The Bichon Frise dog breed is originally coming from the Mediterranean and was taken to France in the early 14th century by sailors. The breed quickly became popular with the nobility of Europe; most notably King Francis the first of France and King Henry the Third of England.
In general, it is known that the breed is playful, affectionate, kind, and gentle. Bichon Frises are known to love human company and will often be very demanding with the attention of their owner.
The breed is also known to be very sociable and gets along well with strangers, young children, and other domestic pets. The Bichon Frise is also known to be highly obedient if they are consistently trained from puppyhood.
Cost Of Owning A Bichon Frise In 2023
Owning a Bichon Frise dog obviously costs money, but how much will it cost? The below section will provide you with the average cost of having a dog to help you decide if you are in the right financial state and help you budget for any unexpected bills!
Basic Costs
Buying a Bichon Frise Puppy: $600 to $3000 (Depending on the puppy’s appearance and quality)
Microchip: $50
Lifetime Council Registration: It costs $49 for desexed Bichon Frise and $182 for the dog who has not been desexed.
Basic Equipment Costs
Dog Bed: Dog beds generally cost between $20 and $200
Grooming Brush: Most brushes designed for grooming cost around $20
Food And Water Bowls: Each bowl costs $20
Collar, Leash, And Tags: Complete set will aside between $50 and $200
Toys: Between $50 and $100
Preventive Health Care Costs
Vaccination: Vaccines cost between $50 and $120 depending on which one your dog receives. Your dog will need the vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age and then every 3 years after that.
Worm Tablets: Tapeworm and heartworm prevention tablets cost about $10 a month.
Fleas: Most flea prevention costs around $10 a month.
Bi-annual Vet Check-up: You should take your dog for a medical check-up at the veterinarian every 6 months. a general health check costs around $65
Food Costs
Basic Food: Around $1,200 per year
Treats: Treats are not essential, but most owners enjoy giving them to their dogs. I recommend budgeting around $100 A year for dog treats.
Chew Sticks: Chewable sticks are a great way to improve your dog’s jaw strength and dental hygiene. I recommend budgeting around $100 a year for dental chew sticks.
Grooming Costs
Shampoo And Conditioner: The shampoo and conditioner will usually cost around $30 a year. It is not necessary to buy expensive brands of shampoo and conditioners. Basic products designed for dogs will work perfectly well.
Visit The Groomer: Groomers usually charge between $50 and $150. I recommend taking your dog to groomers at least twice a year.
Training, Walking And, Daycare Costs
Puppy Training: Puppy training usually costs around $100 a month-long training course
Advanced Training: Most owners enjoy taking their dogs to obedience classes and advanced training. These services normally cost around $170 for a one month course
Dog Walking: Walking the dog normally costs about $25 per hour, depending on where you live.
Daycare: Daycare services usually cost $50 a day
Boarding: I recommend budgeting around $300 per year on boarding services. Most boarding services will charge around $50 per day.
Characteristics
Height And Weight
A fully developed Bichon Frise will normally be between 9 and 11 inches tall at the shoulder. A healthy adult dog will usually weigh between 7 and 12 pounds (3 to 3.5 kg). It is important to keep in mind that the weight of a healthy Bichon Frise depends on how large the dog is. taller dogs should weigh more.
Coat
The Bichon Frise has a double-coat that is always white. The breed has a soft and densely packed undercoat and a coarse outer coat. The coat stands away from the body of the Bichon Frise, which gives the breed a “powder puff” appearance. It is common for owners to cut their dog’s fur, but some owners allow their pet’s fur to grow longer.
Here is a simplistic overview of the characteristics of a Bichon Frise. My rating is from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest.
- Adaptability: 8/10
- Friendliness: 10/10
- Health: 8/10
- Ease Of Grooming: 2/10
- Amount Of Shedding: 3/10
- Trainability: 7/10
- Intelligence: 10/10
- Exercise Needed: 8/10
- Playfulness: 10/10
- Family Friendliness: 10/10
How long will a Bichon Frise live?
A Bichon Frise will normally live between 10 and 12 years old. However, it is not uncommon for a Bichon Frise to live until age 15, providing that it does not develop any serious health problems.
Where To Buy A Bichon Frise puppy?
There are multiple different ways to buy a Bichon Frise puppy. You can buy from a breeder, form a pet store or a rescue service. There are pros and cons of each method and I will explain it in the below section.
Breeders
When it comes to buying a Bichon Frise, breeders are unquestionably the best method. A breeder will allow you to interact with your Bichon Frise puppy before buying it. This will allow you to understand the temperament and behavior of the dog, as well as allow you to inspect the dog for any genetic defect.
Breeders are usually part of a registered service, such as the American kennel club. By being a member of a registered organization, it gives the breeder responsibility and legitimacy. Breeders will be able to inform you about any problem with the Bichon Frise and how they have been socializing it.
Breeders can also tell you the exact date of birth of your new puppy. The only drawback of breeders is the fact that they are more expensive than pet stores. However, this should not be a problem when considering buying a Bichon Frise.
Pet Stores
Pet stores are a common option when buying a new puppy. But I don’t recommend buying a Bichon Frise at the pet store. Most pet stores buy their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills are notorious for breeding and raising their dogs in terrible conditions, which leads to behavioral and health problems.
It is very likely that employees of the pet store cannot provide you with specific information about the puppy. They are unlikely to know their exact date of birth and health history.
The pedigree of a Bichon Frise from a pet store is also questionable. Pet stores have a terrible return policy. It is not uncommon for a new owner to not have fully considered all aspects of owning a Bichon Frise and, therefore, return it.
If you return a puppy to a breeder, you can be sure that the puppy will lead a happy life. However, if a puppy is returned to a pet store, it is most likely to be euthanized, if it has grown to be older than a puppy, due to the fact that it is unlikely to be sold.
Rescue Shelter
If you are an experienced owner of Bichon Frise, you may be considered getting a puppy from a rescue shelter. Most rescue shelter puppies are free and the shelter only wants you to make a donation.
It is important to remember that rescuing Bichon Frises can have health or behavioral problems due to their turbulent lives. Puppies in rescue shelters are almost never puppies and tend to be middle-aged or older.
However, getting a puppy or adult dog from a rescue shelter allows you to give a better life than they would have had in the past. Most of the dogs that end up in shelters have been treated cruelly or abandoned and by adopting one you are giving the animal the opportunity to experience life in a loving home.
Puppy Care
When buying a Bichon Frise, both new owners and veterans often option for purchasing a puppy. Buying a puppy will allow you to establish a good and healthy relationship with your dog and will set the foundation for a long and happy friendship.
Another reason why Bichon Frise puppies are so popular is due to the fact that they are among some of the most adorable animals on the planet. However, caring for a new puppy is not the easiest. You will have to be prepared to make major lifestyle changes to accommodate your new puppy.
Find A Good Veterinarian
Before buying a puppy, it is a good idea to research veterinarians in your local area. It is very important to find a veterinarian that is local and highly qualified. The best way to find a good veterinarian is by asking your friends, local dog walkers, local dog groomers, asking the breeder and researching online.
Once you buy your new Bichon Frise puppy, you should take it directly to your veterinarian for a checkup. The checkup visit will ensure that your puppy is in good health and is free of serious birth defects or genetic health problems.
Introducing your veterinarian to your new puppy when he is young also allows your puppy to become familiar with the veterinarian. This can help avoid stress during later visits. By taking your puppy to the vet straight away, it also allows you to start a routine of health care routine with your pet.
It is important to set up a vaccination plan with your veterinarian and also discuss the best methods to control parasites.
Food
It is important to buy food formulated specifically for puppies. A decent brand will have a statement from the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO), or the equivalent of your country, on the packaging to ensure that the food you are buying meets your puppy’s nutritional requirements.
Small and medium breeds can start eating food for adult dogs when they are between 9 and 12 months old. Larger dog breeds should be fed with the puppy food until they reach 2 years of age. It is important to make sure your puppy has cool, fresh and clean water available to them at all times.
Feeding Schedule
Puppies have a different feeding schedule than adult dogs. Their feeding schedule changes as they get older. I recommend feeding your puppy at the following schedule:
- 6-12 weeks of age: 4 meals per day
- 3-6 months of age: 3 meals per day
- 6-12 months of age: 2 meals per day
Signs Of Illness
It is important to closely monitor your Bichon Frise puppy to make sure it does not show any signs of illness. Your puppy is in the most vulnerable stage of its development and also in its most important stage of development. If you notice any of the following signs, you should take your puppy to the veterinarian immediately:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lack of weight gain
- Lack of growth
- Diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Runny nose
- Inability to urinate and stool
- Lethargy
- Swelling and trouble breathing
Spaying And Neutering
There are many factors to consider when deciding if you should spay or neuter your puppy. Many owners refuse to spay or neuter their puppy due to the fact that they find it morally wrong and unnatural. However, most owners decide to neuter or spay their pets.
Shelter euthanasia is the leading cause of death of dogs and companion animals throughout the United States. In Atlanta alone, more than 15 million dollars are spent annually on euthanasia of unwanted dogs! The only way to avoid this is to have your pet spayed or neutered.
Dogs face some discomfort if they are in heat or cannot mate. Spaying and neutering do not create long-term health problems for your pet. At the end of the day, it is an important decision for you and your family. I advise talking with your veterinarian and family/friends who have already gone through the process.
Training For Bichon Frise
Obedience Training
It is important to train your puppy to be obedient. Obedience will allow your Bichon Frise puppy to have a life full of positive interaction, as well as forge a stronger bond between you and your pet. It is important to teach your puppy simple commands such as sit, stay, down and come.
These commands will help keep your dog safe and under control in any possible dangerous situation. If you cannot train your puppy at home, I recommend that you attend local obedience training classes.
Obedience classes allow you and your dog to learn the best methods for each process and command. Obedience classes also allow you and your puppy to interact with other people and dogs of all ages and all backgrounds.
It is important to remember that positive reinforcement has proven to be a dramatically more effective process than punishment.
Bathroom Training
House training is a priority if you want to keep your home clean. Before starting your training, it is important to locate a suitable place for your puppy to go to the bathroom.
If your puppy has not received all of his vaccinations, it is important to find a bathroom that is inaccessible to other animals. This will help prevent your puppy from getting viruses or unnecessary diseases.
There are ‘3P’ key tricks to keep in mind when trying to train your puppy at home:
- Positive reinforcement
- Planning
- Patience
It is important to positively praise your puppy when he goes to the bathroom outside and not punish him when unavoidable accidents occur.
I recommend the following times to try to introduce your puppy to a bathing routine:
- When you wake up for the first time
- When your puppy wakes up from any nap he may have
- During and after physical exercise
- After your puppy eats or drinks a lot of water
- Immediately before bedtime
Socialization
The main way to prevent your puppy from developing behavioral problems is to be social with him. At approximately 2 or 4 months of age, most puppies will begin to accept other animals, people, places and experiences.
It is important to start socializing your puppy with as many people and animals as possible. I recommend taking your puppy to the park, to the homes of your friends or relatives, to restaurants that allow dogs and that other people accompany you while walking your puppy.
By interacting with different types of people and animals, your puppy will learn to be more social and accepting.
Grooming Your Bichon Frise
Grooming is an important aspect of caring for your Bichon Frise. The grooming includes the care of the coat, dental health, nails and general cleaning of your dog. Dogs enjoy getting dirty, so cleaning can sometimes be a difficult task! The following section will highlight all aspects of the grooming that you should consider.
Grooming Tools
- Bristle brush: Bristle brushes are used for all dog breeds. These tools help keep your dog’s coat shiny and free of dirt.
- Clippers and shedding blade: Most species of dogs will need to trim their coats in summer to keep them cool. I recommend using the Clippers for dogs with long fur and shedding blades for short-haired dogs.
- De-matting rake: De-matting rakes have long wire prongs. These prongs are excellent for removing matts from long coats. It is important to use this tool gently to avoid causing discomfort to your dog.
- Rubber brush: Rubber brushes are excellent for removing dead hair. They create a massage effect that many dogs enjoy.
- Slicker brush: Slicker brushes are used to remove tangles and dead hair. They have rows of bent wire pins. They should only be used on dogs with long or thick hair.
- Nail clippers: Nail clippers should be a scissor shape to allow better control. It is important to buy sharp nail clippers and always have a spare set.
- Nail File: Nail files are used to file the tip of your dog’s toenail after it has been clipped. It is important to buy a high-quality nail file, as it will allow the filling process to complete much faster.
Grooming A Long-Haired Bichon Frise
To groom a long hair Bichon Frise, you should first check their coat with a slicker brush. Be sure to gently brush your dog to avoid causing discomfort to your pet while removing tangles and dead hair. You should brush the legs, tail, thighs, head, and back of your dog.
Once you have gone over the coat with a slicker brush, you must repeat the process with a bristle brush. Be sure to brush in the direction in which the fur sits naturally. The tip of the bristle brush is to smooth out untangled hair.
Long-haired dogs will need to brush daily. If you want to change the hairstyle of your Bichon Frise, I recommend using nail clippers. When using the clippers, it is first important to visualize how you want your dog’s fur to look.
You should use clippers on the head, feet, legs, sides, bottom, and body of your dog. It is important to trim the fur away from your dog’s eyes and muzzle. Be sure to take special care around your pet’s eyes.
Grooming A Short Haired-Dog
Short-haired Bichon Frises should be brushed a minimum of once a week. Brushing your dog’s fur will stimulate the natural oils on its skin and also remove dead hair. You should brush the short-haired Bichon Frise by brushing its entire body with a slicker brush.
Be sure to start in the head and move down. It is important to keep your dog’s coat taut as you brush to effectively remove dead hair. Once you have removed all the dead hair of the dog, you should brush its fur again in the position in which it naturally lies in.
I recommend using a bristle brush or a rubber brush for this process. You can also comb your dg’s coat. A short-haired dog will not have excessive tangles in its fur and a fine toothbrush is a perfect way to make your dog’s coat look perfect.
Bathing Your Dog
Like people, dogs need a good bathing schedule. Most Bichon Frises only require a bath once a month. However, if your dog likes to roll in the mud and get dirty especially, you may have to bathe it more frequently.
It is not recommended to bathe your Bichon Frise more than once a week, as they will lose the essential oils present in their skin. It is important to use a Bichon Frise friendly shampoo and conditioner when you bathe your dog, as they are designed not to irritate your dog’s skin.
If your dog has especially sensitive skin, it is possible to buy medicated shampoo to decrease the chance of irritating your dog.
Before bathing your Bichon Frise, make sure you have your shampoo and a towel ready to hand. While bathing your dog, you should keep a hand on your dog at all times to make sure he doesn’t get out of the tub/shower.
If your dog is worried about the bathing process, reward him with treats to encourage him to relax. You should aim to massage your dog during the bathing process to make the bath experience more pleasant and fun for them.
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
In the United States, it is estimated that 80% of dogs have some type of dental disease at 3 years old. Bichon Frise, like humans, needs to be cleaned teeth to eliminate bacteria and tartar buildup.
If you do not clean the teeth of your Bichon Frise, they are likely to develop a periodontal disease that affects the base of the tooth near the gum line. Your dog may also suffer from dental diseases such as gingivitis.
It is recommended to use a meat-flavored toothpaste to reward your Bichon Frise when it allows you to brush its teeth. These toothpastes have the additional benefit of not being toxic if swallowed. You can use a regular toothbrush or a finger brush for the cleaning process.
Make sure the brush has soft bristles to avoid damaging your dog’s teeth and gums. It is considered the best practice to brush your dog’s teeth daily basis. Daily cleaning is the best way to prevent dental problems and keep your Bichon Frise breath smelling dramatically better.
Ear Cleaning
Did you know that dogs have very long ear canals, 5 to 10 cm in length, that have a right angle curve? the curve means that foreign objects can easily enter the ear canal of your Bichon Frise, but it is very difficult to get out.
If your dog has water in the ear, water can accumulate in the curve and cause ear infections due to the warm, moist and dark environment of the ear. Ask your veterinarian how often you should clean your dog’s ears. (I recommend that you clean your dog’s ear no more than once a week and no less than once a month).
To clean the ears of your Bichon Frise you will need an ear cleaner, cotton and treats to reward your dog during the potentially awkward process. There are several different brands of ear cleaners available and it is important to choose a good quality product.
Once you have the products at hand, it is time to start the cleaning process.
Gently hold your dog’s ear flap upright and fill the ear canal with the ear cleaner. It is important to aim the ear cleaner straight down while using it. Once the ear cleaner is in place, massage the skin around the dog’s ear to mix the ear cleaner with the contents of your dog’s ear canal.
Do it for about 20 seconds. Once the massage time is over, get up and get away from your dog.
Your dog will shake its head vigorously to remove some of the ear cleaners. Once your dog has stopped shaking its head, take the cotton and use it to clean the folds in the opening of your dog’s ear canal until it looks clean. Be sure to reward your Bichon Frise before and after the ear cleaning process to relax it.
Nail Clipping
It is important to cut the nails of your Bichon Frise every two weeks to keep them in good condition. If you allow your dog’s toenails to grow too much, it will cause discomfort while walking.
The long-term consequence of walking on toenails that are too long is arthritis. It is important to use nail clippers that resemble scissors, as they provide the most control when cutting your dog’s nails. Make sure your clippers are sharp before trying to cut the dog’s nails.
Gently separate the fingers of your Bichon Frise to cut them, never squeeze your dog’s toe, as it will cause pain. It is considered the best practice to have an assistant during the trimming process as they can secure your dog in its place and distract its attention.
It is important to keep in mind that all Bichon Frise dogs have a vein that runs through their fingers called “quick.” If you cut your dog’s nail too much, it is possible to cut it into ‘quick’, which will make your dog bleed. Although it is not fetal, it should still be avoided, as it will cause unnecessary discomfort to your dog.
If you are worried about your dog’s nails, I recommend talking to a veterinarian once to show your dog how to cut the nail properly.