Dog breed · Non-sporting
Bichon Frise
Cheerful, gentle, playful
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)
- Height
- 23–30 cm (9–12 in)
- Life span
- 14–15 years
- Origin
- Mediterranean / France
The coat
Curly
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Bichon Frises right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
Be ready for
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Bichon Frises weigh 5–8 kg (11–18 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Bichon Frise
The Bichon’s curly white coat sheds very little, which makes it popular with people who dislike dog hair — though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Bichons are sociable and gentle, and generally get on with children and other pets.
Health to know about
- Allergies and itchy skin
- Bladder stones
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
Care in short
- Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
- Brush every day or two to prevent mats
- Tear-stain cleaning
- Doesn’t like being left alone for long
Kit for a Bichon Frise
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Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Bichon Frise get?
Adults usually weigh 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) and stand 23–30 cm (9–12 in) tall.
How long do Bichon Frises live?
Typically 14–15 years.
Are Bichon Frises good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Bichon Frises shed?
Very little.
What health problems are Bichon Frises prone to?
Allergies and itchy skin; Bladder stones; Dental disease; Luxating patella.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts