Mini Fo-Chon

Here is a look into the history of the Mini Fo-Chon's  parents, the Bichon Frise and the Toy Fox Terrier. The Bichon Frise has a clouded history although an educated guess hints to the Mediterranean. French sailors were recorded in the 14th century as bringing them home from Tenerife. But regardless how it arrived in Europe, it quickly claimed the hearts of royalty and nobles with its winning ways. This occurred not only in France and Spain, but in England too, where King Henry III of the 16th century carried them wherever he went. Even Napoleon III fell for these cute little dogs. But by the 1800s their popularity waned, and it was only French breeders after World War 1 who took a keen interest in saving the breed. The Bichon Frise landed in the United states in 1956 and was formerly recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1975. Their good looks and soft fluffy toy-like appearance have stolen many hearts since then. Terriers have a long history in England, dating back as far as the 1500s. The smooth haired Fox Terrier was developed to chase foxes from the den for the hunters. These agile dogs varied considerably in their size. The smaller dogs were popular as they were so active and fast on their feet. They were excellent rat hunters and kept vermin at bay from businesses and homes. In the mid-1920s, breeders tried to get the smaller dog classified as a breed of its own, which was finally accomplished in 1936. Debate has raged since then about making the breed even smaller, with breeders introducing the Chihuahua and the Toy Manchester to achieve their aim. The Toy Fox Terrier gained acceptance in 2003 with the American Kennel Club. This small dog is feisty, nosy, affectionate, and protective of its family.