Bichon Frisé
Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information
| Size | 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) |
| Weight | 11-22 lbs (5-10 kg) |
| Origin | Canaries |
| Color | White |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Suitable As | Family dog, companion dog |
| Personality | Happy, charming, alert, cheerful, playful |
| Exercise |  |
| Drooling |  |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming |  |
Breed Characteristics
The Bichon Frise is a very happy dog that will charm anyone and everyone with their personality, even the neighbors. It is very playful and affectionate, and loooves to cuddle. Its favorite thing to do is spend all day long with its people, and it always has but one goal: to make its master smile. So the Bichon Frise really doesn’t like to be left alone a lot. It will start to bark and chew/destroy things. It is so friendly and polite that it gets on with other pets and dogs wonderfully. No wonder that the Bichon Frise is one of the most popular dog breeds.
Exercise Needs and Training
The Bichon isn’t just a lap dog. They’re very intelligent and give it their all when they’re shown tricks. They like to learn, and do so quickly. They also enjoy agility. Bichon Frises are easy-going dogs. If you make a bit of effort with training and read a book, you won’t struggle to train a Bichon Frise well. Dog training classes are, of course, always best - your dog will come into contact with other dogs here, which is especially important during those puppy months.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Small and easy to carry
- Possibly suitable for people with allergies
- Gets on well with other pets and dogs
- Will be fine in an apartment
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy to train
- Doesn’t shed a lot
Cons
- Has lots of energy
- Lots of grooming required
- Anxious when left alone
- Needs good training and socialization
Fur Care
If you’d like a Bichon Frise, you must understand the following: their fur needs a lot of care and attention. A Bichon Frise must be brushed almost every day. If not, its fur can become matted, allowing skin infections to develop. It must be cut on a regular basis, too.
Health
There are a few illnesses that commonly affect a Bichon Frise but they generally live long, healthy lives. The oldest Bichon Frise in the world lived to be 19 years old.
Appearance
The Bichon Frise looks like a compact little package, and is as soft as cotton wool. Its fur is made up of a thick undercoat and a silky, curly topcoat that stands out up to 10cm from the body. Its eyes are just as lovely, meaning any dog lover is sure to melt.
History and Origin
The Bichon Frise actually originated in the Mediterranean and is descended from the Barbet (a water dog). Italian seafarers discovered the dog on Tenerife and took it with them to the mainland. In around 1500, the dog was “adopted” by the French and bred to create the breed we know now. However, it was only officially registered with the French Kennel Club in 1934. The name “Bichon Frise” comes from the French. “Bichon” means lapdog, and “frisé” means curly. So, it’s a curly lapdog. If the shoe fits!
Fun Facts
The Bichon Frise is one of the few dog breeds that can be tolerated by people with a dog allergy.
Comparable Breeds
Dogs: Pros and Cons
Checklist "Before Buying"
Dog Hair Allergy
How Much Does a Dog Cost per Month?
Costs for Food
Costs for Vet Treatments
Basic Kit for Your Dog
Dog Toys
Dog Sitters and Kennels
