Imagine a living cotton ball with legs — that’s the Bichon Frise. They arrive in your life soft, white, and bursting with the kind of cheer that makes you forget your troubles (or your vacuum). But beneath the fluff is a dog who demands love, grooming, routine, and spirited attention.
Wondering if this fluffy companion fits your life? Try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you commit.
Great Names for a Bichon Frise
Names for these little fluff spheres need to match their light, breezy, affectionate personalities. Here are four theme groups:
Soft & dreamy: Cloud, Cotton, Mist, Whisper, Luna, Ivory
Classic charmers: Bella, Archie, Molly, Max, Daisy, Oliver
Quirky and fun: Pippin, Zazu, Noodle, Tizzy, Trinket, Bubbles
Heritage & French nods: Bijou, Fleur, Marcel, Colette, Jacques, Amélie
Need a few hundred more to spark inspiration? Head to the Dog Name Generator at CrazyDogs.club.
Exercise
Don’t let their toy size fool you, Bichons are energetic little bundles. They adore walks, play, and mental challenges. Give them nothing and they’ll invent chaos (chewed cushions, surprise zoomies).
What suits them:
- 30–60 minutes daily (walk + play)
- Off-lead runs in safe, secure areas
- Interactive games or fetch
- Puzzle feeders and scent trails
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll trot like they’ve got somewhere urgent to be — then collapse dramatically.
Small Size Warning
Don’t push them too hard — small bones, fragile joints. Watch rough ground, slippery floors, and long stairs.
Temperament
These dogs are like perpetual optimists in fur form. Bichons tend to be cheerful, friendly, and outgoing, though some can carry a sensitive soul and need gentle hands. They adore company and thrive in lively homes.
You’ll often see:
- People-oriented, greeting visitors with enthusiasm
- Curious and alert
- Sometimes anxious if left alone too long
- A cheerful spirit, quick to forgive minor lapses
“They don’t seem to have any aggression in them at all … I have a child who is nearly 4 and our Bichon is fantastic with her.”
With the right environment and reassurance, they become affectionate, confident companions.
Training
Training a Bichon is like teaching a bubbly toddler, they’ll pick up things fast if you make it fun, but get boring and they’ll zone out.
Training tips:
- Start early with socialisation
- Use positive reinforcement — treats, praise, games
- Keep sessions short (5–10 mins)
- Emphasise recall, quiet behaviour, impulse control
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll try the “ignore you” trick, so rewards and warmth work better than sternness.
Need help when that fluffy, stubborn streak kicks in? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer — it can help tailor training to a Bichon’s mindset.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Bichons are more likely to greet strangers with enthusiasm than to guard your door. They bark, yes, usually to alert, not to threaten. With early socialisation, they tend toward friendliness.
- Likely to bark at visitors or noises
- Usually friendly with people after meeting
- Socialisation helps moderate reactivity
Other Animals
Many Bichons live peacefully with other pets. Their small size and friendly nature make cohabitation easier, though care is needed when introducing them to more dominant or larger animals.
- Introduce in calm, neutral territory
- Supervise first interactions
- Respect personalities and avoid forced closeness
Grooming
Ah, the fluffy twist. Bichons look gorgeous, but that coat demands serious attention. Skip grooming and you’ll know it (mats, tangles, discomfort).
Routine care:
- Daily brushing/combing to prevent tangles
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
- Regular eye cleaning (tear stains) and ear checks
- Bathe as needed — not daily
- Nail, dental, and paw care
Pickles’ Aside: If you thought your lint roller was good, the Bichon will test your resolve daily.
Grooming Commitment Warning
This coat is not “wash and forget.” You’ll need dedication, tools, or regular groomer visits.
Health
Bichons are generally sturdy, but there are breed-specific issues to know and watch for.
Common concerns:
- Skin allergies and sensitivities
- Eye issues (cataracts, dry eye)
- Patellar luxation (knee problems)
- Dental disease (crowded small mouths)
- Ear infections
- Anxiety/separation stress
“They are not good dogs for being left on their own … he barks if I’m out more than 20–30 minutes in the morning.”
Always ask breeders for health clearances and genetic screening, and refer to our Best in Breeder Guide for what to check in a good line.
Cost of Ownership
Small doesn’t mean cheap. In the UK, here’s what to plan for with a Bichon:
- Puppy price: ~ £1,200–£2,000 (for pedigree and health-tested lines)
- Insurance: £30–£70/month (depending on age and health history)
- Food: ~ £20–£40/month (small appetite, but quality matters)
- Grooming and trimming: £30–£80/month (DIY and professional mix)
- Vet and health care: £150–£400/year (dental, skin, eyes, check-ups)
Famous Owners & Moments
- Bichons have often been seen in European royal courts as companion dogs, prized for their cheerful looks and loyal nature.
- Their image in popular culture is generally associated with gentle, pampered companion dogs rather than working roles, reinforcing their status as beloved lap dogs.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Bichons never bark.” | They do bark — usually to alert, or when lonely, or trying to get your attention. |
| “They’re low maintenance.” | Far from it. Grooming, skin care, coat work make them high maintenance. |
| “Small dogs are easy.” | Their size hides health & behavioural needs — they need just as much care in their own way. |
FAQs
Are Bichons good with children?
Yes, generally — they’re gentle and playful. But small size means rough play is risky, so supervision is necessary.
Do Bichons shed a lot?
They shed minimally compared to many breeds, but their clipped coat still sends some hair around.
Are Bichons easy to train?
Yes — when the training is fun, consistent, and kind. They resist harshness.
How much exercise do they need?
Around 30–60 minutes daily, including mental challenges and play.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Bringing a Bichon Frise into your home is like adopting a little ball of sunshine. Their joyful greeting, soft fur, and friendly energy bring warmth to everyday life. You’ll have a companion who wants to be near you, who loves walks, cuddles, and doing tricks. But there’s a flip side. Their coat demands relentless grooming, and you’ll pay for that in supplies or groomer hours.
They dislike being left alone. Even 20 or 30 minutes unattended may lead to barking or anxiety. Health-wise, you must watch eyes, skin, dental health, and possibly allergies.
They’re not a “set and forget” dog; they expect attention, care, routine, and time. If your lifestyle can match that, if you’re ready to brush daily, invest in vet checks, and patiently train, you’ll find that a Bichon becomes more than a pet: a fluffy best friend.
Make the start smooth with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and capture their adorable face forever with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small
- Weight: ~5–8 kg
- Lifespan: ~12–15 years
- Best Trait: Cheerful, affectionate companion
- Challenging Trait: Grooming, separation anxiety, skin sensitivity