Bichon Frize: Facts You Should Know Before Adopting a Bichon Frize

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Also known as the Bichon a’poil frize, or the Tenerife Dog, the Bichon Frize is a sturdy little dog with a smart exterior. The literal translation of their name in French is “curly lap dog” due to their original purpose of being the lap dogs of French royalty. The male Bichon Frize is between 9 and 12 inches, while the females are between 9 and 11 inches. This breed weighs an average of 7-12 pounds regardless of gender.

Coat

The coat of a Bichon Frize is long, slightly curly, and puffs out all over the body. The coat of this breed is double-layered, with a generous amount of hair on the head, ears, beard, mustache, and tail. Their fur is white, although some crosses have cream or cream-toned spots on their hair.

Exercise

The Bichon Frize requires low-level exercise as they are capable of exercising all day with their playfulness and lots of energy. Due to their small size, they do not need a lot of space. Walks outside, family activities in the yard, or even playing at a local park are sufficient for this breed. The Bichon Frize is not ideal for hunting or hiking in the mountains.

Temperament

Bichon Frize is playful and affectionate. They are calm, friendly and charming, lively, daring and adaptable. This breed is one of the few smaller breeds that are great for children of all ages, including adults. They are the favorite dogs of those who want a relaxed pet with a posture towards the world, even for pets, strangers, and other dogs. A very sensitive dog that is easily injured, this breed is willing to cuddle with its owners.

The Bichon Frize is an independent, highly intelligent, charming, and confident breed that is a barker, making it a great watchdog and thriving on human interaction. But as with other small breeds, the Bichon Frize is difficult to tame. Proper training is the key in housebreaking this breed, as all puppies and dogs can be trained, but not all trainers can train properly.

Overview

The Bichon Frize is a calm, versatile, intelligent and hardy breed. This breed was a favorite of French royalty and is now popular as a household pet or as a show dog.

Watch out

The Bichon Frize requires a lot of grooming. Their coats should be thoroughly brushed every day to avoid tangling and subsequent skin problems. Trimming occasionally is a must to prevent it from getting too long. The hair around the eyes should be checked regularly to make sure they are not causing irritation, and excess hair should be trimmed between the pads of your feet. Visits to a professional groomer every five to six weeks are recommended to maintain the ideal “powdery” exposure ring exterior.

Training

The Bichon Frize needs a firm and gentle training, as it is very sensitive to any rough training or negative attitude. All owners need a collar and leash to start training. Buckle collars, inverted pinch collars, and leather rain collars are acceptable as nylon and chain chokers get tangled in hair and matte. Training this breed with treats along with a collar and leash is highly recommended.

Character

The Bichon Frize is fast, smart, and easy to train. This breed is naturally obedient, with a history of high training ability as a brilliant entertainer doing agility shows, therapy work, and even doing tricks.