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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
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Bichon Frise known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Bichon A Poil FriseBichon TenerifePurebred BichonTenerife DogBichon Frise
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Bichon Frise? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
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 Classification
What size category is a Bichon Frise? Learn how big the Bichon Frise breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Bichon Frise weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Bichon Frise breed.
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 Range
How much does a Bichon Frise puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Bichon Frise costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Bichon Frise? Discover the Bichon Frise's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Bichon Frise? Learn about the Bichon Frise's trainability and response to training methods.
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 Rating
How good is a Bichon Frise as a watchdog? Learn about the Bichon Frise's alertness and guarding instincts.
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Bichon Frise protective of its territory? Learn about the Bichon Frise's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a Bichon Frise have? Learn about characteristic Bichon Frise temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a Bichon Frise bark a lot? Learn about typical Bichon Frise vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Bichon Frise? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Bichon Frise breed.
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Bichon Frise live in an apartment? Learn about the Bichon Frise's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Bichon Frise to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Bichon Frise's flexibility to new situations.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Bichon Frise be left alone? Learn about the Bichon Frise's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is a Bichon Frise biting potential? Learn about the Bichon Frise's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Bichon Frise mouthy? Learn about the Bichon Frise's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Bichon Frise bite? Learn about the Bichon Frise's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Bichon Frise Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Bichon Frise live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Bichon Frise breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Bichon Frise handle different weather? Learn about the Bichon Frise's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Bichon Frise? Discover typical conditions affecting the Bichon Frise breed.
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Bichon Frise need vet visits? Learn about the Bichon Frise's veterinary care requirements.
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.
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

Bichon Frise Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Bichon Frise? Understand daily activity needs of the Bichon Frise breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a Bichon Frise prone to weight gain? Learn about the Bichon Frise's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Bichon Frise need daily? Learn about the Bichon Frise's feeding requirements.
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bichon Frise Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Bichon Frise hypoallergenic? Learn about the Bichon Frise's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Bichon Frise come in? Discover all possible Bichon Frise color variations.
Cream White Buff Apricot
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Bichon Frise need? Learn about Bichon Frise coat maintenance requirements.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Bichon Frise drool a lot? Learn about the Bichon Frise's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Bichon Frise smell bad? Learn about the Bichon Frise's natural odor levels.

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.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Bichon Frise have? Learn about the Bichon Frise's fur characteristics.
Curly
Bathing Needs
How often does a Bichon Frise need baths? Learn about the Bichon Frise's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Bichon Frise Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Bichon Frise good with children? Learn about the Bichon Frise's behavior around kids of different ages.
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Bichon Frise get along with other pets? Discover the Bichon Frise's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a Bichon Frise be a service dog? Learn about the Bichon Frise's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a Bichon Frise good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Bichon Frise's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Bichon Frise good at detection work? Learn about the Bichon Frise's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Bichon Frise do search and rescue? Learn about the Bichon Frise's SAR capabilities.

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 Adaptability: 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 Rating: The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: 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 Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Grooming Requirements: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: 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!