Bichon Frise breed guide

Known for being fluffy and cute, the Bichon Frise (also known as ‘Bichon Frisé’) is a wonderful companion dog who loves nothing more than a snuggle on the sofa!

Read our guide to find out more about the lovely Bichon Frise breed…

Please note: We’ll mostly be referring to dogs of the Bichon Frise breed as ‘Bichon’ or ‘Bichons’ from this point forward – though for clarity, we are referring to the Bichon Frise.

Bichon Frise breed history

Sources suggest the Bichon breed originated in the Mediterranean. It’s believed Spanish sailors introduced the breed to Tenerife and the Canary Islands, before Italian sailors discovered them in the 14^th century and introduced Bichons to Europe.

Although they were popular with royalty for centuries, especially in late 16^th century France, Bichons fell out of fashion and performed in circuses or belonged to working class owners.

Following WWI, French breeders returned their focus to the Bichon – bringing the breed back and transforming them into the family-friendly show dog we know today.

Common characteristics of the Bichon Frise breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for the Bichon, and since each dog is a unique individual, your Bichon’s characteristics may differ.

Average height for a Bichon Frise

The majority of sources agree that Bichons can reach an average height of around 23-30cm (at the shoulder) – with males usually measuring taller than females.

Average weight for a Bichon Frise

Most Bichons tend to weigh around 3-6kg, on average.

Average lifespan for a Bichon Frise

Bichons have an average lifespan of around 12-16 years, though many have been known to live up to 19 years!

Typical Bichon Frise appearance

This gorgeous ‘toy’ breed is easily recognised by their silky, spiralled white coat.

Along with their inquisitive facial features, the Bichon has a fluffy plume of curls around their head (like a mini lion’s mane!) – unless their coat has been clipped.    

With perfectly proportioned paws at the end of their cloud-like, little legs, Bichons boast a sturdy frame and have a gracefully curled tail.  

The only recognised colour for a Bichon’s coat is white, though off-white and cream colours might be seen in some Bichons who have other breeds in their ancestry.  

Due to their coat type, Bichons require daily grooming and might need to visit a groomer regularly to be clipped – especially during warmer weather.

Typical Bichon Frise temperament

Bichons adore being the centre of attention!

They’re known to be friendly, affectionate dogs who enjoy life as part of a family. Likewise, their cuddly nature makes them wonderful companions for lone pet parents of any age.

Thanks to their cheerful personality, the Bichon tends to fit well into households that include other dogs and cats – provided they’ve been introduced safely.

Being involved with family activities, like dog-friendly picnics and walking adventures, means a lot to a Bichon, because they adore taking an active part of your life. They also need around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, at least, every day.

Additionally, Bichons are usually straightforward to train because they’re clever – however, they’ll need plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them focused during training sessions! You can visit our dog training guides for inspiration about training your super smart canine companion.

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your Bichon may develop, and make sure your canine companion is checked by a vet if you have any concerns. .

Fun facts about the Bichon Frise

Fact 1 – Since they barely moult, Bichons could be the ideal companion for someone with a pet hair allergy.

Fact 2 – Bichons aren’t usually good watchdogs, as they’re so polite that they end up making friends with strangers!

Fact 3 – ‘Snowy’ the dog, from the Tintin series, was a Bichon Frise – though he was originally called ‘Milou’ in the French books.

Fact 4 – Italian nobility in the 14^th century would have their Bichons clipped to look like tiny lions!

Fact 5 – The breed wasn’t recognised by the American Kennel Club until 1972, despite their long history.