Some Bichon Frises are picky eaters, so it’s best to stick to food they like, as they might turn their noses up otherwise. Changing dog food can also upset their tummies, especially if it’s done quickly. Make sure the food you choose contains the nutrients needed for your dog. Ask your vet if you are unsure.

It's better to feed Bichon Frise puppies smaller meals more often, rather than one meal a day. Feed a puppy three to four times a day and as they get older move to twice a day. You’ll find guidelines on how much you should feed your Bichon Frise on the back of the food packaging.

The Bichon Frise coat is perfect for fancy haircuts, but unfortunately those tight curls are prone to matting. You’ll need to brush your dog two to three times a week to keep their coat knot-free and healthy. 

The Bichon Frise coat is thick and dense, so it will need washing every one to two weeks. Find a groomer your pooch is comfortable with and book them in for regular haircuts to keep their coat clean and healthy. Some people like the circular facial cut, but it’s up to you what style you want to go for.

Bichon dogs aren’t big walkers, so 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise is enough. They’re happy to accompany their owners on a stroll, and they love to play and socialise with other dogs. Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to exercise them and keep them entertained. To them, it’ll feel like they’re playing a game. It’s easier to train puppies, but even an old dog can learn new tricks.

Bichon Frises are intelligent and want to please their owner, making them easy to train. But they can be stubborn and difficult when it comes to house training. You’ll need to be patient and dedicated, especially when toilet training a puppy.

Dogs naturally prefer to do their business on soft surfaces outside, like grass or soil. Take them out for toilet breaks regularly when they’re puppies, so they’re less likely to have accidents in the house. 

Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog. The breed existed in Mediterranean countries in the 14th century but their name is French. The word ‘bichon’ means white dog, and ‘frise’ is used to describe their soft, curly coat. Bichon Frise translates to curly lap dog - a perfect description.

Bichon Frises have a life expectancy of 12-15 years – many years of happiness with your best friend. Their lifespan is affected by their health, so it’s important to give them the correct care. Diet, exercise, training and grooming will all affect their quality of life.

You may be surprised to find out that Bichon Frises don’t shed. They have a lot of hair which should be brushed at least two to three times a week to keep it smooth and tangle free. Most Bichon Frise owners will take their dog to a professional groomer monthly to keep their fur trimmed.

No dog is fully hypoallergenic, but the Bichon Frise coat doesn’t shed, so allergy suffers are less likely to react to this breed. But you can still be allergic to a Bichon Frise as it’s the skin cells and saliva that can cause reactions.

If you’re looking for an affectionate companion, who is as friendly as they look, then this is the dog for you. Make sure you have lots of time and love to give though, as they can be quite needy.