Description of an Adult Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog with an abundance of white, puffy hair and a big personality to match. The dog's double coat gives it a distinctive rounded appearance and requires a commitment to grooming to keep it looking presentable and healthy. Most Bichon lovers find this task well worth the price of ownership, as the Bichon Frise is a friendly, happy dog that is good with families and children.

  1. General Description

    • Protruding from the Bichon Frise's puffy white coat is a plumed tail. Often compared to a powder puff or cotton ball, this breed has a slightly rounded appearance that is accentuated by a show cut. Most of these dogs stand about 9 to 11 inches high and are longer than they are tall when standing on all fours. They have a medium build, being neither delicate nor stout, and weigh from 7 to 12 lbs.

    Coat and Color

    • The Bichon Frise possesses a double coat, which consists of a coarse, curly outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. The combination makes for a coat that is both soft and thick. The outer coat can be about 4 inches long. When pressed upon it gives, then springs back when the pressure is released. This helps regulate the Bichon Frise's body temperature. If kept naturally, this long, dense coat requires extensive grooming and upkeep. However, it is acceptable to clip the breed in a cut that resembles a Poodle's. Generally white in color, the Bichon Frise many also come in solid, off-white shades like cream, apricot and buff.

    Care

    • The Bichon Frise is a fairly energetic dog that gets rid of most energy through play. A walk outside or romp in a fenced-in yard in addition to their daily activities should be sufficient exercise. They are a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of at least 15 years, and have relatively few health problems. They can be prone to slipped knees and joint problems, and some may show high skin sensitivity. The highest level of maintenance for a Bichon Frise comes from their grooming needs. Though they shed very little, they must be combed and brushed frequently and given a full bath at least once a month. The coat, especially around the face, must be trimmed and cut as needed. The eyes should be kept clean to avoid staining the white hair around them. A professional grooming is recommended every month, as well.

    Temperament

    • The Bichon Frise is a happy, playful and friendly dog. Curious and sociable, the dogs enjoy spending time with people and thrive on lots of interaction with their human family members. As they are so people-oriented, they are non-aggressive and generally very good with children. They are also trustworthy with other animals. The Bichon Frise needs good, strong leadership from its owner and consistent discipline. They can be prone to developing unnecessary behavior problems that are not common traits when the owner fails or refuses to properly train or correct the dog. This includes separation anxiety, excessive yipping and even snapping.