Are Big Ears a Sign of Impurity in Bichon Frises?

The question, “Are Bichon Frises with large ears impure?” is a common one among prospective owners. The simple answer is no, large ears alone do not definitively indicate a lack of breed purity. While breed standards exist to guide breeders and judges, variations within those standards are perfectly acceptable and should not be automatically equated with impurity. Many factors contribute to a Bichon Frise’s appearance, and focusing solely on ear size is an overly simplistic and potentially misleading approach.

Let’s delve deeper into the characteristics of a purebred Bichon Frise and dispel some common misconceptions. The size of a Bichon Frise’s ears, while a factor considered in breed standards, varies considerably within the accepted range. Some Bichons are born with naturally larger ears, while others have smaller ones. Furthermore, the appearance of ear size can be deceiving. A Bichon with thick, profuse fur can appear to have larger ears simply because the fur adds volume. It’s crucial to assess the actual ear size, rather than just the apparent size influenced by the coat.

To accurately assess the purity of a Bichon Frise, a holistic approach is necessary, considering multiple traits rather than focusing on a single, easily misinterpreted feature. Let’s examine the key characteristics to look for:

1. Coat: A purebred Bichon Frise boasts a double coat. This means it has a soft, dense undercoat and a slightly coarser, longer topcoat. After a bath and blow-dry, the coat should have a characteristically fluffy, powder-puff appearance. The undercoat should be noticeably softer and denser than the outer coat. A lack of this double coat, or a noticeably thin or sparse coat, might raise concerns about purity.

2. Color: While the ideal coat color for a Bichon Frise is pure white, some puppies exhibit creamy, yellowish, or apricot tints, particularly around the ears and body. These tints typically fade as the puppy matures. However, if an adult Bichon displays more than 10% of its coat in colors other than white, it raises questions about its breed purity. The presence of significant patches of color other than white is a strong indicator of a mixed breed.

3. Eyes: Purebred Bichons have dark, round eyes, typically black or dark brown. These eyes should be set well apart and should not be excessively large, protruding, almond-shaped, or slanted. The eyes should be surrounded by a ring of skin that matches the eye color. Any significant deviation from these characteristics could suggest a mixed breed.

4. Body Structure and Size: The ideal Bichon Frise stands between 9.5 and 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder. While some slight variations are acceptable, significant deviations from this height range should be noted. A purebred Bichon has a well-proportioned body, with a compact build and a slightly longer body length compared to the height. The length of the muzzle should be approximately 3/4 the length of the skull.

5. Ears: While ear size can vary, purebred Bichons generally have drop ears that are covered with fur and blend seamlessly into the coat. They should not be excessively large or small compared to the overall head proportion. The ears should hang naturally, framing the face without appearing disproportionately large or small.

6. Gait: A purebred Bichon Frise moves with a characteristically light and elegant gait. The movement should be free and flowing, with a well-balanced stride. The front legs should extend smoothly, and the hind legs should provide strong propulsion. The backline should remain steady and level throughout the movement. An awkward or clumsy gait can indicate potential health or breed-related issues.

In conclusion, while large ears can be present in a purebred Bichon Frise, they are not an automatic indicator of impurity. A comprehensive assessment of all the aforementioned traits is crucial for a fair and accurate evaluation of breed purity. Relying solely on a single feature like ear size is unreliable and can lead to inaccurate conclusions. Always consult with experienced breeders or breed experts for a professional evaluation if you have concerns about the purity of a Bichon Frise. The focus should be on the overall conformation, temperament, and health of the dog, rather than fixating on minor variations in features like ear size.