Bichon Frise

The Bichon is a little dog that adores people and animals alike, getting along especially well with children. They are smart, affectionate, obedient, and easy to train; although some are hard to housebreak. This dog can be used as a watchdog. The Bichon is very easy to live with, and does best when surrounded by people. They love to travel and are great companions on any trip.

The Bichon often has a reputation for being snappish, but this trait is generally only found in dogs that have been over-bred. They do need socialization as pups to head off such adult issues as fear aggression and separation anxiety.

The Bichon is fairly energetic indoors, making them an appropriate choice for apartment dwellers. They do require daily walks or play sessions for exercise.

Although the Bichon sheds very little, they do need frequent grooming. Also, bathing and a trip to a professional groomer are needed at least once a month. This dog has a textured outer coat and finer undercoat, and is generally seen white. However, some may have a slight mix of apricot, buff or cream hair as well. They are an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

This small dog stands between 9 and 13 inches, and weighs between 7 and 12 pounds. Most are sensitive to flea bites, and are prone to watery eyes and various skin ailments. The Bichon generally lives to reach at least the age of 15, and has litters of between 1 and 6 pups.