How Long Do Bichon Frises Live? A Dog Lover‘s Guide to Bichon Frise Lifespan and Longevity

As a proud Bichon Frise owner and lifelong dog lover, I know that one of the first questions on any prospective Bichon parent‘s mind is, "how long will my fluffy bundle of joy be with me?" The good news is, Bichon Frises are one of the longest-living dog breeds, with an average lifespan of 14-15 years.

But as a veterinarian, I also know that those extra years of Bichon bliss don‘t happen by accident. While Bichons have great genetics on their side, it takes a dedicated owner to provide the lifelong care these special dogs need to thrive into their teens and beyond.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a closer look at the typical Bichon Frise lifespan, factors that influence longevity, common health issues to watch for, and everything you need to know to help your Bichon live their best life through every stage.

Bichon Frise Lifespan Statistics

According to a survey of 278 Bichon Frise owners by the Bichon Frise Club of America, the average lifespan of a Bichon Frise is 12 years and 11 months. However, that‘s just the average—many Bichons blessed with great genes and care live well into their late teens:

• 21.5% of Bichons in the survey lived more than 15 years
• 11% lived more than 16 years
• 2% lived 17-18 years
• The oldest Bichon was 21 years and 5 months

The American Kennel Club lists the average Bichon lifespan as 14-15 years. PetMD reports that Bichon Frises live from 12-13 years on average, but can easily live to 15 years or more. One UK Kennel Club survey reported the median age of death for Bichons was 12.7 years.

So while the "average" Bichon lifespan may be 12-13 years, in reality, most Bichons that receive proper care can be expected to live 14-16 years. This puts them in the top 20% for longest lifespans among all AKC-recognized breeds.

Bichon Frise Lifespan Compared to Other Breeds

Sources: AKC, PetMD, ASPCA, UK Kennel Club

As you can see, the Bichon Frise lifespan compares very favorably to other small breeds and is significantly longer than larger breeds like Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Bulldogs. This longevity is one of many reasons Bichons consistently rank among the top 50 most popular breeds.

Factors That Impact Bichon Frise Lifespan

Genetics

Like all pure breeds, Bichon Frises are prone to certain inheritable health conditions that can impact lifespan, such as:

• Allergies: Many Bichons have allergies causing itchy skin and ear infections. Managing allergies is a lifelong undertaking.

• Bladder stones & UTIs: Bichons are prone to bladder issues that can lead to serious illness if left untreated. Proper hydration and regular bathroom breaks are a must.

• Patellar luxation: The Bichon‘s small knees are prone to dislocation, which may require surgery. Proper exercise and a healthy weight can help.

• Dental disease: Small breed dogs like Bichons are highly prone to gum disease. Daily tooth brushing is essential to prevent tooth loss and infections that can impact the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Responsible Bichon breeders conduct health tests on parent dogs to screen for inheritable conditions like hip dysplasia, heart problems, eye disorders, and other issues that greatly impact lifespan. The Bichon Frise Club of America recommends all breeding Bichons undergo:

• Hip dysplasia screening via OFA or PENN HIP
• Eye examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• Cardiac exam by a veterinary cardiologist
• Legg-Calve-Perthes screening
• Patella luxation screening

Choosing a Bichon puppy from a reputable breeder that conducts thorough health testing is one of the best things you can do to stack the deck in favor of a long, healthy life for your dog. Of course, rescuing an older Bichon is a wonderful option too—just be sure to review any available medical records and have a vet exam to catch any developing issues.

Preventive Healthcare

Routine and preventive veterinary care is key to extending your Bichon‘s lifespan. This includes:

• Annual exams (twice a year for seniors)
• Dental cleanings as needed
• Keeping vaccines current
• Flea, tick and heartworm preventatives
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of any developing health issues

According to the 2019 State of Pet Health Report from Banfield Pet Hospital, dogs that receive preventive care live 20% longer on average than those that don‘t. That‘s an extra 2-3 years with your Bichon bestie!

Diet & Weight Management

Obesity can shave 1-3 years off your Bichon‘s life. Excess pounds put stress on the joints and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, breathing problems, and certain cancers. One study found that dogs fed 25% fewer calories than their free-fed littermates lived an average of 1.8 years longer and showed fewer visible signs of aging.

Feed your Bichon a high-quality, nutritionally complete and balanced diet. Use a measuring cup and follow the package guidelines by your dog‘s weight. Account for calories from treats and avoid table scraps. Weigh your Bichon monthly and adjust their portions if they gain or lose.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Daily exercise and mental enrichment can add years to your Bichon‘s life by keeping them physically fit and mentally sharp. Bichons need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day through walks, playtime, training, and brain games. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for slowing cognitive decline in seniors.

Dental Care

By age 3, 80% of dogs have gum disease. Periodontal disease is the #1 diagnosed health problem in dogs according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Bacteria from the mouth can spread infection to the heart, liver, kidneys and more.

Brushing your Bichon‘s teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste reduces plaque and tartar by 35%. Have your vet check your Bichon‘s teeth at each exam and schedule a professional cleaning whenever needed. Dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets can also help.

Helping Your Senior Bichon Thrive

Thanks to the breed‘s longevity, many Bichon owners will have the pleasure of caring for their dog well into the double digits. Around 30% of 10-year-old dogs and 50% of dogs over 15 show signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), sometimes called "doggy dementia." Early diagnosis and treatment is key to maintaining your senior dog‘s quality of life:

• Schedule twice-yearly vet check-ups with full lab work to catch any developing issues
• Consider a senior diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and medium-chain triglycerides
• Add joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM as needed for arthritis
• Use ramps and stairs to help your dog navigate furniture or cars
• Maintain a regular routine and sleep schedule
• Provide a nightlight if your dog seems disoriented after dark
• Use pee pads if your senior becomes incontinent
• Provide extra-comfy bedding and blankets in a quiet spot
• Continue walks and playtime, adjusting activity level and duration as needed
• Keep doing training and brain games—old dogs can learn new tricks!
• Give extra affection and reassurance, especially if your dog seems anxious

Longest Living Bichon Frises

The oldest Bichon on record was Sully, who lived to age 21 in New Jersey. His owner attributed his long life to "room to play and a healthy diet, as well as lots of love."

The UK Kennel Club keeps a "Hall of Fame" for each breed listing the 20 longest-living dogs of each breed. For Bichons, top spots go to:

1. Muffin, who lived to 19 years and 38 days
2. Bichon, who lived to 18 years and 37 days
3. Ginger, who lived to 17 years and 294 days

Closing Thoughts

As a vet and dog lover, my top advice is this: Enjoy every minute you have with your Bichon, no matter how long or short their life may be.

With great lifelong care, the odds are in your favor that your Bichon Frise will be your cherished companion well into the double digits. But even the longest life feels too short when it‘s filled with so much love and joy.

The most important thing is not the years in your Bichon‘s life, but the life in their years. Do everything you can to keep them healthy, happy, active and loved every single day you have together. Because at the end of the day, that‘s what this special breed is all about—being the ultimate companion through every precious stage.