Breed Details

The Bichon Frise ( or Bichon Frisé ) is a bird descend to life , with a puffy whitened coat and a cheerful disposition . This diminished purebred dog does well in any household , and is specially well - suited for flat living .

This breed is ideal for category looking for an adorable fellow traveler that they can take anywhere and get along with other darling and children ( given the right breeding early on ) .

Keep read to read about this dog breed admit their needs , health overview , and interesting fact .

Bichon Frise in Autumn

History and Origin

“ This sprightly small dog originated in the Mediterranean region , perhaps as long ago as the 14th century , ” write Derek Hall in The Ultimate Guide to Dog Breeds ( Regency , 2016 ) . The breed later became a favourite among royalty in Europe . Hall state that the dog became a part of circus acts after the French Revolution . frankfurter abandoned by wealthy owner that were take flight caught the attention of street entertainers who took them in and trained them to do tricks .

Although its population declined a bit , the stock made a comeback when it was formally acknowledge by the French Kennel Club in 1934 . The breed was brought to the United States in the 1950s and was recognized by American Kennel Club ( AKC ) in 1971 .

The breed name , Bichon Frise , is pronounced BEE - shawn FREE - say . The French word “ bichon ” is an abridged version of “ barbichon , ” intend “ little barbet , ” and has come to mean overlap blackguard . “ Frise ” name to curly - haired .

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Bichon FrisePhysical Characteristics

Bichon Frise dogs may be diminutive search , but they are audacious and therefore not class under the Toy Group by the AKC . As part of the Non - Sporting Group , the breed is characterized by a small-scale , yet sturdy consistency with a soft and thick wooly coating , broad face with large dark eyes , well - get up legs , and a curved seat .

Their coat is typically solid white with promiscuous curls . Some may have a small amount of apricot , or cream by the ears . These dogs stand up anywhere from 9 to 12 column inch tall and weigh 6 to 11 pounds , reaching maturity after the first class .

Bichon FriseTemperament

“ Bichon Frise can be described as gentle , loving , playful , and affectionate . They are happy go - prosperous dogs who are smart and social , ” says Dr. Rachel Barrack ofAnimal Acupuncturein New York City . These blackguard also do well with kids and dearie .

While they are alert and can make just watchdog , Jamie Richardson , aesculapian chief of staff atSmall Door Veterinarysays , “ They are not at all aggressive . They treat strangers as friends they have n’t yet play . ”

Richardson adds that Bichons are well-informed and revel larn new tricks . However , they do have a reputation for being difficult to housetrain . Richardson recommend plenty of “ confirming reinforcement , with pile of extolment , darling , and dainty ” when training a Bichon .

Sweet Bichon on walk

One of the key things to keep in judgement is that these dogs do n’t care to be left alone . “ They are moderately active , and need a unspoiled amount of company , ” tell Richardson . “ They do not do well when leave alone on a regular basis for long periods of clock time and may resort to destructive behaviors , ” warns Richardson .

Bichon FriseCare Guide

These dogs are well-to-do to care for , and they can be well-chosen and healthy companions when make gamy character food along with the right education , practice session , and regular grooming . See below for information on general upkeep for these firedog .

Diet and Nutrition

standardized to other wienerwurst , Bichons do n’t have any specific dietary needs . “ They simply take a high-pitched - quality dog food that is appropriate for their life stage ( puppy / adult / senior ) and size , ” suggests Richardson . She recommends nonplus nutrient with an AAFCO affirmation . “ This certifies that it is nutritionally complete for their life microscope stage . ”

If your Bichon has allergies , Barrack say a particular diet is needed . It ’s best to confabulate with your veterinarian to address dietetical needs base on your Canis familiaris ’s allergies .

Exercise and Activity

According to Richardson , Bichons are middling active with brief fit of activeness between longer stretches of calm . “ They need quality play session with their proprietor and walkway every twenty-four hours , and may benefit from a fence - in yard , ” she suggest .

Bichons may also enjoy play biz such as fetch , tug , frisbee , and participating in obedience or agility grooming .

Grooming and Nail Care

“ Bichons require regular grooming due to long , double - coated , curly coats and their white people of color . Without proper grooming , mats will develop , ” says Barrack . She recommends daily brush and monthly haircut . nail need to be trimmed every four to six weeks .

Pet parents need to give particular attention to their dog ’s pinna . Barrack say , “ Bichon ’s hair often grows in auricle canal and can trap in wet and make a breeding background for bacterium leading to ear infections . ”

To reduce the absolute frequency of infections , favored parents can have the tomentum in the firedog ’s ear canal trimmed andcleaned regularly .

Bichon sleeping on sofa

Bichon FriseHealth Problems

fit in to Richardson , bison are broadly healthy , but can be prone to sure conditions , such as :

If right dental hygiene practices are not followed , Bichons can also lose from dental health issues . “ Daily tooth brush and unconstipated dental tab from the veterinarian are significant to minimize the peril of periodontic disease , which can lead to tooth loss and other complication from gum infection , ” says Richardson .

Interesting Bichon FriseFacts

The modern version of this weenie breed was recrudesce on the largest Canary Islands — Tenerife — where the heel was popular with the sailors who used them for bartering .

Painter Pierre - Auguste Renoir included the Bichon Frise in some of his painting . Other painters , Albrecht Dürer , Francisco de Goya , and Sir Joshua Reynolds , also included the breed in their work .

Ozzie , the Bichon Frise who can toy a broad raiment of tricks , has a rich Facebook following . He can skateboard and even do laundry .

Woman petting Bichon Frise

Bichon FriseAdoption Tipsand Things to Consider

If you are looking to adopt one of these adorable lap heater , the best place to go is a shelter or a strain - specific deliverance . A majority of Bichons that end up in shelters and rescues are from puppy mills , especially those that have been used for breeding .

When adopting a Bichon , keep in judgment that the dogs are prostrate to stomach from separation anxiousness when left home alone for tenacious periods . They love to be near their syndicate and can become destructive when left neglected for intact Day .

Special training geared towards separation anxiousness in addition to anti - anxiety appurtenance can help assuage the symptoms .

Bichon on park stairs

Bichon Frise Rescues

There are a few Bichon - specific rescues in the U.S. that are deserving looking into if you would like to adopt a Bichon Frise .

Bichon FriseFAQs

Get all the facts you want about Bichon heel with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the stock .

Are Bichon Frise Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Yes . No dog is completely hypoallergenic , but the wooden-headed curly coat of a Bichon Frise catches the dander rather of spreading throughout the menage .

Do Bichon Frise Shed?

Yes , Bichons do shed , but they shed very little . These dog are a great option for dog parents who do n’t desire to clean up dog hair all over the house .

How Long Do Bichon Frise Live?

This small-scale heel actually has a jolly long lifespan . They can live up to 15 twelvemonth .

Are Bichon Frise Smart?

Yes , Bichons are smart . They are eager to please , which means they can be well direct .

Do Bichon Frise Bark?

The stock is not cognize for bark , making it an ideal dog for apartment living .

Picturesof Bichon Frise

These fluffy dog depend like little cotton ball with sweet eye and cute noses . We just ca n’t get enough of their poofy adorableness . Browse our art gallery to see pic of Bichon Frise dogs being their sweet selves .

Bichon Frise on path

Bichon playing in yard

Bichon Frise by water

Fluffy Bichon Frise

Smiling Bichon Frise

Three Bichon Frise dogs

Bichon with tongue out

Bichon Frise in snow

Poofy Bichon Frise

Two Bichon dogs in grass

groomed Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise on bed