Compact, white as snow, and fuzzy as can be, the pint-sized Bichon Frise dog is a popular lap dog. He ranks number 45 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club (AKC’s) registry of America’s most popular dog breeds! With his playful disposition and curious nature, a Bichon Frise puppy or adult is the perfect pet for singles and families alike.
What’s In This Guide
- Breed At A Glance
- In-depth Breed Review
- Bichon Frise Training And Care
- Pros And Cons Of Getting A Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise FAQs
Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about this breed.
Breed At A Glance
- Popularity: 45 in AKCs ranking
- Purpose: Companion
- Weight: 12lbs to 18lbs
- Temperament: Playful, friendly and loving.
Bichon Frise Breed Review: Contents
- History and original purpose
- Fun facts about Bichon Frise
- Bichon Frise appearance
- Bichon Frise temperament
- Training and exercising
- Bichon Frise health and care
- Do Bichon Frise make good family pets
- Rescuing a Bichon Frise
- Finding a puppy
- Raising a Bichon Frise puppy
- Popular Bichon Frise breed mixes
- Products and accessories
History and original purpose of the Bichon Frise
Information on this breed is easy to find and fun to explore, especially if you are interested in the history of this fascinating canine!
Although typically seen as a French dog, did you know that this breed initially had a Spanish origin?
That’s right! The Bichon is one of four types of what was formerly called the Barbichon group, with the other three members being the Maltese, Havanese, and the Bolognese.
Believed to have developed on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, this breed is said to be a descendant of the Bichon Tenerife, a sailor’s favorite traveling dog!
Since the Bichon was known for his jolly personality and compact size, he was a top choice for voyagers and eventually became a favorite amongst nobility.
Fun facts about Bichon Frise
In fact, this dog’s fame truly skyrocketed in the late 1500s, when it became the preferred breed in the court of Henry III.
Despite this pup’s renowned charm and loving nature, he did have somewhat of a trying history, going from rags to riches to rags, then riches again!
During this time he enjoyed lounging on the laps of royalty, running around the streets with commoners, and even wowing audiences with spectacular tricks in the circus!
Finally, the Bichon was brought to the US in 1955. He was officially recognized by the AKC in 1976. Today, he is a very popular dog and excels both in show and as a loving family pet.
Bichon Frise appearance
The size of this breed may be small, but he is tough as can be!
Sure, an adult may grow up to only be 9.5 to 11.5 inches and weighs about 12 to 18 pounds, but don’t let his miniature stature fool you.
The full grown Bichon compensates for his tiny size with his big personality!
But we’ll get into that a bit further down.
For now, let’s go into more detail about what this curly cutie looks like.
Bichon Frise Coat
A defining characteristic of this breed is his long white coat. Although, sometimes a bit of cream or apricot color can gather around the Bichon’s ears, nose, and paws.
However, this “off-white” fur should only cover about 10% of his body.
While many Bichon Frise dogs have dense, curly hair comparable to the poodle, others may have straighter hair.
What you get will really depend on the litter and your Bichon’s genetics.
This breed is also considered hypoallergenic, meaning he hardly sheds, which is great news for allergy sufferers!
Bichon Frise temperament
Described by the American Kennel Club as being a “canine comedian,” this little dog is spunky, silly, highly energetic, and very playful!
Though they make good watchdogs since they enjoy using their voices, they are all bark and no bite. They have never met a stranger and their bark is pretty much always a “hello,” and never “go away.”
Remember, the Bichon was bred to be a companion dog, and he won’t tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. He can become very attached to his people and can suffer separation anxiety.
Still, because he was bred primarily as a companion dog, the Bichon does great with families and is excellent with children as he is so curious and spirited.
However, he is a smaller dog, so he may not be the right fit for very young toddlers or rougher kids.
Bichon Frise Personality
The Bichon’s personality also makes him an ideal dog for those who enjoy exploring the world and are looking for a traveling companion.
Considering that his ancestors were famous for their traveling exploits, this is a great dog for nomads who are constantly on the move!
The easygoing nature of the Bichon makes him wonderfully adaptable to all kinds of living, whether it is larger home types, smaller apartments, or even RVs that are traveling across the country!
Training and exercising your Bichon Frise
Dog training should be a breeze, as this breed is very intelligent and is eager to please his owners.
With any breed, you should always utilize positive training methods and be consistent and patient. The positive reward system works best with all dogs, and the Bichon is no exception.
The Bichon is sensitive and this will only hinder the training sessions instead of helping him to learn the lessons you are trying to teach him.
As we mentioned above, we recommend early socialization and obedience training to help ensure your pup is a happy and well-rounded dog.
Socialization
We especially recommend early socialization and obedience training in your Bichon Frise if you plan on traveling with him often.
Since he is such an adaptable dog, he should make a wonderful traveling companion.
Still, it will be easier on him and you if he is properly socialized from an early age, since he does have it in him to become territorial or hyperactive.
Although they can have a lot of energy, he is small enough that a nice run in the yard or a brisk walk down your street should do the trick to keep him happy.
He loves attention and will enjoy learning new things, so you can keep him stimulated by offering him new toys, doggy puzzles, and tricks.
Bichon Frise health and care
There are some inheritable health conditions to be aware of with this breed. These include skin and allergy issues, bladder stones and bladder infections.
Some health concerns are:
- patellar luxation
- disc degeneration
- gingivitis
- early tooth loss
- cataracts
Other Conditions
He can also be prone to the following:
- lung, hemangiosarcoma, and liver cancers
- mitral valve disease
- liver shunt
- gastrointestinal problems
- diabetes
- pancreatic diseases
- Cushing’s disease
To help avoid or prepare for the above health conditions in your Bichon, we recommend early health screening and testing.
Keep in mind that, when going through a breeder, reputable breeders should be able to offer certificates proving their dogs have been screened for any generational health issues and are healthy and adoptable. Remember, vet bills will add to the longer term Bichon Frise price.
Bichon Frise lifespan
A healthy Bichon Frise lifespan can range from 14 up to 20 years!
Grooming
Grooming a Bichon is considered to be a bit higher maintenance than one would expect with a hypoallergenic dog. This is primarily due to the Bichon’s very thick and curly white coat.
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Be prepared to brush your Bichon at least three times a week, although many owners recommend you do it daily to avoid knots or matting in their curly hair.
The Bichon will also need a bath and regular trimming at least once a month.
Of course, as with all dogs, the Bichon will need his nails trimmed regularly to avoid painful cracks or splits.
He will also need his ears cleaned regularly to keep moisture and wax from building up, as that could lead to ear infections.
Grooming For Show
If you are planning to show your Bichon, you will either need to learn how to groom him to show standard or have him groomed by a professional.
Many Bichon owners choose to go the professional route when planning on showing their dogs!
Do Bichon Frises make good family pets
This loving little creature gets along well with all sorts, including adults, children, and even other animals!
However, although the Bichon is a very social dog, without proper training he can have a tendency to become hyper and overly excited.
He can also become territorial, but this behavior can be easily discouraged with proper training and early socialization.
Early socialization and obedience training are always recommended for dogs to help keep them happy and well-rounded in any situation.
Rescuing a Bichon Frise
Since this is a purebred, he may be more difficult to find at a shelter, especially if you are looking to get a puppy.
Still, there are benefits of getting your dog at a shelter or rescue. Aside from offering a home to a dog in need, the price is going to be a fraction of what breeders will charge. The Bichon Frise price, like any purebred dog, might be a bigger concern than you first imagine.
Also, shelters and rescue centers will often cover the initial veterinarian fees, helping to ensure your Bichon is as healthy as can be and ready to be adopted.
You can find a list of Bichon rescue centers at the end of the article by clicking here.
Finding a Bichon Frise puppy
These puppies are pint-sized and oh-so-cute, but how much are they and where can you get your hands on one?
The Bichon Frise price will vary depending on where you plan on getting one from. If you have your heart set on a rescue or a shelter, keep in mind that adoption fees could be anywhere from $50 to $100.
However, you might have your heart set on a Bichon Frise puppy from a breeder. In that case, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $1000. This will depend on the breeder and the parent dogs of the Bichon.
If the parents are show quality, the price of your puppy is always going to be more.
Be sure to check out our Puppy Search Guide.
Breeder Benefits
One of the benefits of going through a breeder is that you have the ability to ask questions about the parent dogs and previous litters and ask about health and temperamental issues.
Remember that reputable breeders should be able to offer health certificates proving their dogs have been tested and health screened for certain inheritable health issues.
And of course, as previously mentioned, you should always consider health screening your dog on your own, whether you go through a breeder or through a shelter.
If you are unsure of how to find a breeder, you can always attend local dog shows. Events such as dog shows will offer a large networking opportunity.
Remember, the most important thing for you and your future pet is that you get your puppy from a reputable source and that you are prepared to care for him.
Raising a Bichon Frise puppy
Caring for vulnerable puppies is a big responsibility. There are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training.
You’ll find them listed on our puppy training page
Popular Bichon Frise breed mixes
If the idea of mixing things up a little appeals to you, there are a number of Bichon crosses that are growing in popularity.
They include:
- Zuchon – a Bichon Frise x Shih Tzu,
- the Havachon – a Bichon Frise x Havanese mix,
- and the Bich Poo – a Bichon Frise x Poodle
Similar Breeds
Other dog breeds you might want to consider:
Pros And Cons of Getting A Bichon Frise
Cons:
Keep in mind that grooming a Bichon could be a daily task and he will not do well if left alone for too long.
There are quite a few genetic health concerns that might trouble your pooch.
Pros:
The Bichon is an easy-going dog who is very adaptable and loves both people and other household pets!
Because of his compact size, he will enjoy laying on your lap as much as he will enjoy running about in the yard or playing with his toys.
If you are a consistent traveler looking for a traveling companion, this would be the perfect dog for you!
He is said to be delightful company with a happy-go-lucky disposition and easy-going nature.
Bichon Frise products and accessories
Bichon Frise Breed Rescues
USA
- Rescue Me!
- Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust
- Virginia Bichon Rescue
- Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern New Jersey
UK
Australia
Canada
Do you know of any other great rescues for these puppies? Let us know in the comments below.
References And Resources
- Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
- O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Dogs Owned In England. The Veterinary Journal
- Schalamon et al. 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics
- Duffy D et al. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behavior Science 2008
- Strain G. Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. The Veterinary Journal 2004
- Packer et al. 2015. Impact of Facial Conformation On Canine Health. PlosOne
- Adams VJ, et al. 2010. Results of a Survey of UK Purebred Dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
- Kirk N. Gelatt, Margaret R. Wallace, Stacy E. Andrew, Edward O. Mackay, Don A. Samuelson, Cataracts in the Bichon Frise, Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Richard G. Beauchamp, The Bichon Frise Handbook
- Ross D. Clark, DVM, Medical, Genetic & Behavioral Risk Factors of Bichon Frises
- Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Volume 6, pages 143-153
- Nathan B Sutter and Elaine A Ostrander, Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics, Volume 5, pages 900-910
hugh macdonald says
Small Paws is the largest Bichon rescue in the States. (Find on Internet)
QUESTION: my Bichon is quite constipated. Any way that I can help her?
Amber Moody says
I had just gotten married to a marine and he was home for R&R while doing 2 tours in Iraq. We wanted to get our 1st dog- so he, I, and 6 of his marine buddies went down to the county pound to adopt one. One scraggly mop of a dog was literally begging to get out of there. He was on 2 legs rapidly moving his front paws in unison up and down trying to get our attention. The papers said he was a miniature poodle, age 1 year. We all fell in love with that dog right there. I thought it was funhy these big strong manly marines picked out a foofoo poodle. Well, I took him home and he jumped on my bed like it was his. The papers he came with said he was microchipped but the owner could not be reached. I felt that whoever lost this dog surely had to miss him. I tried to reach the owner myself using the information contained in his microchip and found out he came from a breeder in Missouri (and his birthday, he was 1 year old), but the number was no longer in service. He was a long way from home. After a week (he was required to be neutered upon adoption and I had to wait to bathe him.) I took him to the groomer for the 1st time and he was a different dog. I don’t think the previous owners cut his hair one time. This is when I noticed the signature cream color on one of his ears and discovered he was not a miniature poodle-he was a bichon frise. Boy did I luck out! I think I paid $125 to adopt him and have him neutered (although given the choice I would have not steralized him). I had Romeo for 12 years. His brother (whom he was inseparable from) was a chihuahua-corgi mix (I didn’t pick him out, Romeo did. I don’t even like chihuahuas). Romeo loved to explore. He loved people, other dogs and cats, children, and other animals He was a very bold, fearless, curious dog. He survived 2 bites to the face from a venomous rattlesnak that got into my backyard. It took 3 very expensive bottles of antivenom to save him. He may have suffered slight brain damage from the incident but nothing that caused any problems. He always had watering eyes that left red tear stains that I could never get rid of no matter what I tried. I would just constantly take a tissue and rub or dry the area under his eyes and he seemed to like that a lot. His brother the chihuahua would also lick his eye area too to clean it for him. He was a very fast runner, faster than any dog he played tag with and would run circles around other dogs and the yard.. he loved going places with me and was very well behaved on such occasions. He would sit on the middle console between the driver and passenger seat and somehow balance himself while i drove, or he would dit on my lap andvstick his head out the window. If I didn’t have a good hold of him he would try to climb out further onto the side mirror. He liked water. He had a life jacket. He liked to sit on my raft with me in the pool. He loved going on our boat and would try to walk across the slippery hull while we were moving (fearless). When I would catch a fish he would get super excited and lick it. He loved to catch bugs, play with them until he scratched them to death and then he would eat them. He lived squeaky toys and chews, he loved soft pillows and blankets. He would jump into the bath tub when it was bath time. He was very independent when it came to exploring or going outside. He did not usually need a leash unless there was a lot going on to where he was so into everything around him that he couldn’t hear you or pay attention. I could take him on walks without a leash but would have to look out for other dogs ( one time he was off his leash and we were camping at the beach and the people next to us had a big dog. I told him “no” and called him to come back but even though he slowly and cautiously (because he did hear me calling he just didn’t want to obey my commands) walked up to this big strange dog it bit him right on the nose and he bled everywhere, I wish I could say he listened after that but sadly, no, he didn’t, and that is what eventually led to his demise. I live in the desert at the base of a mountain. My neighbors live a half acre behind me, on the mountain slope. They have 3 dogs, and Romeo loved to go walk himself up there and visit- pee all over then come back home about 10 minutes later. He would also go to another neighbors house about a block away and go visit their dog. This is very dangerous because of all the deadly wildlife in this area. In my own backyard he almost lost his life from a rattlesnake…. there is also hawks, owls, bark scorpions, poisonous toads, javalena, coyotes, etc. All of these animals we see regularly. A coyote used to live on the other side of my wrought iron fence and have walked into my backyard to see my other dog, a pitbull, running back and forth along the fence line with a coyote- and they can jump fences. Well, one day, I was not home, my sister took Romeo out front to go to the bathroom. He decided to take off on her and run up to the neighbor behind me like he does almost everyday (except i accompany him- but when I would not let him some days, the second I took my eyes off him, he was gone, and yes he would wait until you were not watching he was a very smart dog. And when i would catch him sneaking off and would command him to stop and come back- only about half the time he would listen. He would stop and turn around and look at me, then keep on going! I would yell for him to stop and come back again and only half that time he would listen. If i ever got angry and commanded he come back, forget it. He would always try to hide or escape the immediate area if someone yelled, not even necessarily at him, he just did not like yelling. Back to my story; my sister took him out front and he walked himself up towards my neighbors housr. It wa s night time so it is pitch dark in areas like the road between our homes so she went into the garage to get a flashlight. Thats when she heard romeo screaming because a coyote was attacking him. Upon hearing that my mom and sister started screaming and they scared th coyote off, and Roneo limped into the garage bleeding from his abdomen. We wrapped it up and stayed near him through the night. The next morning we took him to the emergency vet. She said amazingly he only had a couple broken ribs and bruised lungs. And as long as he bruised werent so bad theybdidn’t start bleeding inside his lungs- and she didn’t think that would happen- he would be fine. She would keep him overnight to observe him. 2 hours later she called and gave us heartbreaking news. His luns were filling with blood and it wad getting hard for him to breathe, we needed to come back immediately to put him down or else he would drown in his own blood. It was the hardest thing ive ever had to do, he was 13 years old but still so full of life and energy he hsd many more years in him. I miss that dog so much he was my favorite and i have owned about 10 dogs in my life. A few things i missed: hevhad to get a lot of his teeth pulled when he was about 10. So many that he had none left on the right side to keephis tounge in his mouth and it constantly stuck out of his mouth making him look very funny. It was sad but adorable, at first it drug on the ground and it would start to shrivel up if he didn’t rewet it every so often but he got used to it after a time. This was probably due to me giving him lots of people food. He would let me brush his teeth with a baby finger brush and dog toothpaste. He would let me spray plaque blaster in his mouth, too. My other dogs would not.
Lynda Gilcrease says
We’ve had Bebe for two weeks and she is the most adorable puppy with such personality! She keeps us entertained constantly and we can take her everywhere in a small leopard print carrier a good friend made that is vented on the ends and Velcroed so she can peek her head out. We drove 4 hours to the Breeder’s house which sits on 20 acres. She is expensive but her dogs live in the house and come with a 2 yr health certificate. Her dogs are show quality and has had some owners who won championships. She was a delight to deal with and sent us several pics so we had picked out our puppy at 4 weeks! She lives in Bonham, Tx and has a website.
Charisse Marei says
Can you provide the breeders contact information for the image of the two bichon frise in this post?
Gail LOPEZ says
We have had our baby girl, Sugar, for 3 years now. We took in a poor little stray cat last year. They are the best of friends! (Right from the start!) Sugar can be a handful, but a good romp and play session calms her right down. Our breeder said to give her distilled water to help with the discoloration of her eyes. I didn’t notice a difference, though. She is my emotional support puppy! You can’t be depressed when you hold and pet this loving little princess!.
Rhonda Stefani says
I’ve had my little Bichon baby boy for just over 2 weeks, what a happy loving puppy! The question I have is mine does have the areas of light apricot color on the bottom of his paws but also in the corners of his eyes but slightly darker. His eyes seem to tear a lot and I’m wondering if it’s normal for his eyes to tear up regularly and this to cause his fur there to darken. Thank you for any help!