Bichon Frise at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 23–28 cm
- Weight
- 4–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Bichon Frise right for you?
Like every breed, the Bichon Frise is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- You have children and can supervise them with the dog.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Bichon Frise fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy toy dog with a snow-white coat of soft corkscrew curls, dark eyes and a plumed tail carried over its back. It is a lively, happy little dog that adores family life and loves attention.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Low
Usually content with short daily walks and play.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Often fine
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The Bichon family is a group of white breeds that came originally from Mediterranean countries. The word bichon refers to a white dog, and frise describes the curly coat. The breed is thought to have existed on the island of Tenerife as far back as the 14th century, and traders took it to mainland Europe. France was where the breed was developed.
In Europe the Bichon became a favourite of royal courts and noble households, where it was often pampered and carried around in an ornamental basket. It appears in European paintings from the 16th century. The Maltese and the Bolognese are close relatives.
Bichon Frise temperament
Bichons are typically affectionate, loving and cheerful, with a curious, playful streak. They are just as happy to have a cuddle as to play a game.
They love to go everywhere with their family and do not like being left alone, although they can be taught to cope on their own occasionally. They are usually sociable with other dogs and pets. Many are chatty and will bark to let you know about visitors or anything unusual.
Size and appearance
Bichons are small dogs. Adults typically stand 23–28 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 4–7 kg, although Purina gives 3–6 kg.
The coat is soft, curly and of medium length. White is the breed standard colour. The coat sheds very little, but that does not mean it is easy to care for.
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?
Around 30 minutes of exercise a day is usually enough. Bichons adapt to the exercise their family can offer, but half an hour should be seen as the minimum.
They are more energetic and clever than their fluffy looks suggest, so games and play to exercise their brains are just as important as walks. A Bichon can live happily in a flat or small home, as long as it has easy access to the outdoors for walks and toilet breaks.
Training a Bichon Frise
Bichons are eager learners and usually easy to train. They can be stubborn at times, though, and they do not respond well to scolding.
- Use positive reinforcement and fun games to teach tricks and commands.
- Be firm but gentle, and never use harsh words or punishment.
- Stay consistent, because their eagerness to please works best with steady routines.
- Teach your Bichon to be left alone for short periods, as this does not come easily to them.
Bichon Frise grooming
The Bichon coat needs real commitment. Comb it thoroughly every day to prevent knots, and plan for regular trims to stop it getting too long.
PDSA suggests trimming every couple of months, often by a professional groomer. To keep the classic powder-puff look, Purina recommends a professional groom every five to six weeks. Bichons are not known for having a strong doggy smell.
Living with a Bichon Frise
Despite being a toy breed, Bichons are surprisingly robust and are usually very good with children. They suit families with slightly older children well, and can get on with younger ones too, as long as games do not get too boisterous. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A garden is helpful.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Bichon Frise health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Bichons are generally a healthy breed, but some conditions are seen more often in the breed. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Bichon will be affected.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.
Cataracts
Clouding of the lens of the eye, giving it a cloudy appearance, which can lead to blindness. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme before breeding.
Allergies
Bichons can be prone to allergies, including skin allergies.
Bladder stones
Minerals collect in the bladder and form stones, which can cause pain and discomfort.
Portosystemic shunt
Abnormal blood circulation in which blood bypasses the liver, which can lead to a build-up of toxins.
Diabetes mellitus
A disorder in which the body cannot produce or use enough insulin, the hormone that lets glucose move from the blood into the body's cells, leading to very high blood sugar.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Bichon Frise home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Bichon Frise cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Bichon Frise home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Bichon Frise
If you have decided the Bichon Frise suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Bichon Frises looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Bichon Frise adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Bichon Frise FAQs
Is the Bichon Frise good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Bichon Frise live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Bichon Frise need?
Low: usually content with short daily walks. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Bichon Frise shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Bichon Frise need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Bichon Frise easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Bichon Frise be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Bichon Frise bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Bichon Frise good with cats?
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Bichon Frise live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Bichon Frise get?
Adults typically stand 23–28 cm at the shoulder and weigh 4–7 kg.