Bichon Frisé

Temperament:

Spirited, Lively, Sensitive
Size: Small
Height: 23-30 cm
Weight: 3-5 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Coat: Medium Hair
Colors: White
FCI Group: Companion and Toy Dogs

The Bichon Frisé is a dog breed of French-Belgian origin. It is one of the breeds recognized by the FCI and is assigned to group 9. These pretty four-legged friends are therefore social and companion dogs. On average, the Bichon Frisé reaches a shoulder height of around 25 to 30 cm. This makes them one of the smaller dog breeds. On average, the Bichon Frisé reaches a weight of around 5 kg. The life expectancy of these playful four-legged friends is surprisingly high. Experience has shown that it is around 15 years. These small dogs are loyal companions and very popular with dog lovers.

Bichon Frisé
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Characteristics

The Bichon Frisé is a small, light dog. It has a low center of gravity and a short stature. Overall, the Bichon Frisé is a very beautiful dog. Its size and unique coat give it an elegant and refined appearance.

The white, shiny coat is its most recognizable feature. Occasionally, shades such as very light champagne also occur. However, there are no dark or other colored Bichon Frisés. The hair is very fine, silky and very curly. The hair can reach a length of up to 10 cm.

They do not have an undercoat, so they do not shed. This characteristic also makes the animals suitable for allergy sufferers. The annoying hair loss and the associated allergic reactions are completely absent.

The physique of the small dogs is compact and harmonious. The tail, ears and paws are covered with curly hair. The large dark saucer eyes contribute to a particularly cute appearance.

The nature of the Bichon Frisé is very friendly and at the same time self-confident. These lovable four-legged friends are used to living alongside humans as loyal companions. Unlike many of their conspecifics, they see their role as living with their owners and accompanying them. As a result, dogs want to be everywhere. They do not like to be separated from their family.

Thanks to their perfect, impeccable behavior and compact size, it is also no problem to take them with you. These lovable four-legged friends are easy to take with you when traveling. In hotels, pubs and restaurants, they behave in an exemplary manner and do not cause any inconvenience.

The Bichon Frisé is a real city dog. In principle, it gets along well everywhere. Large gatherings of people or loud city noises don't bother him too much.

The small animals are also very intelligent. They learn quickly and are very skillful. They can also be taught tricks and many tricks. The Bichon Frisé enjoys attention from humans in every form. Extensive stroking and lots of affection are therefore an absolute must. However, care should be taken not to spoil the dog too much.

The Bichon Frisé is an ideal family dog. It gets on well with children and loves to play with them. At the same time, it is always alert. In principle, these four-legged friends also try to protect their family. They will therefore immediately indicate any imminent danger or dangerous situations by barking. This barking should not be misunderstood. The Bichon Frisé is not a barker - on the contrary. If it makes a noise, there is usually a good reason for it.

Because of his cheerful, bright nature, this little ball of fur likes to be on the move. Daily walks are therefore essential. However, these can take place anywhere. The little four-legged friend also feels at home in the great outdoors. So you can also take him for a walk in the woods. The dogs have amazing stamina. They are therefore always up for long, extended walks. In bad weather, a walk around the block is also enough.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

In terms of nutrition, the Bichon Frisé is undemanding. The dogs must be fed a balanced and nutritious diet. The amount of food should be adapted to their weight, age and activity level.

Even if the cute dogs look sweet, overfeeding is harmful to the animals. Any excess weight can lead to health problems and restrict the animal. Dogs should also not be fed at the table. Instead, they need their own feeding place. This prevents unpleasant begging at the dining table, which can be difficult to get out of the habit of.

Overall, the breed is considered to be vital and healthy. Nevertheless, the disease "glaucoma" is unfortunately widespread among the fur noses in old age. Another disease of the kneecaps is frequently diagnosed in this breed. This is the hereditary disease "patellar luxation".

Health & Care

The Bichon Frisé is a very uncomplicated dog. As long as he has a caregiver and you spend time with him, he is happy. Training is also quite simple. However, consistency is essential.

The best time to start basic training is when your dog is a puppy. This makes it a little easier for both sides. No in-depth knowledge of handling dogs is required. The animals are therefore also suitable for new dog owners.

Another positive aspect of this breed is that they do not require an excessive amount of activity. They are not working animals and therefore do not need to be kept busy for hours every day. You don't have to constantly offer them new challenges either.

This makes the Bichon Frisé a dog for everyone. Whether young or old, these four-legged friends can be easily integrated into almost any household.

Grooming the Bichon Frisé is a little more time-consuming. However, this can be used wonderfully to strengthen the relationship with the animal. The coat must be brushed regularly and carefully. This is important so that it does not become matted. Dirt should also be removed in this way.

However, the coat does not need to be cut. As there is no shedding, the dogs hardly lose any hair. This is a great side effect of the breed, which makes it so appealing to allergy sufferers. The home also remains free of annoying tufts of hair.

Suitable accessories

The Bichon Frisé makes no special demands on its habitat. They can easily be kept in a small apartment. Climbing stairs is also no problem for these agile four-legged friends. They are ideally suited as city dogs. As long as they have an intimate relationship with their owner and the owner takes care of their needs, the dogs are happy.

As the clever Bichon Frisés are very docile, you should purchase various toys. Not only can your little four-legged friend play with them extensively, but they can also improve their skills if necessary.

Even if the cuddly four-legged friend is allowed to sleep in bed with many owners, it should have its own place to retreat to. Dog baskets or cuddly caves are particularly suitable for this.

Bichon Frisé history

Origin & History

The Bichon Frisé originates - at least in its current form - from France. However, the first roots of the dog breed can be traced back to ancient times. Back then, the dogs were mostly companions for ladies and were considered a kind of status symbol for wealth and prosperity. Only high society walked these noble dogs.

Even back then, small dogs were very popular. However, they were not only kept as lap dogs, but also as guard dogs. They reliably indicated any irregularities.

Even back then, people saw the lovable Bichon Frisé primarily as a partner. The close bond between man and dog was seen as extremely valuable from an early age.

The Bichon Frisé was first registered as an independent breed in Belgium in 1924. Today, this is considered the beginning of targeted breeding of these four-legged friends.