Small, fluffy and irresistibly cute, Bichon Frise are friendly little lap dogs who love to be centre of attention. They’re known for their happy-go-lucky personalities and their cheeky sense of humour.
Personality and temperament
Small, compact and with the looks of a teddy bear you once owned as a child, Bichon Frise are happy little chaps. They have been warming the laps of their humans for centuries so they’re very good at it – making them a great first dog. They’re also skilled at reading the mood in the room, making their humans laugh, being the centre of attention and spending every waking moment with their pack. They’ve never met a child or dog they didn’t like and tend to make friends wherever they go. What a life! Early socialisation can help with separation anxiety, but they are best suited to humans who are home a lot of the time.
Size and appearance
Sturdy yet agile is the perfect way to describe this small pooch. Males only tend to reach about 8kg, with females weighing slightly less. Their strong little body is covered in fluffy, cloud-like fur that needs quite a bit of grooming. As this white ‘powderpuff’ coat doesn’t shed as much as other dog breeds, they are a good option for humans who have allergies. These cuties have round eyes buried in their fur somewhere, a short muzzle and a fancy plumed tail that makes everyone smile.
History
The origins of this breed are slightly mysterious but what we do know is that they were one of the ancient breeds of Mediterranean lap dogs. Traded by sailors throughout North Africa and Europe, they became one of the more popular lap warmers for Italian and French nobility in their draughty mansions. You can see them in artworks of the time, enjoying their turn as noble pets. They almost died out in the early 20th century but luckily survived thanks to some dedicated breeders. The breed arrived in Australia and New Zealand in the 1970s and 80s and have been popular ever since.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
These cheery dogs are generally healthy, however they can be prone to some common conditions, including:
- Allergies and skin irritation
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Bladder stones
- Ear infections (due to allergies)
- Heart disease in older dogs
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Bichon Frise healthy.
Food and exercise
Like all small dogs, Bichon Frise really thrive on a nutrient-dense diet that is specially designed for their size. As they can be prone to dental disease, providing some dry food or dental toys may be recommended by your vet.
Don’t be fooled by their short legs, this breed needs about 35-40 minutes of exercise a day. Gentle walks, café visits, puzzle feeders and any activity where they can be with you will suit them just fine. Bichon Frise never say ‘no’ to an outing!
Grooming and maintenance
As you can imagine, it takes a lot of effort for Bichon Frise to look as cute as they do. Daily brushing will help catch tangles early and keep their white fur, fluffy and… well, white.
- Bathe: every 3-4 weeks
- Professional groom: every 4-6 weeks
How to groom your Bichon Frise
- Fur: brush daily to prevent matting
- Nails: trim every 2-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly (watch for redness or hair buildup)
- Eyes: wipe gently to control tear staining
Training and space requirements
Being the ultimate people pleaser, Bichon Frise do love to test their smarts with training. Short, interesting sessions work best (these little busybodies get bored easily) and don’t forget the positive reinforcement and treats. Lots of treats.
Talk about adaptable, these affable pooches have been adapting to their human families for centuries, so small space living won’t bother them. However, they still need to get enough exercise to keep them happy and sleepy at night, and they need to be around their human (or any human – they’re not choosy) as much as possible.
Best suited for…
Cute as a button, smart and a little sassy (in a fun way), Bichon Frise make cheeky and affectionate housemates for anyone wanting to add a little laughter to their home. They’re great for families (with kids of all ages), seniors, those with allergies and first-time owners who want a canine buddy to follow them everywhere.
