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Bichon Frise Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Bichon Frise so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank46
Reviews5
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Bichon Frise dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium
Other Names
What other names does the Bichon Frise have?
Bichon A Poil FriseBichon TenerifePurebred BichonTenerife DogBichon Frise
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Bichon Frise is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Bichon Frise Mixes.

Bichon Frise Size and Weight

Size
Is a Bichon Frise small, medium or large dog?

How big do Bichon Frise get?

What is the average size of a Bichon Frise?

Small
Weight
How much does the Bichon Frise weigh? How much should a Bichon Frise weight? What is the normal weight of a Bichon Frise? How much does a full-grown Bichon Frise weight?
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Bichon Frise?
10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Bichon Frise? Bichon Frise height:
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Bichon Frise?
Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm)

Bichon Frise Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Bichon Frise puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Bichon Frise in the United States? How much money is a Bichon Frise?

Where to buy a Bichon Frise with a good pedigree?

$700-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Bichon Frise, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Bichon Frise for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Bichon Frise gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Bichon Frise? How many Bichon Frise are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Bichon Frise Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Bichon Frise? Is the Bichon Frise breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Bichon Frise ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Bichon Frise dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Bichon Frise?
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Bichon Frise good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Bichon Frise dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

Bichon Frise Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Bichon Frise have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulSensitiveIntelligentAffectionateGentleCheerful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Bichon Frise sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Bichon Frise dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Bichon Frise a good family dog?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Bichon A Poil Frise need? Bichon Frise social needs:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Bichon Frise to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Bichon Frise roam?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Bichon Frise have high prey drive?
Their prey drive is low. Bichon Frise dogs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals.

Bichon Frise Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Bichon Frise dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Bichon A Poil Frise bark?
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Bichon Frise good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Bichon Frise in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Bichon Frise Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Bichon Frise be left alone? How long can you leave a Bichon Frise alone?
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bichon Frise Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Bichon Frise has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Bichon Frise? How much bite force does a Bichon Frise have? How strong is a Bichon Frise bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak. The Bichon Frise bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Bichon Frise measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Bichon Frise may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Bichon Frise being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Bichon Frise bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Bichon Frise puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Bichon Frise can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Bichon Frise bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Bichon A Poil Frise? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Bichon Frise? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Bichon Frise do?
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Bichon Frise dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Bichon Frise dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Bichon Frise breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Bichon Frise breed? Most common health risks of Bichon Frise:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesVaccination SensitivityBladder StonesJuvenile Cataracts
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Bichon Frise breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Bichon Frise see the vet?
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Bichon Frise dogs live? How old can a Bichon Frise be? What is the age limit of the Bichon Frise? How many years can the oldest Bichon Frise live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Bichon Frise?

How long is the lifespan of a Bichon Frise?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Bichon Frise Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Bichon Frise have? What is the activity level of the Bichon Frise?
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need? How much exercise do Bichon Frise dogs require per day?

Do Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of exercises?

Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Bichon Frise breed need?
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Bichon Frise Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Bichon Frise need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Bichon Frise breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Bichon Frise? How much food should I feed my Bichon Frise?
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Bichon Frise risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Bichon Frise weight regularly.

Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Bichon Frise have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Curly
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Bichon Frise coats?
Cream White Buff Apricot
Grooming
How to groom the Bichon Frise and how often? How often should I take my Bichon Frise to the groomer?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Bichon Frise requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Bichon Frise is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Bichon Frise dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Bichon A Poil Frise? Do Bichon Frise dogs shed a lot?
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Bichon Frise need a bath? How often should you give a Bichon Frise a bath? Can I bathe my Bichon Frise every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Bichon Frise breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Bichon Frise drool?
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Bichon Frise could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Bichon Frise.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Bichon Frise Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Bichon Frise dogs get along with other pets? Are Bichon Frise dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Bichon Frise temperament with other people:
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Bichon Frise dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Bichon Frise temperament with children:
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Bichon Frise dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Bichon Frise breed live with a cat?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Bichon Frise good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Bichon Frise dogs get along with other dogs?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Bichon Frise can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Bichon Frise breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Bichon Frise breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Bichon Frise dogs good office canines? Do Bichon Frise dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Bichon Frise dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Bichon A Poil Frise temperament with senior people? Are Bichon Frise dogs good for elderly owners?
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bichon Frise As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Bichon Frise be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Bichon Frise is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Bichon Frise be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Bichon Frise be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Bichon Frise breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Bichon Frise be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Bichon Frise is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Bichon Frise be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Bichon Frise is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Bichon Frise be a boat dog?

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Bichon Frise be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Bichon Frise is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Bichon Frise dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bichon Frise Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Bichon Frise pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Bichon Frise breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Bichon Frise: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Bichon Frise have in a litter? How many puppies can the Bichon Frise breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Bichon Frise have? How many puppies can a Bichon Frise give birth to?
2-5 puppies

Bichon Frise Recognition

AKC Group
Is Bichon Frise recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Bichon Frise recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Bichon Frise breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubThe Bichon Frise Club Of America

Bichon Frise Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic: Bichon Frise dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
  • Shedding Level: Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Adaptability: Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Grooming: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Bichon Frise Breed

Bichon Frise Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Luka videos

    Mar 5, 2023, 4:45:12 PM:

    Cool

  • Beckett

    Jul 21, 2020, 9:51:51 PM:

    My Bichon is VERY quiet (almost never barks or howls, he tends to make grumbling noises instead). He barely sheds, and despite what the website says, we are able to groom him ourselves. He's very cuddly and playful, and sleeps a lot.

  • karen

    Apr 30, 2020, 7:41:07 PM:

    very barky dog.

  • Janice

    Apr 30, 2020, 7:35:56 PM:

    i love my bishon she is very cute and loves getting groomed, and pampered! i made her an instagram and it has 2000 followers! little star in the making!

  • Jessica

    Apr 30, 2020, 7:34:22 PM:

    very cute and calm dog, sleeps a lot and is very relaxed and affectionate, doesn’t care when my little brother moves him around!