Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, daily activity and regular preventive monitoring, this small dog generally lives between 12 and 15 years.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Bichon Frise need? Like all dogs, Bichon Frises should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Bichon Frise vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Bichon Frise booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Bichon Frise need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
