The Bichon Frise is an eye-catching little dog with a fluffy, snow-white coat and round black eyes. When translated from French, Bichon Frise literally means 'curly lap dog' but the breed is also known as the Bichon Tenerife or Tenerife Dog. They make bright, happy companions that are good with both people and other animals. Thinking about getting a Bichon Frise? Find out more about their temperament, as well as useful grooming and training tips below.
| Size: | Small, adult dogs can weigh 3-5kg, with an average height of 23-30cm. |
|---|---|
| Coat: | The breed's distinctive 'powder puff' coat needs daily grooming, as it doesn't shed very much at all. Your Bichon Frise should be taken for regular trips to a professional groomer to keep their coat in top condition. |
| Exercise: | Up to an hour a day for adult dogs. |
| Life span: | 15+ years |
| Breed group: | Originally bred to look beautiful, the Bichon Frise is part of the toy dogs group. They are usually small, attractive and extremely faithful, making them charming, loyal companions. |
Bichon Frise dogs are upbeat, amusing and eager to please.
Once bred as star performers in circuses and travelling shows, Bichon Frises have a cheerful temperament and a willingness to learn. Today, these winning traits mean they can adapt to most households, including those with children and cats. However, you'll need to train and socialise your Bichon Frise properly, as this breed can be quite vocal.
As Bichon Frises don't require much exercise, it's important not to overfeed them - including sneaking them too many treats! 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.
You should also be aware that some Bichon Frise health issues will require a special diet. Liver problems, bladder stones and allergies could all affect what you feed your Bichon Frise.
Working out how much exercise a Bichon Frise needs is an important step in learning how to care for them. Most adult dogs need 30 minutes to an hour of walking and playtime every day. This low amount of exercise means that they're a good dog for older owners, especially as they thrive in environments where someone is at home all day.
Intelligent and self-assured, Bichon Frises can become overbearing without careful guidance from their owners. Use our puppy training tips as a guide to help lay the foundations for good behaviour. Puppy training from around three months old can reduce the likelihood of common Bichon Frise problems, including excessive barking and slow housetraining. But as they're clever and eager to please, they respond especially well to positive reinforcement methods.
Adult Bichon Frises are known for their white, wool-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 they don't shed as frequently as other breeds, making them suitable for some allergy sufferers.
As well as daily brushing to reduce mats, your Bichon Frise will need regular trips to a professional groomer. A groomer will be able to remove hair from the ears, allowing air to circulate this area more freely and reducing the risk of health issues such as ear infections. You'll also be able to choose between different cuts and grooming styles. Find more of our dog grooming tips to help your pet stay in the best condition.
Ensure your Bichon Frise gets the protection they need, including cover for hereditary and congenital conditions with Petplan dog insurance.
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