Bichon Frise

Temperament and Personality

The Bichon Frise personality is bright and cheerful like a summer day, except it lasts all year long! They thrive off social interaction and love to be the star of the show, which makes sense considering they were once bred to perform in circuses. Intelligent and eager to please, these cloud lookalikes can often be spotted doing all kinds of tricks in return for lots of love and attention.

Spritely and alert, they also make good little watchdogs, but to a Bichon Frise, everyone is a potential friend – even the postman. It’s this happy-go-lucky attitude combined with their funny antics and playful demeanour that has melted the hearts of many worldwide. 

While they do have bundles of energy, Bichon Frises are also very calm and relaxed, making them an excellent family pet and therapy dog. From nursing homes to hospitals, their gentle disposition and sweet-natured souls can put a smile on almost anyone’s face.

However, they are prone to suffer from separation anxiety so they can’t be left alone for too long – they just love their paw-rents too much. Separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture, whining or toileting inside the house.  

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a furry friend with a peppy personality, the Bichon Frise could be the breed for you.

Bichon Frise paw-sonality traits

• Cheerful, bright and peppy

• Energetic and spritely

• Gentle and affectionate

• Forms strong bonds with owners

• Loves to be the centre of attention

• Adores family life with lots going on

• Thrives in busy, social environments

• Natural performer with a sense of humour

• Always ready to play

• Very intelligent fast learners

• Picks up tricks easily

• Highly adaptable

• Active but doesn’t need lots of exercise

• Eager to please owners

• Can’t be left alone for too long

• High maintenance coat

Bichon Frise pros and cons

Are Bichon Frises good family dogs?

Absolutely! The Bichon Frise is a firm family favourite, and for good reason. They get on well with pretty much everybody and thrive in households with lots going on. You don’t need to worry about guests either, as thGey’ll be delighted to increase the size of their audience for all of their party tricks. Super playful, this breed loves nothing more than pleasing humans. However, if the family is going to be gone most of the day, your Bichon could develop separation anxiety. They need at least one person to be home most of the day for them to stay happy and healthy.

Are Bichon Frises good with children?

Yes, Bichon Frises are generally good with children of all ages. They are sweet, gentle and love to play, making them an ideal buddy for kids.

Are Bichon Frises good with other pets?

Yes, Bichon Frises are generally good with other dogs, as long as they’ve been socialised properly from a young age. This breed doesn’t have a high prey drive, so they can also live peacefully with a cat, but caution should always be taken if there are smaller animals in the home like rabbits or guinea pigs. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Bichon Frise properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?

When fully grown, these little guys and gals need about 30-40 minutes of physical exercise a day. However, Bichon Frises are energetic, intelligent dogs who love to learn, so they need lots of indoor playtime too. Puzzle toys, tug of war, fetch and learning new tricks will keep their quick-witted brains occupied. As they don’t need much exercise and hate to be left alone, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.

How do you train a Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frises are easy to train pups and make an ideal dog for first-time owners. They’re eager to please and learn quickly, but can be a little harder to house train than other breeds.

Unleash your Bichon Frise’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Turkey & Hemp Meaty Treats. Bichons are sweet souls who are quite sensitive, so they need gentle guidance instead of harsh correction.

2. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop unwanted behavioural issues. The Bichon Frise might try to test the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.

3. Prioritise potty training. Bichon Frises need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them.

4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the social butterfly Bichon Frise. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Keep the barking at bay. Bichon Frises are alert little dogs who love to let you know when someone is at the door, which is great, but you don’t want them to become a yappy dog who loves the sound of their own voice. Teach them from a young age when it’s okay to bark and when it’s time to stop. 

6. Do trick training. Channel their star quality by incorporating tricks into their obedience training. This breed loves to perform for their adoring fans, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and prepare to be entertained!

7. Get them used to grooming. Frequently touch them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, mouth, and feet to help them become comfortable with being groomed and handled.

8. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Bichon Frises need?

Bichon Frises have a thick, curly, high maintenance double coat with very low shedding, making them hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers. But this low-shedding coat comes at a cost…lots and lots of grooming! Here are some tips to help you learn how to groom a Bichon Frise.

• Brush their coat daily with a slicker brush to prevent their corkscrew curls from getting matted and tangled. This will also remove any dead hair in their undercoat that can also become matted.

• They should be professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks to maintain their powder puff coat. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Bichon Frises tend to develop dark red tear stains around their eyes. Keep the hair around their eyes trimmed and clean, and wipe regularly. Use rounded scissors to trim. 

• Their bright white coat might get dirty often on walks, so bathe them frequently using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up. 

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Bichon Frise life span is 12–15 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, there are some specific health issues for Bichon Frises.

Common Bichon Frise health issues

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition commonly seen in Bichon Frises and causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Corneal Dystrophy. This is another inherited eye problem often seen in Bichon Frises, where an opaque patch develops on the cornea. It affects the vision but doesn’t cause any discomfort. Treatment is only required if it becomes advanced.

• Bladder Stones. These can occur due to too much protein, magnesium, and phosphorus in the diet, not urinating frequently enough, or a hereditary gene.

• Diabetes Mellitus. This pancreatic disease affects blood sugar regulation and requires daily insulin injections. Signs include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite and weight loss. 

• Portosystemic Shunt. Bichon Frises can be prone to this liver disorder that deprives the liver of blood, preventing it from growing and functioning properly. Signs usually appear before 2 years old, and include neurological abnormalities, decreased appetite, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth, or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses and infection. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Bichon Frise a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Bichon Frise eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Bichon Frise will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Bichon Frises twice a day to fuel them for their activities. They’re not prone to obesity but as this breed doesn’t need loads of exercise, it’s important they’re not overfed. Carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on a pooch’s joints and internal organs.

An ideal food for Bichon Frise is one that’s been developed especially for small breeds. The size of the kibble is smaller, perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Bichon Frise’s nutritional needs. Try this food designed specifically with allergies in mind, or consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Bichon Frise. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.

Encourage wee-wees

To reduce the risk of bladder stones, ensure your Bichon Frise doesn’t have long periods between urination. If you live in a flat, this means you’ll need to actively take them outside regularly.

Monitor weight

A healthy Bichon Frise weight is anywhere between 4kg and 6kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight on a pooch can reduce their quality of life.

Monitor blood sugar levels

As Bichon Frises are prone to diabetes, create a plan with your vet to manage their glucose levels.

Check their eyes and skin

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts or corneal dystrophy, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. Bichon Frises are also prone to allergies, so routinely check their skin and ears and consult with your vet if you notice anything suspicious. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Bichon Frise’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Bichon Frise is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Bichon Frise puppy?

The price of a Bichon Frise can cost anywhere between £600 and £1,800. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Bichon Frise is £75-£100.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £30-£80 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few hereditary health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Bichon Frise should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Bichon Frise even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone’s favourite powder puff pup!

• Bichon Frise is thought to be derived from the French ‘bichon à poil frisé’ and means ‘curly haired small dog’.

• Bichon Frise is pronounced ‘BEE-shon free-ZAY’ in English.

• Stand back Mona Lisa! The Bichon Frise pooch was a hugely popular subject for artists in 16th century Europe. Spanish painter, Fransico de Goya, was a big fan, featuring them in several of his acclaimed artworks. 

• They’re no strangers to the stage. Bichon Frises were often used in circuses and travelling shows thanks to their ability to learn new tricks and charm an audience.

• There were four Bichon Frise varieties: the Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognese, the Bichon Havanese and the Bichon Tenerife.

• Bichon Frises were favoured amongst French royalty during the Renaissance period, often accompanying their owners to grand, opulent events. The breed quickly became a symbol of elegance and luxury.

• You can get Bichon Frise cross breeds, such as a Cavachon (crossed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and a Doxiechon (crossed with a Dachshund) – just to name a couple!

History and Origin

It’s widely thought that Bichon Frises come from the Mediterranean region in Europe, and that they descend from a woolly water dog called the Barbet. How they got their name is up for debate, but some say they were named Barbichon which then was later shortened to Bichon. Other dogs in the Barbichon family include the Maltese, Havanese, and Bolognese. 

These Barbichon breeds began their early development in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, and one of them soon became known as Bichon Tenerife. This is thought to be the primary ancestor of the Bichon Frise we all know and love today. 

Records dating back to the 14th Century show that sailors would trade these ‘Tenerife dogs’ for other items, which is how they gradually made their way across Europe. With their irresistible faces and cheerful nature, they quickly became popular amongst the upper classes and royal families of Spain, Italy, and France. In 16th century France, King Francis I and King Henry III were both proud owners of Bichon Frises. It’s reported that King Henry III would carry his Bichons in a little basket around his neck because he wanted to be with them all the time – we can relate!

By the late 1800s, Bichons were common amongst lower class folk too, often performing in circuses and travelling shows where they’d get to show off their talent. 

While the Bichon Frise wasn’t bred for a specific purpose, they have been loyal and loving companion dogs who continue to steal the hearts of many all over the world.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Bichon Frise. 

1. Research the breed. Bichon Frises need regular grooming and can’t be left alone for too long, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Bichon Frise puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Bichon Frises and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Bichon Frise, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Bichon Frises in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.