Bichon Frise
Overview
A cheerful, low-shedding companion that’s a popular choice for allergy-conscious, flat-dwelling owners.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Bichon Frise is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Bichon Frise typically needs around an hour of exercise a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is daily / professional and shedding is minimal. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Bichon Frise should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Playful, friendly and low-shedding
- +Happy in flats and good with families
Things to consider
- –Curly coat needs daily brushing and regular grooming to avoid matting
- –Can be prone to separation anxiety and nuisance barking
Is a Bichon Frise right for you?
On space, a Bichon Frise is flat-friendly — they can adapt to a flat as long as they get their daily exercise and company. For experience level, they are good for first-time owners. That makes them a reasonable choice for a committed first-time owner.
Kit that suits a Bichon Frise
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Bichon Frises good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Bichon Frises tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Bichon Frise needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Bichon Frises shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is daily / professional — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Bichon Frises easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Bichon Frises are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Bichon Frises bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Bichon Frises good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Bichon Frises suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Bichon Frise can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.