Bichon Frise: Complete Guide
The bichon frise is a small dog known for their cheerful personality, hilarious antics, and happy-go-lucky attitude toward life. They see a friend in everyone, which is just as well because no one can quite resist cuddling this adorable pooch!
Bichon frises typically reach up to 11.5 inches tall and have soft, white coats that consist of corkscrew curls. They get along exceptionally well with kids and make wonderful family companions.
Whether you’re considering making a bichon frise a part of your family or are just keen to learn more about this endearing pup, we’re here to help. We’ll cover the breed’s temperament, physical appearance, trainability, grooming needs, and everything else you need to know.
Quick Look at the Bichon Frise
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 12-18 pounds / 9.5-11.5 inches |
| Coat Type | Curly double coat, long, hypoallergenic |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Cheerful, playful, gentle, affectionate, sensitive |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 14 to 15 years |
What Is the History of Bichon Frises?
The bichon frise, pronounced bee-shon-free-zay, originates from the Mediterranean region. While the exact history of the bichon frise isn’t known, they are thought to have descended from the barbet (a French water dog). They were also likely introduced to Tenerife in the Canary Islands by Spanish sailors.
The bichon frise was eventually taken to Europe during the 14th century and found favor among nobility, particularly in France, Spain, and Italy. They became popular lapdogs for aristocrats and were associated with status and wealth.
Over the years, bichon frises were selectively bred to exhibit their lovable qualities seen today. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1972. While they still make excellent lapdogs, they also shine at agility, obedience, and dog shows. They have even excelled as therapy dogs, thanks to their affectionate natures and optimistic attitudes.
What Do Bichon Frises Look Like?
The bichon frise is a small, sturdy yet agile dog famous for their cloud-like double coat. While pure white is the most common coat color, some dogs also have shades of buff, cream, or apricot on their bodies.
The bichon frise also has round eyes and a blunt muzzle. These facial features, combined with their coat, give them a teddy bear-like quality — one of the reasons why this breed is so popular.
The bichon frise has a proud, confident gait. They also have a plumed tail, which they carry over their back (and love to wag at all times).
What Size Is a Bichon Frise?
The bichon frise is considered a small companion dog. They usually stand 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 12 and 18 pounds. Males typically stand taller than females by an inch or two. As a rough rule of thumb, you can expect your bichon frise to grow to the same size as their parents.
What Is a Bichon Frise’s Coat Type and Length?
The bichon frise has a thick double coat. The outer coat is coarse and made up of corkscrew curls, while the undercoat is soft, silky, and dense. The fur maintains its shape well and springs back into place when patted.
Although the bichon frise’s coat may look short and compact, their fur is actually very long — the corkscrew texture just hides its length.
What Is a Bichon Frise’s Temperament?
If you’re after a gentle, fun-loving companion, you won’t find a better match than the bichon frise. This adorable, spritely pup is incredibly playful and gets up to all sorts of goofy antics with those they form a strong bond with. They approach every occasion and activity with a tail wag, and they also see a friend in everyone.
Bichon frises were bred to be perfect lap dogs, so you can expect your bichon frise to keep your lap nice and warm in the cooler months. They’ll also be attached to you by the hip and follow you wherever you go in the house.
Natural ‘people’ dogs, bichon frises often don’t tolerate being left alone, and many experience separation anxiety. If you’re considering this breed, be prepared to spend a lot of time with them throughout the day. If you work long hours or lead a busy, hectic schedule, this breed may not be right for you.
Bichon frises are adaptable and will happily live in apartments, provided they receive enough attention and their individual needs are met.
Are Bichon Frises Good With Kids?
The bichon frise is patient, playful, and incredibly gentle — all of which are traits that make them a perfect companion for kids of all ages. Their optimistic, cheerful personality is also sure to comfort and reassure your kids, particularly when they’re feeling down or going through a difficult time.
The bichon frise is sturdy and can tolerate some boisterous play. However, make sure to teach your kids to be gentle while playing. If you have younger kids, you should also supervise their interactions closely.
Are Bichon Frises Good With Other Animals?
Bichon frises are sociable and typically get along well with other dogs. They love to play and will appreciate having some canine company. However, be mindful that bichon frises shouldn’t be housed together with extremely large, energetic dogs, who may accidentally injure them during rough play.
Bichon frises also aren’t known for their high prey drives. They can typically adapt well to households with other species of animals, like rabbits and cats, as long as they’re introduced to them positively and gradually.
Are Bichon Frises Aggressive?
Bichon frises aren’t inherently more aggressive than other breeds. They’ve been selectively bred to be gentle, and they usually don’t mind being around strangers. They’re also patient around kids and enjoy the company of other dogs.
However, any dog can exhibit snapping, growling, or other aggressive behaviors if their needs aren’t being fulfilled or they haven’t been socialized properly. That’s why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with the bichon frise’s care needs before taking them home with you. It will ensure that your bichon frise pup grows up to be a well-rounded adult dog.
You should also learn how to safely (and effectively) socialize them. This involves gradually exposing your dog to a wide array of different situations, people, events, and noises in a positive way. The purpose of socialization is to essentially show them that the world is a safe, comfortable place for them to be, allowing them to feel confident no matter where they are or who they’re with.
Do Bichon Frises Bark?
Bichon frises aren’t particularly vocal dogs, but they often bark when they’re excited. They may also bark excessively if they become bored or are left alone for long periods of time.
If your bichon frise is displaying excessive barking, try to uncover the root cause behind their behavior. For example, it may be associated with separation anxiety, or they may be barking because they aren’t being exercised enough and have too much excess energy. In many cases, once you address the underlying cause, their barking will subside.
You can also teach your dog to be quiet to minimize their barking. However, be mindful that this may not eliminate unwanted barking entirely if your bichon frise is barking due to a lack of exercise or health problems.
Are Bichon Frises Affectionate?
Bichon frises are some of the most affectionate pups out there. They love to be lap dogs, will never turn down a cuddle with their owners, and are always very playful. They’re also typically outgoing around strangers, and even bichon frise pups that are usually shy around strangers warm up to their presence very quickly.
Are Bichon Frises Intelligent?
The bichon frise is considered a moderately intelligent dog. While they can’t compete with the likes of the border collie and the poodle, bichon frises are still smart enough to pick up advanced commands with some consistent training. They’re also alert, perceptive, and curious.
Are Bichon Frises Energetic?
Despite their small size, the bichon frise is fairly active and has a moderate energy level. They’ll usually need around 30 minutes of exercise per day to feel happy, content, and at ease. Try to split it into two brisk walks around the block, providing opportunities for them to sniff and explore their surroundings.
Bichon frises are also playful pups, so it’s important to dedicate some time during the day for playtime. They particularly appreciate interactive games where they can bond with you, like fetch, agility, and hide and seek.
Are Bichon Frises Easy to Train?
Bichon frises are usually easy to train because they’re eager to please and fairly intelligent. They also enjoy spending time with their owners, meaning they’re likely to tolerate long training sessions without getting distracted or bored.
While they may take some time to pick up complex commands, like retrieving specific objects or playing dead, they will master them eventually with consistent training.
You can start training your bichon frise puppy as soon as you take them home. However, they are slow to housebreak due to their small size and will need you to be patient with them. Don’t get frustrated or snap at them during training — they’re sensitive dogs that may become anxious from harsh criticism.
Are Bichon Frises Good Watchdogs?
The bichon frise is alert and will likely bark if they detect someone approaching the home. However, they’re more likely to treat strangers as friends rather than potential intruders. Their small, cuddly appearance also isn’t going to ward off any threats. These don’t make bichon frises good watchdogs.
Are Bichon Frises Good Service Dogs?
The bichon frise can make an excellent service dog because of their happy-go-lucky attitude, eagerness to please, and affectionate nature. They also adapt well and are typically confident around strangers.
The bichon frise particularly excels at psychiatric service work since they can read their owner’s emotions very well. However, their small stature means they can’t perform physically demanding tasks like wheelchair assistance and balance support. If you’re seeking a dog to assist you with physical service tasks, consider a larger breed instead, like the German shepherd or Labrador retriever.
How to Care for a Bichon Frise?
The bichon frise is often considered one of the best small breeds for first-time owners because of their friendly personality and manageable exercise needs. That said, their coat does require a lot of grooming, and they’re also prone to a few health issues.
Do You Need to Groom a Bichon Frise?
The bichon frise has a high-maintenance coat that is very susceptible to tangles and mats. They should be brushed daily, with a wash once a month or whenever their coat is noticeably dirty or giving off an odor. Avoid washing the bichon frise too often, as this can strip their skin of the natural, healthy oils and lead to irritation.
The bichon frise should also be taken to a professional groomer once a month. While professional grooming trips can be costly, it’s definitely worth it and a necessity if you’re adopting this breed. A professional groomer can trim their fluff to a manageable length and also inspect their skin for potential concerns, like ticks.
You should also brush your bichon frise’s teeth daily with dog-friendly toothpaste to prevent dental disease. Make sure to use a soft, gentle toothbrush tool that won’t hurt their gums.
Do Bichon Frises Shed?
The bichon frise may look like a bundle of fluff, but they actually shed very minimally — in fact, they’re considered a hypoallergenic breed. This can make the bichon frise a potentially great option for people who suffer from pet allergies.
However, keep in mind that the term “hypoallergenic” simply means they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction, not that they never trigger allergies.
What Health Problems Do Bichon Frises Have?
The bichon frise is a fairly healthy breed, but they are at risk of developing certain health problems like any other breed. Here are some of the most common conditions they’re susceptible to:
- Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap dislocates out of its typical groove. It is a condition that’s incredibly common in small dog breeds. Symptoms include a bunny-hopping gait, lameness, pain, and reluctance to climb stairs. Treatment typically involves physical rehabilitation, weight loss, pain medication, and potentially surgery.
- Diabetes: Diabetes occurs when the dog’s body stops making enough insulin (or responds to it improperly). Symptoms include excessive thirst, a dry, dull coat, lethargy, and weight loss. Treatment involves weight management, insulin injections, and frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels.
- Cataracts: Cataracts is the clouding of the lens of the eye. This condition can affect a dog’s vision but can easily be treated with surgery.
- Bladder Stones: Bladder stones are small hard lumps of minerals that form in the bladder. Symptoms include urine discoloration, difficulties urinating, and an increase in accidents. Usually, there’s an underlying cause behind bladder stones, such as an infection. Vets aim to treat the root cause and may also prescribe a therapeutic diet.
- Obesity: Lastly, bichon frises are prone to obesity, so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight and ensure you’re feeding them an appropriate amount of food
How Long Do Bichon Frises Live?
The average lifespan of the bichon frise is 14 to 15 years. However, some bichon frises have been able to live for significantly longer, even up to 19 years.
While we can never truly ‘control’ how long a dog lives, looking out for their wellbeing will give them the best chance of having a long life. Monitor their health closely and take them to frequent vet checkups. Also, ensure they are always up-to-date on all their vaccinations.
What Should a Bichon Frise Eat?
A bichon frise should be fed a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Feed them kibble formulated for their size, age, and energy level, and consult a veterinarian for specific nutritional advice.
In general, most bichon frises should be fed ½ to 1.5 cups of food each day, broken down into two meals. Don’t feed bichon frises table scraps since they tend to put on weight quickly and may also experience stomach issues from human food.
Is a Bichon Frise the Right Dog for Me?
The bichon frise is an excellent companion for families. They get along well with kids and other animals, and they thrive in a household where they’re given lots of attention, mental stimulation, and cuddles. They also aren’t excessive barkers and don’t require a whole lot of exercise, meaning they can be a good fit for apartment living too.
Below, we’ll highlight a few things to consider when determining if the bichon frise is the right breed for you.
The bichon frise may be the right dog for you if:
- You want a laidback companion who doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise
- You can be at home for most of the day
- You’re after a low-shedding breed
- You appreciate a “velcro dog” who will follow you around the house
You may want to consider another breed if:
- You want a very energetic dog who can exercise for hours on end
- You don’t want to deal with high-maintenance grooming needs
- You’re away from the house for long periods every day
Keep these lists in mind to determine if this breed is right for you!