If you hear the words Bichon Frise and think they sound French, you are absolutely right. Just like the name suggests, this small dog breed is loving and constantly up to mischief. When you need a companion, the Bichon is the best pet for you. Don’t worry about being sensitive to fur, as its soft and velvety coat is hypoallergenic.
These gentle doggos are great for families with young children, and they play well with other dogs as well. Their small size means that they’re great apartment dogs. A Bichon doesn’t need much space – love is all they crave.
Are you looking for a canine with confidence and a great personality? How about one that is always alert and curious? If so, this beautiful animal is for you. They’re easily trained and simply love performing tricks, especially when you have a treat ready!
Bichon Frise Dog Breed Pictures
Appearance
What Does a Bichon Frise Look Like?
You can’t help but fall in love with this fluffy purebred pupper. This small dog can grow up to 11.5 inches tall and weigh a mere 12 to 18 pounds.
Everyone will enjoy having the Bichon Frise around. They’re known to be fun companions for the elderly and children. Their active, friendly, and playful manner makes them a great addition to any family.
This pup has short, curly fur that’s usually white or cream in color. Don’t worry if you suffer from allergies, just make sure to groom their hypoallergenic low-shedding coat often.
How long do Bichons live?
They have a lifespan of 14 to 15 years but can live up to 20 years.
Temperament
Bichon Frises are active, friendly doggies. They consider strangers as friends they haven’t had the chance to get to know. They love to perform and impress their owners with tricks. Since they are quick learners and very eager, it’s no surprise that Bichons are frequent dog show contestants.
The warm personality of a Bichon Frise means they get along great with people and other pets. In their cute little minds, they get an extra plaything. However, they do tend to suffer when left to their own devices. Loneliness is a real problem with Bichon Frises, so prepare yourself to bring them along wherever you go.
Living Needs
You don’t need to live in a house with a big yard to own a Bichon Frise. Because they only bark for attention from their owners, they make great apartment dogs. They adapt to city life well and love the hustle and bustle around them. Always make sure to incorporate lots of playtime into their day. If there’s one thing this doggy loves, it’s running around on their little legs.
As long as you shower this breed with snuggles and attention, they’re happy. Make sure you don’t leave them alone for long periods, as they tend to get lonely. If you plan on getting a Bichon as a pet, remember that they need lots of affection. Separation anxiety among these dogs is common when they are constantly away from their owners. This is something to consider before you adopt a Bichon puppy.
Supply your French lap dog with a lot of toys – it may help with their clingy behavior. Encourage them to play alone for periods throughout the day, even though you are right beside them. Socializing with other pets is also a great remedy for fear aggression.
Care
How to Take Care of a Bichon Frise
Do Bichon Frises shed? You’d be happy to know that they have an undercoat, which makes this breed relatively hypoallergenic. However, it’s important to note that due to Bichon’s curly fur, dirt tends to make its way in there. Therefore, brush your pet a few times a week or even daily to keep it clean.
Bichon Frise grooming is on the higher-end compared to other breeds. Pet owners of Bichons need to bring their dogs for grooming every four to six weeks. Insufficient trips to the dog groomer will cause uncomfortable clumps of hair to develop. As with other dogs, don’t forget to regularly trim their nails and brush their teeth.
How to Train a Bichon Frise
These pups are relatively easy to train. They’re natural at tricks and were historically used as circus performers! Positive rewards like treats work really well for this breed. Try not to scold or punish them as they take harsh words to heart.
When it comes to potty training, start when they are young. Due to their tiny bladders, puppy training means taking them out for bathroom breaks often. Avoid accidents by encouraging them to hold it in with positive reinforcement.
How Much Exercise Does a Bichon Frise Need?
These small French dogs are active and playful. They do display short bursts of excitement but are generally calm. They might have short legs, but they can run surprisingly fast. Taking a Bichon dog for short walks for half an hour every day should be good enough.
If you live in an apartment, exercising can simply mean lots of indoor playtime. Having young kids around is perfect for this dog breed. This way, you’re killing two birds with one stone!
Feeding
How Much Should a Bichon Frise Eat?
Split your Bichon Frise’s food into two meals. Serve from ½ to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry kibble a day.
Health
Bichons are a healthy and strong breed. However, they are prone to health issues like skin and food allergies. Keep corn, chicken, and other meat out of their diet. Look out for paw or fur chewing. This can be a sign that your dog is allergic to whatever they are consuming.
Dog owners should always think twice about the food their pets eat. Just like any other small dog, they tend to face dental health problems. High-quality dry food helps keep gums healthy, thus maintaining a healthy mouth. Don’t forget to brush their teeth. Doing this a few times a week should avoid any problems.
Bichon Frises tend to suffer from bladder stones and bladder infections. Additionally, if your dog is old, regular cancer checks will extend their life expectancy. With proper care and nutrition, you can expect your Bichon to live up to 19 years or older. Just make sure you get your puppy from a good breeder.
History
The Bichon Frise is part of the Barbichon family, along with Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, and Maltese. Although these little white dogs originated in Spain, they’re often regarded as a French breed. In the past, the Spanish used them as herding and sailing dogs. It was only when the French adopted them that these pups became lapdogs.
During the French Renaissance period, this breed became popular among the French nobility. You’ll see them in many royal portraits from this time. It’s interesting to know that King Henry III kept 2,000 lap dogs, and Bichons were his favorite. He would carry his pets around his neck in a specially built decorated basket.
The Bichons enjoyed being treated like royals up till the French Revolution. When the court lost their titles and homes, so did their pets. After that, the Bichon Frise became known as the common dog. They were found on the streets with street musicians and leading the blind. Other than that, because these dogs always want to please, they became great circus performers.
After World War I, interest in this breed grew, and French breeders started reproducing them once more. The breed reached the United States in 1955 and has since become a popular dog to own. Recent years have seen Bichon Frises perform well at dog shows.
Fun Facts About Bichon Frise
- How much is a Bichon Frise? Prices for Bichon Frise puppies range from $250 to $2500 with a median of around $600. Breeder reputation could add a few hundred dollars to the price. So, if you don’t want to take the adoption route, it’s best to buy from Bichon Frise AKC breeders.
- How many puppies can a bichon frise have? Four puppies ones make up the average litter size, but it can range from one to six. If the Bichon is the small, the usual output is 1-3 puppies, whereas bigger Bichons can give birth to 3-5.