BICHON FRISE : 1 OF THE BEST & SPECIAL INFORMATION

February 15, 2025 Girish Thakor

The Bichon Frise (Bichon Frise Club Of America) is a cheerful, small dog breed with a love of mischief and a lot of love to give. With its black eyes and white coat, the Bichon almost resembles a child’s toy.

Even though these are purebred dogs, you can still find them in care shelters or rescue groups. Remember to follow! Don’t buy it if you want to bring a dog home.

It doesn’t take long to realize that the Bichon can be your happiest and most enthusiastic companion. They are super playful and intelligent, and even novice pet parents and apartment dwellers will do great with these dogs.

However, they do need ample time and activity to play, and they don’t care to be left alone at home for long hours of the day. If you can give your dog a lot of attention and love, you will get ten times the back of a Bichon who loves it.

Visual Status

Dog Breed Group:
Companion Dogs

Weight:
7 to 12 pounds

Height:
9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder

Life Span:
12 to 15 years

History Of Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is often depicted as a French dog. Although the Bichon breed type is Spanish in origin, used as sailing dogs, sometimes also as shepherd dogs, the French developed them into a gentle lap-dog variety.

The Bichon type originated from water dogs and is derived from poodle-type dogs and either the barbet or one of the water spaniel classes of breeds.

The modern Bichon Frise has evolved into four categories: the Bichon Frisé or Tenerife, Maltese, Bolognese, and Havanese. These are often treated as separate breeds.

Because of their cheerful disposition, the ancestral Bichon traveled a lot and was often used as barter by Italian sailors as they moved from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally believed that Spanish sailors introduced the breed to Tenerife early in the Canary Islands.

Their association with the European nobility began in the 13th century, entering the royal courts of Spain, Italy, and France. In the 14th century, Italian sailors rediscovered the dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to continental Europe.

Tenerife, often called the Bichon, found success in France during the Renaissance under Francis I (1515–1547), but increased in popularity at the court of Henry III (1574–1589), when it became popular among the French nobility. happened. Court mate and lap dog.

The official standard of caste

On 5 March 1933, the official standard of the breed was adopted by the Société Centrale Canine, the national kennel club of France. On 18 October 1934, the Bichon Frise was admitted to the Stud Book of the Society Central Canines.

The Bichon was brought to the United States in 1955.

The Bichon Frise became eligible to enter the AKC’s miscellaneous class on 1 September 1971. In October 1972, the breed was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book for registration.

On 4 April 1973, the breed became eligible to show in the non-sporting group at the AKC Dog Show.

In 2001, a Bichon Frise named JR won Best-in-Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In the United States, the Bichon Frise was ranked the 40th most popular breed in 2013, according to the American Kennel Club.

The Bichon was introduced to Australia in the 1970s and since its introduction has proven successful as both a show and companion dog.

In 1973, two American breeders immigrated to the United Kingdom with two Bichons who produced a litter of five puppies, introducing the breed to the country.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability: 5 stars	Dog Friendly: 5 stars	Shedding Level: 1 star
Affection Level: 5 stars	Exercise Needs: 2 stars	Social Needs: 5 stars
Apartment Friendly: 5 stars	Grooming: 5 stars	Stranger Friendly: 5 stars
Barking Tendencies: 3 stars	Health Issues: 3 stars	Territorial: 3 stars
Cat Friendly: 5 stars	Intelligence: 3 stars	Trainability: 3 stars
Child Friendly: 3 stars	Playfulness: 3 stars	Watchdog Ability: 3 stars

Temperament and Personality

The Bichon is a happy, inquisitive dog with a cheerful attitude toward life. His gentle demeanor and playfulness get him from everyone, and some people are not happy with his clown antics. With people and other pets, the Bichon is affectionate and lively.

He loves attention and will give you everything you have to offer. Males and females have similar sweet natures.

Temperament

Always alert, he makes an excellent watchdog. A Bichon is always on the lookout for something new and will let you know when neighbors are at home, or they are leaving, or that the mail has just been delivered. Help him to know when to alert you and when to keep quiet so that he doesn’t become a nuisance.

Bichons are active in the home and are noted for the “Bichon Blitz” or “Bichon Buzz”, which are spurts of energy that allow them to automatically run around the house or yard in a frenzy when barking or even growling cause. They’ll use the house as a racetrack, bouncing around on furniture with no predictability.

The blitz lasts at least 30 seconds or a few minutes, after which the dog will simply lie down and recover. While playing with another dog will take care of most of Bichon’s exercise needs, he still needs short daily walks of 15 minutes or more, and even more if he is the only dog in the household.

The Bichon is smart. You can teach him just about any trick in the book as long as you train him with rewards such as praise and treats. Keep training sessions short and fun, and always end on a high note.

Is the Bichon perfect? Of course not. They have a reputation as one of the toughest dogs out there, although Bichon breeders say that with consistency and crate training, success is possible.

Puppy Tran

And some Bichons don’t like to be left home alone and can develop separation anxiety. Talk to the breeder or your puppy kindergarten instructor about ways to prevent this. Getting him your own dog may solve the problem.

Begin training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is able to soak up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until they are 6 months old to start training or you will have a more stubborn dog to deal with.

If possible, take him to a puppy kindergarten class, and socialize, socialize, socialize until he is 10 to 12 weeks old.

However, be aware that many puppy training classes require some vaccines to be up-to-date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and in public places until puppy vaccines.

In lieu of formal training, you can start home-training your puppy and socialize him with family and friends until the puppy’s vaccinations are complete.

Talk to the breeder, describe what you are looking for in a dog, and ask for help choosing a puppy. Breeders see puppies daily and can make very accurate recommendations after knowing a bit about their lifestyle and personality.

Whatever you want from a Bichon, look for one who has parents with good personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

Bichon Frise – Health

Bichons are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Not all Bichons will get any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you are considering this breed.

If you are buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you the health clearances for both parents of your puppy. Health clearance proves that a dog has been tested and approved for a particular condition.

In the Bichon, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease; thrombophilia from Auburn University; and certify from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) that the eyes are normal. You can verify the health clearance by checking the OFA website (offa.org).

Bladder Problems:

Bladder stones and bladder infections: are not uncommon in this breed. Several factors can lead to bladder stones, including excessive protein, magnesium, and phosphorus in the diet or long periods between urination.

A bladder infection can be traced to a bacterial or viral infection. If your Bichon needs to urinate frequently, has bloody urine, or has difficulty urinating and has a loss of appetite, take him to the vet for a checkup.

Allergies:

Allergies can afflict the Bichon for many different reasons, including contact allergies and food allergies. Bichons are also known to be sensitive to fleabites.

If your Bichon is scratching, licking his paws, or rubbing his face frequently, suspect he has an allergy and gets him checked out by your vet.

Patellar Luxation:

Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is kneeling. Luxation means the displacement of a body part.

Patellar luxation occurs when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain. It can be crippling, although many dogs with the condition lead relatively normal lives.

Vaccination sensitivity:

Some Bichons are affected by this sensitivity, and many suffer from routine vaccinations as well. Symptoms usually include hives, facial swelling, soreness, and lethargy.

in rare instances, a vaccine-sensitive dog will develop complications or even die. Watch your Bichon carefully for a few hours after vaccination, and call the vet if you notice anything unusual.

Hip dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition in which the thigh bone does not fit properly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both hind legs, but others do not show outward signs of discomfort.

Either way, arthritis can develop as a dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred – so if you are buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.

Juvenile Cataracts:

Cataracts sometimes develop in relatively young (under the age of six) Bichons. It is believed to be hereditary. When buying a Bichon puppy, be sure to ask if the breeder has certified his breeding stock by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), and ask to see the certificate yourself.

Care

Bichons are active dogs but do well as apartment dwellers with proper exercise and play – and they live to play. Never leave your Bichon alone for long periods of time.

To prevent destructive behavior, the wise owner leaves the Bichon in a crate when he is out of the house even for short periods of time.

Bichon Frise: A Complete Guide to Size, Lifespan, Price, Weight and Common Health Issues

How Big Do Bichon Frise Get?

Bichon Frise are classified as small dogs, but they have a strong and well-proportioned build. Their size details include:

Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches (24 to 29 cm) at the shoulder
Length: Slightly longer than their height, giving them a compact, balanced appearance
Body Structure: Fluffy double coat, round skull and well-plumed tail that curves over the back

What is the average lifespan of a Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frise are known for their long lifespan, average lifespan:

12 to 15 years, with some living up to 16-18 years with proper care
Their lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care

How much does a Bichon Frise cost?

The price of a Bichon Frise varies based on location, breeder reputation, bloodline, and health screening.

Puppy price: $1,000 to $3,000 (from a reputable breeder)
Show-quality Bichon: $3,000 to $5,000+
Adoption cost: $300 to $600 from a rescue or shelter
Annual maintenance cost: $1,000 to $2,500 (including grooming, veterinary care, food, and supplies)

What is the average weight of a Bichon Frise?

Males and females: 12 to 18 pounds (5.4 to 8.2 kg)
Despite their small bodies, their build is strong and muscular under their fluffy coat

What do Bichon Frise commonly die of?

While Bichons are generally healthy, they can suffer from certain health problems. The most common causes of death include:

Heart disease – Mitral valve disease (MVD) is one of the leading causes of death in older Bichons.
Cancer – Various cancers, including lymphoma, are common in older dogs.
Kidney failure – Chronic kidney disease can develop with age.
Diabetes complications – Uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious organ damage.
Autoimmune diseases – Some Bichons suffer from immune system disorders that can be life-threatening.
Age-related conditions – General organ failure, arthritis, and cognitive decline can affect senior Bichons.
Bonus: How to keep your Bichon Frise healthy and live longer
Regular veterinary checkups: Early detection of health problems is important.
Balanced diet: High-quality food formulated for small breeds.
Exercise: Moderate daily walks and playtime to maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming: Frequent brushing and professional grooming to prevent skin infections.
Dental care: Regular brushing and veterinary cleanings to prevent periodontal disease.

Coat Color And Grooming

The Bichon Frize is a double-coated breed, which is always white. The soft and dense undercoat and of course the outer coat combine to create a soft yet substantial texture. The coat is erect away from the body, giving it a powder-puff-like appearance.

The most popular trim for a Bichon follows the lines of a dog’s body, leaving the coat long enough to give it that signature “pouffy” look.

Bichons have a reputation for not shedding, which is absolutely not true. All creatures with hair loss. However, with double-coated Bichons, the hair of the shed tends to become trapped in the undercoat instead of falling to the floor.

If this dead hair is not removed by brushing or combing, it can form mats and tangles, which can lead to skin problems if left unattended.

Grooming Your Bichon Frise: What You Need to Know

Grooming the Bichon isn’t for cowards: it’s a high-maintenance breed. You’ll also need to devote plenty of time to grooming and bathing: you should brush him at least twice a week or longer, and whenever he gets dirty, you need to keep that white coat clean. For that, he would need to take a bath.

Make sure the coat is free of mats and tangles before you shower, or the mats will tighten up and become nearly impossible to remove.

The ear

You should check your Bichon’s ears frequently to make sure they are clean. Sometimes it’s necessary to pull out the hair growing in the ear canal. If you notice a buildup of wax, redness, or foul odor, or if your dog is scratching his ears and shaking his head, take him to the vet to make sure he has an ear infection. Not there.

Groomer

Most Bichon owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every four to six weeks for a bath, brush, haircut, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. If you want to learn how to groom your Bichon yourself, check out the many good grooming books and videos on the market for instructions.

Keeping Bichon’s face clean and short is essential for health as well as looks. Mucus and secretions from the eyes tend to accumulate in the hairs that grow around the eyes and can lead to eye problems if you don’t clean the area regularly.

Eye problems or even food allergies

Tears are common as a result of eye problems or even food allergies. Because Bichons are prone to a number of eye diseases, it is best to have your dog examined by your vet if they have a problem with tearing.

Bichons can have blocked or small tear ducts, eyelids that extend down toward the eyeball, or eyelashes that turn inward and cause the eyelids to rub against the eyeball. Your vet will be able to determine if any of these conditions, or something else, is causing the tears.

To eliminate bacteria

Brush your Bichon’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria hiding inside. Daily brushing is even better if you want to avoid gum disease and bad breath.

If your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems, trim the nails once or twice a month. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they are too long.

There are blood vessels in a dog’s toenails, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding – and your dog may not cooperate the next time the nail clippers come out. Therefore, if you are not experienced in trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.

Begin accustoming your Bichon to brushing and check if he is a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs touch their feet – and look inside his mouth.

Create a positive experience full of praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easier veterinary exams and other handling when you’re an adult.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or swelling on the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet.

Eyes should be clear, without any redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you detect potential health problems early.

Feeding

Recommended Daily Amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

The quality of the dog food you buy makes a difference too – the better the dog food, the more it will go toward nourishing your dog, and the less you will need to stir in your dog’s bowl.

Keep your Bichon in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day, rather than leaving him out all the time. If you are not sure whether he is overweight or not, give him an eye exam and a practical test.

First, watch him below. You should be able to see the waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, fingers extended downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without straining. If you can’t, he needs less food and more exercise.

Bichons, like many small breeds, are prone to urolithiasis. Diet is an important part of the treatment and management of this condition; A therapeutic diet and high water intake can help prevent and control it.

For more information on feeding your Bichon, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

Children And Other Pets

Bichons are good family dogs and wonderful companions for children. He enjoys hanging out with children, participating in their games, or sitting on their laps. They are very tolerant of the noise and uproar associated with children.

As with every breed, however, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always use any interaction between dogs and young children to prevent any bites or pulling of ears or tails from either party.

should be monitored. Teach your child to never approach a dog while he is eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.

The Bichon enjoys the company of other dogs, as long as it receives its fair share of attention from its owner. With proper introduction and training, the Bichon can get along with cats and other animals.

Adopt Or Buy (finding) a Bichon Frise

Use the Web

Rescue Groups

Bichon Frise Club of America Rescue

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