Get to know

Bichon Frises

Written by
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
 author of 34 dog books.
Veterinarian reviewed
 by Nate Ritter, DVM.
Written by
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
 author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.

Veterinarian reviewed

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The Blessed Bichons

This living puffball is as bouncy and fun as any real ball.

But a lot more loving…
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40+ available Bichon Frise puppies

$2.3k average price

40+ certified Bichon Frise breeders

44 active litters

At a glance

Low Energy

Energy level

2/5

High Maintenance

Grooming

5/5

Small

Size

Bubbly, alert, affectionate

Temperament

14-15 years

Lifespan

Quick to Learn

Training

4/5

Medium Vocality

Barking

3/5

At a glance

  • Energy level

    Low Energy

  • Grooming

    High Maintenance

  • Size

    Small

  • Temperament

    Bubbly, alert, affectionate

  • Lifespan

    14-15 years

  • Training

    Quick to Learn

  • Barking

    Medium Vocality

Why people love the breed

Bichons are ridiculously cute, so much so they look like a cartoon of an adorable dog. And they’re just as cute in personality as they are in looks.
These little white dogs are playful, perpetually perky, and get along with everyone whether human, canine or anything else they encounter. They would even make friends with aliens if they could meet one. They are perfect companions for gentle children and equally good for the elderly, content to play in the house or sleep in the bed. Their small size makes them versatile and easy to have around. They are eye-catching and will be the cause of many strangers stopping you to pet them. They are easy to train and enjoy showing off tricks they have learned. Plus, their coat feels so good when petted, as it seems to push in and spring back like a cushion of clouds.

Appearance

The Bichon is like a giant dandelion puff come to life in a super-animated dog form.
The body is compact and sturdy, with a level topline and well-plumed tail carried forward over the back. It has a moderate tuck up. The eyes are round, the ears hanging. The dark eyes and nose give the appearance of a very cute snowman in the face. The coat is very thick and poofy. When pushed, it springs back into place. When groomed for the show ring the legs are groomed into rounded columns. And the head into almost a perfect circle. The color is pure white, although they may have some cream markings. The Bichon’s movement is noteworthy, as it is as springy as its coat, with an effortless gait and the ability to jump straight up and down.

Grooming

Grooming is part of owning a Bichon. For some owners, it’s one of the best parts.
Many people find that a nightly grooming session in front of the television is relaxing. Others don’t. Make sure you know which type of person you are before committing to a Bichon. It’s true that shaving them will cut down on grooming considerably, but then you lose that adorable cotton ball look. You can learn to shave your dog yourself, but you won’t do a very good job. For that, you need a professional who can either shave your dog fairly short or scissor the correct coat pattern. Your dog might need to go to the groomer about every 4 to 6 weeks. You must do your part at home to prevent matting. This means combing all the way down to the skin every evening to make sure mats are not forming. You may also want to quickly bathe the beard after meals, or at least rinse it. White dogs stain easily, and saliva or tears can stain the white coat red. They shed very little. Bathe periodically. Check the ears for debris weekly, keep the toenails short, and brush the teeth daily.
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Siren Bichon Frise

Breed temperament and characteristics

Bichons epitomize charm with their adorable appearance and delightful personality.
Playful and friendly, they make ideal companions for individuals of all ages, with their small size adding to their versatility and appeal. Their compact, sturdy bodies and thick, poofy coats exude an air of elegance which adds to their irresistible allure. Despite their small size and fluffy appearance, Bichons adapt seamlessly to diverse environments, capable of keeping up with active families or enjoying a stroll in the park, making them an all-around breed well-suited for various lifestyles. Overall, the Bichon Frise embodies a perfect blend of affection, sociability, and charisma, making them not only wonderful companions but also delightful additions to anyone seeking joy in their lives.

Exercise

The spunky, bubbly Bichon is always ready to play.
Although energetic, the Bichon’s exercise needs can be met in a smaller area. They might tire themselves out zooming around an apartment, or even playing games of fetch and find, running from room to room. But just because they can exercise indoors, doesn't mean they always should. Like any dog, they relish the chance to go outside, roll in the grass, sniff the sidewalk, and mostly, meet the neighbors. This breed is a bit too large to carry comfortably in a doggy purse, although it could be done. But they would far prefer to walk. The Bichon is generally a well-behaved dog park attendee, but only if the park has a separate section for small dogs. Bichons tend to play well with others, but size is still a consideration.
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Blessed Treasures Bichons

Training

Bichons were originally bred as companions and as street and circus performers. Learning is in their genes.
Bichons love any excuse to interact with you, and the chance to learn some tricks is high on their list of fun things to do. They are eager to please and eager to show off what they’ve learned. They work well for treats and a quick interactive game. Training for grooming is actually a vital part of training. Start when your Bichon is young by handling all their limbs and feet, looking in their ears and mouth, and brushing them. You can start with them on your lap. Bichons are eager performers and especially love learning tricks. They also do well in obedience and agility. There is one thing Bichons don’t learn easily: They are notoriously hard to housebreak. This means you must be especially diligent with them as puppies lest they form bad habits.

Diet and nutrition

Bichons can thrive on commercial diets.
Bichon Frise puppies should eat three meals a day until they are about 4 months old, then twice daily. Adult diets can be offered starting at around nine months of age. Older Bichons, especially if neutered or spayed, can start to pack on pounds. A Bichon should be trim and muscular, with an indication from the side and top of a smaller waist. You may have to feel under the coat for it. Ask your veterinarian's opinion if you worry your Bichon may be over-- or underweight. Some health problems require special diets that may only be available through prescription. Your veterinarian will discuss these options with you if necessary.
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Cambeas Puppies

Health issues

Bichons are overall a very healthy breed, but are susceptible to a few health conditions.

Lifespan: 14 to 15 years.

Other health issues

These include orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, ocular conditions like cataracts and epiphora, urinary stones, and patent ductus arteriosus.

Learn more about health issues that may impact Bichon Frises

History

The Bichon has gone from riches to rags—and back again.
The Bichon comes from the barbichon family of dogs. The barbichon family was once divided into four breeds: the Maltaise (today’s Maltese), Bolognaise (today’s Bolognese), Havanese, and Tenerife (today’s Bichon Frise). The Tenerife was developed on the Canary Island of Tenerife. DNA evidence shows the Bichon’s closest relatives are the Havanse and Maltese. It is also related to the Poodle family. Bichon comes from the Middle French meaning “small longhaired dog.” Bichons were popular pets of the French and Italian upper class in the 16th century, but fell out of favor by the 19th century. They then performed as street performers with organ grinders on the streets of Barbary. Some became circus performers. They gradually became noticed and were admitted as a breed in France in 1933, and in the United States of America in 1971. They are in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Non-Sporting group. Celebrity owners include King Henry III, Barbra Streisand, and Martha Stewart.
Bichon puppy with a light pink collar
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Michael & Nataliya's Pups

Bichon laying in a fancy bed
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Bella Vida Bichons

About the author

Canine specialist, Caroline Coile, Ph.D., is the author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. She’s written thousands of magazine and web articles about dogs. She specializes in canine science, health, breeds and competitions. Caroline has won 20 national dog-writing awards, and was a 2015 Inductee into the Dog Writers Association of America Hall of Fame.

Veterinarian reviewed

Dr. Nate Ritter, DVM is the Veterinary Medical Director at Good Dog. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lafayette College and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New York State Veterinary Medical Society, the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, and the Society for Theriogenology. Additionally, he is a USDA-accredited veterinarian.

Breed Scorecard

Characteristics and temperament

  • Affectionate with family

    5

  • Watchdog level

    4

  • Playfulness

    5

  • Adaptability

    5

  • Social needs

    5

  • Temperament

    Bubbly, alert, affectionate

  • Intelligence

    3

  • Good with other dogs

    5

  • Good with cats or other pets

    5

  • Friendly with strangers

    5

  • Good as a service dog

    2

  • Good for apartments

    5

  • Barking level

    3

Appearance

  • Height

    9-11"

  • Size

    Small

  • Colors

    White, White and apricot, White and buff, White and cream

  • Coat texture

    Slightly harsh

  • Coat length

    Long, curly, stand off, with furnishings

Training

  • Trainability

    4

Exercise

  • Exercise needs

    2

  • Exercise time

    Around 45 minutes to one hour daily

  • Mental exercise needs

    3

  • Favorite activities

    Tricks

Grooming

  • Grooming needs

    5

  • Brushing frequency

    Daily

  • Needs professional grooming?

    Yes

  • Drooling level

    1

Health issues

  • Other health issues

Other

  • Bred for

    Companionship

  • Country of origin

    Mediterranean area

  • Popularity level

    2

FAQs

  • On Good Dog, you can search for Bichon Frise puppies or dogs in rescues and shelters. Adopting a Bichon Frise from a shelter or rescue is generally less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder with ethical practices. Across the United States, there are dedicated rescues that specialize in specific breeds and may even help transport a Bichon Frise dog to you from another part of the country. Although it can be more cost-effective, adopting the exact breed you're looking for is typically more difficult than working with a responsible breeder. Learn more about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue.

  • The typical price for Bichon Frise puppies for sale may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy. On average, the price of Bichon Frise puppies from a breeder is $2,390.

  • The average price of a Bichon puppy is $2,000 - 2,800. The price of a Bichon puppy from a good breeder can be related to their show potential, health certifications, or other factors.

  • It seems to be a small dog thing. They are lively, alert dogs and they may want attention, or alert you to a guest.

  • Their coat requires professional grooming and everyday combing. They demand lots of attention. Some are hard to housetrain. But-–they are affectionate, fun, and gorgeous. So they’re worth it.

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