Bichon Frise

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat, loose corkscrew curls

A small, sturdy dog that is a little longer than it is tall, carrying its head proudly and moving with a springy, lively step. The coat has two layers: a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curlier outer coat that falls in loose spirals. Bathed and brushed, it stands out from the body in the rounded powder-puff look the breed is known for. Dark, bright eyes and a dark nose stand out against the white. Shedding is minimal because loose hair tends to stay caught in the undercoat.1687

Personality what they are like

A bright, happy companion with a real sense of fun, often described as a little comedian. It is gentle and affectionate, sensitive to its owner's mood, and usually friendly with strangers, children, other dogs and household pets. The breed standard calls it a dog you can take almost anywhere, and it is not normally a big barker, though it may call out if left alone for too long. It learns fast and responds best to praise and rewards rather than harsh handling.16985

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. One or two short daily walks plus an energetic play session is usually enough, around 30 minutes of exercise a day according to The Royal Kennel Club. Games, tricks, obedience, agility and rally keep its busy mind occupied.758

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

High. The curly coat needs brushing and combing daily or at least every other day, right down to the skin, to keep it free of tangles. Plan on regular baths and a professional trim about once a month to keep the rounded shape. Hands-on body checks are useful because the full coat can hide changes in body condition.785

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to flats and small homes as long as it gets daily walks and play. It is a people-oriented indoor companion that does best living close to its family.78

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced diet suited to a small adult dog, with portions adjusted to keep it in lean condition. Some individuals, like many toy dogs, can be choosy about food.57

Company who they like around

Very social. It likes to be with its people and usually gets along with children, visitors, other dogs and pets. It prefers not to be left alone for long stretches.158

The story where it all began

The Bichon Frise belongs to the old Barbichon family of small white Mediterranean dogs, which also gave rise to the Maltese, Bolognese and Havanese. Sailors and traders carried these dogs around the Mediterranean, and one type became so linked to Tenerife in the Canary Islands that it was called the Bichon Tenerife. Italian sailors brought them back to the mainland, and during the Renaissance they became favourites of European nobility. King Francis I brought Italian taste to the French court, and Henry III of France (1574-1589) was famously devoted to them, carrying a few in a basket hung from ribbons around his neck. Painters including Titian, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Francisco Goya included them in portraits. After the French Revolution the breed lost its aristocratic status, found a brief revival under Napoleon III, and then became a street and circus dog, performing tricks for organ grinders and travelling shows where its white coat was easy for audiences to see. The world wars left numbers very low, and French and Belgian fanciers gathered dogs to rebuild the breed. The first Belgian-registered dog, Pitou, was born in 1924. France adopted an official standard on 15 March 1933, when the name Bichon à poil frisé was chosen, and the first French registration followed in 1934. The Picault family brought foundation dogs to the United States in 1956, the Bichon Frise Club of America formed in 1964, and the AKC gave full recognition in 1973. The breed reached the UK in 1973.23814

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard no. 215, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 1.1 Bichons; country of origin Franco-Belgian; current standard published 04.04.2016. Wikipedia dates FCI recognition to October 1959.1

Société Centrale Canine (France)

Official breed standard adopted 15 March 1933; first French registration on 18 October 1934.2

AKC

Non-Sporting Group. Miscellaneous Class in 1971; the AKC recognition list gives 1972, while its history article gives full recognition in April 1973. Current standard approved 11 October 1988.3

The Royal Kennel Club

Toy group, small size class; not a vulnerable native breed.7

Bichon Frise Club of America

Parent club founded in May 1964.2

Popularity 49th most popular breed in AKC registrations for 2025.11