15 Bichon Frise Pros & Cons to Know Before You Get One
Are you considering adding a Bichon Frise to your family? These charming little dogs have captured the hearts of many dog lovers with their cheerful personalities and cloud-like white coats. Before bringing home one of these playful pups, it‘s important to understand both the positives and potential challenges of the breed. As a veterinarian and dog lover myself, I‘m here to walk you through the key Bichon Frise pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
The Many Perks of Bichon Frises
There‘s a lot to love about the Bichon Frise breed. First and foremost, these dogs tend to be incredibly affectionate and loving companions. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy nothing more than being by your side, whether that‘s snuggling on the couch or following you from room to room. If you‘re looking for a devoted friend, a Bichon may be the perfect match.
In addition to their sweet temperaments, Bichons are also quite adaptable dogs thanks to their small size. Typically weighing between 12-18 pounds and standing about a foot tall, they are well-suited to apartment and condo living. They don‘t require a huge house or yard as long as they get daily walks and some active playtime. This adaptability makes them a good fit for many different lifestyles.
Another big plus is that Bichons tend to get along well with all sorts of people, from kids to seniors. They are social dogs that typically enjoy making new friends. According to the American Kennel Club, they are "always happy and endearing" with a "positive outlook on life". Of course, early socialization is still important, but Bichons generally have friendly default dispositions.
This amiable attitude often extends to other animals as well. Bichons usually enjoy the company of other dogs and can even get along with cats if raised together. Their gentle, playful nature makes them fun companions for other pets in the household.
Speaking of playfulness, that‘s another major perk of Bichons. These little dogs are full of personality and love to entertain their humans with silly antics. They are quick to learn tricks and seem to enjoy being the center of attention. Get ready for plenty of laughs if you bring one of these clowns into your life.
For people with allergies, Bichons are often a good choice because they have hair-like coats that shed very minimally compared to other breeds. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the low-shedding coat of the Bichon produces less dander, which is the real culprit behind most dog allergies. Regular grooming is still a must, but at least you won‘t have tumbleweeds of fur rolling through your house.
Bichons are also quite trainable little dogs thanks to their smarts and eagerness to please their humans. With positive reinforcement techniques and consistency, they often excel at obedience training. Potty training can be a bit more of a challenge (more on that later), but in general, Bichons have the capacity to be well-mannered companions.
One final benefit to note is the Bichon‘s longevity. These hardy little dogs often live well into their teens, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. If you‘re looking for a four-legged friend to share many happy years with, a Bichon may grant your wish.
Potential Bichon Frise Challenges
As much as there is to adore about Bichons, no dog is perfect. These little charmers do come with some potential cons to consider.
One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with their grooming needs. Bichons require regular brushing to prevent their long, dense coats from getting matted and tangled. Expect to brush them at least a few times a week, if not daily. They also need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to trim their constantly-growing hair. Neglecting these needs can lead to painful skin conditions. If you can‘t commit to either learning to groom them yourself or making regular appointments with a professional, a lower-maintenance breed may be a better choice.
Separation anxiety is another common issue for Bichons. These companion dogs become very attached to their humans and crave near-constant interaction. They don‘t tend to tolerate being left alone for long periods of time and may resort to anxious barking, destructive chewing, or house soiling when distressed. If your lifestyle involves long work hours or lots of time away from home, a Bichon may not be the ideal match.
Even with a human around most of the time, Bichons sometimes struggle with potty training more than the average dog. According to Animal Planet, they can be "difficult to housebreak" and "stubborn about training". Crate training tends to be the most effective method, along with very consistent routines and positive reinforcement. Just be prepared to put in some extra effort on the housetraining front.
Bichons also have a reputation for being rather vocal dogs. They may bark excitedly when greeting people, when they want something, or when they are feeling anxious. For very noise-sensitive individuals or those living in close quarters like apartments, this is an important factor to keep in mind. Training can help minimize excessive barking, but these dogs will never be completely silent.
Picky eating is another quirk of many Bichons. They may turn their noses up at kibble in favor of holding out for tastier human food or treats. This can make it tricky to keep them at a healthy weight. Free-feeding is not recommended for grazers like Bichons. Stick to scheduled meals and limit treats to keep their nutrition on track.
Dental hygiene is another key concern for Bichons. Like many small breed dogs, they are prone to dental disease and often start losing teeth in their early senior years. Brushing their teeth daily, providing appropriate chews, and scheduling professional cleanings can help prevent painful dental issues down the line.
In addition to dental concerns, Bichons are predisposed to a few other potential health issues. Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, is one of the most common orthopedic problems seen in the breed. Many also face eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. Heart conditions such as mitral valve disease can also crop up. Reputable Bichon breeders conduct health screenings to help minimize these risks, but it‘s still important for owners to be aware of these breed-specific issues.
Finally, Bichons often have lots of energy for such small dogs. While their exercise needs aren‘t as extreme as some breeds, they do require daily walks and active play sessions to stay physically and mentally stimulated. A bored Bichon is much more prone to destructive behaviors like excessive chewing and barking. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, an adult Bichon may not be the best fit.
The Bottom Line on Bichon Frises
So where does this leave you as a potential Bichon owner? Ultimately, only you can decide if this breed‘s pros outweigh the cons for your specific lifestyle and preferences.
If you‘re looking for an affectionate, entertaining companion that will be by your side as much as possible, a Bichon may be your perfect match. Their portability and friendliness also make them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and social butterflies.
On the other hand, if you work long hours, strongly prefer a low-maintenance coat, or live somewhere with noise restrictions, a Bichon‘s separation anxiety, grooming needs and yappy tendencies may be a dealbreaker.
Whichever side of the fence you fall on, I hope this balanced look at the pros and cons of Bichon Frises has given you the information you need to make the right call. With realistic expectations and a commitment to responsible ownership, a Bichon Frise just may become the dog of your dreams.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_bichon_frise
https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/
https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/bichon-frise
https://www.bichonfrise.org/breed-information/bichon-frise-breed-standard
