The Bichon Frisé is a beloved choice among dog lovers in a world where canine companionship is cherished.
Known for its charming personality and fluffy white coat, this breed not only delights families with its playful antics but also requires dedicated care and attention.
After Flynn, the adorable Bichon frisé won Best in Show at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club competition, and interest in the breed spiked.
It happened again when Neal won the non-sporting group at both the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club competition and the same group at the 2024 AKC National Championship.
But is a Bichon Frisé, pronounced BEE-shon Free-ZAY, the right dog for you?
Instead, research and consider essential factors such as grooming requirements, exercise needs, and socialization strategies.
Breed characteristics
Bichon frisé, French for “fluffy white dog,” is an excellent general description of this breed, which was initially bred to be pampered by French royalty.
The American Kennel Club says the breed is easy to train and has a charismatic, cheerful, and curious disposition. At Westminster, Flynn put those characteristics to great use by charming the judge by holding up his paw to shake and enthusiastically wagging his tail.
The breed alternates between short bursts of energy and cuddly, snuggly time. They are good with children and other dogs. The dogs are small, typically 12-18 pounds, and have a typical life expectancy of 15 years.
Health concerns
These little dogs are generally healthy but can be prone to health conditions like all dogs.
Potential owners must recognize these concerns and work with their vet to ensure their dog’s long and healthy life.
Allergies: Bichon Frisés are susceptible to skin allergies, leading to itching, hair loss, and skin infections. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups can help manage these issues.
Ear infections: Due to their floppy ears, Bichon Frisés are at a higher risk for developing ear infections. Owners should clean their ears regularly and keep them dry to prevent problems.
Dental issues: This breed is prone to dental problems like periodontal disease. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, is essential.
Patellar luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates, causing lameness or difficulty walking. It can be mild or severe and may require surgery in serious cases.
Cloudy eyes: Bichon Frisés can develop cataracts and other eye conditions, which may affect their vision as they age. Regular veterinary eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment.
Hypoglycemia: Bichons can experience low blood sugar levels, particularly in young puppies, leading to weakness or lethargy. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help mitigate this risk.
Diabetes: Some dogs develop this disease and need a special diet and daily insulin injections.
Weight gain: Bichon Frisés love food, making them prone to obesity, which can lead to other health issues, such as diabetes and joint problems. A balanced diet and regular exercise are key to maintaining a healthy weight.
Temperament
The Bichon Frisé is well-known for its charming and cheerful disposition. These small dogs are typically friendly, affectionate, and playful.
Their outgoing nature means they often get along well with children and other pets, thriving in social environments. Bichons are also intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement.
However, despite their endearing qualities, Bichon Frisés may face behavioral challenges.
One common issue is separation anxiety. Due to their strong attachment to their owners, they can become distressed when left alone for extended periods.
This anxiety may manifest in destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture or excessive barking.
Another potential challenge is their tendency to be stubborn. While they are intelligent, Bichons can also exhibit a bit of a ‘selective hearing’ phenomenon, mainly when not motivated by treats or play.
Consistent and patient training is essential to overcome this stubborn streak.
Additionally, Bichons may be prone to barking, especially if they feel threatened or excited. This can make them vocal and sometimes tricky to manage.
Socialization from a young age is vital to helping them become well-adjusted adults and mitigating excessive barking.
Finally, due to their gentle temperament, they can be sensitive to harsh corrections.
Owners must use positive reinforcement to establish a strong bond and foster good behavior.
Exercise needs
The Bichon Frisé is a lively and playful breed that thrives on regular physical activity and mental stimulation.
Although small, these dogs have a moderate energy level, which requires daily exercise to keep them healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.
Daily walks are essential for Bichon Frisés. They typically last about 30 minutes to an hour but can be split into shorter sessions throughout the day. This allows them to burn off energy and explore their surroundings.
It’s also beneficial to incorporate playtime in a secure area where they can run and play off-leash, such as a fenced yard or a dog park. In addition to walks, interactive play is crucial.
Activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or dog sports like agility training can provide physical and mental exercise, preventing boredom and behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.
Bichon Frisés also enjoy playing with toys, particularly those that challenge their problem-solving skills, such as treat-dispensing puzzles.
It’s important to remember that while they are energetic, Bichon Frisés can also tire quickly due to their small stature.
Therefore, monitoring their exercise intensity and duration is key to ensuring they get the right amount of activity without overexertion.
Train and socialize
Training and socializing a Bichon Frisé is essential for ensuring they become well-adjusted, friendly companions.
These small dogs are known for their cheerful personalities and affectionate nature, but they can also exhibit stubborn behaviors if not properly trained.
Here are some necessary steps to effectively train and socialize your Bichon Frisé:
Start early: Begin training and socialization as early as possible, ideally during the puppy stage. Puppies’ critical socialization period is between 3 and 14 weeks of age, during which they need to be exposed to various people, environments, and other animals.
Use positive reinforcement: Bichon Frisés respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward good behavior.
For instance, when your Bichon Frisé bichon frise puppy successfully follows a command or interacts well with other dogs, offer a treat or lots of praise to reinforce that behavior.
Keep bichon frise training sessions short: Due to their playful nature, Bichon Frisés can have short attention spans.
Keep training sessions brief—around 5 to 10 minutes—and make them fun to maintain their interest. Incorporate games and playful interactions to make learning enjoyable.
Socialize gradually: Introduce your Bichon to other dogs and people gradually.
Start with calm, friendly dogs, and supervise all interactions. This will help your dog build confidence and develop social skills without overwhelming it.
Take your Bichon to different settings, such as busy streets, stores that allow dogs, or pet-friendly locations. This exposure helps them become accustomed to various sights, sounds, and experiences, reducing anxiety in new situations.
Teach basic commands: Train your Bichon Frisé on essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.”
Consistent practice helps establish a strong foundation and builds a trusting relationship between you and your pet.
Be patient and consistent: Training takes time and patience. Stay consistent with commands and routines, and avoid using harsh corrections.
If your Bichon struggles with a command, take a step back and try a different approach or distraction.
Enroll in puppy classes: Consider enrolling your Bichon Frisé in obedience or socialization programs.
These structured settings allow for interaction with other dogs and guided training, making learning easier for you and your dog.
Following these steps and fostering a positive training environment can help your Bichon Frisé become a well-socialized and obedient companion.
Remember, the key is patience, consistency, and lots of love.
Grooming the Bichon Frisé
Bred to be hypoallergenic dogs, they rarely shed.
The Bichon Frisé belongs to the same family of dogs as the Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese, and Coton de Tulear but differs because the Bichon Frisé is the only one with a double coat.
The Bichon’s coat is like a fuffy white cloud that requires daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles and occasional professional grooming to keep it trimmed. Include the cost of hiring a professional groomer in your budget.
Grooming is critical for these small dogs. Don’t forget to use an undercoat rake to prevent tangles. Neglected coats can quickly become matted, leading to severe skin infections.
If left alone, the dog’s coat is long and curly. Creative haircuts performed by professional groomers or skilled owners create the breed’s distinctive look.
Acquiring a Bichon Frisé
Purchasing a Bichon frisé from a reputable breeder will cost $250 to $2,500, with an average price of $650.
You can also adopt one through PetFinder or Small Paws Rescue. In the past 16 years, the group has rescued more than 10,000 bichon frisés from shelters and owners who no longer can care for them.
Sara B. Hansen has spent 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ editor@dogsbestlife.com.