Bichon Frise
About the Bichon Frise
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 9-12" |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs |
| Coat Type | Curly |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
High - Daily
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,300/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Bichon Frises may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
- Low-Maintenance Seekers
Guides for your Bichon Frise
The story behind the Bichon Frise
Small white dogs of bichon type circulated around the Mediterranean for many centuries, carried by sailors and traders between Spain, Italy and the Canary Islands, and the breed name reflects a family of related types including the Maltese and Bolognese. The Tenerife bichon is generally cited as the direct ancestor. These dogs became fashionable in European courts during the Renaissance, particularly in Spain, Italy and later France, and they appear in many paintings of the period. Fortunes declined by the 1800s, when the breed became a street performer's and organ grinder's dog. French and Belgian breeders standardised the type in the 1930s and adopted the modern name, and recognition spread internationally across the twentieth century. Today the Bichon Frise is a common and popular companion kept purely as a pet.
Originally bred for: Companion, Performing. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Bichon Frise
Small-breed kibble suits a compact jaw and crowded teeth, and portions need honest measuring because a fluffy coat conceals weight gain until it becomes significant. Dental-friendly texture and limited soft treats help, since small companion breeds commonly develop tartar early in life.
Watch for: Owners frequently report reactions showing through the skin, with itching, ear irritation and tear staining sometimes improving on dietary change, though environmental allergens contribute as well. Nothing single is established as a cause. Ask a veterinarian to guide any elimination trial or food change.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Bichon Frise
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.