Although thought to be a French breed, the Bichon Frise which means ‘curly lap dog’, possibly originated in the Canary Islands and was brought to mainland Europe by travellers in the fourteenth century.

This extrovert, intelligent and confident breed became a pampered pet of the European Courts during the Renaissance.

Eventually declining in popularity and becoming an easily trained street or circus dog.

The official standard of the breed was drawn up in 1933 and since has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.