Bichon Frise: Dog Breed Information, Life Span & Facts

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Bichon Frise dogs are a small but active breed of dog that is known for their sweet temperament. They make great family pets and are generally very easy to care for. Bichons are also known for their curly hair, which can be any color but typically are white.

Bichon Frise Stats

Bichon Frise is a small dog breed that weighs between six and twelve pounds. However, some bichons can weigh as much as eighteen or twenty-four pounds. 

Usually the heavier dogs are also taller and larger. The tallest bichon on record was thirty-three inches tall, while the shortest was only nineteen inches tall.

Key Characteristics and Traits of the Bichon Frise

Appearance

  • Size: The Bichon Frise is a small dog, typically weighing between 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms) and standing about 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 centimeters) tall at the shoulder.

  • Coat: They have a dense, curly, and hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t shed much. Their white coat is their trademark, although some may have shades of cream or apricot.

  • Facial Features: Their dark round eyes, black nose, and a gentle expression contribute to their endearing appearance. They have a distinctive powder-puff appearance due to their plush, curly coat.

Temperament

  • Affectionate: The Bichon Frise is known for their affectionate and loving nature. They are often friendly and enjoy spending time with their families.

  • Playful: These dogs have a playful and lively personality. They often maintain their playful demeanor well into adulthood.

  • Sociable: The Bichon Frise generally gets along well with people, children, and other pets. They have a social nature and thrive on companionship.

Behavior and Care

  • Intelligent: The Bichon Frise is an intelligent dog, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods.

  • Moderate Exercise Needs: Despite their small size, Bichon Frises have moderate exercise needs. Regular walks and playtime suffice to keep them happy and healthy.

  • Grooming: The coat of the Bichon Frise requires regular grooms to prevent matting and to maintain its appearance. Professional grooming every few weeks is common to keep their coat in top condition.

History

  • Origin: The Bichon Frise's origins can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where they were favored as companion dogs by European nobility.

  • Companion Dogs: They were particularly popular in France, where they became known for their cheerful demeanor and skills as companion animals.

Health

  • Generally Healthy: The Bichon Frise is relatively known to be a healthy dog, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, allergies, and joint conditions.

  • Lifespan: On average, Bichon Frises live around 12 to 15 years, though some can live longer with proper care.

How Long Do Bichon Frise Live

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In the past, Bichon Frise dogs have been bred to be small, and because of this, they could easily live 12-15 years. They're known to live a normal healthy life span. Bichons tend to be very active and loving puppies that enjoy playing with their families.

In recent years, the average bichon frise's lifespan has changed significantly. As more breeds were introduced into the bichon, they became larger, leading them to live shorter lives, with some living as low as 9 years. The change in size and genetics occurred due to the cross-breeding of larger breeds with the bichon.

Too keep your Bichon healthy make sure you have a good Veterinarian and keep up to date with wellness visits and vaccines This is important because dogs can develop health problems as they age, and different symptoms in a small breed dogs are often mistaken for something much less serious than what is actually happening. 

It is also recommended that if you want your dog to live an average lifespan or longer, you should keep them at a healthy weight and make sure they exercise regularly. Aside from that, it's important to give your pup a healthy diet and lots of love.

How can I increase my Bichon Frise life span?

To make sure your  Bichon Frise is in the best of health ,don’t  over-feed her. It's extremely important for a bichon frise’s  lifespan. Overweight dogs can have serious health issues. Likewise, ensure that your feeding your Bichon a healthy high quality diet. Low-end foods can cause the same health concerns as overfeeding. Please keep up to date with wellness Vet visits and make appointments if you have any health concerns. Seeing your Vet at the first sign of a problem can prevent a more serious one. It's also always a good idea to neuter and spays your pets.

Temperament Of A Bichon Frise

All traits are descriptive of the cheerful temperament of Bichon Frise's. However, you need obedience training or socialization training if you want your puppy to exhibit these qualities. If given permission by owners these furry friends could become jealous of another person's pet territorially and display their own independence. Adapted for companion dogs, these small dogs will play willingly and love cuddles. Then it is very relaxing and pleasant.

Choose a healthy Bichon Frise Puppy

To start with, It's important to choose a reputable breeder with a good reputation. The pup's parents should have a clean bill of health and be clear of genetic diseases. You should be allowed to see the parents dealing with the puppies to endure these they are being cared for properly. 

The Common Challenges Of Bichon Frise

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The Bichon Frise is a breed that has always loved making its owners happy. They are affectionate dogs and enjoy close contact with their owners. The most common health problems they are prone to are  eye, ear, and skin conditions. 

Another health issue that they are prone to is degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy affects the dog's spinal cord and causes neurological or muscular atrophy over time. 

This leads to weakness and loss of coordination, and in cases where the spinal cord has been severely affected, paralysis occurs in their legs or back legs. It can eventually spread up to the stomach area, which will cause the dog strain when walking or even standing on its feet.

Also Read - Why Do Bichon Frise Dogs Lick So Much

Frequent Questions People Ask About Bichon Frise

Do Bichon Frise shed ?

Bichon Frise have minimal shedding.  They have hair and not fur coats that need to be cut and groomed. 

Are Bichon Frise hypoallergenic? 

No dog is purely hypoallergenic but Bichons have soft hair that produces less dander than fur is less likely to produce an allergic response in people with allergies. 

Bichon Frise has a double coat that is made up of two layers: a dense undercoat and a softer outer coat. The undercoat is where most of the shedding occurs. 

The outer coat comprises longer, softer hair that does not shed as much. This combination of coats makes the bichon Frise an ideal breed for people with allergies.

The Best Bichon Frise Haircuts 

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There are many styles for bichon frise haircuts, but the most popular way to cut their hair is a short style that falls well below the ears. This look can be achieved by using a clipper on the side or top of the head and cutting just enough hair to cover the ear canal. 

When choosing a haircut for your bichon frise, make sure that it is stylish and practical simultaneously - a good length for these dogs is about 1 inch shorter than their height.

How Much Is A Bichon Frise 

Bichons Frise is one of the most popular types of French dog. They are known for their playful personalities and cute little faces. Bichon Frises can come in various colors and styles, but the most common is the tri-colored bichon frise. 

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Depending on their breeding and quality, these dogs typically cost between $200 and $800. A bichon frise's coat will usually grow about 1 inch per month, so regular grooming is necessary to keep it in good condition. 

How To Pronounce Bichon Frise

When you want to learn how to pronounce Bichon Frise, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. This breed of dog has a French origin, and its name actually means curly lap dog. Because of this, you should expect the dog's name to be pronounced in a French accent. 

Additionally, the correct pronunciation of Bichon Frise is actually bi-SHON-free-ZAY. With that said, let's take a look at how to pronounce this breed of dog's name properly.

As we mentioned, the Bichon Frise is a French dog breed. This means that the correct way to pronounce its name is actually bi-SHON free-ZAY. However, if you are unfamiliar with French, don't worry! You can say this dog's name and still be understood in a few different ways. For example, some people choose to say Bee-shon Free-zay or Bish-on Free-zay. 

While both of these ways are technically incorrect, they are more commonly used in English-speaking countries and will likely be understood by most people.

If you really want to make sure you pronounce Bichon Frise correctly, we recommend listening to audio clips of native French speakers saying the dog's name.This can help you obtain a sense of the proper tone and pronunciation.

Additionally, it can be helpful to watch videos of Bichon Frises so that you can see how the breed's name is typically pronounced. However, remember that there is no one "correct" way to say this dog's name - ultimately, as long as you are easily understood, that's all that matters. 

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Quick Tips On How To Groom Your Pet Dog

You need to know a few things to groom your pet dog. Prepare your tools ahead of time.  Get your tub filled with warm (not hot) water. Prepare your coat specific shampoo & conditioner. Make sure your bath has a non-slip surface. Have a designated towel l, hair dryer and brush. can also use a hair dryer if needed.

  1. Start by brushing your pups hair to remove any dirt, debris, or knots. Be sure to use a brush that is appropriate for your dog's coat type.
  1. Next, bathe your dog using an all natural shampoo made specifically for dogs. Avoid getting water in your dog's ears and eyes.
  1. After the bath, dry your dog off thoroughly with a towel and or hairdryer
  1. Finish by brushing the coat again and topping off with a spritz of The Proud Scent. 

 In case you need a refreshment between the baths, try using waterless dog shampoo, which is quick & gentle way to freshen up your pup!

You can read more here: How to Groom a Bichon Frise? 

Conclusion

Bichons Frise is a friendly, playful dog who can live up to 12 - 15 years if cared for properly. It's important to brush their coats regularly and keep their nails trimmed to avoid potential health problems. 

Regular exercise is also important for keeping these dogs healthy and happy. Finally, give your Bichon Frise plenty of obedience training so they can be good companions in your home.

WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?

PRIDE+GROOM was born because 4 New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.

With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.

PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.

IN DOG WE TRUST

Shop our entire line:  www.prideandgroom.com

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REGINA HAYMES | CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

Regina is a former Fashion Editor and Director who has worked for magazines such as Seventeen, Vogue, and Marie Claire where she oversaw content, styled celebrities and forecasted trends. She continues these duties on a daily basis, the most recent outcome of which being her standard poodle Kiki’s new “leg warmers.” Regina is a wife, and mother of four--two of them human.