The Bichon Frise is a lively and smart-looking dog. A small, compact, and well-proportioned dog, he weighs 4–9 kilos and stands 23–30 centimetres.
It doesn't take long for a small dog breed like the Bichon Frise to completely turn into an adult. Once the Bichon Frise puppy reaches one year old, he is already considered a full-grown dog.
The KC breed standard describes the Bichon Frise as a dog with a slightly rounded head, a long and arched neck, strong jaws with a perfect scissor bite, and ears that hang close to the head and covered with hair. His eyes are black with a keen and alert expression.
DoBichon Frise shed?
The Bichon dog is a light shedder and boasts an attractive, white, and fluffy double coat with cute curls. Often mistaken for a white poodle, he has a soft and dense undercoat paired with a coarse outercoat.
The hair stands away from his body, producing a powder-puff look. He should only come in white colour, with the cream markings only visible until eighteen months.
The Bichon Frise is one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds. He is a great match for dog enthusiasts with allergies. However, keep in mind that hypoallergenic doesn't mean completely free from allergens, specifically dander. It just implies the Bichon is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction as he produces less dander than other breeds.
Although you cannot completely stop pet allergies, several methods can effectively lower the chances of this condition from occurring. Here are a few things that you can try at home:
- Do not allow your dog to sleep on the bed. This will keep allergens from sticking on your blankets, pillows, and bed.
- Change your clothes and wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog to get rid of dander.
- Keep rooms where you frequently occupy dog-free. Whilst this doesn't keep dander from the room, it reduces the amounts found in these areas.
- Brush and wash your dog regularly to remove loose or dead hair, which often transports dander.
- Clean and vacuum your home, often including your dog's items, as these are quick to accumulate dander.
- Having high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners at home greatly helps in reducing dander.
The Bichon Frise is a high-maintenance dog. To keep his beautiful white coat from matting or tangling, he needs to be brushed every single day with a soft slicker brush. He needs proper trimming by a professional groomer every four to six weeks to keep the appropriate Bichon shape.
To fully take care of the physical health of the Bichon Frise breed, you must also make sure that the nails are clipped, ears are free from wax build-up, and skin is checked for spots and parasites. The Bichon Frise is prone to tear stains. This condition causes rust or bloody-looking discoloration on the corner of the dog's eyes.
The reason behind tear stains in Bichon Frise can be linked to various factors. It can be due to allergies, blocked tear ducts, or irritants that cause the overproduction of tears. Bichon Frise puppies are also prone to tear stains, which are often brought on by teething, whilst older Bichons develop it due to ageing.
Tear stains in Bichon Frise often happen due to underlying health problems. So get your Bichon Frise diagnosed by the vet if he shows signs of the condition to rule out health issues.
Be sure to use a dog-safe eye cleaning solution to remove the stains. It should be free from antibiotics to prevent the risk of overmedication. Always use a soft cloth or a cotton ball when wiping the affected area. The hair surrounding the Bichon Frise's eyes should be trimmed to avoid irritation.