Bichon Frise
curious / playful / peppy
A cheerful little companion with a low-shedding coat and a sociable outlook.
Photo: Heike Andres · CC BY-SA 3.0 de. Resized and cropped. Photo details
Distinct from Maltese and white Poodles despite similar grooming. Also documented as: Bichon A Poil Frise, Bichon.
The breed at a glance
- Official name
- Bichon Frise
- Origin / registry attribution
- Belgium, France
- AKC origin attribution
- The Mediterranean
- Group
- Non-Sporting Group
- Original purpose
- Companionship
- Height
- 9.5-11.5 inches
- Weight
- 12-18 pounds
- Typical lifespan
- 14-15 years
- Coat type
- Curly, Double
- Coat length
- Long
- Shedding
- Very low
- Drooling
- Very low
- Barking
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Very high
- Exercise needs
- High
- Mental stimulation
- Moderate
- Trainability
- High
- Children
- Very high
- Other dogs
- Very high
- Cats / small pets
- Individual assessment required; breed suitability unknown
- Apartment adaptability (editorial)
- Very high
- First-owner suitability (editorial)
- Very high
- Climate
- Unknown; individual veterinary advice recommended
Measurements, coat facts, and trait ratings: AKC Bichon Frise breed guide. Origin classifications can differ between registries; both attributions are retained where available. Apartment and first-owner ratings are editorial planning estimates.
Temperament & lifestyle fit
curious / playful / peppy. These are general breed tendencies; upbringing, age, health and the individual dog matter.
- Energy and exercise
- High
- Grooming needs
- Very high
- Trainability
- High
- Family compatibility: children
- Very high
- Apartment adaptability (editorial)
- Very high
Use these ratings to plan your routine, rather than to predict an individual dog’s behavior. Children need supervision and introductions to other pets need individual assessment.
Find breeds that fit your home, activity and care preferences · Understand our source ratings and editorial estimates
A history that shapes daily life
The Bichon Frise belongs to a Mediterranean family of small companion dogs. Its history includes travel and popularity as a companion in Europe; its modern coat requires a regular maintenance commitment.
History and breed background: AKC Bichon Frise breed guide.
Coat care & everyday routines
Regular professional grooming is needed, and gradual alone-time training helps.
Reported coat colors: White, White & Apricot, White & Buff, White & Cream. Color listings reflect the source registry and do not establish health, temperament, or show eligibility.
Plan daily activity and age-appropriate enrichment, a comfortable resting area, gradual alone-time training, and regular preventive care. Choose a routine you can maintain throughout the year.
Coat and care source: AKC Bichon Frise breed guide.
Health conversations worth having
Discuss patellar, hip, and eye screening. Ask a veterinarian about dental care and any individual skin or allergy concerns.
Screening listed by the source breed club
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Health screening does not guarantee an individual dog will be free of disease. These lists are not a diagnosis or an exhaustive account of possible conditions.
Health source: AKC Bichon Frise breed guide · Parent breed-club health statement.
A realistic monthly care budget
$175–$350 USD per month · adult-dog planning estimate.
- Food
- $25–$50
- Routine veterinary reserve
- $60–$125
- Parasite prevention
- $15–$35
- Grooming & coat supplies
- $55–$100
- Treats, toys & replacement supplies
- $20–$40
Editorial U.S. adult-dog planning ranges, reviewed October 1, 2026. Routine veterinary care is averaged across the year. Local prices and individual health needs vary. Excludes purchase or adoption, initial supplies, insurance, emergency and specialist care, boarding, daycare, training classes, and pet rent. Sources inform care categories; these breed estimates are not supplier quotes.
AKC: lifetime dog-care costsASPCA: planning for pet-care costs
Sources & research status
- FCI breed nomenclature: Bichon Frise · checked 2026-10-01
- AKC Bichon Frise breed guide · checked 2026-10-01
- FCI official breed standard
- Data coverage, editorial estimates, and matching methodology
General breed tendencies do not guarantee individual behavior. Children need supervision; existing pets need careful introductions. Meet the dog and discuss individual health and care needs.