Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Bichon Frise: a good fit for you
Bichon Frise: could work, with compromises
Bichon Frise: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Bichon Frise was brought to France from Italy during the Renaissance, and in the 17th and 18th centuries renowned painters depicted these little dogs alongside kings and nobles.[1] In the FCI standard’s words it is a true companion dog that can be taken anywhere without trouble.[1] It is not nervous and does not often bark; it is very sociable with people and other dogs, even strangers, adapts well and is very attached to its owners.[1]
- Size
- Toy–small
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
Bichon Frise: origin and history
Because it looked like a very small Barbet, it was called ‘barbichon’, a name later shortened to ‘bichon’.[1] The breed came back into fashion under Napoléon III, when it was known as the ‘Ténériffe’, and then became well liked in both Belgium and France.[1]
It almost disappeared after the two world wars, and a population was rebuilt thanks to a few dedicated French and Belgian breeders.[1] The first dog registered in Belgium was Pitou, born in 1924 and entered in the Belgian studbook (LOSH) in 1932; number one in the French studbook (LOF) was a bitch called Ida, in 1934.[1] The current French name, ‘Bichon à poil frisé’, was given in 1978, and the breed was recognised as Franco-Belgian.[1] France and Belgium share the patronage of the FCI standard, which places it in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds), subsection 1.1 (Bichons).[1]
Fact sheet
- Origin
- France
- Size
- Toy–small
- Height at withers
- 23–30 cm [1]
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Curly
- Colours
- White
- Low-shedding coat
- Yes
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needsmoderate
- Trainabilityhigh
- Grooming needsvery high
- Sheddingvery low
- Barkingmoderate
- Good with kidshigh
- Good with other dogshigh
- Good with catshigh
- Apartment-friendlyvery high
- Copes with being alonelow
- Watchdog instinctvery low
- Good for first-time ownersvery high
- Affectionvery high
Bichon Frise: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Yes. It rates 5 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (4 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
2 to 3 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (2 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
1 to 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. A mix of walks and play keeps the dog balanced.
How long does it live?
12–15 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: luxating patella, skin allergies, dental problems, bladder stones, eye disease.
How big does it get?
23–30 cm at the withers and 3–6 kg. Size class: toy–small.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 with children. The small body is easily hurt in rough play, so toddlers need supervision. With other dogs it rates 4 out of 5, with cats 4 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Very little: 1 out of 5 for shedding. The low-shedding coat is often better tolerated by people with allergies, but no dog is allergen-free. The coat keeps growing: brush it every day and have it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.
Male or female?
Males are usually larger: they sit at the top of the range (up to 30 cm and 6 kg), females at the bottom (from 23 cm and 3 kg). Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Bichon Frise or Maltipoo?
Biggest difference: grooming needs (very high vs. high).
| Bichon Frise | Maltipoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy–small | Toy–small |
| Weight | 3–6 kg | 2–7 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Curly | Curly |
| Grooming needs | Very high | High |
| Good with kids | High | Moderate |
| Good for first-time owners | Very high | High |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- live in an apartment
- are getting your first dog
- have children
- have a cat
- want a dog that sheds very little
- want a cuddly companion
Bichon Frise: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Struggles when left alone
- 2 to 3 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- High-maintenance coat
- 5 out of 5 for grooming. The coat keeps growing: brush it every day and have it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Luxating patella, skin allergies, dental problems, bladder stones, eye disease. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
Bichon Frise: puppy price and monthly costs
£800 – £1,500 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £69 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £800 – £1,500 [2] | from £69 [3] |
| United States | from $1,000 [4] | $116 [5] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [6] |
| Australia | no data | A$210 [7] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [8] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Groomer: £39 – £85 per visit, every 6 to 8 weeks (Asda Money).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Luxating patella [15]
- The kneecap slips out of place, common in small breeds.
- Skin allergies [16]
- Prone to itching and skin inflammation.
- Dental problems [17]
- Small jaws build up tartar quickly. Regular brushing helps.
- Bladder stones [18]
- Prone to bladder and urinary stones. Make sure they drink enough.
- Eye disease [19]
- Inherited conditions such as PRA or cataracts. Good breeders have the eyes tested.
Health tests for the parent dogs
4 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center): hip X-ray (HD), kneecap check, and eye exam.
- Required of club members who breed in Canada (Bichon Frise Club of Canada): hip X-ray (HD), kneecap check, and eye exam.
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [20] | United States [21] | Canada [22] | New Zealand [23] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | not in the rules | Required | Required | not in the rules |
| Kneecap checkPatella luxation | not in the rules | Required | Required | Recommended |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Required | Required | Recommended |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), kneecap check, and eye exam. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [24] [25] [26] [27]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [28] [29] [30]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [31] [32] [33] [34]
No dog is completely allergen-free. If someone in your home has an allergy, spend time with the breed before you decide.
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 215: Bichon Frise (2016)
- Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Bichon Frise Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- PetMD: Bichon Frise Dog Breed Health and Care (2026)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Asda Money (Asda Pet Insurance, administered by Insurance Factory Ltd): Dog Grooming Costs - Average UK Costs
- Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (O'Neill D.G. et al., VetCompass): The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England (2016)
- Veterinary Dermatology 27(3):167-e42 (Mazrier H et al.): Canine atopic dermatitis: breed risk in Australia and evidence for a susceptible clade (2016)
- Journal of Small Animal Practice (O'Neill D.G. et al., VetCompass): Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting (2021)
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 217(4):515-9 (Lekcharoensuk C et al.): Patient and environmental factors associated with calcium oxalate urolithiasis in dogs (2000)
- Veterinary Ophthalmology 6(1):3-9 (Gelatt KN et al.): Cataracts in the Bichon Frise (2003)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Royal Kennel Club Health Standard: A complete guide to health testing for responsible breeding (2026)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): CHIC Program Requirements and testing statistics: Bichon Frise
- Bichon Frise Club of Canada: Bichon Frise Club of Canada Code of Ethics
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the BICHON FRISE (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.