Bichon Frise

The FCI standard describes the Bichon Frise as a true companion dog that can be taken anywhere without trouble: neither nervous nor given to frequent barking, very sociable even with people and dogs it doesn't know, quick to adapt to new situations and very attached to its owners. The Royal Kennel Club standard likewise asks for a friendly, outgoing temperament.

That sociable nature means a Bichon is happiest among people. It can be comfortable in a busy home with visitors coming and going, but for the same reason, long hours alone may be hard on it. As the AKC's "comedian" label suggests, it loves to play; short games and walks suit it well.

The Bichon Frise is a good choice for people who want their dog to be part of daily life, spend a lot of time at home, and can set aside both time and a grooming budget for its coat.

In every home, it's important to teach children not to disturb the dog's food, bed or sleep, and to pet it while sitting on the floor. Our article on kids and dogs at home has more tips.

According to the Royal Kennel Club, the bichon family is made up of dogs, mostly white, first found in Mediterranean countries; the Havanese, set apart by its colorful coat, is also a member. The FCI likewise classifies the Maltese and the Havanese in the same group as the Bichon Frise. The Royal Kennel Club says the Bichon Frise is thought to have existed on the island of Tenerife as early as the 14th century, and that traders brought it to mainland Europe, where it was much loved at royal courts and in noble homes.

The FCI tells the story from the Renaissance: the breed was brought from Italy to France, and because it looked like a very small Barbet, it was called "barbichon," a name later shortened to "bichon." Painters of the 17th and 18th centuries portrayed these little dogs beside kings and nobles. The breed came back into fashion under Napoleon III under the name "Ténériffe," then almost disappeared after the two World Wars; it was rebuilt thanks to a handful of French and Belgian breeders. According to the FCI, the first dog entered in the Belgian studbook was Pitou, born in 1924, which is why the FCI lists Belgium and France together as the breed's origin.

A balanced, smart little dog with a proud head carriage. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, and its tail is carried like a plume over the back. Its eyes are dark and round, and its nose and eye rims are black.

• Height: According to the Royal Kennel Club, the ideal height is 23–28 cm (9–11 in) at the shoulder; the FCI gives 25–29 cm.
• Weight: 12–18 pounds (5.4–8.2 kg) according to the AKC.
• Coat: According to the Royal Kennel Club, fine, silky and in soft corkscrew curls, 7–10 cm (3–4 in) long, neither flat nor corded. The club notes that the breed doesn't shed noticeably.
• Color: White. According to the Royal Kennel Club, cream or apricot markings are acceptable up to 18 months, and dark skin pigment under the white coat is desirable.

The Royal Kennel Club points out that although the standard says the coat on the feet and muzzle may be tidied up, show presentation has become much more stylized over time. For a pet Bichon, a short, even clip makes care easier.

The Royal Kennel Club recommends daily grooming for the Bichon. If it isn't combed, the curly coat mats easily close to the skin; mats pull at the skin and hide problems underneath.

• Combing: Every day, making sure the comb reaches the skin, especially behind the ears, in the armpits and between the legs.
• Groomer: Because the coat doesn't shed noticeably, regular clipping is needed. The RSPCA suggests checking whether a groomer asks for vaccination records, uses reward-based handling and avoids enclosed drying boxes in which a dog can't control its body temperature. Introduce your puppy to the groomer gradually once its vaccinations are complete.
• Tear stains: According to a veterinarian-written PetMD article, the reddish-brown stains under the eyes of white dogs come from porphyrin, an iron-containing pigment in tears, and usually form because eyelid structure lets tears spill onto the face. Wiping around the eyes regularly with a damp cloth and keeping the hair there short helps. If staining is new, or the eye looks red and painful, see your vet.
• Teeth: Get your puppy used to tooth brushing early.
• Ears and nails: Check the ears weekly and decide with your vet what to do about hair in the ear canal. Trim the nails regularly.

Our dog grooming guide walks you through a combing and bathing routine step by step.

The Royal Kennel Club recommends up to 30 minutes of exercise a day for the Bichon. Short walks, new smells and games are enough, but it matters that they happen every day.

• Reward-based training: An adaptable, people-loving dog; short, rewarding sessions work best.
• Early socialization: It has a sociable nature, but positive experiences with different people, sounds and places in puppyhood strengthen it.
• Grooming practice: Combs, clipper noise and handling are part of training; start with short, rewarding sessions in puppyhood.
• Mental work: Sniffing games are a great option for rainy days.
• Leash: Teach walking without pulling while it's young; our loose-leash training guide can help.
• Being alone: Teach such a people-oriented dog to be alone gradually; our article on separation anxiety explains how, step by step.

A Bichon doesn't need a special food; a complete, balanced dog food suited to its age and size is enough. The real issue is how much: in a small dog, even a few extra treats change its weight quickly. A 2022 UK study also found a higher risk of Cushing's syndrome in dogs heavier than the average for their breed and sex.

• Measure food and count treats as part of the daily amount.
• If you can feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above, the weight is about right.
• Weighing your dog once a month shows changes early.
• Some human foods are toxic to dogs; check our list of foods dogs should never eat.

The Bichon is generally considered a robust small breed; the Royal Kennel Club lists no conformation concerns that show judges need to watch for in this breed. Still, some problems are more common in it. The information below is for awareness only; ask your vet about diagnosis and treatment.

Cushing's syndrome

The body produces too much of the hormone cortisol over a long period, usually because of a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal gland. In a 2022 study of the records of more than 900,000 dogs in the UK, the Bichon Frise had the highest risk of this disease of any breed: about 6 times that of crossbred dogs. The risk rose with age and with weight above the breed average. According to the same study, the disease also raises the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and urinary stones. The signs UFAW lists include drinking and urinating more, increased appetite, a swollen belly, loss of muscle and strength, lethargy, hair loss and thinning skin. If you see these signs in a middle-aged or older Bichon, tell your vet.

Gum disease

In a large 2021 UK study, Bichons had roughly 70% higher odds of gum disease than crossbred dogs; the researchers stress the importance of regular tooth brushing in small breeds. If you notice bad breath, red gums or tartar, see your vet.

Slipping kneecaps

In patellar luxation, the kneecap slides out of place; it can cause lameness and arthritis over time. In a 2016 English study, 3.8% of Bichons had this diagnosis, compared with 1.2% of crossbred dogs. If you see your dog skipping a hind leg now and then or limping, see your vet.

Eyes

The Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends that breeders at least complete the eye examination scheme before breeding, which shows that inherited eye disease is an important issue in the breed. If you notice cloudiness, a change in vision or a sudden increase in watering, see your vet.

A 2024 UK study using data from about 585,000 dogs from 18 sources found a median lifespan of 12.5 years (confidence interval 12.3–12.7) for the Bichon Frise; the figure for crossbred dogs was 12.0 years. The AKC gives a life expectancy of 14–15 years for the breed.

A median lifespan means half of the dogs died before that age and half after it; many well-cared-for Bichons live past 15. A healthy weight, dental care and regular vet checkups, especially from middle age on, help catch problems like Cushing's early.

• Consider a shelter: Purebred dogs end up in shelters and rescues too. Our article on adopting a shelter dog covers the first steps.
• If you buy from a breeder: See the mother with her puppies at home; ask for the parents' eye examination results and whether there are any knee or other health problems.
• Grooming budget: In this breed, clipping isn't a luxury but a regular need; factor the cost in from the start.
• The "hypoallergenic" promise: Low shedding doesn't mean allergy-free. In a 2012 study, so-called "hypoallergenic" dogs had higher levels of the main dog allergen in their coats, and there was no difference between breeds in airborne allergen levels at home; the researchers concluded there is no evidence for calling any breed hypoallergenic.
• Red flags: Steer clear of sellers who won't show you the mother, always have puppies available, can't provide paperwork or rush you to "buy now."
• Registration: Rules vary by country; many places require or recommend microchipping. In Türkiye, owned dogs must be microchipped and registered in the PETVET system.
• The first days: Our guide to bringing a puppy home walks you through the first night and first week.