The Bichon family is a group of white breeds found originally in the Mediterranean Countries. The word Bichon means white dog and the Bichon breeds are predominately white with the exception of the Havanese which can be found in a wide variety of colours. The word ‘ fries ’ describes the soft corkscrew curls of the coat. Although the Standard suggests that the coat on feet and muzzle may be tidied up, the presentation of the Bichon for the show ring has become much more stylised.

 

Breed Group

Toy

Vulnerable Native Breed

No

Size

Small

How much exercise?

Up to 30 minutes per day

Length of coat

Medium

How much grooming?

Every day

Supposedly sheds? *

No

Town or Country

Either

Type of home

Flat

Minimum Garden Size

None

Lifespan

Over 12 Years

 

 

When you first set eyes on a Bichon Frise, you might think, “that’s a cuddly looking dog,” but with some dogs, it doesn’t always work out that way. With Bichons, it does: These charming, friendly and intelligent companions are soft and sweet, naturally social and get along with the whole family—even other pets. Easily trained and eager to please, they have a gentle and affectionate manner. Just don’t forget to give them attention—and lots of it. They crave human companionship and can suffer emotionally if neglected.

Bathing and General Grooming

The Bichon Frise is a high maintenance dog that requires regular bathing and grooming.  This white, powder puff dog with its merry, joyful temperament has a double coat that needs to be bathed as frequently as every week and no longer than every 3 weeks.  Frequency of baths depends on you and your dog’s lifestyle. The care and maintenance of the coat sets the foundation for maintaining healthy skin and coat.  Regular baths promote coat growth.  A dirty coat will mat and tangle much easier than a clean coat.  When the coat is dirty and breaks, the hair shaft becomes rough and eventually breaks down, which will lead to further damage of the coat.  Therefore, keeping the coat clean and healthy is of utmost importance in order to maintain the powder puff look of this double coated do