Bichon Frisé
Description
The Bichon Frisé is a charming small dog with a rich Mediterranean heritage dating back to the 1300s. Originally favored by French nobility, this breed carries a fluffy, curly coat that’s as distinctive as its cheerful personality. They typically weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, making them a perfect lap companion. Their coat is mostly white, sometimes blended with apricot, buff, or cream shades, adding subtle warmth to their appearance. Bichons are friendly and playful, thriving on social interaction and attention. They tend to be calm indoors but enjoy short bursts of play. While they’re generally quiet, they can be stubborn during training and may develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. They get along well with kids and other pets, making them a great family addition.
Grooming
The Bichon Frisé’s long, double curly coat requires consistent care to stay tangle-free and healthy. Daily line-brushing right down to the skin is essential to prevent mats, using a pin brush followed by a metal comb to catch any hidden knots. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks keeps their white or lightly colored coat bright and fresh, but make sure they’re fully dried to avoid dampness that encourages matting. Between professional grooms, tidy up their feet and sanitary areas to maintain cleanliness. Key grooming points: - Brush daily with pin brush + metal comb - Bathe every 4–6 weeks, dry thoroughly - Trim feet and sanitary areas regularly - Schedule full or tidy professional grooming every 4–6 weeks - Watch humidity levels; mats form more easily in damp weather Pro tip: Use a whitening shampoo sparingly to brighten whites without drying the coat.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Bichons need about 40 minutes of walking daily, ideally in a single session to suit their moderate stamina. A steady, calm walk helps keep them fit and mentally engaged without overexertion. They enjoy exploring but don’t require intense exercise, so a relaxed pace with some sniff breaks works best. Example routine: - Morning: 40-minute walk around the neighborhood, including gentle leash training and socialization opportunities. - Evening: Light playtime indoors or a short stroll to wind down. This schedule balances physical activity with their low-key nature, helping prevent boredom and restlessness.
Boarding
When boarding a Bichon Frisé, a crate size of 30 to 36 inches provides enough room for comfort without excess space that might cause anxiety. They benefit from daily exercise paired with calm decompression periods to keep stress low. Staff should offer gentle interaction and enrichment activities like puzzle toys or quiet cuddle time to match their sociable but sensitive temperament. Their playful yet calm demeanor means they enjoy moderate play sessions but also appreciate downtime. Keep an eye on signs of separation anxiety and provide familiar bedding or toys to ease their stay. Regular grooming checks during boarding help maintain coat health and comfort.