Be Wise › Pet Wise guides › Dogs › Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise: temperament, health and care
Bichon Frise: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this dog suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Small, about 5–8 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Exercise | Moderate |
| Grooming | Dense curly coat: daily brushing and regular clipping |
Temperament and who it suits
Cheerful, sociable and gentle.
Often suits: families and smaller homes.
They can find being left alone stressful.
Health problems to know about
- Dental disease
- Skin allergies
- Kneecap problems
- Bladder stones
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Bichon Frise
- See the puppy with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped and registered by eight weeks old
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have dogs of this breed looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to dogs for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Bichon Frise live?
A Bichon Frise typically lives 12–15 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a Bichon Frise need?
Moderate.
What health problems are common in a Bichon Frise?
Common concerns include dental disease, skin allergies, kneecap problems and bladder stones. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a Bichon Frise need?
Dense curly coat: daily brushing and regular clipping.
Who does a Bichon Frise suit?
It often suits families and smaller homes. They can find being left alone stressful.
Similar dogs
Sources
- The Royal Kennel Club: breed information and health schemes
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
Want answers for your situation?
The Be Pet Wise app lets you choose your country and pet, and ask PetBot follow-up questions.
Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.