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Bichon Basics
The Bichon breed loves human companionship and hails from the Mediterranean. His ancestors were the Barbet water spaniel and the poodle. In fact, the breed’s current name was derived from the Barbet ancestors — it was originally called “Barbichon.”
The Bichon Frise is a small dog, weighing 10 to 18 pounds. His coat is always white — you won’t find any other coat color within this breed. On average, a Bichon Frise typically lives to be 12 to 15 years old.
Why the Bichon Frise is Right for You
So what is it about the Bichon Frise that makes him such a good pet? Here are just a few of the traits that make the breed so popular:
 The Bichon is active indoors, which makes him great for apartment dwellers. - He is perky, playful and affectionate, making him a great family pet.
- He loves to be around people.
- He learns tricks easily, and is happy to show them off.
- He gets along well with other animals.
- Though he might be stubborn, he is very bright.
- His coat does not shed.
The Bichon Frise needs plenty of attention and interaction, as it tends to suffer from separation anxiety.
Taking Care of Your Bichon Frise
Though Bichons can make wonderful pets, you must be sure you have time to devote to training and grooming. Bichons are notoriously difficult to housebreak so consistent crate training (and patience) is recommended. Some owners choose to install doggy doors to get around this problem.
This breed needs plenty of attention and interaction, as it tends to suffer from separation anxiety. This condition manifests itself in bad behaviors such as destructive biting and barking.
 Bichons have a beautiful white coat, which is part of what makes them so attractive to potential owners. Keeping your Bichon Frise’s coat bright and well-maintained requires a lot of work. A Bichon undercoat does not drop when the hair dies, so it must be combed twice weekly to avoid hot spots and prevent mats and tangles.
Grooming to maintain the shape and overall health of the coat is needed at least once a month. Frequent bathing is a must, if you hope to keep that white coat white!
Fun Facts About Your Bichon Frise
- The name Bichon Frise translates roughly to “curly lap dog.”
- Historically, the Bichon was a favorite of Italian and French nobility.
- The Bichon is a great dog to rescue, as it adapts easily to new people and surroundings.
A Playful, Loyal Friend
The Bichon’s warm, loving temperament is a strong base for a rewarding pet-owner relationship. If you have the time to spend with and care for your Bichon, you will find great companionship that will last a lifetime.
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Looking for a compact, cuddly friend who will love you to pieces? The Bichon Frise fits the bill. This powder-puff pup with dark eyes and a gorgeous white coat easily makes friends with those whom he encounters. The Bichon has long been a favorite pet, even making it to the American Kennel Club’s top 25 most popular in years’ past. 
