Bichon Frise

also known as Bichon A Poil Frise, Tenerife Dog, Purebred Bichon, Bichon Frise, Bichon Tenerife

Pros History


The Bichon Frise, also known as the "Teddy Bear Dog," is a small and charming breed with a long and fascinating history. With roots dating back to the Mediterranean, the Bichon Frise has played an important role in the history and culture of many countries and is still a beloved and popular breed today.

The origins of the Bichon Frise can be traced back to the Mediterranean, where it was developed by crossing the Barbet, the Poodle, and the Maltese. The breed was known for its intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature, and was highly prized by sailors and traders. The breed's name "Bichon Frise" is French for "curly lap dog."

The Bichon Frise was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in France in 1933, and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1971. The breed is also recognized by many other kennel clubs and organizations around the world, including the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).

This breed was a favorite of sailors and traders, who used them as companion dogs on their ships and as trade goods in ports of call. The breed was also known to be a favorite of the European nobility and was often depicted in paintings and tapestries from the Renaissance period.

Breed Information


Type

Is Bichon Frise a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Bichon Frises originally used for?

companion, performer

Lifespan

How Long Do Bichon Frises Live? What is average life expectancy for a Bichon Frise? How long can Bichon Frises live?

12-15 years

The average Bichon Frise lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Bichon Frise Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Bichon Frise?

What is the average height of a Bichon Frise? How big is a Purebred Bichon Frise height? Bichon Frise dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 9-11 inches (22.9 - 27.9 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm)
Female 9-11 inches (22.9 - 27.9 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a Bichon Frise? How much should Bichon Frises weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 11-16 pounds (5 - 7 kg) 5.5 pounds (2 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg)
Female 10-15 pounds (5 - 7 kg) 4.5 pounds (2 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Bichon Frises get fat easily?

The Bichon Frise is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Bichon Frises Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Bichon Frises are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Bichon Frise personality? What are Bichon Frise dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Playful
Sensitive
Cheerful
Gentle
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are Bichon Frises heavy shedders? How Much Does a Bichon Frise Shed?

Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Bichon Frise dog?

The Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Bichon Frises come from?

France

Ancestry

What are Bichon Frises descended from?

barbet, water dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Bichon Frise breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Bichon Frise Club Of America

Date of Birth

When were Bichon Frises first bred? How old is the Bichon Frise breed?

ancient times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Bichon Frise?

Non Sporting (AKC:1972)
Companion (UKC)

Bichon Frise Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Bichon Frise eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Bichon Frise nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Bichon Frise coat be naturally?

White
Cream

Coat Length

How long is a Bichon Frises coat?

The coat of a Bichon Frise falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Bichon Frise Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Bichon Frise?

Curly

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Bichon Frise have in a litter? How many puppies can a Bichon Frise have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Bichon Frise can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Bichon Frises are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Bichon Frise Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Bichon Frises have a lot of health problems?

The Bichon Frise is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Bichon Frise?

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Dental Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Bichon Frises?

Cataract
Urolithiasis
Allergies
Tooth Loss
Hemophilia
Atopic Dermatitis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Bichon Frise breed?

Eye
Blood
Knee
Heart
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Allergy Tests

Bichon Frise Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Bichon Frises have a lot of energy?

Bichon Frises may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Bichon Frises need socialization? How social are Bichon Frises?

Bichon Frise have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Bichon Frises get?

The Bichon Frises a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Bichon Frise have? Do Bichon Frises sleep a lot?

The Bichon Frise breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Bichon Frise drool a lot?

The Bichon Frise is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Bichon Frises tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Bichon Frises exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Bichon Frise dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are Bichon Frises mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Bichon Frise running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Bichon Frise dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Bichon Frises enjoy doing? How do I keep my Bichon Frise busy?

Play, Agility, Walk, Walking, Sniffing, Running, Tricks, Fetch, Cuddling, Swimming, Socializing, Cuddle, Sleeping, Training, Go to Park, Lickin, Pets, Run, Snuggle, Sleep, Barking, Eating, Belly rubs, Off-leash, Chase, Dog Parks, Speak, High Five, Tug-of-war, Toys

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Bichon Frise? How much energy does a Bichon Frise have?

Medium

Bichon Frises are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Bichon Frise walk each week? How many miles should a Bichon Frise walk every week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bichon Frise, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Bichon Frise should exercise a day? How much activity does a Bichon Frise need?

30 minutes

In general most Bichon Frises usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Bichon Frise?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Bichon Frise?

Weekly

Bichon Frise should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Bichon Frises?

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Bichon Frise eat?

1 cups

For an average 11-16 pound (5 - 7 kg) Bichon Frise feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Bichon Frise Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Bichon Frise is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Bichon Frise Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Bichon Frise is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Bichon Frise Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frises has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Bichon Frise is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Bichon Frise dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Bichon Frise dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Bichon Frise do well in apartments? Are Bichon Frises good indoor dogs?

Bichon Frises are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Bichon Frises good with kids? Are Bichon Frises good around children?

Bichon Frises are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Bichon Frises good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Bichon Frises good with cats? How friendly Bichon Frises are toward cats?

Bichon Frises are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Bichon Frise dogs get along with other dogs? Are Bichon Frises OK with other dogs?

Bichon Frises are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Bichon Frise dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Bichon Frises friendly with strangers?

Bichon Frises are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Bichon Frises like to play? Are Bichon Frises playful?

The Bichon Frise is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Bichon Frise is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Bichon Frise easily trained?

Bichon Frise dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate and loyal to their family
    Bichon Frise are known for being affectionate and loyal to their family.
  • Lack of odor
    The Bichon Frise is unlikely to have an unpleasant odor.
  • Hypoallergenic
    With their low tendency to cause allergic reactions, Bichon Frises are a great choice for those who suffers from allergies.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Bichon Frise dogs are well-suited to apartment life.
  • Cat Friendly
    Cats and Bichon Frises make a great mix.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed possesses the necessary traits to succeed as a therapy dog.
  • Good with children
    They are good with children and make great playmates.
  • Intelligent
    They are intelligent and trainable.

Cons

  • Prone to separation anxiety
    Bichon Frise are prone to separation anxiety and need to be with their family or have company.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Failing to monitor a Bichon Frise's weight can lead to unwanted weight gain.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Bichon Frises are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • High energy levels
    They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Grooming
    They require regular grooming to maintain their fluffy coat.