The Bichon Frise
Historians believe the Bichon descended form the Barbet or water Spaniel from which came the name the Barbichon. This name overtime was shortened to Bichon. The four breeds of Bichon (bolognais havanais maltaise and the Tenerife) are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area.

They are thought to have been used as barter items and transported from continent to continent by Spanish sailors. The dogs were popular in Spain and it is generally thought that SpanishSailors introduced then to the Canary Islands.
By 1300 Italian sailors had reintroduced them to the continent. The Bichons were very popularwith Italian nobles, and as with many other dogs at the time the Lion trim was very popular.

After a very brief renewal of interest during the rein of NapoleonIII. The Bichon breed Fell from grace.
In the 1800 s the Bichon was known as the ?common dog? often seen running around the streets, accompanying organ grinders, the blind or performing tricks in circuses and fairs

By the end of World War 1 interested in the Bichon had increased, four breeders in France saw the potential in the Bichon and started to establish their lines through a controlled breeding program. By 1933 the official standard of the breed had been reached.
As the breed was known as Tenerife and Bichon.
The president of the national canine federation proposed a name based on the characteristics of the dogs presented. The name became Bichon Frise. ?frise? refers to the soft curly hair of the dogs coat.
After successful breeding in the U.S in the late 50s
.The Bichon was admitted into the Non-Sporting Group in the American Kennel Club in 1973.
Good points
The Bichon frise breed, as with humans all have different character traits. You will get lively and friendly bichons, introverted and shy bichons, stubborn bichons and sweet natured bichons. These traits are can be caused by breeding lines or how the puppy was raised.
The bichon frise is a small sturdy little dog that doesn't need much exercise, and their curly coat doesn`t shed, however it is recommended that they are groomed and bathed every month. They love human company, they are vary sociable animals which makes them fine in the company of other dogs, pets and especially children.. They have a very high life expectancy of around 15 years. Their litter sizes average around 4-5 puppies.


Vaccinating Your Shih Tzu
Active immunization is the introduction into the body of killed or satisfied microorganisms or their products for the purpose of stimulating the Shih Tzu's defense mechanism. This is the same concept that is applicable to the human species.
Historically the area of veterinary medicine had not yet realized the potential benefits of vaccinations. It hasn't been until recently, those veterinary experts formulated solutions to combat the alarming increased of death in dogs and the Shih Tzu as well. Most of the causes are viral infection.
With the inception of vaccinations, many dogs and Shih Tzu were saved from probable death brought about by many diseases like leptospirosis, hepatitis, upper respiratory infections and parvovirus.
Like humans, dogs need vaccinations even at an early age. That is why it is important to immunize Shih Tzu puppies so that they will survive until they are fully grown.
Basically, Shih Tzu puppies get their immunity from their Shih Tzu mother's milk, which is also the same as that of human beings. However, these immunities tend to lose their effects by the time the Shih Tzu puppies are already 6 to 20 weeks old. It is during this time they need to be immunized.
In order to protect the Shih Tzu puppies against infectious diseases, it is best to give them their shots. Shih Tzu puppies should be re-immunized after 3 to 4 weeks for 4 rounds. Thereafter, the Shih Tzu dog should receive a booster yearly.
If you follow this regimen, Shih Tzu puppies should be able to endure any infectious disease that may come their way.
Rabies and Immunization
Rabies is an acute and almost invariably fatal disease communicated to man through the saliva of a rabid animal, usually dogs, foxes, squirrels, and bats.
Dogs, fortunately, always present evidence of the disease before becoming infective. The etiologic agent is an ultramicroscopic virus present in the saliva and the central nervous system.
The course of rabies in dogs and Shih Tzu is characterized by an incubation period of 20 to 30 days. This is followed by a period of excitement, when the animal becomes vicious. The excitement stage may be evident or may be entirely absent. Paralysis develops which first involves the Shih Tzu's hind legs and thereafter becomes generalized. Death occurs within 10 days following the first symptom.
Alternatively, the effects of rabies in human beings can be fatal as it is with dogs and Shih Tzu. Hence, in order to avoid these problems, it is best to have your Shih Tzu and all dogs vaccinated with anti-rabies shots.
Rabies vaccines can be given during the 16th to the 26th week of the life of a Shih Tzu puppy. This requires a follow up shot once yearly in most areas for total protection.
On the other hand, dog and Shih Tzu owners should take note that vaccinations can generate adverse effects on their dogs and Shih Tzu. So, it is best to always observe your dog or Shih Tzu after vaccination. When reactions such as vomiting, facial swelling or trembling occur, it is best to consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Vaccination Tips:
? Consider the age of the Shih Tzu puppy before subjecting them to their shots.
? First shots for a Shih Tzu puppy should be between the age of 6 and 8 weeks. Two to four weeks later another shot can be given until you have completed four rounds.
? Rabies vaccinations should be given between the ages of 16 to 26 weeks, and then once yearly.
? Booster shots for the common diseases in dogs and Shih Tzu should be given yearly to the adult Shih Tzu.
In conclusion, vaccinations are extremely important to your Shih Tzu's life. Vaccines are needed in order to protect the Shih Tzu from imminent risk of acquiring diseases brought about by viruses.
Once you have vaccinated your Shih Tzu properly you can rest assured that he or she will be at its peak of health for a longer period of time. Indeed, vaccines are essential to the long life of your Shih Tzu. Do not omit this part of your health program for the Shih Tzu.
Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies. Please visit us, sign up for our newsletter and purchase puppies online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.


Do Pet Stain Removers Work Or Are You Being Taken To The Cleaners
Pet stains on carpet and other types of flooring can be nasty to get rid of and even nastier if you don't. How do I know? I sell pet stain remover but I always tell people the truth about the products they are buying. Many web sites on the internet give a 100% money back guarantee on pet stain removers but how can they possibly guarantee a product when they haven't even seen the mess that the product has to clean up. From my experience with amazing internet cleaning chemicals including pet stain removers is that they usually don't work. Most pet stain remover websites bank on the fact that you either won't take the time to return the product or you'll give up on your pet stain problem and have a professional come in to finish the job. The truth about pet removal products is they sometimes work and they sometimes don't it all depends on the surface that your cleaning up and how bad the damage really is. At least once a day I email a customer back and tell them they need a professional (in some cases a demolition crew) to come in and first take a look at the actual problem and then decide if they can accomplish the task.
There are two different types of pet stain removers, volatile chemicals (chemicals that react with certain compounds) and enzyme products. Chemical products work by changing the chemical make up of urine. This is all great except for the fact that you're using a chemical on your flooring or carpet and chances are you're not going to get all the chemical out. These chemicals can remain in the dye pores and fibers of your carpets for many years or until the carpet is replaced. Enzymes work by eating the urine on the floor and then turn anaerobic and die. It seems really gross but you can't see it happening and enzymes are a part of nature unlike man made chemicals.
In my experience I have dealt with both types of concoctions and feel that enzymes do the best job. Enzymes smell better and won't harm your carpets and are more environmental and people friendly. When using either of these methods there is one truth that holds true and this is where the "sometimes they work and sometimes they don't" statement comes in. If the enzyme or chemical does not come in contact with the pet urine it will not work. If you're pet stain problem is to the point that the wood or cement underneath the carpet has been saturated for an extended period of time it's time to call a construction crew. Your sub floors will have to be replaced and cement has to be sealed, this is the only way to get rid of cat urine odors once this much damage has been done. For some of my customers that I talk to it just seems like having flooring removed or cement sealed is too hard to swallow and there just has to be an easier and cheaper way to solve the problem. The truth is that once cat urine as seeped into a porous substance like wood or cement nothing can remove or neutralize it. When it gets damp or humid that smell will always come back and in some cases get worse over time.
For infrequent pet stains or pet accidents pet stain removers can work extremely well. These products can easily neutralize and eliminate pet stains on a carpets surface or already sealed flooring. Don't be fooled by amazing products and 100% guarantees because if they haven't seen the problem the product is going to tackle they might be doing a good job at removing your money from your wallet and not the pet stain from your floor.