Bichon Frise breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Bichon Frise
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Bichon Frise breed
The Bichon Frise is a small breed that is known for its playful and affectionate nature. These dogs have a cheerful and friendly disposition, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. With their fluffy white coats and expressive dark eyes, Bichon Frises have an irresistibly adorable appearance. These dogs originated in the Mediterranean and were often favoured as companions to sailors and nobles. They are a part of the Bichon family, which includes other breeds like the Maltese, Havanese, and Bolognese.
Bichon Frises are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which shed minimally and are considered more suitable for people with allergies. However, it's important to note that no dog is completely allergy free, and individual reactions can vary, so borrowing a dog first can be a great way to see if you’re ok around a Bichon before getting your own.
Weight, height and life expectancy
On average, Bichon Frises stand at a height of about 23-30cm.
They tend to weigh between 3-5kg.
They have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Bichon Frise like?
Bichon Frises are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are social dogs that thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of a loving family. These dogs are generally good with children and can get along well with other pets if properly introduced and socialised from a young age.
They have a playful and curious personality, often displaying a sense of humour. Bichon Frises love to entertain and make people laugh with their silly antics. Their happy-go-lucky attitude and eagerness to please make them a joy to be around.
It's important to note that Bichon Frises can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and may experience distress when separated. Providing them with sufficient attention, mental stimulation, and companionship is crucial to ensure their well-being.
Our Bichon Frise Community
"I met Louis the Bichon nearly a year ago and we walked for a half day twice a week. The bond was instant and so was the friendship with the owner. Even though I'm back working full-time, Louis still spends every Saturday or Sunday with me. He's a very happy boy, I have a smile on my face all day when I have him and the owner knows he is getting his exercise and is well looked after. Exercise, fun and smiles!"
Louis' borrower, Simon from Dorset
"Monty in particular is a Bichon Frise, and I never thought I'd fall in love with such a small dog, but he is such a comical character with a happy go lucky spirit he just makes me so happy when we walk together. I walk him 3 times a week and I look forward very much to our little rendezvous. It's a tonic to get out in the fresh air and get the exercise because I wouldn't go walking on my own without my furry companions."
Monty's borrower, Diane from Wiltshire
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?
Bichon Frises have moderate exercise needs and typically require around 30 minutes to 1 hour of physical activity per day. This can be achieved through daily walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive games. They are adaptable to apartment living as long as they receive regular outdoor exercise and mental stimulation.
When it comes to Bichon Frise puppies, it's important to strike a balance between exercise and rest. Puppies have growing bodies and developing joints, so excessive exercise can be detrimental. Aim for short play sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as they grow older. Puppies should not engage in long walks or intense exercise until they have fully developed, usually around 12-18 months of age.
Need an extra hand exercising your Bichon Frise? Find a local borrower today.
Do Bichon Frises need a lot of grooming?
Bichon Frises have a thick, double-layered coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Their hair is soft and curly, resembling a cotton ball. To prevent matting and tangles, daily brushing is recommended. Regular grooming sessions also help maintain the Bichon Frise's distinctive appearance and keep their coat healthy. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is advisable to ensure proper trimming, shaping, and hygiene maintenance.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Bichon Frises easy to train?
Bichon Frises are intelligent and eager to please, which generally makes them receptive to training. However, like any breed, they have their own unique personality traits and may require consistent and patient training methods. Starting training from a young age is recommended to establish good behaviour patterns and socialise them effectively. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and rewards, work well with Bichon Frises. They respond positively to gentle guidance and consistency in training sessions.
It's important to note that some Bichon Frises can have a stubborn streak, so keeping training sessions engaging and varied is essential. Mixing in fun activities and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and interactive games, can help maintain their interest and prevent boredom.
Want to experience spending time with a Bichon Frise to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Bichon Frise near you.
What do Bichon Frises eat?
Bichon Frises should be fed a balanced and high-quality small breed dog food that meets their nutritional needs. The amount of food depends on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and metabolism.
For Bichon Frise puppies, a specially formulated puppy food is recommended to support their growth and development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old when this can be reduced to twice daily. Puppies typically transition gradually to adult dog food around 12 months of age, but this can vary depending on individual needs.
It's important to consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine the appropriate food and portion sizes for your Bichon Frise. Avoid overfeeding and excessive treats, as Bichon Frises can be prone to weight gain.
Are Bichon Frises healthy?
Bichon Frises are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health concerns. Some common health issues observed in Bichon Frises include:
Bones and joints
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Dental
Periodontal disease - a buildup of plaque and tartar on a dog’s teeth leading to inflammation, infection and tooth loss
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Hormonal
Diabetes - a condition where your dog can’t produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels
Liver
Porto-systemic shunt (PSS) - when the blood circulation bypasses the normal cleaning processes of the liver resulting in signs like stunted growth and abnormal behaviours
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
Urinary
Bladder stones - stones form in the bladder which can be uncomfortable and cause a blockage.
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your Bichon Frise, or if you want to discuss further if a Bichon Frise is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Get bichon frises used to grooming at a young age, even if you just start with a soft brush when they’re puppies. They will need regular trips to the groomer, and making them see that grooming is fun and filled with rewards is a great way to make groomer trips less stressful.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
