Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful companion breed with Mediterranean roots that became particularly beloved at the French royal court during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
The breed name translates from French as "curly lap dog," perfectly capturing both its distinctive appearance and its deeply sociable nature.
3-5kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Bichon Frise
Standing 23–28 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing just 3–5 kilograms, this compact dog features a soft, dense, curly white coat and characteristically dark, expressive eyes that give it an endearing powder-puff appearance. The coat does not shed in the traditional sense, making it an appealing choice for those with mild allergies, though it requires regular professional grooming every six to eight weeks and daily brushing to prevent matting. Temperamentally, the Bichon Frise is a paragon of gentleness and affection, thriving on human companionship and displaying genuine friendliness towards children, other pets and strangers alike. The breed's intelligence and responsiveness to positive training make it an excellent choice for first-time owners. With modest exercise requirements of around 30 minutes daily, the Bichon Frise adapts beautifully to apartment living and various household situations. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, this devoted little companion makes an ideal family pet for those seeking a loving, low-shedding friend.
Bichon Frise at a Glance
- Group
- Toy
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 3–5 kg
- Height
- 23–28 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- No
- Exercise
- Up to 30 minutes per day
- Typical price
- £600–£1500
Bichon Frise Temperament
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, affectionate and gentle breed with a wonderfully sunny outlook on life. Devoted to its human family, it thrives as an indoor companion and is equally happy playing games, going for a walk or simply curling up for a cuddle. Sociable and friendly with children, other pets and strangers, the Bichon rarely shows aggression or excessive shyness. It is an intelligent breed that responds well to patient, positive training. Its strong attachment to people means it can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often. For families of all ages, the Bichon Frise is an ideal and loving companion.
Bichon Frise Lifestyle
The Bichon Frise suits apartment living well and suits a home with a reasonably sized garden. They are versatile and do well in both city and countryside settings.
Dog Food for Bichon Frise
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Bichon Frise weighing around 4 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£1.17 - £1.24
Per month
£35 - £37
Per year
£426 - £454
Bichon Frise Characteristics
The Bichon Frise does well with a couple of good walks a day and is very responsive to training and loves to please. They make a great family dog and are happy to be left for reasonable periods. The coat needs regular grooming to stay in good condition, but leaves very little hair around, which is a real bonus for house-proud owners. Intelligence is a real hallmark of this breed, and they do best with plenty of mental enrichment alongside exercise.
Bichon Frise Pros & Cons
Pros
- A low-shedding coat that suits households with allergies
- Highly sociable and wonderful with children of all ages
- Intelligent and eager to learn, doing well in obedience and trick training
- Adapts well to flat or suburban living with regular exercise
Cons
- The coat needs professional trimming every four to six weeks
- Prone to separation anxiety when left on their own for too long
- House training can be tricky and requires patience and consistency
- A stubborn streak can surface and needs gentle but firm handling
