With its spherical, snowball-like head, the Bichon Frise looks like a living, breathing powder puff. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is your typical little white dog. Beneath that curly double coat is a sturdy, well-balanced physique that lends itself to agility and other speed-based sports. You haven’t seen anything until you’ve witnessed a “Bichon blitz” for yourself!
Peppy, curious, and playful, Bichons make wonderful additions to a variety of households, from downtown studio apartments to estates sprawling with young children and other pets. If you’re searching for a lapdog and don’t mind combing their luscious locks daily, look no further than this breed.
The Bichon Frise’s Temperament
The Bichon Frise has origins dating back centuries. They originated in the Mediterranean and eventually made their way to Europe in the 1200s, skyrocketing to popularity among nobility during the Renaissance. While the French Revolution cut the Bichon’s reign short, the ever-optimistic Bichon was undeterred and charmed its way back onto the laps of everyday people. These dogs even channeled their enthusiastic nature into circus performing, where they fed from the laughter and energy of adoring audiences.
Whereas some dogs were bred for herding sheep or guarding livestock, the Bichon Frise has had one purpose throughout its history: to make people smile. The word “bichon” itself roughly translates to “fluffy little dog,” with the word also used to describe Maltese, Bolognese, and Havanese.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
The merry-mannered Bichon Frise is a compact dog with a plumed tail carried across its back. Both male and female Bichons stand 9.5 to 11.5 inches at the withers and weigh 12 to 18 pounds. Per the Bichon breed standard, Bichons come in four accepted colors and three combinations: solid white, white and apricot, white and buff, and white and cream. They have dark, round eyes rimmed with “halos,” dark pigmentation that accentuates the dog’s jolly expression.
The Bichon’s beauty comes at a price, but for lovers of velvety, plush-coated dogs, maintenance isn’t an issue. The first thing to note is that Bichons have hair—not fur. Fur grows at a predetermined length (PDL), whereas hair grows at an undetermined length (UDL). If not properly trimmed every four to six weeks, your Bichon’s hair could grow endlessly and become matted.
In addition to regular trims, you should brush their hair daily (although you could get away with two or three times a week, depending on the hair’s length). Bichons don’t shed much because their loose hairs get caught in their undercoat, but you still must brush out the dead hairs to keep your Bichon’s coat at the right length, consistency, and volume.
Proper grooming is just one aspect of helping a Bichon Frise live a healthy, well-balanced life. Other considerations include regularly trimming their nails to prevent breakage and brushing your Bichon’s teeth at least two to three times a week. These dogs can suffer tooth loss and gum infections if they don’t receive consistent dental care. Additionally, because of their floppy ears, these dogs are prone to ear infections, making regular cleanings essential.
How Much Training Do Bichon Frises Need?
Your Bichon Frise will demonstrate their deceptive athleticism by running in short bursts in your living room or backyard, all before lounging the remainder of the day. Note that these dogs are surprisingly fast, and while in the throes of a “Bichon blitz,” it might be hard to recall your dog. That’s not to say that Bichons aren’t intelligent. In fact, the breed is both highly biddable and easily masters basic commands. It’s for their sharp-wittedness that Bichons make formidable opponents in the world of competitive obedience and AKC Rally.
How Social Are Bichon Frises?
At their core, Bichons are lovers, not fighters. They’re just too open to strangers to make effective watchdogs, and they aren’t particularly vocal compared to other small breeds. Still, it’s these same traits that have cemented their places in hearts worldwide.
Early socialization is key to ensure that a Bichon matures into a well-mannered dog who feels confident navigating unfamiliar situations. This isn’t difficult; the Bichon Frise is one of the dog world’s social butterflies! They eagerly greet new experiences.
Are Bichons Good for Families?
There’s a famous saying among lovers of Bichons: “There are no strangers, just friends they haven’t met yet.” Whether you’re their beloved owner or food delivery person, the Bichon wants nothing more than to win hearts. With children, these dogs make lively playmates and don’t need rigorous exercise. Bichons are also well-suited for homes with other dogs, both large and similarly-sized.
Today, Bichons are among the most popular breeds in the country, consistently ranking in the top 50 for the past decade. You may even find yourself on a reputable breeder’s waitlist for months before being able to purchase one, but it’s well worth the wait. Bichons enjoy generous lifespans, averaging 14 to 15 years. A few months of puppy preparation could translate into more than a decade of memories and friendship.