Small and fluffy, this breed is a big dog in a small body. Full of life and devoted to their family, they make loyal companions.
If you live in a snowy area, be careful not to lose your Bichon Frise. They are snow-white and look like a powder puff ball. Their furry coat is shaped into a circle around their face and their fluffy tail curls backwards over their body.
The Bichon Frise breed comes from France/Belgium. They are a small dog with a big attitude and will quickly win over your heart. Friendly and affectionate, they are ideal companion dogs, and want nothing more than to sit by their family… and maybe a belly-rub or a scratch behind the ears. They are loyal and devoted and suit being an indoor dog. Bichon Frises are friendly with young children and are great companions for the elderly.
Fun fact: The Bichon Frise inspired a new word
in the French language: ‘bichonner’, which means to pamper.
With low energy needs, you don’t have to worry about going on long runs. Instead, a gentle daily stroll and a few games will keep your pooch happy and healthy. You can expect your Bichon Frise to live for around 14 years.
They have a low tendency to bark so don’t rely on them as watchdogs. However, their high intelligence means they are quick to learn new tricks. They also get along brilliantly with other animals. They love their humans so much that they hate to be separated and don’t suit being left home all day.
A Bichon Frise isn’t a big dog and you can expect to it grow to around 25cm and weigh 3-6kgs. They shed no hair and are allergy-friendly. However, they are high-maintenance and their coat should be groomed daily to prevent matting, along with being trimmed regularly.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Bichon Frises are known to be a very healthy breed and free from hereditary diseases. However, dislocation of the kneecap and epilepsy have been recorded. Taking proper care of your pet’s teeth, ears and eyes will also prevent many problems. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
A Bichon Frise is a small-sized breed weighing between 3-6kgs, with a height between 23-30cms.
Space
These pets suit most spaces.
Energy Levels
They are not the most energetic of dogs, they just want to sleep, eat and sniff. A gentle daily stroll and some games will keep your pet healthy.
Difficulty of Training
They are intelligent and easy to train, however consistency when house-training is essential.
Family Suitability
A Bichon Frise is a good family dog and a loyal companion, but not a great watchdog.
Compatibility with other Pets
Bichon Frises will befriend other pets in no time at all.
Need for Company
They have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
Yes
Coat and Grooming Needs
This breed is high-maintenance. The coat needs to be brushed daily and trimmed regularly. They have a short-medium white coat.
Shedding
They are very light shedders.
Tendency to Bark
They have a low tendency to bark, so don’t expect frequent conversations.