Bichon Frise Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

16
Playful Cheerful Gentle Affectionate

About the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small companion dog with origins tracing to the Mediterranean region — descended from water spaniels and popularized by Spanish, Italian, and French nobility from the 13th century onward. Standing 9.5–11.5 inches tall and weighing 12–18 pounds, the Bichon is a compact, sturdy little dog with a distinctively rounded silhouette. Their hallmark white, powder-puff coat is made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat that produces minimal shedding but requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.

Temperament & Personality

Bichons are playful, affectionate, and irrepressibly cheerful — they seem to carry a perpetual smile and have a gift for making everyone around them happy. They thrive on human attention and are excellent with children, seniors, and other pets, adapting easily to various household dynamics. Their social nature means they do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic coat produces minimal dander and virtually no shedding
  • Adaptable to apartment living — their small size and moderate exercise needs fit urban lifestyles
  • Friendly and sociable with strangers, children, and other animals
  • Cheerful, entertaining personality that brings joy to any household

Cons

  • Professional grooming is essential and can be costly — every 4–6 weeks minimum
  • Prone to separation anxiety and may bark excessively or become destructive when left alone
  • Can be challenging to housebreak — consistent crate training is often necessary
  • Susceptible to patellar luxation, bladder stones, and allergies

A Bichon Frise can brighten even the gloomiest day — find adoptable Bichons on Puplister and add some joy to your life.

Bichon Frise Quick Facts

Size
12–18 lbs, 10–12 in
Lifespan
14–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Bichon Frises

Dude
Senior
Dude
S

Bichon Frise

Pet Rescue By Judy · Sanford, FL
Little Buddy
Senior

Bichon Frise / Poodle

Pet Rescue By Judy · Sanford, FL
Quest
Adult
Quest
S

Bichon Frise

Bichon And Little Buddies Rescue · Mukwonago, WI
Max
Adult
Max
S

Bichon Frise

Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Society · Bloomingdale, NJ
Miol
Adult
Miol
S

Yorkshire Terrier / Bichon Frise

Missaukee Humane Society · Lake City, MI
Laci
Adult
Laci
S

Bichon Frise

Bullies-N-Beyond Resq · Omaha, NE
Winter Snow
Adult 1

Bichon Frise

Whimsical Animal Rescue · Seaford, DE
Pebbles
Senior 1

Bichon Frise / Havanese

Second Chance Companions · Battle Ground, WA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Bichon Frise?
The Bichon Frise is known for being playful, cheerful, gentle and affectionate.
How many Bichon Frises are available for adoption?
There are currently 13 Bichon Frises available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Bichon Frise from Puplister?
To adopt a Bichon Frise, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.