Hanover Hound vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Contrary to the myths and many of the tales of the history of the Bichon Frise, the breed was originally developed in Spain. Later specific trait development occurred in France to give us the lap dog Bichon Frise that we know today. The original Spanish dog – the Bichon – was a water – sailing dog. It was descended from the poodle breeds crossed with either the water spaniels or the Barbet. These early dogs were friendly and happy and because of this, sailors carried them with them on their ships and even bartered them for supplies. Prior to the 14th century the Spanish probably brought them to the Canary Islands. Later in the 14th century they we discovered again by Italian sailors who returned them to Europe where they lived in the courts of the nobility. During the Renaissance and after the French fell in love with the breed while the Spanish continue to enjoy their presence.

In the late 19th century in France the breed fell out of popularity and became street dogs and circus and fair dogs. They also worked with organ grinders and assisted the blind. In the early 20th century, the Societe Centrale Canine, the National Kennel Club of France, adopted the breed’s official standard – while they were still known as both the Bichon and the Tenerife. The popularity of the breed at this time is heavily attributed to “The Adventures of TinTIn” , by Herge, which featured a small, white, fluffy fox terrier. Then the president of the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale presented a new name for the breed based on its characteristics. The name Bichon Frise kept the Bichon heritage and added “curly” the meaning of Frise. Under this name the breed was admitted to the Societe Centrale Canine stud book in October of 1934.

The Bichon Frise came to the United States for the first time in 19554 and was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1972. They entered the non-sporting group of the AKC in 1973. By 2001 the Bichon Frise, J.R., won the Westminster Dog Show. In 1976, the Bichon Frise came to Australia, imported by Harry and Margaret Begg who oversaw the growth of the breed there. Today there are 4 separate breeds believed to be descended from the original Bichon/Tenerife breeds – the Bichon Frise, the Bichon Bolognaise, the Maltese and the Havanese.

Sometimes referred to as a Hanoverian Hound, this dog dates way back to the 17th century in Germany.

This dog breed continues to be fairly rare today and has always been used as a hunting and tracking dog. It is believed the dog comes from bloodhounds dating back to medieval times. The dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but he is a member of the Scenthound group.

The modern Bichon Frise is a white, small dog with a round skull and muzzle. The nose should be black and the eyes round and dark. Depending on the size of the dog, the legs and head are proportionate to the body, while the tail should be curly and long. Both the tail and the ears must not be docked. Their coat is as hypoallergenic as a dog gets. It is white, dense and for most Bichon Frise, it is curly. They should have black lips as well.

This is a sturdy, well built dog with a short, smooth, dense coat which is a reddish-brown color with brindling.

He is a well built, deep chested dog standing at about 50 – 55cm in height and weighing 48-53cm. He has the typical dark brown, soulful eyes of the Hound dog with long, broad, floppy ears.They usually have black noses, he has a deep chest, strong, straight legs and long, tapering tail.

Temperament:

Calm and gentle, the Hanover Hound is a loyal dog who bonds closely with his human family. When you socialize him he gets along well with children.

He is a hunting dog and loves nothing more than to be following some scent. You can call out his name, but he will not likely take notice, so determined is he to track down his prey, being known for his superb sense of smell.

His hunting instincts are strong and this means that you won't often find him being kept essentially as just a pet – they are first hunting dogs and then pets. Nonetheless, as already suggested, the Hanover Hound is more than capable of forming a strong bond with his human family, making a good family pet.

He is aloof and wary with strangers and this makes him a good watchdog. It is important to have him trained and socialized as then he becomes obedient and amicable when you need him to be like that around friends and family.

The Bichon Frise, according to the American Kennel Club is a cheerful and merry dog. They are gentle, playful, sensitive and affectionate. These dogs love people, are very social and like other dogs as well. They love to play with children and they are intelligent and affectionate. They were developed in their latter stages by the French to be “lap dogs” or companion animals. They are not territorial by nature but can become so if confined and encouraged. Start obedience training early and be consistent throughout their lives. They take to training easily if positive techniques are used. They do however, have a reputation for not taking well to housetraining. Be persistent

The Hanover Hound is an intelligent dog breed that responds well to training and socialization. They are dedicated hunting dogs but they are loyal and loving to their human family.

He will require an owner who is active and on the go while being firm and consistent with his treatment of him.

When socialized, he makes a good friend of children too. Keep him busy, exercise him, provide him with good food and consistent love and attention and he'll make you a devoted hunting companion and friend.

The coat of the Bichon Frise can easily become matted if not brushed or combed every day. Severe matting can lead to a hematoma in their ears. They are also very prone to ear infections so paying a lot of attention to their ears is imperative. They are will chew and scratch themselves if not groomed well and this can cause skin infections and conditions. They might have allergies to fleas, pollen, chemicals, and dust. The patella (knee cap) can be loose, diabetes, cataracts and heart disease also affect the Bichon Frise. In the United Kingdom the number one cause of death for the breed is old age -13 plus years, with 21% dying of cancer. In North America cancer is the number one killer as it is for most dogs. The Bichon might also be afflicted with hematologic disorders such as AIHA (Autoimmune hemolytic anemia) and ITP (Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia) which while less common than cancer will kill the dog much earlier in life than cancer. The other condition that the Bichon Frise is prone to are liver shunts. If found early they can be surgically corrected but most are not, and liver failure is eventually the cause of death.

Capable of living to between 10 and 14 years of age, the Hanover Hound, like many other dogs, may well be prone to some of the more common dog illnesses there are.

Ear Infections:

Because of his long, floppy ears, he will typically be more prone to developing otitis externa. This is why it is important to be checking your long, floppy-eared dog regularly and cleaning his ears to avoid wax- and dirt build-up and infection. Chronic ear infections will have to be treated by your vet.

You'll recognize the illness when you see your pet shaking his head often and scratching at his ears.

Hip Dyplasia:

This is a genetic orthopedic disorder that affects many dogs and will eventually cause lameness. Hip dysplasia is due to malformed hip joints.

Entropion & Ectropion:

Eye diseases and problems with the eyelid can cause your pet a lot of discomfort as this is when an eyelid rolls in and then rubs against the eye.

Feeding

Being a small dog, the Bichon Frise is susceptible to obesity and that condition will be terminal in the end for this breed. So make sure you do not overfeed your Bichon Frise. The same is true with the use of treats. The Bichon loves treats and loves the association with treats of having pleased you. They should be fed small meals – about ¼ cup of good high quality dry food twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the Bichon Frise is susceptible to:

Hematomas and infections of the ear if not groomed well and consistently.

Cancer is number one killer.

Hematological Issues are deadlier than cancer.

Liver shunts are a very serious concern.

Exercise and games

Though the Bichon Frise is not an overly active dog, they do love to play. They are characterized by short bursts of activity followed by long periods of rest. They can be worn out just by running around the house. You must play with them everyday as well as take them on a walk each day. Bichons are fast and agile and do well in agility trials. They also like to compete in rally and obedience trials. Most of all they love to and need to play with their people every day.

Exercise:

The Hanover Hound is a hunting breed so he won’t easily adapt to life in the city with a tiny garden. He will need a large garden or a farm to run around in.

He is a hunting dog that loves to put his nose to the ground and to follow a scent. This is a dog breed which will need to be provided with a good amount of exercise every day to ensure his happiness and health.

Diet:

As a large dog breed, you want to be sure to be feeding him a high quality food. It is always a good idea to add in some home-made food to his kibble. Read the packaging carefully of commercial manufactured dog foods and make sure you get food that is geared towards large, active breed dogs.

Add in cooked food such as cooked chicken, vegetables or brown rice and pasta and remember to include some raw meat into his diet from time to time.

Before dogs were domesticated they would eat raw meat as opposed to harmful grain based commercial dog foods of today. Benefits of adding in some raw meat from time to time include healthier skin, more energy and shinier coats and eyes. Make sure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.