Bichon Frise
Also known as Bichon à poil frisé
- Height at the withers
- 24 to 29 cm
- Weight
- 5 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Belgium / France
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A sturdy, cheerful little companion dog with a soft, curly white double coat, dark eyes and a lively, playful temperament.
History and origins
Descended from the small barbichon-type dogs of the Mediterranean, it was once called the Tenerife. A prized companion at European courts during the Renaissance, it was established as a breed in France and Belgium, where its standard was set in 1933 under the name Bichon à poil frisé.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Skin allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Urinary stones
- Cataracts
- Dental disease
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, curly coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Bichon Frise FAQ
How big does the Bichon Frise get?
The Bichon Frise stands 24 to 29 cm at the withers and weighs 5 to 8 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Bichon Frise shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Bichon Frise live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Bichon Frise need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Bichon Frise good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Bichon Frise live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are skin allergies and patellar luxation.
