quickly the coat becomes soiled, but most Bichons benefit from baths every two to four weeks. The breed's white coat can become discolored or dingy without regular bathing. High-quality dog shampoo and conditioner formulated for white coats or curly hair help maintain the coat's texture and brilliant white color. Thorough rinsing is crucial as any shampoo residue can cause skin irritation or make the coat appear dull. After bathing, the coat must be completely dried using a blow dryer on low heat while brushing, as air-drying can lead to tangles and mats forming in the curly coat.

Tear staining, reddish-brown discoloration under the eyes, commonly affects Bichons due to their facial structure and light-colored coat making stains highly visible. Daily cleaning of the eye area with a damp cloth or commercially available tear stain remover helps minimize staining. Some staining is related to diet, water quality, or genetics, and persistent cases may require consultation with a veterinarian. Keeping facial hair trimmed short around the eyes helps reduce tear retention in the fur and makes cleaning easier.

Routine maintenance includes regular nail trimming every two to three weeks to keep nails at proper length. Overgrown nails can affect the dog's gait and cause discomfort. Ear cleaning should be performed weekly using a veterinarian-recommended cleaning solution and cotton balls to gently clean the outer ear canal. The Bichon's floppy, hair-covered ears can trap moisture and debris, creating an environment conducive to ear infections. Hair growing in the ear canal may need to be plucked or trimmed by a professional groomer to improve air circulation. Dental care is particularly important as small breeds are prone to dental disease. Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste helps prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. Regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia, typically needed annually or more frequently depending on individual needs, help maintain oral health and prevent systemic health problems associated with periodontal disease.

If you're looking to adopt a Bichon Tenerife, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Bichon Tenerifes waiting for their forever homes.