Bichon Frise Dog Breed

Bichon Frises make excellent family dogs, especially when they learn to have calm and confident interactions with people from a young age. Their playful and gentle nature, along with their small yet sturdy frame, makes them great companions for children.

Bichons are good with other dogs, cats, and small pets, although some are more sensitive than others and will need lots of reassurance and patience in new situations.

Overall, they’re affectionate dogs suitable for families of all shapes and sizes. As long as they have plenty of ways to use up their mental and physical energy, they’ll be calm, comfortable and content!

Absolutely! Bichon Frises are very affectionate dogs. They’ve been bred to be companions and lapdogs since the 13th-century for European nobles. Whilst they might not be the royal dog of choice anymore, they thrive on plenty of time, attention, and snuggles with their favourite people. 

Bichons are known for their cheerful nature and adore being fussed. This breed can become very attached to their family members and enjoy being close to them, making them excellent lap dogs. With this affection comes the struggles of being alone. Even if they can’t be in the same room as you, it can make them very upset. With patience and reward-based training, they will learn it’s not scary to be home alone and they may be able to cope better.

Although Bichon Frises only have average energy levels, they’re incredibly playful and fun! When they’re not sleeping or snuggling up with you, they’ll probably be making you laugh with their cute and quirky high jinks. They’ll perfectly match any family’s lifestyle, whether that’s active and sporty or relaxed and peaceful.

Bichons love games like fetch and enjoy playing with toys. They’re great for families who enjoy lots of play and interaction with a dog one minute and snuggling up indoors the next. 

Bichon Frises will bark if they’re bored or anxious, but they aren’t typically known for being a yappy or barky breed. They’ll use their voice to let you know how they’re feeling, so they might bark to remind you they’re there, if they’re peckish, or want to go outside.

Bichons may get into the habit of sitting in high spots like the back of the sofa and barking at exciting or worrying things going on outside. To you, this could be normal things like visitors and deliveries! With lots of regular and positive training from a young age, as well as proper mental and physical stimulation, you can prevent and manage excessive barking like this.

Without proper training, socialisation, exercise, and mental stimulation, all dogs can develop behavioural issues.

They’re a social breed, so they don’t like being alone. This can lead to excessive barking, toileting accidents in the home, or your furniture being destroyed when they’re left alone.

Some Bichons are sensitive about their personal space, especially when they meet people they don’t know. They may growl or bite when a stranger says hello to them, or if they feel they’ve been groomed for too long or too roughly.

Bichons can be a little mischievous if they’re not having fun or using their mind to keep them busy. So, if they don’t get what they want, they’ll use their intelligence to work out clever ways to get just that, whether it’s attention, extra snacks, or a comfy resting spot. They can also be difficult to motivate in training, so patience and consistency are key.

Bichon Frises do well in any size of home and can live in apartments and flats, as long as they get enough exercise and attention. A home with a garden is a bonus, but not essential if you live near an open green space for toileting and playtime.

Bichons thrive in homes where they can be close to their human family. They need regular interaction and don’t do well if left alone for long periods. For those with other pets, you’ll find that Bichons generally get along well with other animals when they’re introduced gradually and positively – ideally from a young age.

Exercise isn’t on the top of the list for a Bichon Frise. As they were bred to chill with humans and be by our side, they don’t have high energy levels like working breeds, but they still need some physical activity to be happy, healthy, and entertained. Bichons also need plenty of mental exercise through training and interactive games to keep their clever brains working. 

For owners, this means setting aside time for a couple of short walks and some playtime each day, along with short training sessions.

All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, calmly and politely (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.

Bichon Frises are pretty easy to train because they’re eager to please their favourite human. However, it can be tricky to keep them motivated, so they need something nice as a treat to keep them going. Patience and consistency are key, and they respond best to rewards like food, toys and praise.

All dogs, including Bichons, should learn basic behaviours, as well as how to interact with other dogs, animals, and people. If not, they can become anxious or develop a rude streak.

Common behavioural issues to watch out for with this breed include separation anxiety, barking, house-training difficulties, destructive chewing and handling/grooming difficulties.

Bichon Frises have a dense, curly coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They need brushing several times a week to prevent matting and tangles, and a professional grooming session every 4-6 weeks to maintain their coat's shape and cleanliness.

Regular baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important for your dog’s overall well-being. This can be done at home if you train your dog to enjoy grooming from the start.

Bichon Frises are prone to certain health conditions including:
Allergies: Skin allergies are common and can cause itching and discomfort.
Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing pain and lameness.
Cushing's Disease: a hormonal disorder caused by excessive cortisol, leading to increased thirst, frequent urination, and a pot-bellied appearance.
Dental Problems: Their small mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth and dental disease.
Diabetes: Bichons are more likely to develop diabetes than other dogs, which is when the body can’t regulate blood sugar levels properly.

With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, many of these risks can be minimised, ensuring your Bichon Frise lives a long and happy life.