Bichon Frise

While you might think this is exclusively a French dog (The “e” at the end of the name is often pronounced the French “é”), the Bichon Frise breed has roots in the wider Mediterranean. It’s a result of crossing the water-loving Barbet with smaller white dogs. There are four types of Bichons: The original Tenerife, the Bolognese, the Maltese, and the Havanese. The Tenerife breed began in the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife and was brought to Italy in the 14th century by sailors where the little dogs became favorites of the upper classes. 

After the 1500s, the dogs began their association with the French as special companion pets of Francis I and Henry III. The popularity waxed and waned, eventually sinking from a court dog to a lowly common street dog. The breed survived, though, thanks to the dog’s proclivity for performing. Circus tricksters at heart, they teamed up with buskers and peddlers to entertain for money.  

After World War I and World War II, the breed was almost lost. It landed in America in the 1950s, thus securing its future as one of the most popular small dog breeds. 

There are two important elements to having a satisfying Bichon experience: lots of training and lots of grooming. These living cotton balls love being at home most of the day with a few walks—not too athletic—and plenty of time for games and puzzles to corral their energy bursts and show off how clever they are.

The Bichon Frise needs a short daily walk to be satisfied and can adapt their exercise needs to a family’s schedule. More importantly, these brainiacs need games and puzzles to exhaust their intelligent minds.

The most important element of a Bichon’s life is their owner, and they’re happy to adapt to any space so long as they’re with their owners the majority of the day.

Unfortunately, the Bichon does not wake up looking like Beyonce—there’s real effort involved in keeping up with their high-maintenance grooming needs. The non-shedding coat should be combed every day, and trims should be regular to prevent the coat from becoming too long and potentially matted. To keep the powder puff traditional groom of a Bichon Frise, it’s recommended to get them professionally groomed every five to six weeks.

Star student Bichons are eager learners who love to train and take to it easily. Their performer instincts still shine through with them happily learning new tricks and commands to show off to their friends and family. Positive reinforcement is key; they don’t respond well to scolding and can be resentful, appearing to have an attitude like a sullen teenager. Firm but gentle is the best approach.

Bichons are robust and lively dogs that make great family companions, including with children and other pets.

The cost of a Bichon Frise from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.