Breed Profile: Bichon Frisé

The bichon frisé (pronounced bee-shon free-zay) has been a part of humankind’s history for at least 2,000 years. Phoenician traders are believed to have carried the little white dogs with them as goods to be traded for other products along their routes. In the 1400s, Italian or Spanish sailors brought bichons to Europe, where they became favorites of the nobility.

For the next few centuries, bichons enjoyed a cushy lives among the upper crust of European society but eventually fell from their high position and became a dog of the streets. After living as working dogs who helped organ grinders and circus acts entertain crowds, bichons enjoyed renewed popularity following World Wars I and II and became firmly established as one of today’s foremost companion dogs.

The following description is of an “ideal” bichon frisé. Not all bichons fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

The bichon frisé is cuddly, upbeat, and extroverted. Bred for centuries to be a companion to people, bichons love to be around their owners and be the center of attention. A nonaggressive breed with a low prey drive, bichons get along well with other pets.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a bichon is going to fit in with you and your family.

Bichons are lively, fun-loving, and have an intense need to interact with their owner. The breed also has a reputation for sensing when something is wrong with their owners and responding with loving concern. However, this dog’s cheery disposition depends on feeling as if he’s center of someone’s world. Bichons who are separated from their owners, particularly for long periods of time, can develop behavioral problems. Bichons get along very well with children as playmates, though they may not be suited for homes with small children.

Because of their small size, bichons make good apartment dogs, but they are equally happy in suburban and rural settings. Indoors, any space will satisfy their needs—as long as their owner is there. The breed has a predisposition to allergies, though, so bichons do best in an environment that’s low in dust, mold, and other allergens. Outdoor allergens can’t be controlled, so areas where mold or pollen are exceptionally high or where air and water are regularly exposed to chemical pollutants are not ideal for bichons.

A bichon’s small size and tendency to develop orthopedic problems make him unfit for a great deal of exercise. Even though he is a high-energy dog, his exercise needs can be met easily with a daily walk, a romp in the yard, or a game of catch in the house. A bichon may be particularly active during puppyhood but will calm down as he matures.

It’s been said that bichons frisés are difficult to train, but they do in fact respond well to positive reinforcement. Because they are descendents of circus performers, bichons by nature are able to learn and repeat actions that earns them praise. Bichons also learn more easily if their training sessions are not so long as to become boring or repetitive. They can be difficult to housetrain, and owners must be consistent and vigilant throughout that time in order for training to be effective.