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Many people are drawn to the Bichon Frise breed of dog because they are cute dogs with friendly personalities.
However, it is important to know all of the pros and cons of having a Bichon before you commit to owning one.
Here’s what you need to know…
The Pros
An obvious plus to having a Bichon dog is that their fluffy white fur and cute face makes them visually appealing.
Their mannerisms — such as their tendency to tilt their head to the side while listening to you — also contribute to their cuteness.
A Bichon Frise is also very playful and enjoys playing games like tug-of-war and fetching toys.
Bichons are really friendly dogs and they prefer to always have the company of people:
- During the day, a Bishon will often gravitate to the room of the house where people are sitting or laying and look for a comfortable spot next to someone where they can snuggle.
- At night, Bichons are able to sleep on their own but they always prefer sleeping with someone if they are allowed.
A Bichon Frise dog is very patient and makes a great companion for children and older people alike.
Bichons don’t shed and are hypoallergenic. This makes them a great option for people who have wanted a dog but have avoided getting one due to allergies. Since they don’t shed, there’s no need to worry about cleaning dog hair off your clothes and furniture — which is a huge benefit compared to most other dog breeds.
The Bichon breed is also really intelligent and understands a lot more than most dog breeds. They can be taught tricks fairly easily and they often understand what is going on based on observing behavior around them.
Keep in mind that Bichons prefer positive affirmation while being trained, and they will often retreat if they are scolded.
The Bichon Frise is not a loud dog, nor a yappy dog that barks a lot.
Since it’s a small dog that requires relatively little exercise, a Bishon is perfect for those who live in apartments or don’t have a huge yards.
Bichon Frise dogs generally have a long lifespan and can live up to 17 years of age. Many larger breeds have life expectancies of less than 10 years, so the longer lifespan of a Bichon dog can be a big benefit if you’re wanting a long-term companion.
The Cons
Although there are many pros to having a Bichon Frise dog, the cons are also important to note.
Probably the most common problem with Bichons is difficulty in housebreaking. In fact, this is likely the biggest reason why so many Bichons end up in shelters. Consistency and patience are required when dealing with Bichons. Just know that the house training process may take longer than it would for other dog breeds.
Another difficulty with Bichons is the same thing that makes them so cute: their fluffy white fur. The problem is that it takes a lot of work to keep their fur looking so good. Matted hair is common in a Bichon dog, so frequent brushing is required. Grooming is suggested every 6 weeks or so — which can be costly.
Cleaning their tear stains is also something that can be inconvenient to Bichon Frise owners. Their white fur gets really stained near their eyes, and that area must be cleaned frequently.
The friendliness of Bichons can also sometimes be a problem because they don’t like to be left alone. Separation anxiety can be a real issue for them. They definitely prefer having an owner who has plenty of time to spend with them.
Lastly, Bichons are prone to various health issues. They often have skin problems, can have serious reactions to fleas, and may have a lot of itching during dry weather. They are also prone to other health issues — such as bladder stones — that can lead to many veterinarian visits.
TIP: Health issues can often be avoided by choosing a reputable breeder, so take the time to do some research prior to purchasing a Bichon Frise.
Bichon Frise Pictures
There are many pros and cons to owning a Bichon Frise dog, but if you are willing to tolerate the potential issues, then you will likely be very satisfied with having a pet that is affectionate, smart, and loves spending lots of time with you!
I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn’t think of. I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I’ve been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what’s ‘normal’ and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! When I’m not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! Many of them have upwards of 200K shares.
My sisters 2 Bichon’s are 15 years old and quite good health. She keeps their hair short so not to have to brush, don’t think she ever does. She has the vet/groomer clean their eyes every 3 months with a clipping and analgland drain. Overall they are quite nice dogs esp for small homes or apartments.
I will be going to work, leaving the dog alone. Would it help if I got two bichon frises? Would this alleviate their separation anxiety?
Hi Samuel. Personally I think you need to start training for the situation that your dog will experience whenever you leave the house. Getting another dog would add a whole other set of variables and a whole lot more unknowns. Even if you haven’t been using a crate for your Bichon up till now, that is my best recommendation for training a Bichon to like their spaown cozyce and feel comfortable away from you. But it does take some time
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