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Small, super friendly and full to the brim with playful energy and personality, the Bichon Frise breed is a delightful addition to any family. Considered hypoallergenic and often excellent with children and other dogs, this sweet and sociable breed is a favourite amongst those with families both young and old.
If you imagine a walking cloud, then you’re thinking of a Bichon Frise! These fluffy, puffy little sweethearts are eager to please, whip smart and are especially receptive to training - they can even be taught to dance!
We love this cute and curious breed, and we think you will too. Let’s take a closer look at the world of the Bichon Frise, everything from breed characteristics and history, to care and maintenance and health issues to keep an eye out for. Not only that, we will discuss how much Bichon Frise puppies currently cost, and how to bring home one of your very own.
Lifespan
12 - 15 years
Size
Small - Non-Sporting Breed
Weight
12 - 18 lbs
Height
9.5-11.5 inches
Colors
White, White paired with apricot, cream and buff
Size of home
Due to their small size, a Bichon Frise is the perfect choice for those with apartments or smaller homes - they can fit comfortably in most smaller living environments
Exercise
Bichon Frise thrive off of playtime with their owner and will require a daily walk. They often excel when competing in rally, obedience and agility competitions, and so more extensive training may be beneficial to keep them stimulated.
Grooming
As a low shedding breed, their thick fluffy coats require daily brushing in order to remove excess hair and untangle mats. It is recommended they receive a bath and a coat clipping once a month for best maintenance, and just like all pups, their claws must be kept well trimmed to avoid discomfort.
Bichon Frise are known for their intelligence, sociable nature and super levels of friendliness. They tend to be great with children and other animals, making them an excellent choice for families who will have plenty of time to play with them. The breed make brilliant companion dogs, and are extremely receptive to training, so teaching them new tricks will never be an issue.
These playful pups thrive when they are around others, and require lots of stimulative play and regular walks to keep them. They were previously lap dogs for royalty and aristocrats, and so after a day of learning new things they love nothing more than curling up with those they love.
Bichon Frise dogs are super adaptable and can put their paws to all types of work, from competing in dog shows to being therapy dogs, they are eager to please and always leave a lasting impression.
Thought to hail from Tenerife originally, Bichon Frise became exceptionally popular amongst the royalty of France, Spain and Italy, particularly during the Renaissance. The French Revolution unfortunately cut their lives as French lapdogs short, and with their owners either sentenced to jail or the guillotine, many Bichon Frise had to live on the streets and find their own way.
While this may seem like a fall from grace, this turn of events helped the breed to follow a life of show business! Street entertainers would often take them in, and realizing how clever and agile they were, taught them tricks to amaze passers by, and even earn a sou or two. To this day, the Bichon Frise breed are favourites amongst the competitive dog show world, with their super cute look and ease to train, these bright little pups love to be in the spotlight.
Bichon Frise dogs are a small, non-sporting breed, usually standing no taller than 11.5 inches. They boast a wonderful thick and fluffy coat that is white in color, and sometimes complemented by tones of apricot, cream or buff. Their tails are often curled and fluffed, and their hypoallergenic fur makes for sneeze-free cuddles.
They sometimes look like a walking cloud, especially if they have had a trip to the groomers! Show dogs in particular tend to have a fuzzy, cotton candy-like cut, giving their heads and faces an adorable rounded shape and giving them the appearance of a plush toy.
The breed have bright, round eyes and a smiling expression; they are extremely attentive to instruction and the look on their faces tends to display this for the world to see.
Known for their easy going and friendly nature, Bichon Frise are an all round delightful breed. They don’t seem to be too bothered by noise, and are often very adaptable to living situations, making them desirable amongst families who have young children or other pets.
Their attitudes are consistently cheerful, and they have a strong curious streak in them. They enjoy being the centre of attention, whether that is through cuddles, playtime or entertaining their humans with new tricks, these pups love to delight those around them.
While they can be left on their own for short periods of time, they don’t really enjoy being by themselves, and are much happier when they have family and playmates around them. They thrive through attention and companionship, and just want to make their humans happy.
Often used as competitive show dogs, Bichon Frise are known to be super smart when it comes to learning new things. They are very receptive to training and new commands, and so with a regular routine in place these fast learners will pick things up in no time.
Bichon Frise are very eager to please, and it is rare that owners have any issues when it comes to training or disciplining this breed. As with all dogs, they will excel through positive reinforcement - they want to do a good job for you, and so plenty of treats and fuss will encourage them to further their training and stay on track.
Bichon Frise dogs have been found to be generally hypoallergenic, due to the fact that they are low-shedding. However, this means that excess hair tends to gather in their fur and will need to be brushed out regularly to avoid matting. It is recommended that their coats are given a good comb through every day if possible.
Many show dog owners will want their pup to look their best when competing, and so to achieve the fluffy ‘powder puff’ look that is popular amongst Bichon Frise, it is advised to have their coat trimmed and maintained by a professional groomer every 5-6 weeks or so.
Their white fur can also be prone to discolouration and tear staining around the eyes, mouth and nose, and so it is particularly important to keep these areas clean and their fur trimmed back wherever possible.
Smaller breed dogs, while they have a fast metabolism and burn energy faster than larger dogs, they can only take in smaller amounts of food at a time, and so it is often recommended to feed smaller dogs little and often.
A Bichon Frise should be fed on high-quality food specifically tailored for the optimum nutrition of smaller dogs. If you want to prepare meals for your dog at home rather than feed them on commercial pet food, you must consult your vet first for guidance to ensure that your dog will be receiving all the key nutrients they need to thrive.
Treats are an excellent training tool but should still be given in moderation to avoid health issues such as canine obesity or possible diabetes.
Like all dogs, certain breeds are more prone to predisposed health issues and diseases, and so knowing what to look out for can help you catch symptoms early and get your pup the help they need.
Health issues and diseases that tend to affect Bichon Frise in particular include:
Thought to be a hereditary disease amongst the Bichon Frise breed, cataracts is a condition in which the lense of the eye hardens and causes weakened vision. This is sometimes seen in puppies as young as 6 months, and so if you suspect your dog may be struggling with their vision, consult with your vet who may be able to offer surgery as a form of treatment.
Another condition of the eye commonly found amongst Bichon Frise, which is also thought to be inherited, is Corneal Dystrophy. This is when the clear outer layer of the eye which allows the eye to focus light, making for clear vision, forms an area of opaqueness which, if grows too large in size, can have a negative impact on your dog’s vision.
Luckily, most cases of Corneal Dystrophy don’t cause physical pain for your dog, and treatment tends to only be required if the condition is particularly advanced, at which point your vet may refer your pup to an eye specialist for further guidance on how to help the issue.
Bladder Stones are caused by a buildup of minerals in the bladder, such as allium phosphate, calcium oxalate, struvite or cystine, which then crystallise and form stones. These stones can then cause symptoms such as cloudy, bloody or strong smelling urine, and urination can also be seen to become more frequent and difficult; your dog may be straining to pass urine.
This condition can occur due to a number of things; they can be due to a dietary issue, as a result of a urinary infection, or your dog may just have inherited them and be more prone to conditions such as this.
Sometimes these stones will pass easily on their own without intervention, however bigger stones may need to be surgically dissolved or removed to avoid them causing your dog discomfort.
Smaller dogs tend to be more prone to dental issues, due to the fact that their mouths are smaller, and therefore teeth overcrowding can occur more easily. Food and bacteria can then build up amongst their teeth if not cleaned regularly, leading to tooth decay and further dental problems.
Prevention is the best line of defence for dental diseases; stopping the issue before it takes hold is often the most effective form of treatment. Cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly either at home or at the vet will help to keep plaque at bay, as well as allow you to catch any developing problems early before they are too advanced.
Implementing a proper teeth cleaning routine for your dog can help stop tooth decay and resulting tooth loss.
It is also advised to book your dog in for professional teeth examinations and cleanings at least once a year to ensure that your dog's chops are in top notch condition.
Believe it or not, dogs can develop diabetes just the same as humans can. This condition occurs when the pancreas struggles to regulate blood sugar, and your dog may need to be given daily insulin injections should it be required.
The warning signs that your Bichon Frise may have developed diabetes include increased thirst and urination, as well as an increased appetite or weight loss. These symptoms should always be taken seriously, and a veterinary professional should be consulted as soon as possible to rule out other causes, confirm a diagnosis and then move forward with appropriate treatment.
This unpleasant condition occurs when a dog’s kneecap dislocates, shifts sideways and out of position. It is particularly common amongst smaller breed dogs, and Bichon Frise have been found to be commonly affected by this issue.
The symptoms of a luxating patella include limping, a hunching of the lower back and bowleggedness in the hind legs of the dog. As you can imagine, this is very uncomfortable for your dog to walk on, and it will likely be obvious if there has been a shift in their walking pattern or they seem to be in visible pain.
Patella Luxation can be treated using anti-inflammatory medicines and certain restrictions in exercise to keep your pup more comfortable. Surgery may also be required to correct the issue - if you are at all concerned about your dog’s health it is vital to get them seen by a vet as soon as possible to improve the success of medical intervention.
The Bichon Frise breed is pretty perfect for most people, as they are friendly, sociable and extremely adaptable to most living situations. Their small size means they can fit comfortably into apartments or smaller homes, and as long as they have plenty of love and attention they will be super happy.
They don’t tend to be affected by excessive noise and are super sociable by nature, so a household with children or larger families are a great environment for a Bichon Frise. Playtime and companionship are top of the list for this charming breed, and so owners who have time to keep them stimulated and give them lots of fuss will be pick of the litter.
Whether you are planning to rescue or buy a Bichon Frise puppy, one of the most important things to do before bringing them home is to visit them in person. By doing this, you will be able to meet your pup face to face to not only see if you get along, but also to check on their condition and whether they are in a good state of health.
It can be very easy to lie through a screen, so always choose a reputable breeder or charity and go and see your puppy for yourself before settling. It is also worth bringing along other members of your family to come and meet the puppy, particularly if you have young children.
Prices for Bichon Frise puppies will vary from breeder to breeder, and similarly if you are planning to adopt through a charity or rescue shelter. Generally, puppies of this breed tend to cost between $1200 - $3500 if bought from a breeder, and of course this will depend on location and the dog’s pedigree. Alternatively, adoption fees sit around the $300 - $500 mark, which include the dog’s care provided by the shelter.
It is often encouraged to adopt puppies whenever possible, as there are so many dogs that are brought in from very young ages who need loving, caring homes - you could be the one to give them the best start in life.
Not only is there an initial fee for bringing a puppy home, dogs are truly an investment, and will require regular payouts including vet bills, health insurance, as well as food, bedding, toys and other enrichment activities such as puppy clubs or training groups.
If you choose to enter your Bichon Frise into dog shows for them to train competitively, you may also want to set them up with regular appointments at a groomer to keep them looking their best.
The Bichon Frise is a delightful breed that combines charm, playfulness, and adaptability, making it a perfect companion for families, singles, and seniors alike. With their hypoallergenic coat and affectionate nature, these fluffy little dogs are not just adorable but also a joy to have around. Whether you're looking for a loyal friend or a lively addition to your home, the Bichon Frise brings happiness and warmth to any household.
Before bringing one into your life, it's essential to understand their grooming, exercise, and socialization needs to ensure they thrive. With the right care and attention, a Bichon Frise will reward you with years of unconditional love and companionship. Ready to welcome a Bichon into your family? You'll gain a best friend who will brighten your days with their cheerful personality and irresistible charm.
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