General Appearance
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, and well-proportioned dog with a distinctive powder-puff appearance. Its coat is soft, dense, and curly, giving the breed a plush, round silhouette. The expression is gentle, inquisitive, and alert.
Size
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Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches (24–29 cm) at the withers
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Weight: 12 to 18 pounds (5.5–8 kg)
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Proportion: The body from point of shoulder to point of buttocks is slightly longer than the height at the withers.
Head
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Skull: Slightly rounded on top, with a moderately defined stop.
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Muzzle: Not pointy, approximately one-third the length of the head.
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Nose: Black and prominent.
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Eyes: Round, dark, and set forward. Expression is alert and soft.
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Eyelids: Rimmed in black.
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Ears: Dropped, well-feathered, and set level with the eyes, framing the face.
Body
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Neck: Arched, long enough to allow a proud carriage of the head.
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Chest: Well-developed with a prominent forechest and well-sprung ribs.
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Back: Level topline from withers to croup.
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Loin: Strong and slightly tucked up.
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Tail: Well-plumed and curved gracefully over the back but not tightly curled or touching the back.
Legs & Feet
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Forequarters: Straight and well-boned with laid-back shoulders.
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Hindquarters: Strong and muscular with moderate angulation.
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Feet: Small, tight, and round with black pads.
Coat
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Type: Double coat. The undercoat is soft and dense; the outer coat is soft and curly, forming a plush texture.
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Texture: The coat should spring back when touched.
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Color: White is preferred. Puppies may have cream, buff, or apricot shadings, which typically fade with maturity.
Gait / Movement
The Bichon moves with a lively, precise, and effortless gait. The movement is free and flowing, with good reach in the front and drive in the rear. When trotting, the topline remains level.
Temperament
The Bichon Frise is playful, affectionate, and friendly. Known for its gentle manner and sensitivity to human moods, the breed is excellent with children and other pets. The Bichon is confident, outgoing, and has a merry, comic personality.
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Disposition: Cheerful, curious, and adaptable
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Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please, responds well to positive reinforcement
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Social Traits: Enjoys human company, thrives on attention
Faults
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Lack of proper coat texture or grooming
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Shyness or timidity
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Over- or undersize
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Eyes too light or set too close
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Poor movement
Disqualifications
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Aggressive or overly shy temperament
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Solid patches of color (except for minor shadings in young puppies)
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Overshot or undershot bite that affects the breed’s expression
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Height under 9.5 inches or over 11.5 inches (adult dogs)
Ideal Owner
The ideal owner is attentive, affectionate, and dedicated to regular grooming. The Bichon does best in an environment where it is not left alone for long periods and can be part of daily family life.