Perfect companion dogs that have moved from royal laps in the 1800s to Australian homes; today, Bichon Frises have become a popular pooch to have by your side. But how much do they cost?
And does the price stop there? Find out everything you need to know about buying a Bichon Frise puppy and the cost of raising and caring for them.
You can expect to pay between $1,500 – $4,000 for Bichon Frise puppies is Australia. However, the price will vary depending on whether you’re purchasing from a registered, ethical breeder or adopting from a rescue organisation. Adopting is a more affordable option, and you’ll likely pay a up to $300 in adoption fees, not only keeping your costs lower but giving a pup a second chance.
Whatever option you decide to go with, we strongly advise against purchasing a Bichon Frise (or any other dog breed) from an unregistered breeder, as they may not follow best breeding practices, which can lead to serious health and behavioural issues in puppies. It’s easy to spot these breeders, as their prices are usually much lower than registered breeders.
People can expect to pay anywhere around $1500-$5000 for pure-bred Bichon Frise puppies. But the price can vary depending on where you live, the puppy’s pedigree, and how they were raised.
Bichon Frise puppies that are healthy and vet-checked can rack up a hefty price tag but know that purchasing from a reputable breeder is your best chance at getting a happy and healthy puppy.
The cost of a Bichon Frise from a registered breeder in Australia ranges between $1,500 and $4,000. However, these prices will vary depending on the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s pedigree, and whether the lineage includes show-quality bloodlines. We’ll look at these in more detail later, but it’s also important to note that a reputable breeder will also invest in health screenings, vaccinations, and ethical breeding practices, all of which contribute to the overall price.
Adopting a Bichon Frise from a shelter is more affordable option, with costs ranging between $50 – $300. It might seem surprising to pay anything for a rescued Bichon Frise, but this cost covers things like vaccinations, worming, microchipping, and desexing, as well as covering the ongoing running costs of the shelter.
As we’ve noted above, there are several things that affect the purchase price of a Bichon Frise. These include:
Breeders with good reputations, particularly those involved in show breeding, may charge towards the higher end of the price spectrum, with Bichon Frise puppies costing up to $4,000 or more. It’s not just the breeder’s reputation that adds to the price, though, and the dog’s lineage will come into play. For example, puppies from champion bloodlines or those with parents with a history of competitive success are usually priced higher because they’re seen to have superior genetics and more desirable traits.
Good quality breeders will invest in full health screenings for their breeding dogs to reduce the risk of hereditary conditions like patellar luxation and certain eye disorders. However, the cost of these screenings will be reflected in the puppy’s price, and a well-bred Bichon Frise puppy from health-tested parents is likely to cost more. Also, many registered breeders will have the puppy vaccinated, microchipped, and wormed before handing over to the new owners, which adds more to the cost.
Younger puppies between 8 – 12 weeks old are the highest in demand and, therefore, command higher prices. Older puppies or adolescent dogs aged 6 months or older might be sold at a discounted rate, as many prospective owners would prefer to raise a puppy from the earliest possible age.
Bichon Frise puppies are highly sought-after companion dogs, especially in urban areas and major cities. But this demand in metropolitan areas like Sydney or Melbourne often means a higher cost because of increased demand and breeder availability. On the other hand, rural breeders or those in less populated areas may charge slightly less, but there might be additional travel costs to consider if you’re located far from the breeder.
Owning a Bichon Frise comes with both initial and ongoing costs, including buying items that ensure they are well-behaved and have a happy, comfortable life. Below, you’ll find the estimated costs for these essential items:
Dog crate: $80 – $250 for a sturdy, well-ventilated crate suitable for smaller breeds.
Dog bed: $40 – $150 for a plush, cushioned bed or an orthopaedic memory foam bed that provides additional joint support.
Dog collar/lead: $20 – $80 for a comfortable, adjustable collar and a strong leash suitable for daily walks.
Feeding bowl: $10 – $40 for a metal or ceramic bowl that won’t slide around or tip over easily.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $25 for a soft-bristled toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste to maintain good dental health.
Dog car harness: $30 – $80 for a crash-tested harness that will keep your dog securely in place while you’re driving.
Puppy treats: $10 – $30 per month for training rewards and chew treats that, along with toothpaste, promote dental health.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $40 per pack for small, absorbent, leak-proof pads while house training.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $15 – $50 for a hypoallergenic, coat-conditioning formula suitable for regular use.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $20 – £$100 for a set of high-quality grooming tools to maintain their fluffy coat and prevent matting.
Small dogs like a Bichon Frise may not need as much food as larger dogs, but they will still need daily feeding and this is something else that will add to ongoing care costs. On average, you’ll spend between $30 – $240 per month on dog food when feeding an adult Bichon Frise (puppies may need less food), depending on the type and quality of the food you choose.
Naturally, food costs will vary significantly based on the brand, ingredients, and portion sizes required for your dog’s age and activity level. It’s a good idea to consult your vet for the best feeding plan for your dog.
Routine veterinary care is another ongoing cost you’ll need to think about, and it’s an essential one to keep your Bichon Frise happy and healthy. On average, your annual vet expenses can range from $500 – $1,500, depending on the level of care needed. Here are the average costs for the most common routine services:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit for a general health assessment, weight check, and wellness advice.
Vaccinations: $100 – $250 per year for core and optional vaccines to protect against diseases.
Worming and parasite protection: $150 – $300 per year for flea, tick, and worm prevention treatments formulate for smaller breeds.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $300 – $600 per session to prevent plaque buildup and maintain good oral hygiene.
Pet insurance: $40 – $100 per month, depending on coverage level, pre-existing conditions, breed-specific conditions, and inclusions like dental or accident cover.
Bichon Frises require regular grooming to keep their curly, non-shedding coats in top condition. While you can do a little of this at home with washing and brushing, professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks, and the costs will vary depending on the service:
Hydrobath prices: $30 – $60 per session for a basic bath, blow-dry, and coat conditioning.
Full groom prices: $80 – $150 per session for a full clip, bath, brush-out, nail trim, and ear cleaning.
Face, feet & tail groom prices: $40 – $80 per session for a tidy up between full grooms.
As with all other dog breeds, training is the key to a well-behaved and socialised Bichon Frise. But this also adds to the costs of owning one, and as always, these costs will vary depending on the trainer and the program:
Basic obedience training prices: $150 – $300 for a 6-week course covering foundational commands like sit, stay, and recall.
Puppy training class prices: $100 – $250 for a 4-6 week course that covers socialisation, house training, and basic manners.
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $80 – $150 per session for individual training focused on a particular issue with an expert trainer.
They may be small, cute, and fluffy, but before you bring a Bichon Frise into your home, you need to understand the full costs involved. From the initial cost to buying food each month and saving for inevitable vet bills, purchasing a Bichon Frise isn’t a one-off payment but a life-long commitment. And, when you consider they have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, you’ll need to be dedicated to covering these costs for a long time.
Although some Bichon Frise puppies can hike up a higher price than other dogs, this shouldn’t discourage you from owning one. The cost of puppies will depend on various factors, so let’s look at what changes the price tag.
Besides being the perfect companion, Bichons are a popular breed for those wanting to participate in dog shows. And show ring puppies are significantly pricier.
Procuring a Bichon pup for this purpose will require you to purchase it from a registered breeder where the mom or dad has a premium bloodline.
Breeding Bichon Frise puppies in a way that is ethical and responsible can come with a lot of expenses. The breeder covers the medical costs of the litter but also the maintenance cost of the parents. The cost can also change depending on whether there are available puppies.
Another thing that changes the price is whether you’re buying your Bichon or adopting it. Adopting can range anywhere from $0 to $500 depending on age and whether it’s been microchipped, desexed, and vaccinated.
To maximise your chances of getting a healthy puppy, you should choose a registered breeder. An excellent place to start is the Australian National Kennel Council.
Always ask detailed questions about how the breeder reared their puppies. Trustworthy breeders will always be happy to show you the environment they raised the litter and provide you with health screening results.
If the price is too good to be true or someone is being evasive about their facilities and their dogs’ genetic history, it’s best to walk away. Remember, healthy pure-bred pups will always be dewormed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Once you’ve brought your new Bichon Frise puppy home, it’s time for you to take care of it. Caring for a dog is not cheap, which is why you should be prepared for the maintenance costs of owning one.
Food costs can vary depending on the brand and quality of food you’re giving your pup. Bichons are relatively inexpensive dogs for feeding and typically range from $20 – $50 a month.
Bichon Frises are prone to a few genetic health issues like skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and Cushing’s disease. Vet bills are no fun for anyone, and in Australia, prices can be as barking mad as $425!
Every future owner should be prepared for the high grooming price of Bichon’s double coat. The cost of a professional groomer (highly recommended if you don’t have the time) can sit anywhere from $45 to $80.
If you’re truly dedicated to caring for this pup and would love nothing more than to bring your first Bichon Frise home, then the price is definitely worth it.
While a small dog breed, Bichons can hike up a hefty price when it comes to medical bills. But besides that, they’re an affordable dog breed that will offer you great love and companionship.
Due to their fun-loving and sociable temperament, these small dogs do incredibly well in a family environment with new owners, children, and other animals.
Although they can come with a hefty price tag, you’ll never regret bringing one of these beautiful puppies home. Just make sure you and your wallet know what you’re getting into.
Many fur babies are looking for forever homes, so seek an acknowledged rescue group to adopt the favourite Bichon breed.
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