Life Span of the Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is a breed of small dog that typically stands 10 to 15 inches tall and can weigh up to 20 pounds, but usually weighs less. These dogs are white and often are bred with miniature poodles and shih tzus. They are hypoallergenic, meaning they do not shed and are ideal for owners with pet allergies.

  1. Lifespan

    • The average lifespan of a bichon frise is 13 to 17 years, according to the website Bichon Frise Information Station. Of course, the lifespan of each dog varies, based on such factors as health, diet and exercise.

    Exercise

    • Keeping your bichon frise healthy for a long life requires you to keep the dog exercised on a daily basis. The healthier the dog is, the longer it should live, theoretically. Bichon frises require 30 minutes a day of brisk exercise -- either running or walking at a fast pace.

    Health

    • Taking your bichon frise to the veterinarian for regular health checkups is important to helping the dog live a long life. Bichon frises can often suffer from such health problems as bad knees, cataracts and allergies. Regular checkups will help you keep informed about your dog's health so you can help it live as long as possible. For example, it is vitally important to keep your bichon frise slender, as excess weight will worsen any problems it has with its knees.

    Diet

    • You can increase the chances of your bichon frise living a long life by feeding it a proper diet. In addition to feeding it a dry dog food suitable for small dogs, you can augment its diet by feeding it small pieces of lean meats, such as chicken or fish. Avoid foods that contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, animal byproducts and complex carbohydrates.