fellfolioCompanion dog
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, playful companion that likes to be near its people. Its white curly coat sheds little, but mats without daily care.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 23 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 4 to 7 kg
- Lifespan
- over 12 years
- Activity
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Daily
- Training
- Often cooperative
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
Playful and happiest close by
The Bichon Frise belongs to a family of small companion dogs from the Mediterranean. Many Bichons are lively, enjoy games and love being close to their people. Time together is an important part of caring for one.
When visitors arrive, your dog should be able to choose whether to approach or keep some distance. Children need an adult's help with this. They should avoid holding the Bichon in place or following when the dog moves away. A quiet resting place should always be within reach so your dog can settle undisturbed.
Everyday life
The UK veterinary charity PDSA suggests around half an hour of exercise a day. This can serve as a guide for a healthy adult Bichon. Walks should suit your dog's age, health and fitness and leave time for sniffing. At home, you can hide a toy in a room for your dog to find.
If you already have a dog, an initial walk together somewhere unfamiliar to both dogs can be a good way to introduce them. With another person helping, you can walk both dogs on leads, keeping enough distance between them for both to stay relaxed. Closer meetings should follow only when both seem comfortable.
A resident cat should have a separate area and high resting places that the dog cannot reach. At first, the two can see and smell each other through a suitable barrier. The Bichon should stay on a lead so that the dog cannot chase the cat. As meetings become relaxed, you can gradually extend their time together. If either animal seems frightened or the dog crowds the cat, you should give them more space again.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
The soft curly coat sheds little but needs daily grooming to prevent matting. Daily brushing should include gently combing the deeper layers of the coat. A groomer can recommend suitable brushes and combs and show you how to use them. Established mats should be removed by a professional. Brief grooming sessions with praise and small rewards help your dog get used to being handled.
The coat also needs regular trimming. Many owners use a groomer and make room for the appointments and cost in their routine. A Bichon can still trigger symptoms in someone with a dog allergy. Proteins from saliva and skin are among the substances responsible. They are also present in dogs that shed very little.
Size and build
The Bichon Frise stands about 23 to 28 cm at the shoulder and usually weighs 4 to 7 kg. The height is measured from the ground to the top of the shoulder blades while the dog is standing. The body is nearly as long as it is tall, with a well-developed chest. The tail curves loosely over the back, with long, soft hair falling along either side of it.
Dark eyes and a black nose stand out against the white coat. The soft hair forms loose corkscrew curls. In many show photographs, the head and body have been trimmed into rounded shapes. Beneath that generous coat, the Bichon has a more compact build than the haircut might suggest.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
Bichons can be affected by kneecap problems, cataracts, skin allergies and bladder stones. The kneecap normally slides in a groove in the thighbone. When it slips out of this groove, the condition is called patellar luxation. Some dogs briefly hold up a back leg and hop along on three legs. A cataract clouds the lens inside the eye and can affect vision.
Bladder stones form from minerals in the urine. They can irritate the bladder or block the route through which urine leaves the body. If your dog passes small amounts of urine frequently or you notice blood in it, contact your vet. If your dog strains but passes no urine, call an emergency vet immediately. Repeated limping or changes in the eyes should also be examined.
The UK's Royal Kennel Club recommends eye screening for breeding dogs through its official scheme. If you are buying a puppy, you should ask to see the parents' results and discuss any family history of knee problems, eye disease or bladder stones. This information helps you and your vet understand the puppy's health background.
Lifespan
A UK study combining data from breed registries, veterinary practices, insurers and other sources included 5,902 dogs of this breed. It estimated median survival at about 12.5 years. At that age, about half the group was still alive according to the estimate. This cannot predict how long an individual dog will live.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You would enjoy a sociable small dog who can join in with your daily life.
- Daily brushing and regular grooming appointments fit your time and budget.
May be less suitable if …
- The dog would spend many hours alone on most days.
- You need a low-maintenance coat or a guarantee that a dog will not trigger allergies.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
American flushing spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel combines a gentle expression and long, silky hair with a sporting dog’s curiosity. Many enjoy close company, unhurried sniffing and games with their people. Its manageable size suits a range of homes. Plenty of time should still be allowed for coat care, ears and an interesting daily routine.
Companion dog
Havanese
Small, agile and happiest when included, the Havanese brings plenty of play into family life. Its long coat is lovely, but it needs attention every day.
Companion dog
Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny companion with plenty of curiosity. It wants to stay close to its people, explore on its own feet and have its long white coat brushed and combed every day.
Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- Bichon Frise · breed profile
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Health, Could this breed fit your life?, Lifespan
- Bichon Frise · breed standard
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Size and build
- Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death
Used in this profile for: Lifespan
- Life expectancy by breed: study results
Used in this profile for: Lifespan
- Bladder stones in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- Cataracts in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- Children and dogs
Used in this profile for: Temperament
- How often should you groom your pet?
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care
- Hypoallergenic pets: myths and facts
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care, Could this breed fit your life?
- Introducing cats and dogs
Used in this profile for: Everyday life
- Introducing dogs
Used in this profile for: Everyday life
- Luxating patella in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- Bichon Frise · health and care
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · Bichon Frisé - studdogbichon · Heike Andres · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Edited
Side view · David Brown · Pexels License
In action · David Brown · Pexels License
Puppy · Kristin O Karlsen · Unsplash License