Franco-Belgian according to the FCI standard. Its roots lie in the Mediterranean family of small white dogs, with an early form closely tied to the Canary Island of Tenerife before it became a favourite in French and Italian courts.1674
A bright, happy companion with a real sense of fun, often described as a little comedian. It is gentle and affectionate, sensitive to its owner's mood, and usually friendly with strangers, children, other dogs and household pets. The breed standard calls it a dog you can take almost anywhere, and it is not normally a big barker, though it may call out if left alone for too long. It learns fast and responds best to praise and rewards rather than harsh handling.13982
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat, loose corkscrew curls
A small, sturdy dog that is a little longer than it is tall, carrying its head proudly and moving with a springy, lively step. The coat has two layers: a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat that falls in loose spirals. Bathed and brushed, it stands out from the body in the rounded powder-puff look the breed is known for. Dark, bright eyes and a dark nose stand out against the white. Shedding is minimal because loose hair tends to stay caught in the undercoat.1385
Colourswhitewhite with buff, cream or apricot shading (limited)13
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bichon Frise. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. One or two short daily walks plus an energetic play session is usually enough, around 30 minutes of exercise a day according to The Royal Kennel Club. Games, tricks, obedience, agility and rally keep its busy mind occupied.528
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
High. The curly coat needs brushing and combing daily or at least every other day, right down to the skin, to keep it free of tangles. Plan on regular baths and a professional trim about once a month to keep the rounded shape. Hands-on body checks are useful because the full coat can hide changes in body condition.582
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to flats and small homes as long as it gets daily walks and play. It is a people-oriented indoor companion that does best living close to its family.58
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced diet suited to a small adult dog, with portions adjusted to keep it in lean condition. Some individuals, like many toy dogs, can be choosy about food.25
Company who they like around
Very social. It likes to be with its people and usually gets along with children, visitors, other dogs and pets. It prefers not to be left alone for long stretches.128
The story where it all began
The Bichon Frise belongs to the old Barbichon family of small white Mediterranean dogs, which also gave rise to the Maltese, Bolognese and Havanese. Sailors and traders carried these dogs around the Mediterranean, and one type became so linked to Tenerife in the Canary Islands that it was called the Bichon Tenerife. Italian sailors brought them back to the mainland, and during the Renaissance they became favourites of European nobility. King Francis I brought Italian taste to the French court, and Henry III of France (1574-1589) was famously devoted to them, carrying a few in a basket hung from ribbons around his neck. Painters including Titian, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Francisco Goya included them in portraits. After the French Revolution the breed lost its aristocratic status, found a brief revival under Napoleon III, and then became a street and circus dog, performing tricks for organ grinders and travelling shows where its white coat was easy for audiences to see. The world wars left numbers very low, and French and Belgian fanciers gathered dogs to rebuild the breed. The first Belgian-registered dog, Pitou, was born in 1924. France adopted an official standard on 15 March 1933, when the name Bichon à poil frisé was chosen, and the first French registration followed in 1934. The Picault family brought foundation dogs to the United States in 1956, the Bichon Frise Club of America formed in 1964, and the AKC gave full recognition in 1973. The breed reached the UK in 1973.67814
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its full French name, Bichon à poil frisé, means 'bichon with curly hair'.7
2
King Henry III of France liked the breed so much that he carried several in a tray-like basket slung from ribbons around his neck.7
3
After the French Revolution, Bichons became street and circus performers, trained to do somersaults and walk on their hind legs, and their white coats made them easy for crowds to spot.7
4
Flynn, registered as GCh. Belle Creek's All I Care About Is Love, won Best in Show at Westminster in 2018, making him the second Bichon ever to take the title.10
5
The first Bichon to win Westminster, J.R., became a fan favourite in 2001 by sitting inside the silver trophy bowl and waving a paw at the crowd.10
6
The FCI standard allows puppies under 12 months a slight beige tint, as long as it covers no more than 10% of the coat.1
7
The breed was once so tied to Tenerife that it was known simply as Ténériffe in Napoleon III's France.1
I wake up and bounce on my little paws, ready for fun! After a quick cuddle, we go for a short walk where I greet everyone with a wag. Back home, I practice a new trick for a treat, then chase a toy across the room. When you sit down, I curl on your lap for a nap. In the afternoon, we play hide and seek; I find you every time. The day ends with gentle brushing and a cozy spot on the bed. Life is a happy game!
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 215, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 1.1 Bichons; country of origin Franco-Belgian; current standard published 04.04.2016. Wikipedia dates FCI recognition to October 1959.1
Société Centrale Canine (France)
Official breed standard adopted 15 March 1933; first French registration on 18 October 1934.6
AKC
Non-Sporting Group. Miscellaneous Class in 1971; the AKC recognition list gives 1972, while its history article gives full recognition in April 1973. Current standard approved 11 October 1988.7
The Royal Kennel Club
Toy group, small size class; not a vulnerable native breed.5
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bichon Frise, and at what times?
Feed your adult Bichon Frise at least two meals a day, such as morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Adjust portions to keep a lean body condition, and always follow the food label.122
What should a Bichon Frise eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced diet for small adult dogs. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol. Always check the ASPCA list for more.213
How often should I bathe a Bichon Frise?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, and many owners bathe about once a month to keep the coat clean. Adjust if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues.2Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Bichon Frise need brushing?
Brush your Bichon Frise daily or at least every other day to prevent tangles. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days. Use a comb to reach the skin.5Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Bichon Frise's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear clicking on the floor, about every three weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick.14Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?
The Royal Kennel Club recommends about 30 minutes of exercise daily, while Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests 60 minutes. One or two short walks plus playtime should be enough. Adjust to your dog's energy.5Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Bichon Frise's teeth and ears?
Brush your Bichon's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture and dirt. Gently dry the ears, but never insert anything into the ear canal.14Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Bichon Frise live?
A Bichon Frise typically lives 12 to 15 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life.254
Is a Bichon Frise good with children and other pets?
Yes, Bichon Frises are usually friendly and gentle with children, other dogs, and pets. They are social and enjoy being part of the family.12
Can a Bichon Frise be left alone?
Bichon Frises prefer company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. They can be left for short times with proper training, but they do best with someone around.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Maltese
Bolognese
Havanese
Coton de Tulear
Löwchen