Bichon

Bichon

The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed with long, curly white hair that makes its dark eyes and nose pop. Many say Bichons are fluffy like a cotton ball and resemble a ‘living stuffed animal’. They are preppy, people-lover dogs that dislike being left alone.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-sporting 

HEIGHT: 9.5 to 11.5 inches

WEIGHT: 12 to 18 pounds

COAT: Long, curly

COAT COLOUR: White, white and apricot, white and buff, white and cream

LIFE SPAN: 14 to 15 years

TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, friendly, playful

HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes

ORIGIN: Spain

Characteristics of the Bichon

Bichons 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.

Affection LevelHigh
FriendlinessHigh
Kid-FriendlyHigh
Pet-FriendlyHigh
Exercise NeedsMedium
PlayfulnessHigh
Energy LevelMedium
TrainabilityMedium
IntelligenceMedium
Tendency to BarkMedium
Amount of SheddingLow

Bichon Care

Bichons don’t need an excessive amount of activity, but they shouldn’t be couch potatoes either. They also require proper training and socialisation 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 also enjoy dog sports to challenge their bodies and minds.

Grooming

The soft, curly coat of a Bichon grows continuously and sheds minimally. Because of this coat type, routine grooming is a necessity or the coat may become matted and tangled. They should be brushed at least two to three times per week, and get a haircut every four to six weeks.

They also need a bath roughly every month. Their white fur shows dirt easily, and they are prone to developing tear stains around their eyes. Nails to be checked every month for a trim. Aim to brush its teeth daily to prevent dental disease. 

Training

Bichons need proper training and socialisation to be happy and well-adjusted. They tend to learn quickly and respond well to positive training methods. Socialise your Bichon early to boost its confidence and comfort around strangers.

Common Health Problems

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

  • Allergies
  • Dental disease
  • Luxating patella
  • Bladder infections
  • Cataracts and other eye problems
  • Hip dysplasia

Diet and Nutrition

Twice per day with ¼ to ¾ cup dry dog food. Always have fresh water available for your dog. And provide a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. Even though these dogs often know how to work their owners for extra treats, be mindful to prevent overeating.