The Bichon Frise is a small loving, fun breed; they make great companion dogs and have one of the longest life spans.
They are hardy and small dogs but not quite toy dogs. You won’t be able to fit them into your handbag, but they make a great lap dog. They are always white, and with their fluffy coats, they are sometimes mistaken for poodles.
They make great pets; they love to play but are also affectionate and gentle. They are devoted to their families and hate to be left alone. They are likely to suffer separation anxiety, so do not get this dog if you work full time.
They are not as intense as some other breeds, but they still need a daily walk. It just doesn’t have to be a long one. They are playful, so you will need to keep them entertained with plenty of games to keep them happy. They are relatively good with kids but have limits, so you might want to avoid this breed if you have younger children.
They aren’t known for being nuisance barkers, and they love strangers, so maybe they are not the most fantastic watchdogs, but they will always alert you to people at the door etc.
They are very intelligent but also very sensitive. Make sure your training methods revolve around fun and treats; you will break their little hearts if you are forceful or scolding. They can be difficult to house train.
They should be okay around other dogs and small animals, especially if brought up with them.
They shed very little, and another breed is considered to have hypo-allergenic hair, but all dogs produce dander. They will, however, need professional grooming to keep their coats under control; you could, of course, learn to do this yourself.
Bichon Frise Stats
The Bichon is one of the few breeds that has existed for at least 2,000 years, although he was not always known by that name. Little white dogs were found throughout the Mediterranean and made their way throughout the known world as popular trade items.
- Size – 27cm – 30cm
- Weight – 5kg -7kg
- They live for 16-19 years