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Honest FAQ for Bichons

By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Bichon Frise

Many Bichons are turned into shelters and rescue groups because of too much coat care, or because of potty training problems. So be sure you can commit to the significant grooming and housebreaking.


What kind of temperament and personality does the Bichon Frise have?

The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding Bichon Frise temperament and behavior are:

lively, cheerful, curious, playful, peaceful, snuggly, over-dependent, barky

I give you my honest opinions about Bichon Frise temperament and personality traits and characteristics – positives AND negatives – in my dog breed review, Bichon Frise Temperament and Personality Traits (What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em).

How do you pronounce Bichon Frise?

It's French: Bee-shon ("little lap dog") Free-zay ("with curly hair").

What were Bichons Frises used for?

Originating on the island of Tenerife in the Canaries, the Bichon Frise was favored by Italian and French nobility. The Bichon also played the role of common street dog, organ grinder's dog, and circus dog.

What traits would help Bichons accomplish their work? That's right... cuteness, lovableness, liveliness, playfulness, agility, trainability, and clownish antics.

How big are Bichons Frises? Height and weight?

About 9-12 inches at the shoulder, and 12-18 pounds, which puts them in the SMALL category.

What colors do Bichons come in?

White, often with a few shadings of buff, cream, or apricot.

Does the Bichon Frise have a doggy odor?

No, Bichons produce very little dander and have very little doggy odor.

How much exercise do Bichons Frises need?

Just a few walks, plus games of tug and fetch in the yard. Many Bichons become obsessed with retrieving small balls and toys. Also teach tricks and set up a miniature obstacle course and run around it with your Bichon Frise, coaxing, encouraging, and rewarding.

Does the Bichon Frise need a fenced yard?

Yes. Why a fenced yard? and best and worst fences.

Are Bichons easy to train?

Moderately easy. Bichons Frises have an independent streak and can be hyper-sensitive to correction, but they do want to please. Here's how to handle behavior problems. You need to be absolutely consistent and persistent, not giving in when they try to "charm" you with their comical antics. Corrections should always be gentle with this soft-tempered breed.

Is the Bichon Frise easy to housebreak?

Unfortunately... no. I've lost track of just how many Bichons I've worked with on housetraining issues.

Now, very small breeds are usually harder to housebreak for two reasons: (1) their internal organs are miniaturized and slow to develop; and (2) owners let them loose in the house far too early, they start "going" behind the sofa, and the bad habit is established. Sadly, the vast majority of non-housebroken dogs are made that way by their owner.

However, Bichons DO seem to be inherently harder to housebreak than most other small breeds.

Are Bichons Frises friendly with people?

Some Bichons are outgoing and friendly with everyone. Others are more standoffish, but still polite, with strangers. And some Bichons are timid.

A well-bred Bichon Frise should never be aggressive toward anyone; however, I've worked with a number of individuals whose timidity had morphed into suspiciousness and reactivity toward strangers or strange dogs. Sort of an "i'll get them before they get me." This needs to be stopped ASAP, as a frightened dog can end up threatening and biting someone out of fear.

Are Bichons good with children?

I don't recommend a Bichon Frise for children younger than about age 10. This proud and sensitive little breed can be a bit high-strung and defensive around very young children.

Are Bichons good with other dogs?

Bichons are usually fine with other dogs in their own family. And many Bichons are sociable even with dogs they don't know. Others may pitch a fit when they see a strange dog; stop this right away.

Are Bichons good with cats?

Yes, the Bichon Frise is usually fine with cats.

How much does the Bichon Frise shed?

The Bichon Frise is considered a non-shedder. Rather than dead hair falling out onto your floor, the Bichon's coat grows continuously until you cut it.

Are Bichons hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?

If you're allergic to canine saliva, no.

If you're allergic to dog dander... yes, many people with dander allergies are fine with a Bichon Frise.

How much grooming do Bichons need?

Lots. The amount of brushing depends on how often you clip the coat (I recommend every 4-6 weeks), and how short you clip it. The shorter it is, the easier brushing will be. And a shorter coat doesn't mat, so it's more comfortable to your Bichon.

Forget the impractical show ring clip that makes the unfortunate dog look like a sculpted plush toy. Just clip it short.

As the coat begins to grow out again, you'll need to monitor with brush and comb for mats and tangles, especially in the dog's "arm pits." You also need to make sure the hair around their private parts is kept short for sanitary toileting.

What's a good training schedule for training Bichon Frise puppies?

Here's the puppy training schedule I use for Bichons: Puppy Training Schedule.

What behavior problems do Bichons Frises tend to have?

Housebreaking and barking issues are the main problems in the Bichon Frise. I also see excitability and jumping on people, both very easy to stop. Here's how to handle typical behavior problems.

More difficult to solve is separation anxiety. This can occur when you have (accidentally) encouraged your Bichon to be overly dependent on you. Then when you leave him alone, the dog grows anxious and stressed, which he tries to relieve through barking and destructive chewing. If you need to be away from home much, I don't recommend a Bichon Frise or any of his cousin breeds, like the Havanese or Coton de Tulear.

What health problems might Bichons have?

Bichons can be tremendously allergic to flea bites and will chew themselves to pieces when bitten, causing raw hot spots on their skin. Urinary ailments plague the breed, along with eye diseases that can cause blindness. And loose "knee" joints (called luxating patella) can cause lameness and require expensive surgery.

What breeds are similar to the Bichon Frise?

The Bichon Frise belongs to a group of similar dogs often referred to as the bichon  (lap dog) family. Here are the other breeds in this family:

You might also consider a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle. Like all of the breeds above, Poodles are lively, playful, peaceful, and hypoallergenic, and in fact, are the safest breed for allergy sufferers. Poodles are also easier to train and housebreak than the breeds above.

Where can I buy a Bichon Frise puppy?

From a show breeder is best. Read my article.

Where can I adopt an older Bichon Frise?

Rescue group or humane society/shelter? Read my article.

I just got a new Bichon Frise. Which pages should I read first?

  • Bichon Frise Health, which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and daily health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Bichon Frise puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Starting off right is essential.
  • Training Bichons, which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Bichon Frise puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know, and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on.

Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?

Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Bichons have pros and cons, and female Bichons have pros and cons. Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs

There's an adorable Bichon Frise puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true?

No responsible Bichon Frise breeder would ever place one of their Bichon Frise puppies in a pet shop for resale. To find out more about pet shop puppies, visit Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store.

How do I pick the best Bichon Frise puppy from a litter?

You can do puppy personality tests. Visit How To Choose a Good Puppy.

What's the best dog food for Bichons?

3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food.

I have to take my Bichon Frise to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need?

The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically – but unfortunately most vets are not telling you this, because a good chunk of their income depends on frequent vaccinations. Please don't get any more shots for your Bichon Frise until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations.

What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Bichon Frise, and when should it be done?

Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. Visit Spaying Your Female Dog or Neutering Your Male Dog for the straight scoop on the safest (and riskiest) times to spay or neuter.

I have a question about Bichons that I don't see answered on your web site.

It's probably answered in one of my free online books.

Michele Welton with BuffyAbout the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

My best-selling books – now available  FREE  on my website


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