Bichon Frise: temperament, care and good with kids
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, friendly little dog with a curly white coat that barely sheds — so they're often a good fit for allergy sufferers. They make a cuddly apartment companion.
Temperament
They're playful, sociable and affectionate. They love attention and cope poorly with being alone. They tend to be spirited and trainable, and enjoy showing off tricks.
Good with children
★★★★
They suit children well thanks to their cheerful, tolerant nature. Because of their small size, supervise play with the youngest so no one accidentally hurts them.
Care & upkeep
The curly coat doesn't shed but needs regular clipping (every 4–8 weeks) and frequent brushing against matting. Tear stains form around the eyes and need cleaning.
Exercise & daily routine
Short walks and play at home are enough, around 30–60 minutes a day. They're a low-maintenance apartment breed suitable even for less active households.
Can you handle the daily care?
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Download on theApp StoreWho the Bichon Frise suits
Ideal for allergy sufferers and for families or individuals in apartments who want a cuddly companion and don't mind a regular groomer. Not suited to those away for long.
Compare with other breeds in our dog breed guide.