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The bichon frise is a small non-sporting dog breed with long, curly white hair that makes their dark eyes and nose pop. Many say bichons are fluffy like a cotton ball and resemble a “living stuffed animal.” These are peppy, people-oriented dogs that don’t like being left alone. One of their favorite spots will probably be snuggling in your lap.

Learn more about the bichon frise, including their temperament, history, and care needs.

Characteristics of the Bichon Frise

Bichon frises tend to have a very playful and affectionate personality, and they love people. They also have a good temperament for kids and other household pets. They respond fairly well to training and typically don't bark a lot.

History of the Bichon Frise

The earliest bichons can be traced back to the 13th century in the Canary Islands. Sailors took them aboard their ships and used them in trade, thus making the dog popular around Europe. Aristocrats especially took a shine to these fluffy little canines and treated them as pampered lapdogs.

Many bichons lost their aristocratic owners during the French Revolution. But luckily street performers picked some up and trained them to perform tricks for money. The breed ended up being a staple at circuses and fairs. 

The bichon struggled again during the World Wars, but people in France and Belgium worked to preserve the breed and set its official standard. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1972.

Bichon Frise Care

Bichon frises don't need an excessive amount of activity, but they shouldn't be couch potatoes either. They also require proper training and socialization to be well-mannered dogs. And their grooming is somewhat involved.

Exercise

Bichons often have bursts of high energy followed by restful spells. They should get at least an hour of exercise per day via activities such as walks and play sessions.

It’s ideal to have a fenced area where they can run freely, as well. Many bichons even enjoy dog sports to challenge their bodies and minds.

Grooming

The soft, curly coat of the bichon frise grows continuously and sheds minimally. Because of this coat type, routine grooming is an absolute necessity. Otherwise, their cute coat can become matted and tangled.

Bichon frises should be brushed at least two to three times per week. Haircuts are usually necessary every four to six weeks. Make sure to keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to maintain a clear sightline

Bichons also will need a bath roughly every month, depending on how dirty they get. Their white fur shows dirt easily, and they are prone to developing tear stains around their eyes.

Check the nails about every month to see whether they need a trim. And look in your dog's ears weekly for any wax buildup, dirt, and other abnormalities. Finally, aim to brush your bichon's teeth daily to help prevent dental disease.

Training

The bichon frise needs proper training and socialization to be happy and well-adjusted. Do not make the mistake of skipping training just because the bichon is a small and generally affable dog. Bad habits can develop when you let training slide.

Bichon frises tend to learn quickly, though housebreaking can take some extra effort. They respond well to positive training methods; harsh corrections can cause them to shut down and not learn.

Socialize your bichon with different people and in various scenarios to boost their comfort and confidence. Bichons tend to be adaptable dogs who are friendly with strangers, but it's good to reinforce this with positive experiences.

If you must be away from home for long periods on most days, a bichon frise might develop separation anxiety and destructive habits. Having another dog for company might help. Crate training can also help curb destructive behavior when you are away from home.

Common Health Problems

This is an overall healthy breed, but bichon frises still are prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to various things, such as environmental allergens and food allergens. Work with your veterinarian to figure out the cause of your dog’s symptoms, whether they have itchy skin or digestive problems, so you can reduce exposure to the allergens.
• Dental disease: Many dogs develop dental disease that impacts the health of their teeth and gums. Check your dog’s mouth often, but also have your vet check their mouth to see if there are signs of problems like gum disease, cracked teeth, etc.
• Luxating patella: This is a common problem in small dogs. It occurs when the kneecap slips out of its groove. Symptoms include limping and licking the knee.
• Bladder infections: A bladder infection, or urinary tract infection (UTI), can cause symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine, among others. Antibiotics might be necessary.
• Cataracts and other eye problems: Bichon frises can develop eye problems like cataracts (clouding of lens), glaucoma (increased pressure in eye), dry eye, and more.
• Hip dysplasia: This is when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. It can cause pain, limping, unusual gait, and difficulty jumping or rising.

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water available for your dog. And provide a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. It’s typical to feed two measured meals per day. But discuss the quantity and type of diet with your vet to make sure you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs.

Even though these dogs often know how to work their humans for treats, be mindful of extra food to prevent overeating. Even a pound of weight gain is significant for a small dog. 

Where to Adopt or Buy a Bichon Frise

Because bichon frises are quite popular dogs, it’s worth checking local animal shelters for one in need of a home. Also, see whether there are any breed-specific rescue groups in your area.

For a reputable breeder puppy, expect to pay around $700 to $2,500 on average, though this can vary widely.

For further information to help you find a bichon frise, check out:

• Bichon Frise Club of America
• Bichon Frise Rescue
• American Kennel Club Marketplace
  

Bichon Frise Overview

The bichon frise is a great choice if you are looking for a little dog. These canines are affectionate and playful, and they are hypoallergenic for those with allergies. However, they have high grooming needs and need proper training and socialization.

Pros of Bichon Frises

• Generally very sweet and friendly
• Often good around kids
• Can live in a small space
  

Cons of Bichon Frises

• Needs more than basic grooming
• Prone to separation anxiety
• Prone to allergies and dental disease
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Do plenty of research first to determine whether a bichon frise is right for your lifestyle. Talk to veterinarians, bichon owners, rescue groups, and reputable breeders. Also, try to visit with some bichon frises in person if possible.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Maltese
• Havanese
• Lhasa Apso
• Poochon

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!