Bichon Frise Breed Information
The Bichon Frise puppy is a sweet, affectionate, and playful little dog that adores its owners. This beautiful pooch is very small, white, and curly. It has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, and is a fantastic choice for owners who suffer from pet-related allergies. Bichon Frise puppies have a remarkable personality. They are gentle, cuddly, adventurous, and very loyal, attributes that make them ideal companions for any type of owner. They are fantastic for homes with small children and pets, and they make excellent therapy dogs.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Cheerful, Gentle, Playful
ADULT WEIGHT
10-16 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
10-12 in
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs
Characteristics
- The Bichon Frise is a member of the American Kennel Club’s Non-Sporting Group
- Other names the beautiful Bichon Frise is known for include Barbichon Frise, Bichon A Poil Frise, and Bichon Tenerife
- Hypoallergenic Bichon Frise qualities
- Bichons have an easy-going nature and a great response to training. They are among the best dogs for new owners
- Their friendliness and outgoing personalities also make Bichon Frise dogs the best companions for children and owners of all ages
- Bichon Frises are not overly vocal but they do make excellent watchdogs
- Small and easy to care for, Bichon Frise pups are great for both small apartments and big homes
- Given their cheerful nature and sweet disposition, the Bichon Frise can be easily trained for therapy and assistance work
Appearance
The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky dog that charms with elegant looks and a happy disposition. These cute dogs are small, averaging 10 to 16 pounds in weight and 10 to 12 inches in height. They are well-built with a compact body and adorable features. The Bichon Frise eyes are dark and round, and they have a rounded figure. Their tails are long, fluffy, and curled towards the back, and they have a medium-length muzzle. Their endearing ears are rounded at the tip and floppy.
The most distinctive feature the Bichon Frise has is the white, curly, and wiry coat. Bichon Frises usually come in solid white coats, but they can appear with shades of gray, apricot, buff, and cream. Their coats are low-shedding, and they have great hypoallergenic qualities that make them an ideal choice for owners who want a hypoallergenic pet. The hair of the Bichon Frise is very similar to that of the Poodle in both texture and qualities. It tends to grow quite long and requires some effort to maintain.
Temperament
The Bichon Frise is one of the best breeds to own if you want a happy, affectionate and semi-active companion. These dogs are extremely friendly and love nothing more than cuddling up on your lap. This breed is energetic and cheerful, loyal, and very intelligent.
The Bichon Frise's personality is a blend of friendly and sociable, alert, playful and curious. They are very friendly with people and other dogs, and have no place for aggression in their big, beautiful hearts. Bichon Frise dogs are very lovable and affectionate. They are a good choice for first-time dog owners, or those looking for a small, low-shedding pet that is loyal and friendly. These dogs are fantastic for seniors and kids alike. They have excellent therapy qualities and a joyful disposition that aids in stress relief.
The Bichon Frise is also an adventurous dog that enjoys activities such as hiking, swimming, and playing fetch at the dog park. Although they are not high energy, they are more than happy and able to keep up with their humans in outdoor adventures. The temperament of these dogs is gentle and calm.
Care
Bichon Frise Grooming
Grooming is an important part of owning a Bichon Frise. It is necessary to keep the coat free of tangles and prevent mats from forming. Bichon Frise dogs require frequent brushing to maintain their coats tangle free, which will help avoid shedding, skin allergies and other ailments. Brushing your Bichon’s coat with a wide-toothed comb at least twice weekly is recommended. Each time you brush, examine the coat for tangles or mats, then use the comb to remove them. If your dog has a very short haircut, it may be best to brush once a week and pick out any mats or tangles. If you are unable to brush your dog's coat yourself, visit a groomer for a professional grooming. Bichons should be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks to avoid a buildup of natural oils on the coat and skin. A bath will also help remove any dirt, mud or debris from the coat. The Bichon Frise’s coat should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks with a clipper or scissors. to allow it to grow back and maintain a healthy, neat appearance.
Bichon Frise Exercise Needs
Bichon Frises are affectionate companions that enjoy human company as well as other dogs and pets in the home. They do not need much exercise but will appreciate daily walks. Regular playtime inside and about 30 to 40 minutes of additional exercise each day are recommended. Bichon Frise dogs also love playing with others, going on hikes, and swimming, so they should spend at least 10 minutes every day indulging in one of their favorite activities. Mentally stimulating games and activities are also a must to keep these smart and agile dogs entertained and happy.
Bichon Frise Health
Frise Bichons are a healthy dog breed. They can live to be fifteen years old or more when raised in a well-balanced environment that provides good care, exercise, and love. These dogs are prone to the same health problems that are often seen in most dog breeds, more specifically in small dogs. Some of the health issues that may appear include luxating patella, cataracts, allergies, and hip dysplasia. The Bichons Frise may also be prone to dental issues if they are not provided with good oral care.
Bichon Frise Lifespan
The Bichon Frise is a gorgeous, long-lived dog that has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This breed is reasonably healthy and can live up to 15 years old with proper care, food, exercise, and veterinary care. There are several records of Bichon Frises living as many as 21 years.
Bichon Frise Training
One of the best ways to train Bichon Frise puppies is by following a set schedule. This can be done by feeding them at the same time every day and taking them out for walks at the same time as well. The dog will eventually learn that this is when they will be fed and taken outside, which will make it easier for them to learn other things, like not chewing on your favorite shoes, and where to go potty. Another great way to train your Bichon is to keep them entertained in a playpen or crate. Playing with your dog will make them feel more comfortable and happier, which will help them learn a lot quicker.
Bichon Frise dogs take well to training as long as their trainer is using a gentle approach and lots of rewards for good behavior. Giving them toys, petting them, praising, and rewarding their good behaviors with delicious puppy treats, will bring out the best results when training Bichon Frise puppies.
History
The Bichon Frise is a stunning, petite dog that has enchanted dog lovers for quite a few centuries. This purebred dog is originally from Tenerife, an island in the Canary. It has a fluffy and curly white coat and many adorable features that make it a splendid creature.
The Bichon Frise breed is a member of the Barbichon Family that includes several breeds. The Maltese, Havanese, and Coton de Tuleau, are all part of the Bichon family and are believed to be distant relatives.
Although Bichons are originally from the Canary Islands, their fame and popularity comes from European countries such as France, Italy, and England. It is believed that sailors who often did trade business in Tenerife, saw the adorable Bichons on one of their voyages and were enchanted on sight. These sailors took a few of the cute Bichons with them to Europe where they quickly rose to fame. Royal families from Europe were just as quick to favor the little dogs as the sailors were and took them in the lap of luxury to be raised at their side.
The French Circus also favored these small white dogs and began using them in shows. Their fantastic performances and unique looks brought even more fame to the Bichons, making them one of the most popular dog breeds of that time. Today, the Bichon Frise continues to be one of the most adored family pets in the world. It is also a parent breed to various mixed breeds such as the Cavachon, Aussiechon, Yorkie Chon, Poochon, and several others.