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14 Reasons a Bichon Frise is an Amazing First Dog

14 Reasons a Bichon Frise is an Amazing First Dog (1)

Bichon Frise as a First Pet

Bichon Frise. Every dog, just like every person or any other type of animal, has his or her own unique personality. It is impossible and incorrect to say that a Bichon Frise is right for every family and every possible living condition, so it is critical for people to take the time to look at all aspects of the dog as well as the family lifestyle to see if the two matches and will work together.

Choosing a Bichon Frise because you like the looks of the breed, or you saw one and thought it was cute is often the way that a breed is selected, but this does a disservice to the dog and will result in problems for the owners as well.

Bichon Breed Information

Before deciding if the Bichon Frise is the best dog breed for you, stop and consider the following attributes of the breed as well as the challenges that owning a Bichon Frise may cause. Once you can understand what owning a Bichon Frise will be like, only then will it be possible to make the right decision about owning the breed.

Highly Social Dog

The Bichon Frise is a dog that needs human attention to thrive and reach his or her full potential as a companion dog. Families that are away more than they are home or are too busy to include the dog in their plans or spend time with the dog on a regular, daily basis are not good matches for a Bichon Frise.

Families where someone that will interact with the dog is home most of the time, as well as families that can take the dog with them, are excellent matches for the breed. The Bichon Frise will also need to stay inside at night, as they prefer to be around people as opposed to being isolated.

This does not mean that they need to sleep up on the bed, but they will prefer being in the same room as a family member, rather than being isolated in a crate or kennel elsewhere in the house.

14 Reasons a Bichon Frise is an Amazing First Dog 1

Intelligent Dog

Since the Bichon Frise is so intelligent, it is easy to train; however, he or she will also be able to pick up bad behaviors just as fast as they learn good behaviors.

They are also more prone to learning tricks and ways to get out of doing things they simply do not want to do by outthinking their owner. In addition, the very intelligence of the dog makes them sometimes a bit stubborn to work with as they have their own way of doing things that they prefer.

Owning a Bichon

They do need a consistent trainer and owner that can work with this highly intelligent dog and provide mental challenges beyond just the basics.

Adaptable Dog

Most owners would agree that adaptability really is the key trait of this small dog. They can adjust to limited time outside, but they can also thrive on lots of exercises and being outside with the family.

The Bichon Frise can also do well in a small living space such as an apartment, provided they are given a moderate amount of daily exercise. They also tend to be forgiving if they must skip a long walk due to bad weather or some other issue. Unlike some breeds that become highly active and disobedient under these conditions, the Bichon Frise seems to be able to take it all in stride.

Watchdog, But Not Good Guard Dog

It is hard to imagine too many people that would take a small little furry powder puff as a serious guard dog. However, Bichon Frise does make excellent watchdogs .

Unlike many of the smaller breeds including the terriers, the Bichon Frise is not typically a problem barker or a yappy dog provided they have enough socialization and exercise per day. The Bichon Frise will usually bark two or three times when someone or some animal approaches the house, but then they will calm down and be ready to play or get a bit of attention.

Those owners wanting a dog that will defend the property or actively work to keep strangers away should consider a different breed of dog than the Bichon Frise. They are simply so happy and full of merriment to be an effective guard dog.

Quick to Learn

Typically, very quick to learn new tricks and routines, the Bichon Frise must be worked with from the time they are a puppy to really help develop their full potential .

Early socialization and obedience training is a must to prevent their somewhat stubborn streak from becoming more challenging. The Bichon Frise really does want to please, which is why they are such a popular breed.

The Bichon Frise is a good breed for first-time dog owners, provided the owners to stay consistent and work with a positive rewards training program or method. Clicker training is also very effective with the Bichon Frise and they quickly associate the clicker with a treat or reward.

The Bichon Frise, like many smaller breeds of dogs, can be somewhat challenging to house train. Crate training is recommended for the breed and with consistent use of a crate in house training, the process typically takes less than three weeks.

Adult and puppy Bichon Frise

Perfect Size

These pups are the quintessential lap dogs and enjoy cuddling and sleeping close by. They are big enough to withstand more aggressive cuddling and kisses, but small enough to pick them up when needed. Furthermore, if you are an avid traveler you will be able to make them a carry-on item on the plane!

Big Personalities

Most owners would say that their Bichon pups are extremely human-like. The Bichon Frise loves expressing its emotions and has a certain way about showcasing a sense of individualism! Each pup has a different personality, just like people, and they enjoy sharing that with others.

Does Not Shed

Do you love dogs but dislike the trail of fur many of them leave behind? If so, you’re in luck because the Bichon does not shed due to its short hair . This will make cleanliness simple for your home and guests!

Athletic

These dogs love to explore! They will jog, walk, and sniff many new things! Although they appreciate a good nap and are considered non-sporting, Bichon dogs love to frolic and play!

The “Bichon Blitz” is a burst of energy that happens when these dogs feel especially excited and ready to play. During this “blitz” you can find them darting across the rooms at high speeds, and hurdling over household items, such as laundry baskets.

Patient

These dogs know that their humans are worth being patient for. Bichons will sit still and willingly allow you to dress them up for fun, or Halloween. They know that you are amused and are willing to put up with the slight inconvenience for your enjoyment. Plus, friends and kids alike will have unforgettable laughs playing dress-up with your pup!

Great Dogs for Competition

Many Bichon dogs perform well in dog shows. Their posture and fancy fur cut put them a step above the rest. They are confident and attention-loving show dogs that oftentimes take home the first-place ribbon! Our Girls showed them in 4-H and still have the Ribbons they won to this day.

Protection

These feisty pups will alert you of any outside person or noise. Plus, each Bichon comes fully equipped with an automatic mailman detector, so you will always know when your bills have arrived!

Circus Dogs

Bichon dogs are natural-born performers . Bichon Frise’s are just as talented in the circus as they are at home. They are often used as circus dogs because they have a deep-rooted love of entertainment. Some Bichon dogs live to pull off tricks, jump through hoops, and entertain!

Strong-Willed

Some may call these fluff balls stubborn. They are independent of their desires. On the plus side, you will explore places you typically would have never walked before.

Best Friend

Human relationships are not always meant to be. People will come and go as they please. When you need a forever friend you can always depend on the loyal Bichon Frise. Your furry friend for life.

Top 10 Bichon Designer Breeds / Parents /Size / Video

Designer MixParentsSizeVideo
MaltichonBichon / MalteseHeight / 8-11 inches
Weight / 8 - 13 lbs
Maltichon
Bichpoo Bichon / PoodleHeight / 9 - 14 inches
Weight / 6 - 9 lbs
Bichpoo
Shichon Bichon / Shih TzuHeight / 9 - 12 inches
Weight / 10 - 15lbs
Shichon
Yorkie BichonBichon / YorkieHeight / 9 - 12 inches
Weight / 6 - 8 lbs
Bichon Yorkie
Chi Chon Bichon / ChihuahuaHeight / 8 - 10 Inches
Weight / 6 - 10 Lbs
Chi Chon
KashonBichon / Cairn TerrierHeight / 9 - 15 Inches
Weight / 10 -18 Lbs
Kashon
Goldichon Bichon / Golden RetrieverHeight/15 - 20 inches
Weight /20-40 Lbs
Goldichon
ChonzerBichon / Miniature SchnauzerHeight /10-16 inches
Weight / 25-35 lbs
Chonzer
Glechon Bichon / Beagle Height /15-16 inches
Weight / 15-35 lbs
Glechon
Corgi Bichon / CorgiHeight /11-13 inches
Weight / 31-37 lbs
Corgi
List of the Designer Breeds from the Bichon Frise
Name - Link for Research
Parents - Breeds of Dogs
Size Height / Weight
Video - Video of the Bichon Designer Breed

Bichon Frise Resource Links

Bichon Frise Club of AmericaUnited StatesLink
Bichon Frise AKCUnited StatesLink
Bichon Frise United Kennel ClubUKLink
Resources for Bichon Frise Owners and Breeders