Bichon Frisé
BEE-shon free-ZAY
Playful, Gentle, Cheerful, Sensitive. Originally bred for companionship; historically sailed with spanish sailors.
An adult Bichon Frisé weighs 12-18 lbs (male) or 12-18 lbs (female), needs 300-540 calories daily, and lives 14-15 yrs. As a small breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is patellar luxation. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Bichon Frisé needs 300 to 540 calories per day. An average male (15 lbs / 6.8 kg) needs around 410 kcal; a female (15 lbs / 6.8 kg) roughly 410 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Bichon Frisé. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Bichon Frisé benefits from this with a life expectancy of 14-15 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are patellar luxation and bladder stones, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; 30-45 minutes daily. Enjoys walks and indoor play. Their energy comes in bursts (the 'Bichon Blitz'; sudden zoomies) rather than sustained activity. As a sporting breed, the Bichon Frisé was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive.
Care and traits
Bichon Frisés have a curly, dense, hypoallergenic coat. Origin: Mediterranean (Spain/France).
Their curly, non-shedding coat requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and daily brushing between visits. Often recommended for allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. They can be difficult to housebreak; crate training and patience are essential.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Bichon Frisé owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 300 to 540 calories per day for an adult Bichon Frisé. A 15-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily works well for most small breeds. Avoid free-feeding, as many small dogs will overeat when food is constantly available. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Expect your Bichon Frisé to weigh 12-18 lbs (5.4–8.2 kg), with minimal difference between sexes.4–8.2 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
The top health priority for Bichon Frisé owners is awareness of patellar luxation. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) is common in this size range. Maintaining a lean weight reduces stress on the knee joint. Moderate, consistent exercise strengthens the surrounding muscles. Severe cases may require surgical correction. Other conditions seen in the breed include bladder stones, allergies, dental disease. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
A daily routine of 30 to 45 minutes of movement suits most Bichon Frisés. Good activities for this breed include moderate walks, play sessions, training games. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Bichon Frisé that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026