What Are the Traits and Care Tips for a Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frise: loose curls over a soft, dense undercoat

The Bichon Frise’s white coat forms loose spiral curls rather than flat, hanging hair. Its FCI standard calls for soft, dense undercoat beneath those curls. The body is longer than it is tall, so the rounded appearance created by grooming should not be confused with a square body shape.

White coats can feel and fall differently

The Bolognese has a square frame and long flocks that stand away from the body. The Maltese offers a different contrast: straight, silky hair falling close to the body, with no undercoat in its own standard. These are three distinct coats, even before considering the grooming style.

Allow for brushing and appointments

The earlier UK guide lists daily grooming. AKC’s Bichon care guide recommends brushing at least two or three times a week, with daily brushing preferred, and notes that loose hair caught in the undercoat needs brushing out. It describes monthly bathing and clipping, while saying many pet owners use a groomer every four to six weeks.

That is a recurring commitment to home care and appointments. A small dog with a rounded white coat is not automatically a low-maintenance choice.

Walks and play alongside a small home

The earlier UK entries are up to 30 minutes of daily exercise, a flat or apartment and a small or medium garden, in town or country. Bolognese and Maltese share these broad entries. AKC’s Bichon guide includes daily play as well as walks and suggests a fenced garden; it does not give the same fixed time category.

A range with conditional allowances

FCI height is 25–29 cm. An extra 1 cm is allowed for males and 2 cm below the range for females only with balanced proportions and clearly marked differences between the sexes. The weight is approximately 5 kg, in proportion to size. Those allowances are separate from the main range.