
Bichon Frise

A star performer who is confident, amusing and eager to please.
Vital stats
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Size: | Small |
Coat: | Requires daily grooming and regular trips to a professional groomer |
Exercise | Up to 1 hour a day |
Life span: | 15+ years |
Breed group: | Toy |
Temperament: | Playful, affectionate, feisty |
Bichon Frise temperament & personality

Adaptable and cheerful, Bichon Frises do well in most households, including those with children and cats.
- Harking back to their history in the spotlight, these sociable little dogs love nothing more than being at the heart of the action.
- Bichon Frises are born people pleasers with high intelligence and a willingness to learn.
- This breed can be prone to separation anxiety and don’t like being left alone for long periods; they will thrive in environments where someone is home most of the day.
- Bichon Frises can be quite vocal, so training and early socialisation is key.
Bichon Frise training & exercise

Training tips
- Willing to learn and eager to please, Bichon Frises tend to pick up training easily and respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
- This self-assured breed may become overbearing if not trained well from an early age.
- Start puppy training from around three months old to reduce the likelihood of common Bichon Frise problems, including excessive barking and slow housetraining.
Keeping them happy
- Prone to separation anxiety, Bichon Frises can exhibit unwanted behaviours such as barking, whining, scratching and chewing if they are left alone for too long, so they need lots of human interaction.
- This breed has the energy of a dog twice their size and regular games and interaction are needed to keep their energy in check.
Exercise
- Energetic and alert, adult Bichon Frises need 30 minutes exercise a day.
Common Bichon Frise health conditions
Bichon Frises generally are more prone to developing diabetes than other dogs, but can also develop it as a result of other conditions such as being overweight, inflammation of the pancreas or taking other drugs that interfere with insulin production.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin which is required to regulate body sugar and fat metabolism. Without the regulation of sugars much like humans this can cause various issues such as cataracts and other organ damage.
Signs of diabetes in dogs are also similar to humans; excessive thirst, increased urination and weight loss are all potential signs so speak to your vet if you're concerned. Diabetes can be successfully managed but is a long term condition requiring an injection of insulin once or twice a day, along with regulated feeding routines.

Bichon Frise grooming

Bichon Frises’ curly coat makes them less likely to shed than other breeds and better suited for some allergy sufferers.
- Adult Bichon Frises are known for their white, cloud-like coat, but puppies can also have overtones of other colours such as grey, buff or apricot.
- Their trademark curls catch the shorter undercoat as it moults, meaning Bichon Frises don’t shed as frequently as other breeds, making them more suitable for some allergy sufferers.
- As well as daily brushing, to prevent matting, your Bichon Frise will need regular trips to a professional groomer to ensure your dog’s health. You’ll also be able to choose different cuts and styles for your dog.
Bichon Frise nutrition

- Bichon Frise puppies should be given a high-quality, breed-appropriate food in three to four small meals a day, up to six months of age, after which they can be fed twice a day instead.
- Common Bichon Frise health issues, such as diabetes, liver problems, bladder stones and allergies, could mean your dog requires a special diet. If one of these conditions is diagnosed your vet will be able to help advise what changes they may need to their food.
What to know before you buy or rehome a Bichon Frise

- Bichon Frises make great dogs for novice owners and families with children and other pets, who are at home most of the time.
- You will need plenty of time for training and playing with this intelligent and high energy breed.
- Like all dogs, Bichon Frises can suffer from a range of health conditions, so it is essential to get comprehensive pet insurance for your dog. A reputable breeder will be able to show you proof that your Bichon Frise puppy has been tested and cleared of specific conditions.
- Remember ‘Lucy’s Law’. Anyone who wants a new puppy or kitten in England must buy direct from the breeder or adopt from a rescue centre. All dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mother.
- Choosing the right pet insurance plan for your Bichon Frise will get you the best possible care should they need it and provide you with peace of mind that the cost of their treatment will be covered.
Bichon Frise frequently asked questions
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Bichon Frise insurance considerations
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Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.
Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.