Puppy days
Introduce brushing and gentle paw handling using rewards. Build toilet habits with frequent trips, and introduce everyday experiences gradually while protecting time for sleep.
A possible best friend
Bichon Frise
A Mediterranean companion breed, the Bichon Frise is typically lively, friendly and outgoing. Its corkscrew curls give a cheerful dog a coat that needs attention.
Illustrated puppy and adult examples.
Personality at a glance
Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.
About these ratings
Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.
AKC Bichon Frise breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026Adult life
Continue daily play, walks and learned skills, adjusting to the individual adult’s preferences. Keep coat care predictable so tangles do not turn grooming uncomfortable.
Everyday care
Comb the curly coat daily and arrange regular trimming to prevent matting. Daily walks, indoor games and short lessons provide activity alongside relaxed companionship.
Worth planning for: A small, low-shedding dog can still require substantial grooming time; curls tangle without regular coat maintenance.
Sources & reading
- Royal Kennel Club: breed profile
- Royal Kennel Club: breed standard
- Dogs Trust: Introducing your puppy to the world around them
- Dogs Trust: How to handle your dog
- Dogs Trust: How to toilet or house train your dog
- Dogs Trust: First nights with a new puppy
- Dogs Trust: How to train your dog to be calm, relax and settle
- Dogs Trust: puppy care and training
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.
