Bichon Frise
With their cloudlike coat and upbeat attitude, Bichon Frises are classic companion dogs that love being part of everyday life. Here’s what to know about their temperament, grooming needs, and typical monthly costs.
How the Bichon Frise ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small companion dog known for a soft, curly coat and a bright, people-focused personality. Many are playful without being nonstop, and they tend to enjoy meeting visitors once they feel safe. Their cheerful expression can be deceiving, though; they do best with consistent routines and gentle boundaries.
This breed often fits well in apartments and busy households because exercise needs are moderate and the size is manageable. The tradeoff is grooming: the coat does not shed much, but it tangles easily and needs regular care. Bichons usually thrive when they can be near their humans, so they are best for people who can offer plenty of attention and enrichment.
History of the Bichon Frise
Bichon-type dogs trace back to small, white companion dogs that traveled around the Mediterranean, often accompanying sailors and merchants. These early dogs likely shared ancestry with water-dog types such as the Barbet, which helped shape the Bichon’s curly, plush coat and confident attitude around water and crowds. As trade routes connected ports and islands, cheerful lapdogs became fashionable, easy to transport, and valued for their friendly nature. Their job was simple: be pleasant company in close quarters.
Over time, similar little companions appeared in parts of Spain and Italy, and the type became linked with the Canary Islands through seafaring travel. Dogs resembling the modern Bichon Frise were popular because they handled ship life well and adapted quickly to new homes, from busy dockside towns to quiet estates. Sailors sometimes traded or gifted these dogs, which helped the look and temperament spread. When they returned to mainland Europe, the small white bichon dogs caught the attention of people who wanted an indoor-friendly companion.
In France, the Bichon gained a reputation as a charming household pet, especially among city dwellers and affluent families who wanted a dog that could thrive indoors. Their coat could be shaped and fluffed into a distinctive look, and their alert, social temperament made them entertaining company during visits and social events. Small companions were also practical in dense neighborhoods, where a larger working dog was less convenient. Artists and writers often included pampered lapdogs in scenes of daily life, reflecting how strongly these companions were associated with comfort and style.
As tastes changed and periods of upheaval reshaped Europe, many small companion breeds lost status, and some dogs ended up living more ordinary lives. Bichons proved resilient: they were clever, eager to interact, and small enough to be kept in tight quarters, which helped them transition from parlors to more modest homes. Those traits also made them natural performers. The breed type became common in street acts and traveling shows where quick learning, an expressive face, and a friendly demeanor mattered, and these roles helped keep the dogs visible even when fashions shifted.
In the modern era, dedicated breeders in Europe helped refine the Bichon Frise into the consistent companion dog people recognize today, with an emphasis on a stable temperament and the trademark white, textured coat. After difficult periods, including times of war that reduced numbers, careful record-keeping and thoughtful breeding rebuilt the population. As the breed spread internationally, it remained primarily a home companion rather than a working dog. That focus still shows: a Bichon Frise typically wants to be where the people are, participating in daily routines and family life.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
Bichon Frises are small but surprisingly sturdy, with a rounded outline created by a dense, curly coat. The coat texture is more like soft hair than fur, which helps limit loose hair around the home but also makes matting a real concern. Daily life is easier when you commit to frequent brushing with a slicker brush and metal comb, plus regular baths and trims so tangles do not tighten close to the skin. Many owners also wipe the face, tidy the hair around the eyes, and keep a simple grooming calendar to stay ahead of tear staining, knots, and everyday grime.
For exercise, this breed usually does well with brisk walks, short play sessions, and indoor games that engage their brain. They tend to enjoy learning tricks, nose work, and gentle agility-style activities, especially when rewards are upbeat and consistent. Because they are people-oriented, Bichons can become vocal or restless if bored, so a little training and enrichment sprinkled through the day often prevents nuisance barking and attention-seeking. Rotate toys, practice calm greetings, and use food puzzles to keep the mind busy without overdoing physical impact. Short, frequent sessions usually suit them better than long, repetitive workouts.
General care centers on keeping the coat, teeth, and ears in good shape. Regular tooth brushing and dental-friendly chews can help reduce buildup, and your veterinarian can suggest a routine that fits your dog and local risk factors. Ears should stay clean and dry, especially after baths, and some dogs need gentle hair management around the ear canal to support airflow. Like many small dogs, Bichons may be sensitive to extreme heat, so plan outdoor time for comfortable parts of the day, offer plenty of water and shade, and keep walks on safe surfaces for small paws and good traction.
Coat & Grooming: Brush several times a week with a slicker brush and comb, wipe the face as needed, and plan regular baths and trims to prevent mats.
Shedding: Low shedding, but the coat traps loose hair, so brushing is key to avoid tangles and to keep dander under control.
Exercise Needs: Moderate daily activity, such as walks, indoor play, and short training games, usually keeps them happy and well behaved.
General Health: Often healthy, but some may be prone to dental buildup, allergies, or knee and eye concerns; partner with your veterinarian for routine screening and preventative care.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a small companion breed, with longevity supported by good grooming, weight management, and regular wellness care.
First-Time Owner Tips
A Bichon Frise can be a friendly first dog, but success depends on planning for grooming and teaching polite habits early. Start with handling exercises that make brushing, face cleaning, and nail trims feel normal, then keep sessions brief and rewarding so they do not become a wrestling match. If you plan to use a professional groomer, book a calm introduction early so the salon routine feels familiar. House training may take patience, especially in bad weather, so use a predictable schedule, reward immediately, and manage the environment with gates or a crate. Early socialization with different people, sounds, and surfaces helps prevent shyness and supports the breed’s naturally cheerful temperament.
Because they bond closely, this breed can struggle with being left alone for long stretches. Build independence gradually with short absences, a safe confinement area, and food puzzles that make alone time feel positive, then increase duration only when your dog stays relaxed. They also respond best to gentle, consistent training rather than repeating commands, so focus on rewarding the behavior you want before they get distracted. If you want a quieter home, teach a ‘settle’ cue, meet their daily play needs, and address alert barking by rewarding calm observation instead of rushing to the door every time.
- Create a grooming routine right away, even if the coat is still short, so brushing becomes a normal part of life.
- Use high-value treats and upbeat praise; Bichons learn quickly when training feels like a game.
- Plan for potty breaks on a schedule and set up an easy-to-clean “accident” area for setbacks.
- Teach calm greetings and practice “quiet” and “settle” cues to prevent demand barking.
- Introduce alone time slowly with puzzles, chews, and short departures to build confidence.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required costs usually include quality food sized for a small dog, routine parasite prevention, and basic supplies like waste bags, shampoo, brushes, and replacement toys. Because Bichons have a coat that mats easily, even DIY grooming involves ongoing tools and products, and you may replace combs or blades as they wear. Many owners also budget for routine wellness visits and dental care recommendations, which can be smoothed out by saving a little each month. Your baseline varies with food quality, your dog’s appetite and activity level, and local pricing for items your veterinarian suggests.
Optional or variable costs are where budgets can change the most. Professional grooming, training classes, and daycare or pet-sitting add convenience but raise the monthly total, while at-home grooming and self-directed training can lower costs if you have time and patience. Some owners prefer pet insurance, while others set aside a monthly savings cushion for unexpected veterinary bills, and premiums or savings goals differ by region. Extras like specialty treats, upgraded beds, travel gear, and rotating enrichment toys can also creep up, so it helps to decide what is “nice to have” versus truly necessary.
Food & Treats: Required: $30–$75 per month for a small-dog diet and treats, depending on brand quality, activity level, and how generous you are with snacks.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: $25–$160 per month, depending on DIY brushing and bathing versus regular professional clips, plus how quickly the coat mats.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: $25–$80 per month for parasite prevention and routine wellness basics, varying by region, product choice, and your dog’s needs; ask your veterinarian what fits.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: $0–$90 per month for pet insurance or a dedicated savings fund, depending on coverage level, deductible choices, and your comfort with out-of-pocket surprises.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: $10–$120 per month for group classes, occasional private sessions, puzzle toys, and treats for training; costs vary with goals and local rates.
Bichon Frise FAQs
Are Bichon Frises hypoallergenic?
Many people with mild allergies find them easier to live with because they shed little, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Spend time around the breed and talk with an allergy professional if allergies are a concern.
Do Bichon Frises bark a lot?
They can be alert barkers, especially when bored or when someone approaches the home. Early training, mental enrichment, and rewarding quiet behavior usually make a noticeable difference.
How much grooming does a Bichon Frise need?
Expect frequent brushing at home and regular baths and trims to keep the coat from matting. A professional groomer can help set a routine you can maintain with simple touch-ups.
Are Bichon Frises good with children and other pets?
They are often friendly and playful with respectful children and can do well with other pets. Supervision and teaching gentle handling helps keep interactions positive, especially because small dogs can be easily startled.
Can a Bichon Frise live in an apartment?
Yes, many adapt well to apartment living as long as they get daily walks, play, and consistent potty opportunities. Sound management matters, so practice calm greetings and reduce hallway triggers.
Are Bichon Frises easy to train?
They are usually smart and motivated by praise and treats, so positive reinforcement works well. Potty training and alone-time skills may take extra patience, but short, frequent sessions and a steady routine pay off.
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need each day?
Moderate exercise is usually enough, such as short walks and lively play. Add brief training games or puzzle toys to tire the mind, and adjust activity for weather and your dog’s comfort.
