Bichon Frise Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bichon Frise?

These little white dogs have been around for about 2000 years. They were first found in the Mediterranean and became trade items due to their personality and size. After this, they turned to a life of royalty in the Royal court of France during the Renaissance.

They stepped down from royalty during the 19th century and became circus dogs or performed on the streets - this worked well due to their clownish personality. While others had more important jobs and would help lead the blind - what can't these little guys do?

By the early 20th century, they were taken in by French breeders and coined the name Bichon à poil frisé. In 1956, they were brought to America, and the breed started to flourish from there.

In 1964 the Bichon Frise club was formed, and they act as the guardians of the breed. Then came the Westminster kennel club dog show, where a Bichon won, and they have remained a popular breed since then.

Who are Bichon Frise dogs best for?

This breed is much smaller than most other dog breeds, making them perfect for those living in small apartments. They don't take up much room and do not require a lot of space, and they don't tend to bark much, making them a good option for those living in the city.

Bichons are also generally quite good with kids, so they can be a wonderful family pet and thrive in larger homes since they enjoy stomping and running around.

Bichons are also said to be best for people with allergies because they do not shed hair as much as other dogs do and are ultimately drool-free dogs.

And they are also adoptable dogs, so they are a great choice if you have children or any other dogs as they will slowly fit right in due to their easy-going and friendly nature. And they are excellent for older couples.

A Bichon Frise is also best for those who often stay at home or take their furry friend along with them. Bichons tend to suffer from separation anxiety and require a lot of attention.

How much grooming does a Bichon Frise need?

The Bichon's fluffy little white coat does require a good amount of bathing, frequent brushing, and a trip to a professional groomer from time to time.

Their hair will get matted if it is not brushed enough, and this will lead to some painful skin problems for them.

It is also best to send your ball of fluff to a groomer at least every 4-6 weeks for a bath, nail trimmings, and a haircut. It is also recommended that you brush their teeth at least three times weekly to avoid dental diseases.

Do Bichon Frise bark much?

Typically, Bichons are relatively quiet and are not really barkers by their nature. However, there is the exception as all dogs are unique, and Bichons also have the tendency to be rather feisty.

They may also bark to get your attention; all they want is your love and cuddles. If you find that your dog is barking a lot or uncontrollably, then there is a problem as barking is not a part of their inherent personality.

Do Bichon Frise bite?

It is not likely that a Bichon will bite you, but there is a high chance they will if they are trying to assert dominance, are in pain, or are frightened.

It is much more likely to bite if it is an adult dog, especially if the dog is developing dementia, going blind, or has arthritis.

If a Bichon is biting or seems aggressive, it is likely due to a medical condition or mistreatment. The best way to stop this is to give them positive experiences, expose the Bichon to what is causing their aggression and desensitise them through positive reinforcement.

Eventually, they will start to accept their trigger, and it will no longer cause an aggravated response.

Socialising your dog from an early age can prevent biting. Play is also an excellent way to teach them that biting is a no-no and that it is bad. Play with your puppy and reprimand them as soon as they bite.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bichon Frise?

Bichons are sociable, silly, and friendly dogs. Since they were bred to be performers, they love to make others happy and please their owners. They learn very quickly and are intelligent; they love learning new tricks and showing them off.

A Bichon Frise temperament is cheerful, affectionate, and playful. They get spontaneous spurts of high energy and love running around. Although they hate being alone, they do have a bit of an independent streak.

What is the weight & size of a Bichon Frise?

Bichons stand anywhere between 9.5 and 11.5 inches in height, and they can weigh anything between 12 and 18 pounds.

Both females and males tend to weigh about 3-6kg.

How much training does a Bichon Frise need?

As much as these little guys love learning, they can also be incredibly difficult to house train. But crate training and consistency have been said to be successful.

It is best to start training your little Bichon Frise as soon as you welcome them into your home. A Bichon puppy can easily soak up any tricks and habits by eight weeks old.

At about 10-12 weeks old, you should send the dog to a puppy kindergarten class; this is a great way to socialise them.

You should also reward them with treats and praise while training them. They can also be quite cunning, so obedience training is essential.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bichon Frise?

Since Bichons are little dogs, they are more susceptible to oral health problems, so regular dental care is essential. They also tend to suffer from bladder stones, obesity, heart disease and allergies.

What is the lifespan of a Bichon Frise?

Their average lifespan is about 12-15 years. The life expectancy of a dog is related to its body mass. Bichons are a lot smaller than other breeds, and their long lifespan can be awarded to their small size.

They also don't suffer from many diseases that could cause them to die early.

How much should you feed a Bichon Frise?

Feeding a Bichon Frise in measurements is best, rather than filling their bowl each time. This is because they may otherwise overeat and become obese.

A puppy should eat at least four times daily. From 3-6 months, they should be fed three times a day, and from 6 months onwards, you can feed them twice a day.

If your dog is not interested in their food, take their bowl away after 15 minutes.

What is the price of a Bichon Frise in Australia?

The price will depend on the breeder, but the Bichon Frise dog breed generally costs around $500 to $6000 for a puppy. Training them can cost you anything between $150 and $200.

Their first-year expenses are generally around $2,740, as they will need training, vaccines, etc. After that, they may cost you around $1,270 a year, which comes to $106 a month. If your dog suffers from health conditions, you will likely have further expenses.