• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Is a Bichon frisé the right dog for you?

Posted February 18, 2018

 
bichon frise
Bichon frisé are loving and good with kids but require a lot of grooming.

After Flynn, the adorable Bichon frisé won Best in Show at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club competition, interest in the breed spiked.

But is a Bichon frisé, pronounced BEE-shon Free-ZAY, the right dog for you?

Don’t make an emotional decision based on how cute Flynn is — and, yes, he is an adorable puffball. Instead, do some research and consider these facts:

Bichon frisé characteristics

Bichon frisé, French for “fluffy white dog,” is an excellent general description for this breed 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, snuggle 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.

Grooming the Bichon frisé

Bred to be hypoallergenic, the dogs 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.

That fluffy white cloud of a coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles and occasional professional grooming to keep it trimmed. Include grooming costs in your budget.

Grooming is critical for these small dogs. Neglected coats can easily become matted, which can lead to severe skin infections.

If left alone, the dog’s coat is long and curly. The breed’s distinctive look is created by creative haircuts performed by professional groomers or skilled owners, according to VetStreet.com.

Acquiring a Bichon frisé

bichon frise
Grooming is critical for these small dogs. Neglected coats can easily become matted, which can lead to severe skin infections.

Purchasing a Bichon frisé from a breeder will cost $250 to $2,500, with an average price of $650.

You can also adopt the dogs through PetFinder or Small Paws Rescue, which has rescued more than 10,000 bichon frisés in the past 16 years from across the United States. The group rescues the dogs from shelters and owners who no longer can care for them.
 
Sara B. HansenSara 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.

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

 

Related Posts

  • Boxer puppy looks sad. Boxers are one of five perfect dog breeds for first-time owners.
    5 perfect dog breeds for first-time owners

    Perfect dog breeds for first-time owners include Boxers, Boston Terriers,…

  • biddable dog
    Choose the right dog breed for you

    If you’re considering getting a dog, check out the characteristics…

  • Dependent dog or independent dog? Choose the right breed for you

    Determine your lifestyle, time and patience when deciding whether to…

  • toy breeds
    Toy breeds: Handle with care

    Toy breeds are more prone to injury and illness due…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on X (Twitter) Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Adoption, Dog Breeds, Home Page Tagged With: Bichon frisé, Petfinder.com, Small dogs

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

PandemicTicksThanksgivingValentine's DayRescue dogPomeranianService dogsSheddingOutdoor activitiesVacation dog careSeparation anxietyWaterWorking dogsYorkshire terrierPit bullPawNon-shedding breedsSmall dogsSocializationPetfinder.comTwo dogsPuppy kindergartenOld dogsPet parentsVeterinarianRottweilerPotty trainingPuppy-proofPet sitterPoodle

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Take steps to help older dog adjust when you add new dog
    Older dogs usually accept a new dog, but some struggle. Let the dogs work it out. Step in only if the situation could become violent. […]
  • 9 benefits of enrolling your dog in a dog training camp
    Consider enrolling your dog in a dog training camp to modify behaviors, build confidence, and improve safety. […]
  • 10 tips to leash train an older dog
    Use many of the same tricks and tactics you would with a puppy to leash train an older dog. Stand still if the dog pulls, and give plenty of tasty treats. […]
  • Understand 5 reasons why dogs don’t chew their food
    When your dog doesn't chew its food, it may be a sign the dog doesn't like the food, or it's too easy to swallow. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy · Disclaimer
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.