Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, daily activity and regular preventive monitoring, this small dog generally lives between 12 and 15 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Despite its small size, the breed is rather robust. Its coat, however, requires constant care and its kneecaps, hips, eyes, ears and teeth deserve careful monitoring throughout its life.
Watch points
What to watch for
Regular veterinary examinations help to detect early the conditions to which the breed may be predisposed. Any lameness, eye discomfort, ear redness or decrease in vision should prompt a consultation.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease : This necrosis of the femoral head can cause pain and lameness in young dogs and requires veterinary care.
Cataract : The progressive clouding of the lens can reduce vision and warrants ophthalmologic follow-up.
Corneal dystrophy : This hereditary condition of the cornea can lead to visible opacities and must be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Patellar luxation : Common in small breeds, it can cause a skipping gait, discomfort, or intermittent lameness.
Tartar and periodontal disease : The small jaw promotes plaque buildup, making tooth brushing and regular check-ups important.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Bichon Frise tolerates moderate temperatures fairly well, but its small size justifies protection during intense cold or prolonged humidity. In very hot weather, outings should be shifted to cooler hours, with shade and water available at all times.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is low, but its small size quickly makes any excess visible. The ration must be weighed, adjusted to activity and treats, then monitored through regular weigh-ins and evaluation of its silhouette.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Brush the teeth several times a week to limit tartar.
- Check and clean the ears with a suitable product.
- Gently wipe around the eyes to limit stains.
- Have any lameness or eye discomfort examined promptly.
- Keep vaccines, antiparasitics and veterinary visits up to date.
Vaccination
Bichon Frise vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bichon Frise? Like all cats, the Bichon Frise receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Bichon Frise is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Bichon Frise vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Bichon Frise?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bichon Frise
Before breeding, it is relevant to have the patellas and hips examined and to carry out an ophthalmological check-up. On a daily basis, the veterinarian will also monitor the teeth, the ears, the condition of the skin and the weight, adapting the examinations to the age and family history.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
