If you’re looking for a fluffy and charming little dog, then the bichon frise could be the perfect breed for you! Carry on reading to find out more about these cute little dogs.
Breed Snapshot
- Size: Small (3 – 5 kg)
- Coat: Low-shedding coat that is quite high maintenance.
- Energy: High-energy breed. Around 30 minutes of exercise is required daily.
- Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
- Country of origin: Italy
- Breed type: A member of the toy dog group. These little dogs are like fluffy clouds and are intelligent and easy to train.
- Other names: Bichon
- Great breed for: Apartment living Families with children and other pets
What is a bichon frise?
The bichon frise is a small breed that comes from the same family as the Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese, and Coton de Tulear. The name bichon frise is French for ‘curly lap dog’. These cute little dogs were once popular in the Mediterranean and were used as trade items. The breed also featured in many paintings. By the 19th century, the breed had been reduced to accompanying organ grinders, and it could often be seen performing on the streets and in circuses.
Today, these little dogs make playful and intelligent family companions that can easily be taught tricks. They also get on well with other dogs and animals.
What do bichon frises look like?
The bichon frise is a small, sturdy dog that look like a fluffy cloud. It has a slightly rounded skull, arched neck, and deep chest. The eyes are round and either black or dark brown in colour, and the nose is black. The drop ears are covered in long, flowing hair, and the plumed tail is carried over the back. These dogs stand at around 23 to 30 cm and weigh around 3 to 5 kg.
The bichon frise has a non-shedding double coat that is commonly white in colour, but it can also come in cream, grey, or apricot.
What makes the bichon frise special?
The bichon frise has a non-shedding coat that is good for those who suffer from allergies. Their small size makes them an excellent choice for people who live in apartments or small living spaces. They are playful, intelligent, affectionate, and can be great at performing tricks. This breed also loves to be cuddled and hugged by everyone.
How often do I need to groom my bichon frise?
The bichon frise’s thick coat doesn’t develop fully until it is about a year old. The thick, curly, and dense coat requires a lot of daily attention to avoid matting. If the coat gets matted, it can lead to serious skin conditions in this breed. The hair around the eyes also needs to be trimmed regularly, and bathing should be performed periodically. Professional clipping and grooming is recommended for this breed – check out the petcloud.com.au website to find grooming and clipping services near you.
How often should I walk my bichon frise?
These active little dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, including some play activities, to keep them entertained.
How do I train my bichon frise?
Bichon frises are generally easy to train, as they have an outgoing nature and love to play and learn new things. Harsh training methods will not work with these little dogs, so always remember to use consistent training methods with plenty of positive reinforcement. Many of these dogs are trained for obedience, agility, and rally competitions.
Quickfire bichon frise questions
How long will my bichon frise live?
Bichon frises have a good lifespan of around 12 to 15 years.
Can my bichon frise be left alone during the day?
Bichon frises need a great deal of companionship and do not take to being left home alone for long periods of time. If they are continually left on their own, they can suffer emotionally. It is therefore best to consider pet day care services if your dog is going to be left home alone on a regular basis – take a look at petcloud.co.au for details on pet day care services in your area.
Are bichon frises ‘barkers’?
The bichon frise is an average ‘barker’. The breed tends to bark when it wants to attract its owner’s attention, to warn about a possible intruder, or to express its unhappiness about being left home alone.
What kind of health risks do bichon frises face?
Bichon frises, like many breeds, can suffer from a few health conditions, such as allergies, patella luxation, and hip dysplasia.
Where can I get a bichon frise?
If you have now decided that these fluffy little dogs are perfect for you and your family, then you will obviously want to know where to get one from. It is important to look around for the best places in your area to purchase a bichon frise. Search to find reputable breeders and avoid buying from pet shops, puppy mills, online marketplaces, or anywhere that does not allow you to see the puppy’s parents.
You can also look at the RSPCA website that will guide you on how to adopt a puppy or dog.
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