Is Bichon Frise a Good House Dog?

Quick Answer 

Yes, Bichon Frises make excellent house dogs due to their friendly temperament, hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally, and adaptability to small living spaces like apartments. Their moderate exercise needs can be met with short daily walks, and while they require regular grooming, their affectionate nature and compatibility with children and other pets make them ideal indoor companions.

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Bichon in a Fancy Tulle Dog Dress

Introduction

Choosing the right dog for your home can be challenging, especially when you need a pet that fits well with your living situation and family dynamics. Many people consider the Bichon Frise for its cute appearance and reputation as a good house dog. These small white dogs with their fluffy coats have gained popularity as family companions over the years. Bichon Frises are known for being hypoallergenic, friendly, and adaptable to different living spaces, but they also have specific care needs and behavioral traits worth knowing about. The facts about their temperament, grooming requirements, and compatibility with children and other pets will help you decide if a Bichon Frise is the right match for your home.

What Is a Bichon Frise?

The Bichon Frise originated in the Mediterranean region during the 13th century as sailing dogs on Spanish ships and eventually as pets of European aristocrats. Their curliest feature is their white, curly coat, which feels like silk and requires frequent grooming to prevent matting.

Where Did Bichon Frises Come From?

Bichon Frises have an ancient history that traces back to the Mediterranean. They were preferred by Spanish sailors who used them as commodities for trade. Later, they were beloved pets in French, Spanish, and Italian courts during the Renaissance era. In the 20th century, they became a breed and rose to fame worldwide as pets.

How Big Do Bichon Frises Get?

Bichon Frises are small dogs with short, compact frames. Bichons are typically 9-12 inches tall as an adult and 10-18 pounds when grown up. They are robust for their size, and they have a rounded head, dark-colored eyes, and a plumed tail that drapes nicely over their back.

How Long Do Bichon Frises Live?

With proper care, Bichon Frises usually live for 14-16 years. They are a relatively healthy dog breed, but they can also be prone to certain conditions like allergies, patellar luxation, bladder stones, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups keep them healthy throughout their lives.

What Are Bichon Frises Like?

Bichon Frises are friendly, outgoing canines with happy dispositions. They are playful, affectionate, and generally good-natured animals that become extremely close to their families. They are extroverted around people and other creatures and make excellent companions. They have energy, but they don't require much exercise, though they adore frequent playtime and short walks.

How Do Bichon Frises Compare to Similar Breeds?

Compared to Maltese dogs, Bichon Frises are slightly larger and more robust, with a curlier coat rather than the Maltese's straight, silky hair. Havanese dogs share many personality traits with Bichons but come in various colors and have a slightly different coat texture. While Bichons are typically white, Havanese dogs display a range of colors. 

Bichon Frises are more outgoing than Maltese dogs and better suited for families with children, while Havanese offer more color options and slightly better trainability than Bichons. For allergy sufferers, both Bichon Frises and Havanese make excellent low-shedding companions, though Bichons may be preferable for those with more severe allergies due to their specific coat type.

Why Bichon Frises Make Excellent House Dogs

The sunny nature and small size of the Bichon Frise obviously make it suitable for indoor residence. Their physical characteristics and personality, combined, total a dog well adapted to living in a house. The next five superior traits are why so many families have the Bichon Frise as their ideal household pet.

Bichon Frises Are Good for Allergy Sufferers

Bichon Frises are typically recommended for allergy sufferers due to their hypoallergenic coat. They shed less dander—the primary culprit behind dog allergies—than most other breeds. Their curly double coat traps stray hairs and dander inside so it doesn't circulate around your home. No animal is completely allergy-free, but the majority of people who have an allergic reaction to other dogs find they can live quite well with a Bichon Frise.

Bichon Frises Do Well in Small Spaces

These small dogs adapt very well to apartment living and small homes. Their compact size means they do not need expansive room to move around. Bichon Frises are content in varied living situations as long as they receive attention and short walks every day. They do not require a yard to survive, hence making them perfect for city dwellers with limited space.

Bichon Frises Are Loving Family Dogs

Bichon Frises are affectionate and social animals. They are extremely fond of family members and tend to give equal affection to all the members of the family. The animals love being a part of family activities and are not combative animals. They are gentle pets and can be ideal family pets for small and big families, as well as families with children or old people.

Bichon Frises Don't Shed Much

One of the greatest benefits of Bichon Frises as domestic dogs is their low shedding. Their hair grows continuously and not seasonally shed like so many breeds. When they do shed, it tends to catch in their curly coat instead of on furniture or floors. This low-shedding characteristic, paired with their relatively clean nature, makes them simpler to care for in home settings.

Bichon Frises Have Just the Right Energy for Homes

Bichon Frises possess normal energy levels that are perfectly adapted to living indoors. They do enjoy playtime and a short walk, but they don't require the extreme amounts of exercise that larger breeds or working breeds need. What they possess is energy in manageable doses, and they are equally content to curl up with you after playtime. This equilibrium energy level prevents destructive behavior that can occur due to boredom or inactivity.

How to Train Your Bichon Frise at Home

While Bichon Frises adapt well to indoor living with their moderate energy levels, they still require proper training to become ideal household companions. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them receptive to training, though they do have specific behavioral tendencies to address. U

1. Start with Basic Commands: Start training your Bichon with basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." Use tiny treats and precise hand gestures. Sessions need to be short in duration—5-10 minutes—because Bichons possess a low attention span. Practice daily in a quiet room without distractions. Always end on a good note with praise and petting.

2. Use a Consistent Routine: Bichons thrive on routine. Feed, walk, and train at the same times each day. Use the same words for commands every time. Make sure all family members use identical commands to avoid confusing your dog. Consistency helps your Bichon understand what you expect.

3. Focus on Potty Training: Take your Bichon outside in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and at bedtime. Use a special word like "go potty" each time. Reward immediately when they go outside. For accidents, simply clean up without scolding. Consider bell training—put a bell by the door and have your Bichon ring it when they need to go outside.

4. Prevent Separation Issues: Acclimate your Bichon to solitude by teaching short absence. Start with a departure of a minute, and then gradually increase the time. Leave a special toy only when you depart. Create relaxed departures and arrivals without grand goodbyes and exuberant welcomes. This teaches your Bichon that solitude is normal and temporary.

5. Control Barking Habits: As your Bichon barks, teach the "quiet" command. Wait for a pause in barking, say "quiet," then reward the quietness at once. Do not yell at barking—this is like participating. Find out what triggers barking and desensitize your dog to those stimuli through positive exposure.

6. Use Crate Training Effectively: The crate must be a comfortable place with pillows and toys. Feed meals by or inside the crate. Start with a short time with the door closed when you are home, building up duration. Never use the crate as a punishment by placing the dog in it. A successfully crate-trained Bichon will view the crate as a safe den, not confinement.

7. Socialize Your Bichon: Get your Bichon used to lots of people, dogs, and places early on. Arrange playdates with well-trained, vaccinated canines. Take walks in diverse neighborhoods. Reinforce calm behavior when confronted with new situations. This prevents fear and barking at new situations as an adult.

How to Live with a Bichon Frise: 6 Daily Care Requirements

The manageable energy levels of Bichon Frises make them excellent house dogs, but their fluffy white coats and specific care needs require dedicated attention. Daily maintenance ensures these cheerful companions remain healthy and happy in your home. 

1. Dress Up Your Bichon Frise Properly

Dog clothes for Bichons can be both cute and practical. In winter, a lightweight dog sweater or coat keeps the little dog warm, especially after a bath when the dog coat is trimmed shorter. Dog raincoats preserve white fur cleanliness on rainy walks. When purchasing attire for Bichons, choose simple attire that is easy to put on and features wide neck holes and adjustable straps. Many Bichons enjoy wearing dog clothes, but introduce them slowly and reward them with treats. Ensure clothing isn't too constricting or tight, and take clothing off when leaving your dog unattended to avoid getting stuck on furniture or overheating.

2. Brush Your Bichon Often

Bichon Frises require regular grooming to keep their unique fluffy coat. Their tight, curly hair must be brushed every 2-3 days to avoid agonizing mats and tangles. Regular grooming every 4-6 weeks maintains their coat at the right length and correctly shaped. Daily ear cleaning helps prevent infections in their drop ears while brushing their teeth a few times a week, which keeps them from getting dental issues that are common to small dogs. Bathing should be done monthly, with dog shampoo to shield their sensitive skin.

3. Walk Bichons Twice Daily

While tiny, Bichon Frises require daily exercise. Two walks a day that are 15-20 minutes in length should satisfy their physical requirements. Play indoors with toys is an extra activity, especially on rainy days. Bichon Frises enjoy short bouts of high-energy play with lots of resting in between. They have moderate exercise requirements that make them suitable for owners with various levels of activity, ranging from elderly to active families who can supplement with more playtime.

4. Measure Food Carefully

Bichon Frises thrive on good-quality dog food designed for small breeds. Adults need 1/2 to 1 cup of daily food divided into two meals to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Their small size makes them prone to being overweight, so being diligent about portions and limiting treats to 10% of daily intake maintains a healthy weight. Some Bichons become food sensitive, and thus, monitoring for gastrointestinal upset after changing food is still important for their gastrointestinal system.

5. Stimulate Bichon Minds

Mental stimulation prevents boredom and associated problem behaviors in these intelligent dogs. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training games provide cognitive challenges. Rotating toys weekly keeps their environment novel and engaging. Teaching new tricks or commands offers mental exercise while strengthening your bond. Bichons particularly enjoy activities that involve interaction with their human family members rather than solo play.

6. Schedule Bichon Sleep Time

Bichon Frises typically sleep 12-14 hours daily, including nighttime rest and daytime naps. They adapt well to their owner's schedule but appreciate consistent bedtimes. A dedicated sleeping space with a comfortable bed provides security, though many Bichons prefer sleeping near or with family members when permitted. Their small size means they don't require extensive space, but they appreciate having options for both private rest and social time with the family.

Bring a Bichon Frise Home Today

The Bichon Frise makes an ideal companion for many households with its cheerful personality, manageable exercise needs, and ability to adapt to different living situations. These fluffy friends bring joy without demanding too much from their owners. Before welcoming one into your family, consider the regular grooming they need and be prepared for some patience during housebreaking. Their loving nature and compatibility with children, seniors, and other pets make Bichons worth the effort. If you're looking for a small, affectionate dog that fits well into apartment living or family homes alike, a Bichon Frise could be your perfect match.

Bichon Frise Ownership: Your Questions Answered

Q1: Are Bichon Frises truly hypoallergenic?

No. Bichons are a better choice for those with allergies, but there isn't such a thing as an allergy-free dog. They shed very little and produce less of the substance that triggers allergies. Before purchasing a Bichon, spend time around one to determine if your allergies kick in.

Q2: How much does professional grooming for a Bichon Frise cost?

Professional grooming is $50-$90 per session, required every 4-6 weeks to maintain their coat. The cost varies according to your location and what services you get. Doing some at home will save you money and time.

Q3: Can Bichon Frises be left alone during work hours?

Yes. Bichons that are trained can be left alone for 4-6 hours, but they love people. Give them toys and comfortable beds. Start with small periods of being alone, gradually extending them. For long workdays, having someone walk them at noon keeps them content.

Q4: Do Bichon Frises bark a lot in apartments?

No. Bichons are not big barkers, but they will notify you of someone at the door or when they hear strange noises. By training them to be "quiet" when told and giving them adequate walks and playtime, barking is reduced. They are suitable apartment dogs when well-exercised and trained.

Q5: How difficult is it to potty train a Bichon Frise?

Yes. It is more time-consuming to potty train a Bichon than most dogs. Most are sorted out at 6-8 months of age when consistently trained with rewards and routine. A crate is useful as dogs don't want to mess up where they sleep. Be consistent - it will be worth it.

Q6: Are Bichon Frises good for first-time dog owners?

Yes. Their friendly dispositions, small size, and low exercise needs make Bichons great first-time dogs. You'll need to brush them often and hold your breath for potty training, but they're eager to please you. Their loving and easy-going nature shows new owners the ropes with fewer problems.