Characteristics & Care of the Bichon Frise

The bichon frise breed has been around for centuries, traced back to the 13th century as a descendant of the water spaniel, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since then, the breed has been traded by sailors, been a favorite of French royal courts and has even performed as a circus dog. Today, the bichon frise is a well loved, easily recognized companion dog.

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • Physically, the bichon frise is a small breed of dog, notably "sturdy" according to the AKC. They feature a white double coat that is often referred to as puffy or cotton-like. The coat is curled with a textured outer layer and a silky under layer. Thanks to this coat, the bichon frise sheds very little --- making it an ideal breed for allergy sufferers. Also, though the coat is generally white, there may be additional coloring around the ears or on the body in shades of apricot, buff or cream.

    Breed Characteristics

    • Bichons are described by the AKC as a "naturally gentle, playful dog." The breed is known for having a happy temperament, making them good for families with or without children. They are social dogs who enjoy the company of other pets and humans. The bichon frise's intelligence makes it an easy to train dog that is described as competitive, obedient, making a great watchdog or even for teaching and performing tricks.

    Caring for Bichon Puppies

    • As with any new puppy, it is extremely important to provide a safe environment. This means removing anything that the puppy may chew on including electrical cords, throw rugs or house plants. Consider using child gates to contain the puppy in a room where he can be watched throughout the day until he adjusts to his new home and has been reasonably potty trained. The Bichon Frise Club of America also notes that bichon puppies are often guilty of eating their own feces, so preventing this by picking up feces immediately is important.

    Health Conditions

    • There are many health issues affecting the bichon frise breed. Some of the most common include skin issues, allergies, eye or dental diseases, bladder infections, bladder stones, liver disease, cardiac disease and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Some bichons may also be prone to gastrointestinal problems, which can result in chronic vomiting or diarrhea. That being said, it is important for bichon frises to receive regular veterinary checkups to catch and treat any of these conditions should they occur.

    Grooming

    • The fur coat of the bichon frise does not shed, but rather grows continually. Therefore, regular and extensive grooming is regarded to prevent matting. The bichon frise should be bathed on a monthly basis and professional grooming is recommended. The eye area in particular requires extensive cleaning to prevent tear stains. Trimming should be done around the eyes and ears, though electric clippers may be used throughout the body.