Bichon Frise

Bichons are of French and Spanish descent. The Spanish originally used them as sailing and herding dogs. However, the French ultimately bred them to be noble lapdogs.
Bichons are active dogs, but because they are small, they don't need too much room to romp and are suitable for apartment living. Bichons are not known for barking, which is a real plus for city dwellers, but don't count on them to guard your home, either.
They do require considerable time for coat care. They need grooming, bathing and trimming on a regular basis. Bichons are one of a few breeds recommended for people with allergies who want a dog, but beware. Some people with mild allergies may have fewer allergy problems with a bichon compared with other dogs, but there are no guarantees. Consult with your allergist and spend considerable time around adult bichons before deciding to live with one.

Bichons are generally good with children and other pets. Their small size also makes them a good choice for apartment or city living. Bichons need minimal exercise and will be content to spend as much time as possible with their families.