Bichon Frise Breed Information

Bichons are a member of the ‘Toy’ breed group. Toy breeds are small companion dogs, commonly referred to as ‘lap dogs’. Most toy breeds love attention and can be very friendly and affectionate. They don’t require a large amount of exercise.

Bichons are very affectionate, loving dogs that are excellent with children and other pets alike. They need daily grooming and coat trimming is required every couple of months – this is often done by a professional groomer.

Breed-related health problems:

Owners are, understandably, upset when their dog develops a health problem linked to its breed. Often they wish they’d known what problems the breed was prone to have. The potential health problems that Bichons are prone to include:

• Luxating patellas – the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place.
• Allergies
• Cataracts – opacity of the lens of the eye – giving a ‘cloudy’ appearance.
• Bladder stones – a collection of minerals that form in the bladder.
• Portosystemic shunt – abnormal blood circulation, with the blood effectively bypassing the liver and entering general circulation.
• Diabetes Mellitus– a complex disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism caused by the body’s inability to produce or to utilise adequate amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to enter the body cells from the bloodstream, providing the essential energy needed for life.

For some conditions, there are screening programmes available through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Kennel Club. The Canine Health Schemes allow breeders to screen for a range of inherited diseases, so it’s a good idea to check the parents of any puppy you’re looking to rehome have been screened under these schemes. We’d also recommend discussing the medical history of your potential puppy’s parents and grandparents, and think very carefully before taking on a dog with any of the health conditions listed above evident in the family line.

You can find out more about the Canine Health Schemes on the BVA's website.

Exercise requirements:

Bichons have a happy, playful nature, but will just as quickly jump at the chance of a cuddle and fuss as they will play. They need around 30 minutes exercise per day.

Estimated lifetime cost:

The likely lifetime costs for a Bichon Frise are based on estimates calculated using current market prices and include:

• Initial costs of the purchase of the pet
• Neutering
• First vaccinations and booster vaccinations
• Microchipping
• Accessories
• Food
• Pet insurance
• Toys
• Grooming
• Worming
• Flea treatments

The list above does not include veterinary costs if your pet becomes sick or injured, so these average lifetime costs could be even higher.

Insure your Bichon Frise with PDSA:

1 in 3 pets need vet treatment each year and vet bills can come to hundreds of pounds. PDSA Pet Insurance can give you peace of mind when your pet is poorly, especially for breeds like Bichon Frises that are prone to certain conditions. PDSA Pet Insurance offers:

1. Dog and cat insurance policies from 8 weeks of age.
2. 24/7 veterinary advice online or over the phone with Petcall.
3. Manage your policy online with the PDSA Insure Hub.
4. Monthly payment at no extra cost.

By insuring your Bichon Frise with PDSA Pet Insurance you’ll also be helping to provide vet care to some of the UK’s neediest pets.

For more information on taking care of your dog please visit our puppies and dogs section.

Rehoming from a reputable source:

Where you get a dog from can have a big effect on how healthy and happy it is for the rest of its life. Find out where our PDSA vet experts recommend you get your dog from.

Not sure if the Bichon Frise is the right pet for you?