Let's talk Bichon Frisés
It’s hard to describe the Bichon Frisé without using the word ‘fluffy’. Their hair is practically cloud-like in its softness although the bouffant look is optional (they aren’t born symmetrically groomed). And while they don’t shed, Bichon Frisés definitely need daily attention paid to grooming to keep that beautiful coat from matting. Naturally affectionate and ultra-friendly, Bichon Frisés don’t always discern between people they know and people they don’t, greeting both with tail-wagging enthusiasm. Even so, the Bichon Frisé’s temperament is one of the pleasures of this playful breed.
Official name: Bichon Frisé
Other names: Bichon Frise
Origins: France
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Shedding Level
1 out of 5Energy level*
3 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
5 out of 5Warm weather?
3 out of 5Suited to apartment living
4 out of 5Family pet?*
5 out of 5Can be left alone
1 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 9.5 - 11.5 in | 9 - 11 in |
| Weight | Weight |
| 12 - 18 lb | 10 - 15 lb |
| Life stages | |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Adult |
| 2 to 10 months | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 8 to 12 years | From 12 years |
| Baby | |
| Birth to 2 months | |
Drooling tendencies
1 out of 5Shedding Level
1 out of 5Energy level*
3 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
5 out of 5Warm weather?
3 out of 5Suited to apartment living
4 out of 5Family pet?*
5 out of 5Can be left alone
1 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 9.5 - 11.5 in | 9 - 11 in |
| Weight | Weight |
| 12 - 18 lb | 10 - 15 lb |
| Life stages | |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Adult |
| 2 to 10 months | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 8 to 12 years | From 12 years |
| Baby | |
| Birth to 2 months | |
Tailored nutrition for Bichon Frisés
Get to know the Bichon Frisé
All you need to know about the breed
Bichon Frisé or Bichon Frise? While the world can agree that this is one playful, open and affable breed, it can’t always agree on the breed’s name, spelling or pronunciation. Their French name, Bichon à poil frisé, or curly-haired little dog, has the accent on the last letter; but in English-speaking countries, the breed is known as the Bichon Frise, accent-free in both writing and pronunciation. That’s okay, these confident dogs know who they are.
Adaptable and full of energy, the breed is well-suited to city life due to their compact size and easy-going nature. As has been said, there are no strangers to the Bichon Frisé, just humans they haven’t met yet. As such, they are known to form incredibly strong bonds with their human families. Have owner, will follow.
Equally known for their silky, powder puff coat, the Bichon Frisé does require near daily brushing to keep them looking their best. They will most likely be sitting in your lap much of the time anyway so just keep the brush nearby.
The Bichon Frisé breed comes in varying shades of white, extra-white, and even a slightly apricot-tinged white. If you were thinking that the Bichon looks a lot like the Maltese, Havanese or Bolognese, you have a good eye, they are not so distantly related.
While the Bichon Frisé can take a little longer to housetrain, their intelligence means they respond well to positive reward-based training overall. They just want to please you, basically.
Two facts about Bichon Frisés
1. Parlez-vous Français?
While the Bichon Frisé as we know it today has French roots, the breed’s earliest ancestors were actually Spanish and Italian, sailors and noblemen equally. That’s why some refer to the Bichon Frisé as having Mediterranean origins, thereby covering all bases.
2. Brush up on your grooming
Supremely easy-going as a breed, the same cannot be said for the Bichon Frisé’s grooming needs. That soft, fluffy coat must be brushed daily where possible to prevent matting. And, as with many small breeds, they can be prone to teeth and gum issues, so grab a toothbrush while you are at it! The good news: neither brushing routine takes long.
History of the breed
The Bichon Frisé’s history is long and as interesting as the breed itself. Typically and rightfully associated with France, the breed is believed to have originally descended from Spanish sailing dogs in the Canary Islands, keeping sailors company during long voyages. The Tenerife Bichon, as they were known, is thought to be one of the Bichon Frisé’s forebears.
By the 13th century, they were housed in royal courts all over Spain, Italy and France. It was the latter who bred the lapdog we know and love today, probably around the time of the French Renaissance in the 16th century. Beloved by nobility, the Bichon Frisé had a grand old time of it. However, when the French Revolution began, their royal owners were sent to the guillotines, leaving Bichon Frisés to fend for themselves. Saved by the reign of Napoleon III, the breed was in the royal court once again, adored, pampered and dressed to the nines, the inspiration behind a new French verb: bichonner, meaning “to pamper.”
Throughout their history, fanciers would swoop in and keep the Bichon Frisé going as their fame ebbed and flowed and ebbed again. They didn’t appear in America until 1955. The Bichon Frise Club of America was formed in 1964 with the breed finally recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1971.
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Bichon Frisés
1.Neck
2.Eyes
3.Ears
4.Head
5.Coat
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Bichon Frisé
A pretty healthy breed overall
While the Bichon Frisé is quite a healthy breed of dog overall, and a reputable breeder will have screened the parents for certain health conditions, you will need to test yearly for hip and patella issues. The breed can also be prone to bladder infections as well as an eye condition called ‘glaucoma’. It’s always a good idea to check your dog’s eyes regularly, looking out for symptoms such as squinting, watery irritation or any kind of swelling or bulging. If you spot anything unusual, it’s best to consult your veterinarian at the first available opportunity. They will help you stay on top of your dog’s good health.
Don’t forget your toothbrush
Like many Toy breeds of dogs, the Bichon Frisé can be prone to problems with their teeth and gums. If left untreated, this can develop into ‘periodontal disease’ – inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. As well as being painful for your Bichon Frisé, it can also result in them having difficulty eating and tooth loss, and potentially more serious complications. It is best prevented with daily brushing. Routine cleanings and exams with your veterinarian are also recommended.
Tailored nutrition for Bichon Frisé
When choosing food for a Bichon Frisé, there are many factors to consider: their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog.
Strong Immune System
Supports the development of the puppy's healthy immune system with the inclusion of clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C.
Brain Development
Enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is scientifically proven to support the puppy's brain development.
Microbiome Support
Combination of prebiotics & highly digestible proteins to help promote a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria for digestive health.
The main nutritional goals for adult Bichon Frisés are:
Digestive Health
Bichon Frisé Adult helps support digestive health and helps promote a balanced intestinal flora.
Healthy Skin & Coat
Nutrition plays an important part in maintaining the quality of the skin. The Bichon Frisé Adult formula helps support the skin's role as a barrier with an exclusive complex of B vitamins and amino acids and helps maintain skin health with EPA & DHA.
Ideal Weight
Excess weight gain can affect the health of the Bichon Frisé. This formula helps maintain an ideal weight for the Bichon Frisé.
Exclusive Kibble
The Bichon Frisé has a strong lower jaw and its teeth meet in a scissors bite. The size, shape and texture of the kibble is designed to be easy for the Bichon Frisé to pick up and chew.
After 8 years old, Bichon Frisés start to face the first signs of aging. A diet enriched with antioxidants helps maintain vitality, and key nutrients, such as taurine, help support good cardiac function. Aging is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for aging Bichon Frisés should have the following characteristics:
Vitality Support
Supports heart, kidney and brain health in first stage of aging.
Strong Bones
Helps maintain strong bones with precise blend of calcium and phosphorus.
Ideal Weight
Helps maintain ideal weight by meeting a small dog's specific energy needs.
Caring for your Bichon Frisé
Exercise, grooming and training.
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All about Bichon Frisés
While we can’t speak for the entire breed, Bichon Frisés are known to be affectionate and devoted to their human owners. While they love to play – ideally with you – your lap works as well as any pillow when nap time comes around.
Most people ask this thinking that, because the breed doesn’t shed, Bichon Frisés are "hypoallergenic". The truth is that no dog is 100% allergen-free. Having said that, the Bichon Frisé breed regularly makes lists as one of the best choices for allergy sufferers as they don't really shed.
Suggested Breeds
Read more on this topic
Sources
- Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/;
- Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
- Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
- Royal Canin BHN Product Book
- American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/
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