Bichon Frise
Sweet, smart and snuggly
Bichons 101
Non-SportingIntelligent, sweet-natured and playful, the Bichon Frise is a popular family dog, a good fit for homes with children, with empty-nesters and with singles alike. They are friendly and outgoing with strangers, typically get along well other dogs and are compatible with small family pets.
Their soft, wavy coats are usually white or off-white and typically kept clipped for ease of maintenance. As with other curly-coated dogs, the Bichon may be more readily tolerated by those with allergies.
What we love about Bichons
Bright, sweet dog loves to learn tricks.
The Bichon’s favorite activity is whatever their families are doing. They are easy-going dogs whose exercise needs can be met with regular walks. With more active families, they are happy to do more and just as happy to snuggle on the couch after.
Energy level
Energy level: 100% (Very high)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.
- Energy level
- Very high (100%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 9.5 to 11.5 inches
- Lifespan
- 14 to 15 years
- Weight
- 12 to 18 lbs
The Bichon Frise stands 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighs 12 to 18 lbs. Bichon Frises have a lifespan of 14 to 15 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Bichon Frises get?
- Bichon Frises stand 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and typically weigh between 12 and 18 pounds.
- How long do Bichon Frises live?
- The average lifespan of a Bichon Frise is 14 to 15 years.
- Are Bichon Frises good for first-time dog owners?
- Bichon Frises are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Bichon Frises bark a lot?
- Bichon Frises are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Bichon Frise health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Bichon
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
Mid-life Bichon Frises should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Urinary bladder stones and Luxated patella pose very high risk. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Luxated patella
- Very High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- High Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Bichon
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
Senior Bichon Frises face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Diabetes mellitus and Urinary bladder stones and Cushings disease pose very high risk.
- Diabetes mellitus
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Cushings disease
- Very High Risk
Bichon puppy
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
Bichon Frise puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection and Gastritis pose very high risk. Dental disease is at high risk.
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- High Risk
Young adult Bichon
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
As Bichon Frises grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella and Toxicity are at moderate risk.
- Luxated patella
- Moderate Risk
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Bichon
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
Mid-life Bichon Frises should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Urinary bladder stones and Luxated patella pose very high risk. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Luxated patella
- Very High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- High Risk
Senior Bichon
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
Senior Bichon Frises face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Diabetes mellitus and Urinary bladder stones and Cushings disease pose very high risk.
- Diabetes mellitus
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Cushings disease
- Very High Risk
Bichon puppy
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
Bichon Frise puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection and Gastritis pose very high risk. Dental disease is at high risk.
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- High Risk
Young adult Bichon
Risk level for common Bichon conditions
As Bichon Frises grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella and Toxicity are at moderate risk.
- Luxated patella
- Moderate Risk
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Bichon Frise's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Ear infection: Very High Risk, Gastritis: Very High Risk, Dental disease: High Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
- Luxated patella: Moderate Risk, Toxicity: Moderate Risk, Gastritis: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
- Urinary bladder stones: Very High Risk, Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): High Risk
- Senior (10+ years)
- Diabetes mellitus: Very High Risk, Urinary bladder stones: Very High Risk, Cushings disease: Very High Risk
The rounded head of the Bichon Frise is an illusion – these gentle, playful dogs have a normal, dog-shaped head under their coif. The look is for the show ring only, and it’s impractical to maintain except by a skilled dog-groomer. If left alone, the Bichon’s coat will become a curly mop – adorable for sure, but hard to keep from being matted. Most Bichons are kept clipped short.
Bichon Frise coat care and colors
The Bichon Frise is one of a family that includes the Maltese, and the grooming needs of these breed are much the same. The fluffy white coat mats and tangles easily, which is why most Bichons are kept clipped short. Eye stains can be a problem in small white-colored dogs, so health issues should be ruled out before using any product meant to address the problem. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.
How often should my Bichon Frise get a haircut?
How often should my Bichon Frise get a haircut?
How do I keep my Bichon Frise’s coat white?
How do I keep my Bichon Frise’s coat white?
How do I keep my Bichon Frise’s coat fluffy?
How do I keep my Bichon Frise’s coat fluffy?
Bichon exercise & training
Bichon fun facts
Top girl names for Bichons
of Bichons are female
of Bichons are male
Top boy names for Bichons
Nationwide loves Bichon Frises of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Bichon Frises insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Bichon Frise statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Bichons
Best. Bichon Frise insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free