Bichon Frise

Size

What size is a Bichon Frise?

Small. Male and females are usually about 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh roughly 7 to 12 pounds.

Exercise

How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?

At least 30 minutes a day

Coat

Does a Bichon Frise shed and what length is their coat?

They generally do not shed and their coat length is medium. They need to be groomed often, as their white coat can get dirty easily and their fur gets tangled when it grows out. It is recommended that you groom their coat daily, and go to a professionally groomer every couple of months.

Temperament/Personality

What type of personality does a Bichon have?

A Bichon Frise is usually a playful, intelligent dog and make a great family pet. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and they love learning tricks. Bichons are highly independent dogs, but they don’t love being alone for too long, as they enjoy company and attention.

Lifespan

What is the lifespan of a Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frise usually have a lifespan of at least 10 years.

Health

Allergies

• Allergies can effect Bichons due to several different causes, including contact allergies and food allergies. They are well known for being sensitive to flea bites as well. If your Bichon is scratching, licking at their paws, or rubbing their face often, suspect that he has an allergy and have him checked by your vet.

Vaccines

• Some Bichons can be sensitive to vaccines. Symptoms usually include hives, facial swelling, soreness, and lethargy.

Cataracts

• Juvenile Cataracts sometimes develop in relatively young (less than six years old) Bichons. This is thought to be hereditary. When buying a Bichon puppy, be sure to ask if the breeder her breeding stock is certified and ask to see the certificates yourself.

FAQ

How do I know I am picking the right Bichon Frise puppy?

You should use our Puppy Adoption Checklist to ensure you are covering all of the basics.

What does Bichon Frise mean?

“Bichon Frise” is French for “curly lap dog.” “Bichon” is a type of lap dog, and “frise” is French for “curly.” 

How to stop matted hair in Bichon Frise?

Even though the Bichon Frise is considered to be a low-shedding breed, their longer hair often gets caught in their undercoat. This hair needs to be brushed out, so mats don’t form. The hair also keeps growing, so this breed needs to be fully groomed every four to six weeks.