This fluffy, cloud-looking dog will melt your heart with their cuteness, wittiness, and comical nature! We are talking about the Bichon Frisé dog breed!
But before you get these cuddle bugs home, here is everything you need to know about them. From their personality traits to their everyday needs—we have covered it all for you!
Overview
| Height | 9-11 inches |
| Weight | 10-18 lbs |
| Life span | 12-15 years |
| Exercise needs | 30 minutes to 1 hour daily |
| Temperament | Social, Attention seekers, Affectionate |
| Grooming | High maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Origin | France |
Origin of the Bichon Frisé
These lapdogs are not just small dogs but have a long history that will amaze you! Even though their name is French, according to some sources, Bichon Frisé might be Spanish! These dogs have probably descended from the water and poodle dogs like Barbets or Water Spaniels. These dogs have always had an enormous fanbase, be there for their companionship, fashionista phase, or skills. Bichon Frisé has won the hearts of dog lovers all over the world.
It is also said that sailors used Bichons as a barter, which allowed them to travel through different continents. Sooner or later, this breed was recognized by dog clubs and organizations, which made them even more popular among the common folks.
Appearance of the Bichon Frisé
Here are the details about the appearance of the Bichon Frisé dog breed:
1. Size and body
Bichon Frisé is a small-sized dog that can literally fit in your lap. They are 9-11 inches tall and weigh about 10-18 pounds. Meaning you will barely feel any weight holding them while you run errands. With their round head and the cutest little muzzles, these dogs have the most expressive looks.
2. Coat
Their fur coat is one of the most adorable features! They have dense, curly hair that is soft to the touch. The fur is super warm and also makes them look innocent! They would steal all the treats and act innocent, and you’ll melt instantly at their puppy face! For the colors, the coat is usually snowy white but also comes in shades of cream and apricot.
3. Other features
Besides, these dogs have compact, well- proportioned, and muscled bodies. Also, their plume-like tail adds more grace to their overall appearance. If you adopt the Bichon Frisé dog breed, their animated and cheerful walks would be entertaining to see!
Personality and Temperament
Every dog breed has some qualities that set them apart from other breeds! Similarly, Bichon Frisé is known for its unique personality traits. So here is all you need to know about their personality and temperament:
1. Super loving!
The Bichon Frisé dog breed is admired for its friendly and charming personality. These dogs are very affectionate and shower everyone with their slobbery smooches. As these dogs can adapt pretty easily with hoomans, they also build emotional bonds.
2. Gossip queens
If you want the “tea” about everything in your neighborhood—the Bichon Frisé is the correct source to trust! These little bugs are extroverts and get along with other pets and people. They love dog dates and playing indoor games with large groups of people.
3. Attention seekers
If you are not around these cuddle bugs, they will probably search for you everywhere and act all cute. Why? Because they always want your attention! These dogs can hooman pleasers and will do all the comic stuff to get their owner’s attention. Basically, they not only love their personal space but also love your personal space!
4. Bark a lot!
Apparently, these little buddies have the cutest barks! Even the Bichon Frisé puppies bark a lot. As these dogs have a history of being guard dogs, they bark at random people walking around the streets for fun! However, if they bark too much, it can be a behavioral problem that you can fix with proper training.
Bichon Frisé is a great cuddler, and we assume they did a Ph.D. from the school of fluff!
Grooming Needs of the Bichon Frisé
Bichon Frisé is one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds, which, unfortunately, is still a high-maintenance dog breed. These dogs need a lot of attention to their coat. Otherwise, they’ll look dirty and unhygienic. To avoid it, here are the grooming essentials you should follow for this lap dog:
1. Brushing
The Bichon Frisé dog breed requires regular brushing almost 3-4 times weekly. Even though they do not have much loose fur, brushing helps to remove the tangles and prevent mats. It would be best if you could make 5 minutes a day to brush their coat thoroughly.
2. Bathing and cleaning
Unlike other dogs who only need to be bathed occasionally, these furry companions needs a nice bath at least once every two weeks. This is essential to keep them looking clean and fresh. As a responsible pet owner, you should use the correct dog supplies like a dog-friendly and mild shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
Moreover, do not forget to clean their:
- Ear wax and dirt build-up
- Eye boogers to avoid infections
- Paws
3. Professional grooming
Lastly, to adopt the Bichon Frisé dog breed, you need to figure out the finances, as these dogs cost a lot of money for their grooming! To make them look clean, trimmed, and groomed, you might need professional assistance, as it is very important that you maintain their fur coat properly.
Exercise and Training Needs
Being a lap dog, this little buddy only needs about 30 minutes to 1 hour training sessions. You can divide them into two halves or do it at once- but they do not necessarily have to be physically exhausting. Here is a guide for you:
1. Early socialization
You should start training the Bichon Frisé puppies as soon as they start being active and vocal. It is essential that you give them socialization training. This will help them to meet other pets and humans while adapting quickly in the future.
2. Short and fun sessions
Bichon Frisé gets bored very quickly! You should keep the training sessions short, fun, and interactive. To do so, you can organize mentally stimulating or agility games. Also, you can take them on walking sessions or have their resting time fixed.
3. Basic obedience training
The most important part is to teach them basic obedience! You can start with easy commands, and then as they become pro at it, you can move ahead with the hard ones. With positive reinforcement and leash training, you can motivate and help them navigate better.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we can say that the Bichon Frisé dog breed is THE PERFECT match for first-time dog owners. They are super easy to train, affectionate, adaptable, and not aggressive! However, their grooming needs can make you go a bit crazy! So, if you can provide them proper nutrition, grooming, training, and a particular lifestyle- these dogs can do wonders for your home with their unbeatable charm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This dog is a high-maintenance breed. These dogs require a lot of grooming daily, which can be hectic for first-time dog owners. Also, you may need professional grooming services to maintain Bichon Frisé’s best health.
Yes. Bichon Frisé is often seen barking at random plants, objects, squirrels, or people passing by. They do it because of their strong guarding instincts. If you have an ick for barking dogs, you can opt for barkless dogs like Basenji.
Bichon Frisé is usually a pretty healthy dog breed, but there are some health problems they might be prone to. Diabetes, eye problems (cataract), bacterial attacks, hip dysplasia, knee joint dislocation, and kidney stones are some common health problems with this dog breed. (sources:1, 2, 3, 4)
The Bichon Frisé dog breed is super affectionate and needs a lot of attention from their owners. We do not recommend occasionally leaving them alone for more than 1-2 hours. Leaving them alone for long periods can lead to separation anxiety..
Bichon Frisé is one of the bestest apartment dogs and house dogs! They are loving and can fit well in a house. The only catch is to take them on regular walks and give them certain training to keep them active.
