The breed originated in Europe and is a descendent of the Barbet or Water Spaniel, thus the name "Bichon", which is a contraction of Barbachon.  This little guy was developed into a companion dog., while the larger water spaniels retrieved water fowl,

They became known as the Bichon Teneriffe during the time of the Renaissance,  The Spanish sailors brought these adorable little dogs to the Canary Islands, and when they were reimported into Europe, the Bichon became a pet for the Italian and Spanish noblemen.

In the 1500's the French invaders brought these little dogs back with them as war bounty because they were so popular.

Under Francis I (1515-1547)the Bichon became established in the French royalty and  in the years of  (1574-1589) under Henry III the Bichon was at its peak as far as royalty was concerned. Henry didn't want to be separated from them for an extended period of time and always carried his Bichons with him, in a basket tied around his neck.  They were his faithful companions and were with him at all times.

Because of the popularity of the Bichon they were  painted by famous masters like Francisco de Goya. Goya included her Bichon at her feet in the painting, The Duchess of Alba ,   In a painting by Jean-Honore Fragonard called The Love Letter a Bichon is also depicted. Other Spanish as well as European painters have also included this well loved dog in their paintings.

The Bichon fell into disfavor with the aristocrats later on in the end of the nineteenth century. They gradually became a commoner's dog. The little charmers with their amusing antics allowed them  to become associated with traveling circuses and also as catchpennies for street beggars.

The Bichon has an extreme love for his master and brings many hours of faithful companionship. This lovely little breed  almost was lost but breeders of the early decades of this century worked diligently to bring them back to where they are now.