Hypoallergenic Coat

The Bichon Frise has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. 

Friendly and Social

Bichons are known for their friendly, outgoing nature, making them great companions for families, seniors, and individuals. 

Adaptable to Various Living Environments

Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them suitable for both apartments and larger homes. 

Playful and Affectionate

Bichons are affectionate dogs that enjoy playtime and cuddles, making them great family pets. 

High Grooming Needs

Bichons require regular grooming and professional maintenance to keep their coat looking its best and prevent matting. 

Can Be Prone to Separation Anxiety

Bichons love being with their families and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. 

Difficult to Housebreak

Like many small breeds, Bichons can be a bit challenging to housebreak and require consistent, patient training. 

Prone to Dental Issues

Bichons can be prone to dental problems, so regular dental care is necessary. 

Exercise Needs

Bichons have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy short walks, indoor playtime, and occasional games like fetch. While they are active and playful, they do not require extensive exercise. 

Walks

A couple of short walks per day, combined with indoor playtime, are usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs. 

Training

Bichons are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, particularly when it comes to housebreaking. Consistent positive reinforcement training works best with this breed. 

Purchase Price

$2,000 - $5,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage. 

Initial Setup

Around $400 - $600 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $500 - $800 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs and size. 

Grooming

Due to their high grooming needs, professional grooming can cost around $600 - $1,000 AUD per year, plus regular at-home brushing. 

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups, dental care, and preventive treatments could cost $400 - $600 AUD per year. 

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 12-15 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $20,000 - $35,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors. 

Size and Weight

Bichon Frises typically stand 23-30 cm (9-12 inches) tall and weigh between 5-8 kg (10-18 lbs). 

Coat

Bichons have a soft, curly coat that is low-shedding but requires frequent grooming. Their coat needs to be brushed several times a week and trimmed regularly to prevent matting. 

Colour Options

The breed standard is pure white, though Bichons may also have slight cream or apricot colouring, particularly around the ears or on their backs. 

Temperament

Bichons are playful, affectionate, and social dogs that thrive on human interaction. They are known for their cheerful, friendly personality and generally get along well with other pets and people. 

Good with Children

Bichon Frises are generally excellent with children due to their gentle, playful nature. They enjoy being part of family activities and are usually patient with younger children. 

Socialisation

Early socialisation is important to help Bichons become confident, well-adjusted adults. They are naturally friendly but benefit from exposure to different environments, people, and animals. 

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Bichons are indoor dogs and prefer to live indoors with their families. They enjoy short outdoor activities but should not be left outside for long periods, as they thrive on companionship and interaction with their owners. 

Apartment Living

Bichons are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and moderate exercise needs. They are generally quiet indoors, making them a good choice for apartment dwellers. 

Time Alone

Bichons do not do well when left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety. They are best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day or with another pet for companionship. 

Common Health Issues

Bichon Frises are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain conditions, including dental issues, allergies, patellar luxation, and bladder stones. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper dental care are important to keep them healthy. 

Guarding Ability

Bichons are not natural guard dogs but may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity. However, they are typically friendly and welcoming once they meet new people. 

Affectionate Nature

Bichons are affectionate, lap-loving dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. They are known for their gentle, cuddly nature and often seek out attention and affection from their owners. 

Suitability for Dog Parks

Bichons are generally social and enjoy interacting with other dogs. They do well in dog parks, though supervision is recommended to ensure positive interactions with larger or more energetic dogs. 

Climate Adaptability

Bichons can adapt to various climates but may require extra care in hot weather due to their thick coat. It is important to keep them cool and hydrated during the warmer months and to protect them from overheating during outdoor activities. 

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain health issues, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings for genetic conditions like patellar luxation and allergies. Ethical breeding practices help ensure the overall well-being of the puppies.