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Bichon Frise Breed Summary
Fluffy, Happy, Playful, Affectionate and Intelligent
These dogs are a very popular breed due to their adorable appearance and loving personalities. They are fantastic around children and love to be the centre of attention. However, as they love to be around their 'hoomans' so much, they are prone to developing separation anxiety, making them slightly more difficult to live with unless you work or stay at home for most of the day.
The Bichon Frise is a very high maintenance breed, especially in the grooming department! You should expect to have them professionally groomed around once a month, which means the costs can add up very quickly.
Fun Fact: These dogs were often seen performing in circuses as they were so quick to learn and pick up new tricks!
| Lifespan | 12 - 15 years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males and Females 23cm – 28cm |
| Weight | Males and Females 3kg - 5kg |
| Coat | Soft Coat with Corkscrew Curls |
| Colour | White |
| Eye colour | Dark |
| Common health issues | Hereditary cataracts, Patella luxation, Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP), Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA), Heart disease: Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Portosystemic Shunt, Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia, Deafness, Diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus), Urolithiasis, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, Haemophilia, Ciliary dyskinesia, Episodic Cerebellar Dysfunction, Secondary glaucoma, Cancer, Basal Cell Tumors |
| Other Names | Bichon, Bichon à poil frisé, Tenerife Dog |
These gorgeous dogs are well-known for their incredibly affectionate and playful ways and make perfect family pets. They have extremely high energy so need plenty of walks and playtime. This breed is particularly intelligent and thus fairly easy to train; however, you must be gentle when training as scolding and harsh corrections can really upset your little pup. Outside of family life, these dogs make amazing therapy dogs, visiting hospitals and nursing homes bringing a smile to even the grumpiest of faces. They adore 'hoomans' and can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so if you can't bring them along to work with you or you're not at home a lot, then this may not be the right breed for you! Overall though, these fluffy guys are warm and caring creatures and make amazing companions.
This fluffy breed first appeared around the 14th century and became extremely popular with European royalty. Especially Henry lll, who was so fond of his Bichon Frise that he carried it around everywhere he went! By the 1800s, the Bichon was considered a 'commoners' dog, often used in circuses. As a result of this, they started to fall out of favour with richer individuals, and it was only due to their intelligence and appealing looks that they continued on. The French came to this breeds rescue and it was restored after the first world war. Despite their small size, these pups are not classed as a Toy Breed, rather a 'Non-sporting' breed (much too posh to partake in physical activity...). A real benefit to these little clouds is that they don't shed like other breeds, making them hypoallergenic and thus suitable for 'hoomans' who may suffer from the sniffles.